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Exactly, he definitely isn't a #6. He needs cover and more freedom to roam.He's not a strict disciplined 6 which is what Ole prefers. He's a hybrid 6/8, perfect for a 4-3-3 with a holder behind him. I can't see him being trusted as a 6 in the Prem for some time.
He would actually look better next to Matic/Mctominay than Fred.
McTominay, maybe, but not sure Matic has the legs anymore, as evidenced in Istanbul when he was partnered with van de Beek.He's not a strict disciplined 6 which is what Ole prefers. He's a hybrid 6/8, perfect for a 4-3-3 with a holder behind him. I can't see him being trusted as a 6 in the Prem for some time.
He would actually look better next to Matic/Mctominay than Fred.
Its the perfect game for him with their high press. He's the one player we have in the squad is good enough to deal with itVery little chance of him starting against Soton I'm afraid. Not going to happen.
Think he was more in reference to style of play.McTominay, maybe, but not sure Matic has the legs anymore, as evidenced in Istanbul when he was partnered with van de Beek.
Yeah, good point. I trust him to deal with a high press better than Fred, who always has few bewildering, asinine passes in him, even when he isn't under any pressure.Its the perfect game for him with their high press. He's the one player we have in the squad is good enough to deal with it
We'll play two disciplined 6's & try to counter them. It's very obvious.Its the perfect game for him with their high press. He's the one player we have in the squad is good enough to deal with it
Was referring more to their positional discipline. Fred is better as the adventurous one in the pivot as it seems is VDB.McTominay, maybe, but not sure Matic has the legs anymore, as evidenced in Istanbul when he was partnered with van de Beek.
Indeed, that's why Pochettino wanted VDB. But he didn't get himIf/when we get Pochettino no doubt VDB will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
He is a perfect Pochettino player. The way he moves the ball, quick passing, makes everything tick.
I think the addition of one quality defensive midfielder allows us to play VBD and Bruno in same mid, I don't think any of Fred, McT or Matic are good enough to play that role on their own in pl I'm afraid. Maybe the aquisition of a quality centre half might somewhat negate that need, maybe, but would probably just buy us time. I think both positions need upgraded. The touch passing at times of Cavani, Bruno and VDB was excellent in that 1st half, it seems a waste we can't always have that due to lack of defensive cover.
Indeed, that's why Pochettino wanted VDB. But he didn't get him
And well not be able to keep the ball and will likely give away a goal losing the ball in our own half due to their high press.We'll play two disciplined 6's & try to counter them. It's very obvious.
I'm not saying it's right, I'm saying that's what will happen. Hence is being obvious.And well not be able to keep the ball and will likely give away a goal losing the ball in our own half due to their high press.
Just because its obvious he'll do it doesn't mean its correct.
He could even go to a diamond especially if awb is out with telles and Williams at fullback who are Korean adventurous going forward.
With De Jong and Schone he was the most attacking CM. With Schone and later De Jong dropping back between the defenders(which is kinda funny because Schone started out as a winger) but Donny wasn't super far up the field. More than yesterday ofcourse, especially with his runs into the box.
After De Jong and Schone left he played a bit deeper though because Neres/Ziyech/Promes/Tadic would play at CAM. So his last season at Ajax was a bit more like last night's game. But was attacking a bit more at Ajax, last night it look like he had instructions to stay back most of the time.
Ole is strict 4-2-3-1. It's played at all levels through all teams I believe. It won't be changing as the preferred formation.the midfield issues are being exacerbated by the CB issue - Maguire and Lindeloff are continuously caught out of position and are just too slow - until that is resolved we can't resolve the need to have 2 sitting midfielders as protection, which then leads to us having a lack of creativity in the midfield.....
VDB’s work rate is better than Pogba and is a better fit on our team. Bruno, VDB and Fred should be our first choice midfield moving forward.
I love how he always knows exactly what to do before he gets the ball. He knows where his teammates are, and he knows where the space is. You can clearly see he used to be an Ajax player and I love that, pass and move is easier said than done.
He was great to watch when we had the ball. Out of possession though was squeaky bum time. Probably the reason he doesn't start in Premier league games especially that deep
If you are holding those two up as a reference then Id definitely say the first. Was quite effective in tracking back and made some good tackles yesterday. Definitely provided a critical link in transition.How was he in hassling, defending, tracking runners etc? Was he more Herrera or Cleverly?
He was soft pressing, reluctant to dive into tackles, and lost all 3 headers. But Fred wasn't much better to be honest, they got very similar numbers. We were poor defensively overall.How was he in hassling, defending, tracking runners etc? Was he more Herrera or Cleverly?
Well it's early days but I don't think him and Fred will work. Both are little weak in the air, and can only pass short to mid range. Donny did enough against Istanbul to try him in different setups.Cheers to you both for the replies. I am not expecting him to ever be Leicster City-Kante out there, but if he can provide some sort of fight and defensive hustle for us that would be a huge benefit to our midfield.
Well it's early days but I don't think him and Fred will work. Both are little weak in the air, and can only pass short to mid range. Donny did enough against Istanbul to try him in different setups.
Yeah it could work I guess, but might as well play McTominay instead of Fred who isn't essential to our attacking play. Scott is also a ball winner, and Donny does the forward passing in that scenario. I also Rate McTominay long range passing higher than Fred.It might be a disaster against quality opposition, but do you think it could work at home against a West Brom for example?
Yeah it could work I guess, but might as well play McTominay instead of Fred who isn't essential to our attacking play. Scott is also a ball winner, and Donny does the forward passing in that scenario. I also Rate McTominay long range passing higher than Fred.
So in two man midfield, VdB + Fred or McTominay maybe yes, VdB + Matic or Pogba definitely no.
He looks tailored to 4-3-3 or 5-3-2 (for extra protection).
