Looked the part, but CBJ had put in performances like that last season...so let's hope this one sticks.
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CBJ was a surprise though. He wasn't particularly highly rated. Axel has been viewed as a genuine first team prospect for a while.
He looks confident.
Agreed - a bit of a run in the team his performance yesterday would be very interesting, test to see if yesterday was just a one-off or not.
He is often compared in our academy to Rio. I can see where it comes from he was so calm with the ball at his feet, if his development goes as expected then Bailly and him as CB we can build attacks from back which is such an asset.
Should be played as CB, will be good test in the last 3 league games where he will up against very good strikers.
I do hope he's part of Mourinho's defensive plans next season.
His positioning aerially has been suspect in the past, but if he improves in this area, he's more than capable of becoming a first-team regular.
His positioning aerially has been suspect in the past, but if he improves in this area, he's more than capable of becoming a first-team regular.
CBJ hasn't not stuck. He was good last year and the fact that he was loaned out to a loser manager doesn't change that.
Not called up to England U20's WC squad, Henderson was. Looks like an agreement between The FA and United was reached.
Yeah, didn't Jose mention this when all our CBs were injured that his participation should be discussed because of first team commitments?
Ah shit
It was, but of course Jones and Smalling coming back could've changed this. As long as he plays a couple of more matches, I'm happy with him getting that experience, while the WC would've been great one, too.
Yeah, he can get valuable first team experience playing against good sides but on the other hand U20 WC is a very good tournament for youngsters.
He better get some minutes for us now.
I think he will, with Young, Shaw & TFM out, we have basically 2 full-backs (that's where he'll play this season) left.
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Did Jose have any comments about him after the match?
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Thanks @top1whoisman If Jose sees him as a RB for now hopefully he gives him the last 2 PL games in the role.
He was impeccable.
Yeah thats probably what it was. I remember the paragraph doing the rounds on Twitter and everyone was a bit surprised at the time, but you can see why United coaches might think that now.
I agree with those saying he should get every league game now and I'm convinced that he will providing he's fit.
One of the best young defenders debut I've seen. What I was the most impressed with was his temperament. Whilst Smalling always looks uncomfortable with the ball, he looked completely relaxed...
Composed and physically already good for PL even at his age. The Arsenal game will give him more confidence now and I hope we see him more on the pitch before end of the season to give him more experiences for next season.
Ha, Jose said bless(ing). It's officially the season of blessing's.
All our center backs injured = blessing
All our center backs injured = blessing
Smalling wasn't always like that. When we signed him many were surprised at how good Smalling was on the ball. He was even called as Smallingbauer here.
Here we go... overhyping in 3...2...1...
Was the brightest spot of the match. Caught out a couple of times, but otherwise flawless and composed. Held his own very well against a very tricky, speedy player in Alexis. Loved when he shrugged his shoulder tackle off and sent him to the floor. Looks very promising.
At least Samuel Luckhurst will be delighted. IIRC he was beating Tuanzebe drum from past 2 years.
Not too big fan of always playing young centre backs out of position, Jones, Smalling at RB/CDM, CBJ at Left Back (he was originally left back but then played centre back which really seamed to suit him), Fosu Mensah who isnt really a CB but probably CDM at right back, Tuanzebe now at RB too, can see the same for RoShaun too if he gets back to form.
Jones and Smalling only got worse or less confident on the ball, it's an awkward position as you will never be able to go uo the flank like Bellerin/Dani Alves etc, they seem a bit limited when playing there. When having almost nothing to play for, we surely can trust him at CB.
Jones and Smalling only got worse or less confident on the ball, it's an awkward position as you will never be able to go uo the flank like Bellerin/Dani Alves etc, they seem a bit limited when playing there. When having almost nothing to play for, we surely can trust him at CB.
The full back positions are seen as less dangerous to make a mistake in and so CBs often get started there. Just a way of safely easing them in.
I know but I dont think we have anything to play for in domestic league, would rather he had a few games at CB.
Might be the case against Palace.
Maybe but at 19, a mistake in front of 76,000 people could shatter his confidence.
Good, the league doesn't matter now and it's a fantastic opportunity to rest players for the Europa and give some youngsters a chance to prove themselves.
He looked like Johan Cruyff compared to Smalling.
Only for him to see Smalling/Jones making a mistake 10x as bad and him being okay again!
Thought he was fantastic the other day, looked solid at the back and very composed, would rather put him in at CB then need to play Smalling or Jones. not sure i like young players playing out of position unless its an emergency. would rather see him at CB as think thats where his long term future is.
Beat me to it.Mourinho: "Every minute that he spends training with us is fantastic for him and every minute he plays in the Premier League is a bless. So at this moment I don't think the position matters."
Speculating whether Jose tasked someone to check this Cafe
well, to understand the fans better or something.Apparently a youth historian and author Tony Park (@mrmujac), profiling Tuanzebe.
Interesting enough, too much hype though.Other than the almost complete qualities Axel have as a CB, he stressed his common weaknesses, specifically 1)aerial prowess and 2)decision making. That aerial defending is quite common imo, which he would improve gradually the more he plays and train, and decision making goes hand in hand with experiences. Not a big problem.
I still wonder if whether Tuanzebe's unmentioned positioning sense is his boon or bane. For a CB, it's important not to get caught out of position.
Still, I fancy Mourinho to deploy Tuanzebe more as the second defensive option at RB first, covering Valencia next season, compare to throwing him to play at CB regularly (except urgent cases and cup games), riskier option especially in EPL.
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