[Sam]

He did what was expected of him and after Di Maria he was our best player today.

Herrera was miles better then Blind.

 

[Invictus]

He looks far too small to play this role.

Claude Makelele :

Height : 170 cm.
Weight : 69 kgs.

Edgar Davids :

Height : 170 cm.
Weight : 68 kgs.

Javier Mascherano :

Height : 177 cm.
Weight : 76 kgs.

Marcos Senna :

Height : 177 cm.
Weight : 73 kgs.

Didier Deschamps :

Height : 174 cm.
Weight : 70 kgs.

Esteban Cambiasso :

Height : 177 cm.
Wight : 73 kgs.

*****************************

Daley Blind : 180 cm.
Weight : 72 kgs.

 

[itso 7]

Can't believe what I'm reading here, I thought he was fine. The first goal is on Rojo, Evans who is in no man's land, Rafael who doesn't apply any pressure on the striker and the linesman because I felt the ball had gone out when De Laet crossed it. The second goal is all Clattenburg robbing us blind, the third goal is where I expected more from him because they played through us there but we had like six players pressuring the ball but no one seemed able to clear it convincingly. I don't think even Makalele or Keane could have done anything because they were individual errors.
We fell apart after their second goal but all those goals were avoidable but Blind would have needed to be a magician to stop those attacks.

 

[The_Midfielder]

His positioning was poor today, he was much more deeper against QPR yet was too far forward today.

I think the commentators were saying.. not sure how much is correct.. but the Nugent was man marking him ( ala to Gerard).. so he was moving around and hence.. Rooney/Harera were coming down to pick up the ball..

 

[pascell]

no shield to defense 5 goals conceded what else to say, all match we were vulnerable. he should help more. maybe he is good playmaker but not when you need suport the back line much. we should go for cattermole

Are you feeling ok mate, for a moment there I thought you was being serious?

 

[the hea]

Herrera was miles better then Blind.

Herrera was among the few good players to but I think Blind was the better out of the two

 

[Devil may care]

Our midfield set up is like Real's last year with Blind replacing Alonso and Herrera replacing Modric, the thing is I am not sure that can work in our league in a lot of games, I think you need a physical presence in midfield in the PL. There are exceptions I know, I am sure many will point to the Carrick/Scholes combo in the 2006/7 season, but you were talking about a holding CM in his prime playing next to one of the greatest playmakers ever whose legs were still functioning fully.

 

[Firstouch20]

He was superb for 60 minutes. He's a classy player.

 

[Hoof the ball]

He was superb for 60 minutes. He's a classy player.

This. I can't quite believe what I'm reading in most of these other posts.

"Ji-Sung Blind" being one of them.

Thankfully, @Ekeke was rational enough to post actual stats (imagine that, 'caf!) of Blind's performance, and contrary to consensus, Blind's defensive contribution was far from terrible, and let's face it, when did Blind at any point mis-place a pass, even when finding himself under man-marking pressure the whole game?

Blind did fine. I was pleased with him and I shall think that LvG will be happy with his contribution. What he cannot do is make up for poor positioning of the back four.

 

[Invictus]

Our midfield set up is like Real's last year with Blind replacing Alonso and Herrera replacing Modric, the thing is I am not sure that can work in our league in a lot of games, I think you need a physical presence in midfield in the PL. There are exceptions I know, I am sure many will point to the Carrick/Scholes combo in the 2006/7 season, but you were talking about a holding CM in his prime playing next to one of the greatest playmakers ever whose legs were still functioning fully.

I too feel we might need a more assertive midfielder in the near future. While Blind is a really good option he relies on others around him to extract the maximum out of his strengths. The current system with him needs central defenders who are extremely tactically aware and comfortable operating in an aggressive high line to ease the defensive burden on Blind.

Just like Ramos and Pepe did for Madrid with Alonso. Or PSG with Thiago Silva for Motta. Or Barcelona with Puyol and Pique for Busquets. Even our system with Carrick and Scholes could have collapsed I feel if not for Rio Ferdinand and his excellent mobility (Vida too but the effect wasn't as pronounced). There was some proof to be found later with him slowing down considerably and settling in deeper which lead to a drop in Carrick's performances.

Maybe one or both of Jones and Rojo in conjunction could embrace the responsibilities or a younger Rio but right now it's pure speculation and a pipedream.

Having said that, to address your point we might have the opportunity to sign the kind of midfielder you've alluded to Strootman come January if recent reports are to be believed. Very physical, doesn't mind doing the dirty work, feisty in the tackle and has some presence about him. He might need a bit of work transitioning to the position but the raw tools are all there plus a high game intelligence.

Saul Niguez would be another great option, albeit a little inexperienced so the learning curve for him might be steeper and patience among supporters might wear thin at times. He also possesses a higher ceiling than Strootman I feel and would be a better long term acquisition.

Really dig Carvalho too but I dunno.. Was a Moyes target and the trail has gone cold since Van Gaal's appointment.

 

[rooneyaldo]

I thought he did well today, always available for the pass from the defense and did well overall. No complaints. I just think this new bunch like Rojo, Di Maria, Falcao, Blind and Herrera never experienced a environment like that before but unlike the shit players of yesteryear, they will learn from this and improve and we will improve as a whole. We are only 5 points of second so its not the end the world. Also unlike with Moyes, I expect performances to improve consistently under LVG, so we will be fine.

 

[Hoof the ball]

Let's sort the opinions out from the stats :-

Daley Blind

Tackles - 2 (joint third highest)
Interceptions - 8 (Highest - next was Blackett with 5)
Clearances - 6 (all effective)
Pass percentage - 86%
Long passes - 4 (all successful)

Statistically speaking, WhoScored gave Blind a 7.4 rating, which, Herrera and Di Maria aside, makes him the third best performing player on the pitch.

 

[m1y2]

Are you feeling ok mate, for a moment there I thought you was being serious?

It started as real statement but in the end it turned out to be a joke. I just like defensive midfielder who is seen on the pitch and who adds extra bit of energy. Blind is tidy player but he disapeared in this game no matter what statistics he had. Yeah Cattermole, I actually think that he wouldn't be half as bad as you think anyway I wouldn't want him either. Let's wait for Strootman and until that hopefully Blind will get better over time

 

[marjen]

When both full backs bomb forward, both your midfield partners bomb forward and you already have Rooney/Falcao/RvP ahead of you, your job as shielding player against an aggressive, counter-attacking team becomes very hard.

Did well in snuffing out attacks until the collective panic started. Didn't quite offer the composure or leadership needed but in his second game, was that really his job? Rooney, RvP, Smalling, De Gea, Rafael... I'm looking at you.

 

[iBoss]

Some fecking shocking stuff in here. He was fine. We had the game won if it weren't for the cnut ref!

 

[BennyBlanco]

I swear to God for someone who's primary/secondary role is to screen the back four in that formation.. he went missing in action second half when things started to turn ugly.

 

[Kounan]

We did not have a physical presence in the last 6 years or so and managed to win the league on regular basis. In some games you need such a midfielder, but not the whole season. Jones can do the job when needed and that's it. I am not against it, but it is not a must.

 

[footballgirl07]

A lot different from his debut match. Leicester were more physical and quicker at closing down. He would of learned a lot about the league today

 

[Sammyjunn]

This is typical Blind, he gets much blame when things go bad. He had some vital interceptions, and he is important in the buildup.

 

[united_99]

So Blind is the new Carrick? Get's all the blame even when he was one of the better players!

 

[PedroMendez]

every holding player gets blamed if the team loses total control and if the defence get exposed over and over again; even the best like Alonso or Schweinsteiger. Its their job to set the pace of the game, to get control over the ball, to hold possession and to shield the defence. If a newly promoted side can score 4 times in 35 minutes, because they overrun us, he clearly didnt play good. Simple as that. That might be a decent performance for a side that battles relegation, but not for a side that wants to play champions league.

He didnt get the support that was needed but that cant be an excuse for the last 30 minutes. He struggled with the pace and physicalness of the game. I dont see how he can anchor the midfield by himself against counter attacking teams.

 

[Kounan]

every holding player gets blamed if the team loses total control and if the defence get exposed over and over again; even the best like Alonso or Schweinsteiger. Its their job to set the pace of the game, to get control over the ball, to hold possession and to shield the defence. If a newly promoted side can score 4 times in 35 minutes, because they overrun us, he clearly didnt play good. Simple as that. That might be a decent performance for a side that battles relegation, but not for a side that wants to play champions league.

He didnt get the supported that was needed but that cant be an excuse for the last 30 minutes. He struggled with the pace and physicalness of the game. I dont see how he can anchor the midfield by himself against counter attacking teams.

The last 2 goals had NOTHING to do with him. Rojo makes a mistake and a long ball kills us, second goal again.... The first 2 goals were not regular anyway, so how is he to blame for that?

 

[PedroMendez]

way too much space between back4 and midfield, while the back4 already played fairly high. Thats the space where he has to be and he wasnt.

 

[Kounan]

way too much space between back4 and midfield, while the back4 already played fairly high. Thats the space where he has to be and he wasnt.

Still, the goals were a results of something else, not that.

 

[Drainy]

Because the centrebacks were getting drawn out wide, and he was dropping in that vacated space.

You'd rather the space be between the midfield and the goalkeeper?

 

[Amar__]

I was very impressed by him defensively in the last game, but today he disappointed in that department. He was still very good with the ball, but he should be better defensively than he was today for the position he is playing. Still, more than happy with his two performances so far.

 

[Smoke On the Water]

I am not sure if I said it here or in the newbies but he is not a robust enough defensive midfielder to be completely reliant upon. Especially in the premier league with the pace and physicality (thuggish players). He is going to get found out against rough-housing teams and attacking midfielders who don't play football, rather bully people on the ball in the hope that they make a mistake.

He is definitely a very tidy player and can play that role well enough if we function well enough for him to not have extended amounts of pressure on him. But I almost noticed the same sort of Michael Carrick syndrome of 'sit off the base of midfield and when he's on the ball get in his face as much as possible'. I feel as a defensive unit we have to be more aware that this is happening and have our defenders work to get them out of situations that effect us in those areas.

This isn't a full on go at him but I was concerned even after the QPR game that players will learn to just bully him and I am not sure he is physically capable of rising above that.

 

[Manucho the boss]

Didn't think he was too bad but I'd still fear about him coming up against strong midfielders. No idea what he was doing in the run up to their 3rd goal, seemed to challenge Smalling for a header when facing his own goal.

 

[itso 7]

every holding player gets blamed if the team loses total control and if the defence get exposed over and over again; even the best like Alonso or Schweinsteiger. Its their job to set the pace of the game, to get control over the ball, to hold possession and to shield the defence. If a newly promoted side can score 4 times in 35 minutes, because they overrun us, he clearly didnt play good. Simple as that. That might be a decent performance for a side that battles relegation, but not for a side that wants to play champions league.

He didnt get the support that was needed but that cant be an excuse for the last 30 minutes. He struggled with the pace and physicalness of the game. I dont see how he can anchor the midfield by himself against counter attacking teams.

So you are using a generalized theory to blame him even if the facts suggest otherwise, great. Rojo loses an areal ball, blame Blind. Oh Rafael makes a stupid error, Blind should have ....what? Rooney's lame clearance, Blackett's half hearted bloke, DDG not being at the races! How about when Rojo and Mata lose the ball, the fifth one. Let's blame the holding player, having a holding midfield player in front of you is not a license to lose it completely, defenders still have to do their duty and today they abandoned theirs!

 

[Essaux]

Why people blame this guy is beyond me. People must be blind!

I think he wasn't at fault for any of the goals in particular.

 

[Sultan]

Daley Blind was a major culprit today. Di Maria and Herera being very positive and attack minded players it was Daley Blind's job to shield the defence, and he failed. I think once Carrick is fit him and Blind will have to sit in front of the back four until the defence get their act together. We had a back four who have hardly played together, and it showed.

 

[Smoke On the Water]

Daley Blind was a major culprit today. Di Maria and Herera being very positive and attack minded players it was Daley Blind's job to shield the defence, and he failed. I think once Carrick is fit him and Blind will have to sit in front of the back four until the defence get their act together. We had a back four who have hardly played together, and it showed.

It just creates another selection headache. In the modern game one player should be able to sit in that hole in front of the back four and hold midfield effectively. All the top teams have a capable player. Slotting a second player in there beside the anchor is just neutering our attack. Removing one more attacking player and placing another player in a deeper position. I am not sure that this is the answer, Carrick doesn't do any one on one defending but he does stand in the space a lot and recycle possession. If we had a proper hard battle one on one defensive midfielder then I could see a use for Carrick beside him but I just don't see the need to have two dedicated defensive midfielders and in the three others we have in Fellaini, Fletcher and Carrick they all have their combination breaking flaws. Mobility at the centre of them all.

edit: assuming when I say 'attack' I include those in advance of the anchor. i.e. Herrera and Di Maria with the 10 and strikers.

 

[PedroMendez]

So you are using a generalized theory to blame him even if the facts suggest otherwise, great. Rojo loses an areal ball, blame Blind. Oh Rafael makes a stupid error, Blind should have ....what? Rooney's lame clearance, Blackett's half hearted bloke, DDG not being at the races! How about when Rojo and Mata lose the ball, the fifth one. Let's blame the holding player, having a holding midfield player in front of you is not a license to lose it completely, defenders still have to do their duty and today they abandoned theirs!

wtf are you talking about. He could have done better at the 3rd and 4th goal, but thats not my point. I never implied that he is sole responsible for this result. At least Rojo, Evans, Rafael, Herrera and van Persie were worse. That still doesnt mean that he played well. He was nice and tidy with the ball and completely useless defensively. He´ll never be able to shield the defence on his own; not even against bad teams. He is an accident to happen in this role. He is often 5-10m out of position and he cant match the tempo of his opponents.
I said it before we bought him and after this performance tonight I am 100% sure, that he is not the player for that role. If van gaal wants to use him in this role he has to change the offence in a way that they contributes WAY more to the defence. Either that or we´ll concede plenty of goals.

 

[itso 7]

Daley Blind was a major culprit today. Di Maria and Herera being very positive and attack minded players it was Daley Blind's job to shield the defence, and he failed. I think once Carrick is fit him and Blind will have to sit in front of the back four until the defence get their act together. We had a back four who have hardly played together, and it showed.

He was a ''major culprit'' but you go on to say that we need Carrick beside him, meaning you admit that he needed someone beside him in midfield in this tough away fixture. Then our back four was shambles, I agree but how is that his fault? We lost because the back four didn't apply themselves, whilst Blind wasn't as dominant as we'd have liked it is the individual errors that were to blame.

 

[Sultan]

It just creates another selection headache. In the modern game one player should be able to sit in that hole in front of the back four and hold midfield effectively. All the top teams have a capable player. Slotting a second player in there beside the anchor is just neutering our attack. Removing one more attacking player and placing another player in a deeper position. I am not sure that this is the answer, Carrick doesn't do any one on one defending but he does stand in the space a lot and recycle possession. If we had a proper hard battle one on one defensive midfielder then I could see a use for Carrick beside him but I just don't see the need to have two dedicated defensive midfielders and in the three others we have in Fellaini, Fletcher and Carrick they all have their combination breaking flaws. Mobility at the centre of them all.

edit: assuming when I say 'attack' I include those in advance of the anchor. i.e. Herrera and Di Maria with the 10 and strikers.

I'd agree with you if we had 2 dedicated midfielders. I don't think we can count Di Maria as a central midfielder in the traditional sense. He's too good to be given responsibility to hold one position.

 

[Sultan]

He was a ''major culprit'' but you go on to say that we need Carrick beside him, meaning you admit that he needed someone beside him in midfield in this tough away fixture. Then our back four was shambles, I agree but how is that his fault? We lost because the back four didn't apply themselves, whilst Blind wasn't as dominant as we'd have liked it is the individual errors that were to blame.

I said we need someone besides him until our defence gets their act together.

 

[Rafabio]

Blind was fine.

There's no way he was going to "shield" the defense alone. He needed help next to him. 4-2-3-1 was needed for this game. These guys took points off Everton and Arsenal and we expect Blind to "sit" and protect a sh!tty back 4?

Rojo was all over the place. Thank God Shaw is back there for WHU.

 

[itso 7]

wtf are you talking about. He could have done better at the 3rd and 4th goal, but thats not my point. I never implied that he is sole responsible for this result. At least Rojo, Evans, Rafael, Herrera and van Persie were worse. That still doesnt mean that he played well. He was nice and tidy with the ball and completely useless defensively. He´ll never be able to shield the defence on his own; not even against bad teams. He is an accident to happen in this role. He is often 5-10m out of position and he cant match the tempo of his opponents.
I said it before we bought him and after this performance tonight I am 100% sure, that he is not the player for that role. If van gaal wants to use him in this role he has to change the offence in a way that they contributes WAY more to the defence. Either that or we´ll concede plenty of goals.

The third goal I will give you but the fourth, are you nuts? Team us in forward motion and Mata loses the ball in a dangerous area, Smalling is out of position and Blackett is attracted to the ball, what should he have done in that short space of time?
We all suspect that he will be found wanting physically but this game doesn't reinforce that enough. He wasn't as influential as last week but he too was exposed because he was patrolling that area alone.
I expect him to be adequate just until Carrick returns and for the big games he should play with Carrick.

 

[itso 7]

I'd agree with you if we had 2 dedicated midfielders. I don't think we can count Di Maria as a central midfielder in the traditional sense. He's too good to be given responsibility to hold one position.

I think the number of forwards we have is limiting us on which formation to apply. Because Rooney is undroppable, we have to play him but we also have RVP, Mata and Falcao who have to play too. In a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, or any formation that utilizes a double pivot we can't play three of those plus our best player. But if we could drop RVP and Mata, we could then play Herrera alongside Blind/Carrick, Rooney on the left, Di Maria(I think Di Maria is more dangerous drifting outwide from central areas and Rooney would in turn benefit if he is coming into the box later on during a move as Falcao woukd have occupied the defenders) at the tip of the midfield triangle, Falcao uptop and Januzaj on the right. I don't know the mechanics of how, but we need a double pivot and protection on the flanks, because stronger teams will rip us apart worse than what we saw today.

 

[Smoke On the Water]

I'd agree with you if we had 2 dedicated midfielders. I don't think we can count Di Maria as a central midfielder in the traditional sense. He's too good to be given responsibility to hold one position.

Agreed, makes the attack function better by being the only one who seems to want to get the ball turn, look up and run forward with it.