[Fortitude]

Are people in here aware his stature can actually be an advantage?

You'd also do well to judge quadricep and core strength as with those, tiny players are infuriatingly difficult to play against, especially if they are cute enough to shield the ball correctly.

He's a teenager; he will fill out and that's all that matters.

What's to assess is: technique, speed of thought, reactionary intelligence and adaptability, confidence, movement, combination play etc.

Hope he gets numerous chances from hereon in.

 

[TwoSheds]

I don't think he's 5'3, I think he's a bit bigger than that anyway. He's clearly small but easily held his own against Huddersfield and I'd bet he's still some growing to do yet. What a fuss about nothing.

 

[Ekeke]

You also need to factor in his teammates. Like with any weakness, with the right players around him you probably wont notice it. Pogba is big and strong and will probably be playing. Matic might be playing too. Then we have Fellaini... If theres one team in the league where a tiny CM can play and the midfield wont get bullied by physical players, its us.

Having said that

He doesnt look that small does he?

 

[RedSky]

Being small isn't a problem at all, this obsession with needing to be tall is what was wrong with English football for decades. It's all about technical skill, vision and ability and he seems to have all three. Excited to see him progress here under Ole.

 

[BluesJr]

Being small isn't a problem at all, this obsession with needing to be tall is what was wrong with English football for decades. It's all about technical skill, vision and ability and he seems to have all three. Excited to see him progress here under Ole.

Was? Still is a massive problem looking at some of these posts. It’s ridiculous because there are literally so many examples out there.

 

[RedSky]

Was? Still is a massive problem looking at some of these posts. It’s ridiculous because there are literally so many examples out there.

Seems to be phased out at coaching level at least. Just need the fans to catch up.

 

[In Rainbows]

Thank god JB saved this clip. Kid has plenty of ability. As with all young players, he can fail. I doubt it's due to size and skill though if played at CM.

 

[Mickson]

He's the new Iniesta. A quick playmaker from midfield. He'd be perfect in a midfield three for any team in the future, hopefully for Manchester United. He's the real deal there.

 

[Rocknrolla69er]

To be able to compensate for him having such a small frame he needs to have unbelievable skills. I'm not sure he has those. He'll just get bulldozered in the PL otherwise.

Have you not seen the YouTube vid of him showing off his ball skills, got very fast feet and manoeuvres the ball like Coutinho

 

[VorZakone]

So different sources mention different heights. What's the truth? 1.61m?

 

[shamans]

Being small isn't a problem at all, this obsession with needing to be tall is what was wrong with English football for decades. It's all about technical skill, vision and ability and he seems to have all three. Excited to see him progress here under Ole.

There is nothing wrong with having concerns about a players height at a certain position. It's not like people want him to be 6 2. He is very small which is a concern but he may be able to overcome it just like shaqiri

 

[In Rainbows]

There is nothing wrong with having concerns about a players height at a certain position. It's not like people want him to be 6 2. He is very small which is a concern but he may be able to overcome it just like shaqiri

The problem with the argument is his position. I understand the concern if he needed to dribble (attacker) because then after that initial first step, he could get muscled off the ball. Happened to Januzaj for example. However, like Scholes in midfield, size is not a concern. So long as he can 1 touch pass when a defender is near him, or do a technical move to free himself, I don't see how it's a concern. Gomes has that ability. Maybe you mean dealing with getting kicked around, but that applies to everyone and is more so a problem with age rather than height.

 

[Davie Moyes]

Looking at that short clip v Huddersfield it's clear size is not an issue. He shielded the ball well enough and even won the ball in one instance. He seemed to be to give the impression he's confident in his own self and also hishtrength.

 

[shamans]

The problem with the argument is his position. I understand the concern if he needed to dribble (attacker) because then after that initial first step, he could get muscled off the ball. Happened to Januzaj for example. However, like Scholes in midfield, size is not a concern. So long as he can 1 touch pass when a defender is near him, or do a technical move to free himself, I don't see how it's a concern. Gomes has that ability. Maybe you mean dealing with getting kicked around, but that applies to everyone and is more so a problem with age rather than height.

Right but Scholes was a one in a generation player on the ball and besides even he was a good fee inches taller than Gomez.

Like I said he can still make it but it's completely normal to be concerned about his height as it does matter a lot

 

[In Rainbows]

Right but Scholes was a one in a generation player on the ball and besides even he was a good fee inches taller than Gomez.

Like I said he can still make it but it's completely normal to be concerned about his height as it does matter a lot

See your initial statement about once in a generation player on the ball is more of an argument than size. Scholes being 1 or 2 inches taller means nothing as Scholes height did not give him any advantage. Explain how being 1 or 2 inches taller matters for a player who plays like Scholes? Winning the ball in the air is one area that it matters, that's about it.

That's why I differentiate between an attacker and midfielder. Trust me, I'm not someone who disregards size or speed. Mata in this past match was a clear example. Speed would have helped him and our side to threaten the defense.

 

[FootyGirl88]

Mourhino has made you guys paranoid about size

I'm sure Gomes will be fine the best technical players are small anyway.

 

[Bola]

What is his best position?

Given his size and skill, I think of him as an central attacking midfielder. It's only 2 games in, but Ole's 433 does not have that position in a strickest sense, but in a fluid formation right attacker seems to take up that central position regularly.

Hope to see him in.the next few matches as we are currently lacking in attacking players

 

[The Mitcher]

Aaron Lennon is a similar height to Gomes, if he can make it in the Prem then so can Gomes.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Aaron Lennon is a similar height to Gomes, if he can make it in the Prem then so can Gomes.

Aaron Lennon was rapid.

I'm a big Gomes fan but I think its fair to have a concern about his lack of physicality. It isn't just to do with his height. Although he isn't slow, his pace is unremarkable and for England in the u17 World Cup he struggled with stamina.

I worry that he lacks physical attributes in a few areas rather than being like Lennon, who was exceptional in one physical regard whilst being very short.

 

[BluesJr]

Aaron Lennon was rapid.

I'm a big Gomes fan but I think its fair to have a concern about his lack of physicality. It isn't just to do with his height. Although he isn't slow, his pace is unremarkable and for England in the u17 World Cup he struggled with stamina.

I worry that he lacks physical attributes in a few areas rather than being like Lennon, who was exceptional in one physical regard whilst being very short.

Does David or Bernardo Silva possess real pace?

 

[Nick7]

Aaron Lennon is a similar height to Gomes, if he can make it in the Prem then so can Gomes.

I genuinely thought Lennon was like 5'8/5'9.

 

[The Mitcher]

I genuinely thought Lennon was like 5'8/5'9.

No, he's like 5'6 5'5!

 

[The Mitcher]

Aaron Lennon was rapid.

I'm a big Gomes fan but I think its fair to have a concern about his lack of physicality. It isn't just to do with his height. Although he isn't slow, his pace is unremarkable and for England in the u17 World Cup he struggled with stamina.

I worry that he lacks physical attributes in a few areas rather than being like Lennon, who was exceptional in one physical regard whilst being very short.

Mata, the silvas, paul scholes etc all weren't blessed with physical prowess.

 

[Phil Osophy]

Size is not a big deal except at defending set pieces, and for some concrete situations in games (random aerial duels in divided balls). Most of the game consist in moving the ball, hiding it, reading the game well, being in the right places, putting pressure as a whole, etc.

If anything, the physical attributes that should be taken into account are others like acceleration, resistance, strength for physical duels, that he should develop with time. But size itself for a technical creative player is not determinant, I'd say. The more you have the better, you know, but it's not an impediment.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Does David or Bernardo Silva possess real pace?

Mata, the silvas, paul scholes etc all weren't blessed with physical prowess.

I think you are missing my point. Firstly, you are comparing with players 3 - 5 inches taller than him and David Silva has decent pace. Gomes lacks in physical attributes in a number of areas. Perhaps Mata is the closest comparison because he is weak but also very slow for a football player.

I'm not saying he can't make it, just that it will be harder for him and it might cap just how good he can become, like it has Mata. Not that we'd be complaining if he became as good as Mata.

 

[shamans]

Mourhino has made you guys paranoid about size

I'm sure Gomes will be fine the best technical players are small anyway.

Exactly. That's all some of us are saying. Not that he can't make it due to his height but he's gonna have to be really good with the ball. Again, it is completely fair to bring up his height and build when discussing if he will make it or not.

 

[Thiagoal]

I think Angel is a lot stronger and quicker than people give him credit for! I certainly don't think David Silva would beat him on a sprint over 10 yards

 

[The Mitcher]

I think you are missing my point. Firstly, you are comparing with players 3 - 5 inches taller than him and David Silva has decent pace. Gomes lacks in physical attributes in a number of areas. Perhaps Mata is the closest comparison because he is weak but also very slow for a football player.

I'm not saying he can't make it, just that it will be harder for him and it might cap just how good he can become, like it has Mata. Not that we'd be complaining if he became as good as Mata.

Gomes is like 5'5, he isn't that much smaller. Again, Lennon is a similar height and he has had a good career.

 

[Mr.Ridiculous__]

You guys do know that 18 year olds still have a lot of growing up to do, right?

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

If felliani can be our plan B for so long at United due to his height - then it's not questionable that Gomes can add his own strengths that are attributed to being small.

Every player has different strengths & weaknesses. I'm sure that Gomes can add aspects to our game that is attributed to his own strengths, heights, positives & negatives.

Either way - he resembles what we want from a united team, technically adept, ability to pass the ball & initiates attacks whilst having a defensive appetite. If it doesn't work out - we move on to the next youngster we need to give an opportunity to.

 

[Ekeke]

I think you are missing my point. Firstly, you are comparing with players 3 - 5 inches taller than him and David Silva has decent pace. Gomes lacks in physical attributes in a number of areas. Perhaps Mata is the closest comparison because he is weak but also very slow for a football player.

I'm not saying he can't make it, just that it will be harder for him and it might cap just how good he can become, like it has Mata. Not that we'd be complaining if he became as good as Mata.

Gomes is faster than Silva. In fact back in their Valencia days Mata was faster too.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Gomes is like 5'5, he isn't that much smaller. Again, Lennon is a similar height and he has had a good career.

He isn't 5'5, he's listed at 5'3 and I'd say that's about right. He's the smallest player I've seen in the PL since Leon Britton

Gomes is faster than Silva. In fact back in their Valencia days Mata was faster too.

I wouldn't say Gomes is faster than Silva. Maybe as fast. D Silva has decent enough pace.

Mata has lost a lot in that case. Can't say I recall him that much when he was at Valencia. Perhaps that's why he's nowhere near as good for us as he was at Chelsea.

 

[limerickcitykid]

Aaron Lennon was rapid.

I'm a big Gomes fan but I think its fair to have a concern about his lack of physicality. It isn't just to do with his height. Although he isn't slow, his pace is unremarkable and for England in the u17 World Cup he struggled with stamina.

I worry that he lacks physical attributes in a few areas rather than being like Lennon, who was exceptional in one physical regard whilst being very short.

He was just returning from an injury and hadn't played in ages. He also clearly struggled with the Indian heat and humidity. It has no relevance to anything.

There is nothing wrong with his pace either. And as you say Leon Britton was the same size and was a fine PL midfielder and Angel is far more talented.

 

[Ekeke]

He isn't 5'5, he's listed at 5'3 and I'd say that's about right. He's the smallest player I've seen in the PL since Leon Britton



I wouldn't say Gomes is faster than Silva. Maybe as fast. D Silva has decent enough pace.

Mata has lost a lot in that case. Can't say I recall him that much when he was at Valencia. Perhaps that's why he's nowhere near as good for us as he was at Chelsea.

In his final season at Valencia he started to play the Silva role behind the striker. And at Chelsea when he was signed he played that same role. I think he stopped doing as much running in that role, looking to be the one playing others in instead. Whereas at Valencia it was up to him and David Villa to make runs and both Mata and Silva were picking players out, but Mata was doing it off the left side from further forward.

 

[GledTheRed]

Man's growing

 

[Classical Mechanic]

He was just returning from an injury and hadn't played in ages. He also clearly struggled with the Indian heat and humidity. It has no relevance to anything.

There is nothing wrong with his pace either. And as you say Leon Britton was the same size and was a fine PL midfielder and Angel is far more talented.

I said I have concerns about the lack of physicality as a whole, not that he can't be a top player of course but it will be harder for him.

 

[RedTiger]

Man's growing

He doesn't look too bad there standing next to a CB, he's still got around 4 years of growing left ideally.

 

[Escobar]

Mourhino has made you guys paranoid about size

I'm sure Gomes will be fine the best technical players are small anyway.

It wont be an issue whatsoever. If he is good and strong enough it doesnt matter. This obsession in here... im sure they would prefer Fellaini over Messi

 

[ChaddyP]

If he's good enough, he's tall enough.

 

[FootyGirl88]

It wont be an issue whatsoever. If he is good and strong enough it doesnt matter. This obsession in here... im sure they would prefer Fellaini over Messi

If he's good enough, he's tall enough.