️Yes, he absolutely can. But there’s a huge difference between United and West Ham which means to see him work you have to also take into account who he’s working with. If a pass isn’t on you can’t break the line.
️️I think you’re right. People see one game and think they can judge a player.
How often have you watched a full game of his?
He might not be ready for us yet but will definitely improve, as you said, he's only 20.
He is improving. He used to pass mostly backwards and sideways. His defensive game is still as good as ever.
️Also AZ fan here too! Rare to find another one so would love to discuss with @He’sRaldo
️Why do you think he used to pass more back and sideways?
He's our best player right now. It's a damn shame that the season was cut short as we were competing for the title and he was a big part of that. With what Man Utd needs in terms of a Matic replacement, he's the best I can think of stylistically, but Rice has played in the PL so is more of a guarantee. I haven't watched Rice as much as Koopmeiners, and their teams have very different ways of playing so it's hard to compare them directly.
I’ve watched him a fair few time’s and while he’s been combative he plays a very different style or role to what we would require at United.
️With respect I’d say watch him more. Then see what you think.
️I can’t comment on Capoue or Billing but stats dont show you the mental side of the game his positioning and decision making are consistent.
Just watched a YT compilation of his so I'm obviously an expert now...
If he is close to their level 20m is maximum we should offer or as you say, stay fecking clear. However I watched him last night against Chelsea, he looked very good, however I haven't seen him regularly.
I agree with this. If on form Matic played for them he would be their best play maker by far. That is the level i want us to have at DM.
️That’s his highlights of course but he does that most games. He literally doesn’t stop passing all game averages 83 per game (which is nearly double other DMs) and 6.2 long passes per 90 (even higher in Europa league).
Yup. I’d be amazed if he isn’t picked up on the cheap this window.
Not as keen on Stengs. Not for us anyway.
Stengs is still far away from the required level.
Imo, passing completion is a poor way to judge a player's passing ability.
Agreed, it tells me he is a very safe passer. Tom Cleveley probably has strong passing stats.
Not sure. Thought it was to do with ability. He had little qualms switching the ball mid-range from centre to flank with the opposition deep, which showed that he could pass longer than short range. But most times he won the ball, and there's a chance for a counter, space to drive into, or a quick release, he would just ignore it and take the easy sideways option. Maybe he was struggling to shake off the 'centreback' mentality - he was basically shirking responsibility when he had the ball.
Like I said i've watched him plenty and right now I don't see anything he does that Mctominay doesn't.
I have to agree with this, from a balance and economic point of view I don't think its feasible to sign Rice and the proceed to keep both Fred and McTominay. Both are back ups and they offer something similar so it wouldn't make sense to have two DMs in the squad plus two defensive B2B midfielders but without like for like replacements for Pogba and Bruno.
