[Marwood]

The guy is a talent and the talented ones make their mark early.
We play him with mature defenders and we have enough of them at the club already.
We paid big money for him and part of that was down to We think he was ready for first team football just like when we have blooded other teenagers in our history.

Can you name all the other 19 year old CB's who've started for us?

 

[Bondi77]

Can you name all the other 19 year old CB's who've started for us?

Duncan Edwards...good enough- old enough.
We have paid 52mil for a teenage defender that Real wanted badly and he was a regular in a good French team.
How many French central defenders have been bought in the past two years in excess of 20mil by Premier league clubs?
Yet again....good enough- old enough.

 

[Marwood]

Duncan Edwards...good enough- old enough.
We have paid 52mil for a teenage defender that Real wanted badly and he was a regular in a good French team.
How many French central defenders have been bought in the past two years in excess of 20mil by Premier league clubs?
Yet again....good enough- old enough.

Jeez if you have to go back 70 years to find an example that should tell you something.

Broaden it out and have a think. How many 19 year olds on the world stage start for the biggest clubs at CB? Now and going back decades. I'm not saying name them but just think how difficult it is to find any. Basically Varane. That's who comes to everybody's mind.

Yoro might be a one off but that's not how you plan. Nor has he really shown he's one of those freak teenagers who just already has it. Pretty sure at Lille it was his CB partner who did all the proactive defending and you can already see that in his limited game time here.

We have two CB's in their prime and play three at the back. It's nowhere near enough.

Even in the 90's, playing two at the back we had Stam, Johnsen, Berg and May. Whatever their quality what's clear is that in that position you don't rely on youth. You need dependable players, players who you know what you're getting 8 times out of 10.

 

[NotThatSoph]

Jeez if you have to go back 70 years to find an example that should tell you something.

Broaden it out and have a think. How many 19 year olds on the world stage start for the biggest clubs at CB? Now and going back decades. I'm not saying name them but just think how difficult it is to find any. Basically Varane. That's who comes to everybody's mind.

Yoro might be a one off but that's not how you plan. Nor has he really shown he's one of those freak teenagers who just already has it. Pretty sure at Lille it was his CB partner who did all the proactive defending and you can already see that in his limited game time here.

We have two CB's in their prime and play three at the back. It's nowhere near enough.

Even in the 90's, playing two at the back we had Stam, Johnsen, Berg and May. Whatever their quality what's clear is that in that position you don't rely on youth. You need dependable players, players who you know what you're getting 8 times out of 10.

I don't know if Cubarsi counts, because he's 17 rather than 19 while starting for Barcelona every week.

 

[Bastian]

Something like that. CBs develop differently from other positions don't they...18 is young for a CF or winger...its very young for a CM...and for a CB or GK...it's basically unheard of for a player that age to be "elite"

Yeah, true. There were questions over whether he'd want to go back to them. He of course suffered some serious family issues at an early age. But it seemed he wasn't that keen on going to Arsenal after all those loans. I suspect Madrid/Barca will soon acquire his services if Arsenal continue to win nothing.

 

[flameinthesun]

18yo talented CB playing in a team devoid of confidence and talent. I think he's done okay. We will see how the next couple years go.

 

[OmarUnited4ever]

I don't know if Cubarsi counts, because he's 17 rather than 19 while starting for Barcelona every week.

De Ligt was starting for Ajax and Juve at ages 18-22.

Upamecano was starter with Leipzig at age 19, so was Konate, and probably Gvardiol too, and there is Cubarsi, there are definitely more 18-20 yo that started regularly for top team in a top 5 league.

 

[A-man]

Jeez if you have to go back 70 years to find an example that should tell you something.

Broaden it out and have a think. How many 19 year olds on the world stage start for the biggest clubs at CB? Now and going back decades. I'm not saying name them but just think how difficult it is to find any. Basically Varane. That's who comes to everybody's mind.

Yoro might be a one off but that's not how you plan. Nor has he really shown he's one of those freak teenagers who just already has it. Pretty sure at Lille it was his CB partner who did all the proactive defending and you can already see that in his limited game time here.

We have two CB's in their prime and play three at the back. It's nowhere near enough.

Even in the 90's, playing two at the back we had Stam, Johnsen, Berg and May. Whatever their quality what's clear is that in that position you don't rely on youth. You need dependable players, players who you know what you're getting 8 times out of 10.

Nineteen is young for a CB. The only other I can think of in the PL is Huijsen but he did well against us. I think it is different to be a CB in a 3 at the back formation. There will be less responsibility and better opportunities for a young CB to make his way in to the team. I also think Amorim has played quite young CBs at Sporting. Other French CBs in recent time who debuted early are Upamecano and Konaté.

 

[Bondi77]

Jeez if you have to go back 70 years to find an example that should tell you something.

Broaden it out and have a think. How many 19 year olds on the world stage start for the biggest clubs at CB? Now and going back decades. I'm not saying name them but just think how difficult it is to find any. Basically Varane. That's who comes to everybody's mind.

Yoro might be a one off but that's not how you plan. Nor has he really shown he's one of those freak teenagers who just already has it. Pretty sure at Lille it was his CB partner who did all the proactive defending and you can already see that in his limited game time here.

We have two CB's in their prime and play three at the back. It's nowhere near enough.

Even in the 90's, playing two at the back we had Stam, Johnsen, Berg and May. Whatever their quality what's clear is that in that position you don't rely on youth. You need dependable players, players who you know what you're getting 8 times out of 10.

First of all, we are currently not one of the top clubs in the world..we are not even one of the top clubs in our own country.
He will be a starter for us soon simply because he will be our best option in that position.
Bournemouth proved they were a better team than us on the weekend and they had a 19yo playing as a CB and it was a walk in the park for him.

 

[Blood Mage]

I think the reality has sunk in that a 19 year old CB was unlikely to be an instant hit, he'll need time.

 

[foolsgold]

There's a lot of talent, but he's still a work in progress, right now he should be a rotation option, filling in for a first choice back 3 of De Ligt, Maguire and Martinez.

in this area, we need to be two things, firstly we need to extend Maguire for another year, then bring in an experienced CB to fill the Evans spot.

 

[MiceOnMeth]

I think the reality has sunk in that a 19 year old CB was unlikely to be an instant hit, he'll need time.

Has that ever happened? Struggling to think of a teenage centre back signed for big money that was a starter immediately

 

[FrankDrebin]

Has that ever happened? Struggling to think of a teenage centre back signed for big money that was a starter immediately

I personally think Pique settled in really well when he returned to Barca but I think he was early 20s at that point.

I remember Ramos being notoriously all over the place when he signed for Madrid.

 

[Lay]

I personally think Pique settled in really well when he returned to Barca but I think he was early 20s at that point.

I remember Ramos being notoriously all over the place when he signed for Madrid.

I think he was a right back at the start too.

Anyway, Yoro looks at times a little overawed which is to be expected. He will be fine in a couple of years

 

[Ichabod Ferguson]

This is probably the wrong thread for it because it’s not really to do with him per se, but I really see no reason whatsoever why we broke the bank to pay an absolute shitload for a promising CB when our attack, midfield, LB and goalkeeper were all such a shambles.

We had more pressing concerns in the summer and it’s baffling to me (and unfair on him) for a player who clearly needs a bit of time that we prioritised signing someone who is such a luxury.

If the price for an attacker who isn’t wank, a midfielder who can pass the ball 2 yards or an actual left back is this kid going to Madrid then so be it, we clearly couldn’t afford otherwise.

 

[Hester_manc]

Not good enough yet. Maybe he should play for the U21 to begin with.

 

[DWelbz19]

This is probably the wrong thread for it because it’s not really to do with him per se, but I really see no reason whatsoever why we broke the bank to pay an absolute shitload for a promising CB when our attack, midfield, LB and goalkeeper were all such a shambles.

It was briefed — almost bragged — that he was a personal statement coup signing by Omar Berrada to get in a highly rated prodigy and beat a club like Real Madrid for his signature.

 

[Bobski]

He is a project for 2-3 years development, it was always hyperbolic to expect him to come in after months out and dominate.

 

[flameinthesun]

He is a project for 2-3 years development, it was always hyperbolic to expect him to come in after months out and dominate.

Yeah, agreed. Not really seeing much to be concerned about. He's a talented young player.

 

[simplyared]

I was beginning to think he already had all the required qualities to play in the PL and start matches for us. Thought we had a Rio in the making. Going on what I saw today he's miles away. Looks timid and even looked like he was afraid of getting the ball. Played the easy pass and contributed zero constructively. Not impressed!

 

[Idxomer]

It was briefed — almost bragged — that he was a personal statement coup signing by Omar Berrada to get in a highly rated prodigy and beat a club like Real Madrid for his signature.

I understand paying more than Madrid to get him but double what they were willing to offer was a bit stupid.

 

[M Bison]

Horrible performance, not seen anything from him to justify all the hype yet.

 

[KeanoMagicHat]

I was beginning to think he already had all the required qualities to play in the PL and start matches for us. Thought we had a Rio in the making. Going on what I saw today he's miles away. Looks timid and even looked like he was afraid of getting the ball. Played the easy pass and contributed zero constructively. Not impressed!

I mean an 18-year-old not long after injury coming into a team with rock bottom confidence, it's hardly a surprise is it? Not sure what people expect exactly. This sort of player would have been protected by Ferguson and brought in at the right time in a winning team to ease into the league.

 

[The Urban Goose]

I mean an 18-year-old not long after injury coming into a team with rock bottom confidence, it's hardly a surprise is it? Not sure what people expect exactly. This sort of player would have been protected by Ferguson and brought in at the right time in a winning team to ease into the league.

Exactly. I think some people can't distinguish between those who are just in bad form and those who will never be good enough and have a go at everyone. He's clearly one for the future and should be nurtured.

 

[Foolsgold21]

Talent there but this wasn’t a good night for him. The insanely early (soft) yellow card made him appear more nervous and apprehensive going into tackles.

Appreciate the comments above where he’s the sort of signing you make when you already have a good team, and just nicely refreshing the squad to then come good in a few years.

Would you rather a better player now, but with less potential? You end up in the Spurs paradox if you just go down that road.

 

[Escobar]

I mean an 18-year-old not long after injury coming into a team with rock bottom confidence, it's hardly a surprise is it? Not sure what people expect exactly. This sort of player would have been protected by Ferguson and brought in at the right time in a winning team to ease into the league.

Tough for the guy but he is a supreme talent and this experience will only make him stronger. Shame that fans are so daft and impatient

 

[FerociousCorgis]

Getting fecked early with that card didn't really help. He was still ok considering.

 

[Idxomer]

I mean an 18-year-old not long after injury coming into a team with rock bottom confidence, it's hardly a surprise is it? Not sure what people expect exactly. This sort of player would have been protected by Ferguson and brought in at the right time in a winning team to ease into the league.

His inexperience also means he has to defend very differently than what he was used to. He looked very unsure how to play as an RCB in this system. All of the other defenders in the team played in a similar system before except him.

 

[Rossa]

Not sure I quite get the Rio comparison?

Rio was rapid, like blistering. The only readon people put less emphasis on this is because of how composed he was and how brilliant his positioning was. However, he could outpace a prime Etoo and Torres when needed to. Yoro doesn’t look close to having that kind of speed. Fast enough, but not blistering like Rio was.

Other than that, I rhought he looked mostly fine - not brilliant, but fine.

 

[criticalanalysis]

Not sure I quite get the Rio comparison?

Rio was rapid, like blistering. The only readon people put less emphasis on this is because of how composed he was and how brilliant his positioning was. However, he could outpace a prime Etoo and Torres when needed to. Yoro doesn’t look close to having that kind of speed. Fast enough, but not blistering like Rio was.

Other than that, I rhought he looked mostly fine - not brilliant, but fine.

I said this last week:

Very promising. I've been meaning to say this for a while but I don't get where the automatic 'he's fast/rapid' shouts come from. He's got great length and when in motion has good speed but he doesn't look like he has a turn of acceleration/first step as of now. I think we've seen a few times where he's been caught a bit lacking on runs or when getting touch tight. Even in the highlight videos from last season in France, I never thought 'he's really fast'. Having said that, I think he has got a lot of athletic potential and can grow in a stronger/faster body; he is literally still in a teenager's body. He's not slow but far from Amad/Garnacho acceleration or Dalot/Hojlund type speed. It's somewhere in the middle for me based on the very low sample size.

To be fair to Yoro, the Rio we saw was much more physically developed when he was playing in the PL with West Ham, Leeds and then us. Yoro still has a lot of growing and physical conditioning before I'm comfortable seeing him starting or contributing big minutes week in week out.

 

[Red00012]

Harsh yellow I thought ,usually they’re ignored so early in the game as next time it’s a yellow. He wasn’t the worst player on the field I guess .

 

[daba]

I think he has some good defensive and physical traits, but what concerns me is his ability on the ball. Doesn’t seem to make any progressive carries or passes with the ball and simply plays it safe or clears up the line. Not sure how much he suits the RCB position right now, as although he’s a good channel defender, when the ball goes to him he seems shot of ideas.

 

[Oscar Bonavena]

He wasn't great today but I'm not gonna go in on the kid. He's still only 19 and he's coming into a team where even more experienced players are letting the team down, can't be easy for him.

I don't think he's ready to be a first team regular yet, he needs to be eased into the team. There are very few CBs that young in the PL, they tend to peak in their mid to late 20s.

 

[Rossa]

I said this last week:



To be fair to Yoro, the Rio we saw was much more physically developed when he was playing in the PL with West Ham, Leeds and then us. Yoro still has a lot of growing and physical conditioning before I'm comfortable seeing him starting or contributing big minutes week in week out.

Absolutely. Not saying he can’t improve, and it may also be a bit of an intensity issue. However, thus far I see little resemblance to the prime Rio I remember.

 

[Coxy]

Absolutely. Not saying he can’t improve, and it may also be a bit of an intensity issue. However, thus far I see little resemblance to the prime Rio I remember.

I also see little resemblance with ‘prime’ Rio. But then again Yoro is only 19 so hopefully by the time Yoro hits his prime there may be a better resemblance…

 

[lsd]

I also see little resemblance with ‘prime’ Rio. But then again Yoro is only 19 so hopefully by the time Yoro hits his prime there may be a better resemblance…

Good almighty please tell me he's not being compared to Rio. He's nowhere near where Rio was at the same age.

Why do we insist on doing this? He looks a talent and will hopefully develop the way we want but can we stop comparing any of our current players to previous stars.

 

[Ole'sgunnarwin]

What's our record with him starting so far?

 

[Matt851]

It was briefed — almost bragged — that he was a personal statement coup signing by Omar Berrada to get in a highly rated prodigy and beat a club like Real Madrid for his signature.

That all sounds very ed woodward to me as if winning the race was some sort of statement.

I have made the point before but the fee we paid for him should get you an established top class centre back so gambling so much on a very talented youngster when we are desperately in need of better players across the team was questionable

 

[Rossa]

I also see little resemblance with ‘prime’ Rio. But then again Yoro is only 19 so hopefully by the time Yoro hits his prime there may be a better resemblance…

We’ll ser how he develops. For now, the Rio comparisons seem lazy and badly informed. He may well turn out the second coming of Nesta, which to me is Rio level - that’s how good he was. He looks promising and has time on his side.

 

[Amir]

Tough for the guy but he is a supreme talent and this experience will only make him stronger.

Unless we just ruin him too, like we've done with other young players.l