Marcos Llorente

[FrankDrebin]

In what way is he comparable to Beek ?

Llorente seems like a better all-round player ,even if he's told to play deeper or more progressive.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

I doubt that. He is quite comfortable in a double pivot or elsewhere.. Plus he was raised in team that plays tank war far compared to our fotball

Comfortable, yes. But where he's most productive and shown most quality is in an advanced position which is already taken and not worth paying 60M+ for if he can't play there. Under the current system, a lot of players have to be ruled out.

 

[golden_blunder]

Seems like a lot of money to pay

 

[JoeyJoJoJrShabadoo]

Seems like a load of nonsense

 

[RUCK4444]

For this sort of money we HAVE to make sure he's perfect for position we intend to play him in.

I can't see us coming away from the double pivot, Bruno will command no 10 position so one can only assume we would intend to play this lad as one of the holding midfielders (DM's.)

I've been desperate for a proper DM for a LONG time. If this kid can't play as a proper DM and is another player we are trying to shoe horn into the midfield two then I will lose my sh*t.

 

[thomas porter]

He'd be a great signing IMO. He could play as either a box to box midfielder in our 4231 or in the more Carrick type role spraying passes. I could see a midfield 3 of Pogba-Llorrente-Bruno being absolutely top drawer. We'd still need a CB and a right winger but this signing would be class.

 

[Adisa]

If you believe we have bid that much for this guy, you will believe anything.

 

[Phil Osophy]

All the news posted about our interest are linking to Diario AS in Spain, known by talking crap on a daily basis.

Llorente was sold by Real to a direct rival like Atletico because he was fairly mediocre as a DM, and he barely played there for Atletico either. Simeone reconverted the guy into a more offensive minded midfielder, even playing him on the right side and he's been doing well in a concrete system and conditions.

Based on how our team is shaped under Ole there's no place for Llorente anywhere. He's pretty average as a pivot, not creative enough as a deep lying playmaker or number 10, and lacks the skillset of a winger. He's a similar profile to McTominay with good athleticism, hardworking attitude and some offensive product if you allow him to bomb forward. A good fit for this Atletico team but there's no chance we've made an offer around €80 M as the news from Spain are reporting.

By the way I'm seeing that the same website reported just a week ago how his market value in Transfermarkt has gone up from €16 M when he signed for Atletico to €70 M now.

https://as.com/futbol/2021/03/19/primera/1616172719_409347.html

It looks to me like his agent is working hard for a new improved contract, and he's using his mates in the press and the same old tricks. This ends up with a contract renewal in a month or two.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Comfortable, yes. But where he's most productive and shown most quality is in an advanced position which is already taken and not worth paying 60M+ for if he can't play there. Under the current system, a lot of players have to be ruled out.

Im quite fine with that. Because I don't see the need for ANY more midfielders in the squad. I real priority problems are at center half, right winger and bottom of the list, center forward. Not any position in midfield.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

I’ve seen him play once, he scored a brace & knocked the scouse out the CL. Sign him up.

 

[Widow]

£68 million?

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

For this sort of money we HAVE to make sure he's perfect for position we intend to play him in.

I can't see us coming away from the double pivot, Bruno will command no 10 position so one can only assume we would intend to play this lad as one of the holding midfielders (DM's.)

I've been desperate for a proper DM for a LONG time. If this kid can't play as a proper DM and is another player we are trying to shoe horn into the midfield two then I will lose my sh*t.

Here bit of story about Llorente. Llorente is originally rated as DM by the fans in Real Madrid but never get the chance due to Casemiro and played all his 38 games on loan at Deportivo Alaves as DM in 16/17. Even when he joined Atl Madrid, he was supposed to replace Rodri but Partey the box to box took the role of DM instead. As the season goes (19/20), Llorente still played as DM but slowly became more versatile to used as impact sub in many different position. This season (20/21) when Partey left, Simeone changed his formation to 352 more often with Koke as his deep midfielder and Llorente as CM. Llorente is originally DM and now becoming a versatile midfielder who can also play other positions in midfield CM, Right midfield/wingback or even AM.

So what kind of DM do you want? Does it suit with what we are going to play?

What you want doesn't mean it will suit with what we are going to play. We are likely going to play double pivot that operate flexible can do both defending and attacking with Bruno as no 10 again next season. Every DM/holding midfielder has lot variety and what you are hoping for seems to be a questionable whether it will even fit into the system.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Trust us to go after a Spanish CM and make sure it's one without genuine excellence in terms of control and playmaking.

When we needed our own Silva/Xavi/Cesc we signed Herrera (all rounder) and Mata (more a second striker finisher at the time). Kagawa was also not the real playmaker we needed and VDB is proving to be a nothing attacking midfielder. Bruno is another one who has attacking qualities but thankfully he's actually been brilliant. But it's interesting that all this time a lot of fans have wanted our metronome/ playmaker but for some reason we never seem to go to them. I felt we needed Bernardo Silva but we didn't make the move there. And even when we signed Fred I felt we needed a passer more then pure energy.

 

[gajender]

Trust us to go after a Spanish CM and make sure it's one without genuine excellence in terms of control and playmaking.

When we needed our own Silva/Xavi/Cesc we signed Herrera (all rounder) and Mata (more a second striker finisher at the time). Kagawa was also not the real playmaker we needed and VDB is proving to be a nothing attacking midfielder. Bruno is another one who has attacking qualities but thankfully he's actually been brilliant. But it's interesting that all this time a lot of fans have wanted our metronome/ playmaker but for some reason we never seem to go to them. I felt we needed Bernardo Silva but we didn't make the move there. And even when we signed Fred I felt we needed a passer more then pure energy.

That's a fair point and it's very same reason I wouldn't be against buying Jack Grealish even if he comes here to replace Rashford our team would be better with that change or we can finally buy Midfielders who are adept at playmaking to getter better balance.

 

[giorno]

Here bit of story about Llorente. Llorente is originally rated as DM by the fans in Real Madrid but never get the chance due to Casemiro and played all his 38 games on loan at Deportivo Alaves as DM in 16/17. Even when he joined Atl Madrid, he was supposed to replace Rodri but Partey the box to box took the role of DM instead. As the season goes (19/20), Llorente still played as DM but slowly became more versatile to used as impact sub in many different position. This season (20/21) when Partey left, Simeone changed his formation to 352 more often with Koke as his deep midfielder and Llorente as CM. Llorente is originally DM and now becoming a versatile midfielder who can also play other positions in midfield CM, Right midfield/wingback or even AM.

So what kind of DM do you want? Does it suit with what we are going to play?

What you want doesn't mean it will suit with what we are going to play. We are likely going to play double pivot that operate flexible can do both defending and attacking with Bruno as no 10 again next season. Every DM/holding midfielder has lot variety and what you are hoping for seems to be a questionable whether it will even fit into the system.

Llorente was a DM all his life. Everybody believed that, including himself. He was supposed to be the next great DM for real madrid, but failed. Then was sold to Atletico Madrid to replace Rodri as a DM. Failed again. Then Simeone tried him out as a shadow striker, and boom, insta-world class

Long story short, he is not a defensive midfielder. Think Lampard/Gerrard for type of player

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Llorente was a DM all his life. Everybody believed that, including himself. He was supposed to be the next great DM for real madrid, but failed. Then was sold to Atletico Madrid to replace Rodri as a DM. Failed again. Then Simeone tried him out as a shadow striker, and boom, insta-world class

Long story short, he is not a defensive midfielder. Think Lampard/Gerrard for type of player

I don't think you know Lampard if that's how you compare him. Why did Llorente play as DM in full season with Depotivo Alaves? That's something not even Lampard ever being used. I think he's more of a Fletcher, versatile can adapt and play everywhere in midfield DM, CM, Right Mid. He had Casemiro and Partey in his way which is why he wasn't used as DM.

 

[giorno]

I don't think you know Lampard if that's how you compare him. Why did Llorente play as DM in full season with Depotivo Alaves? That's something not even Lampard ever being used. I think he's more of a Fletcher, versatile can adapt and play everywhere in midfield DM, CM, Right Mid. He had Casemiro and Partey in his way which is why he wasn't used as DM.

Because he was thought of as a DM. He was nothing special at it. He became a special player once he started playing as an attacking mid/shadow striker. That's what he is. He's not a DM. He could play there, in the same way Pogba could. You wouldn't want either doing that though

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Because he was thought of as a DM. He was nothing special at it. He became a special player once he started playing as an attacking mid/shadow striker. That's what he is. He's not a DM. He could play there, in the same way Pogba could. You wouldn't want either doing that though

Not the same way because one of Llorente asset is his disciplinary and defensive work to play in the role. Pogba doesn't have those to play in the role. Lazy and random comparison.

Gerrard and Fletcher, can play DM, CM, AM, RM because they are versatile, able to adapt in those position because they have asset in their intelligence, defensive and offensive. That's a better comparison.

 

[wolvored]

His buyout clause is £103 million according to newsnow. We are not buying him for that sort of money. Move on.

 

[TheReligion]

If you believe we have bid that much for this guy, you will believe anything.

Manucho and Bebe

 

[giorno]

Not the same way because one of Llorente asset is his disciplinary and defensive work to play in the role. Pogba doesn't have those to play in the role. Lazy and random comparison.

Gerrard and Fletcher, can play DM, CM, AM, RM because they are versatile, able to adapt in those position because they have asset in their intelligence, defensive and offensive. That's a better comparison.

Once again: Marcos Llorente spent his whole life as a DM. He was downright mediocre at it

His career changed the moment he stopped playing as a DM and turned into an AM instead

 

[Boavista]

Not the same way because one of Llorente asset is his disciplinary and defensive work to play in the role. Pogba doesn't have those to play in the role. Lazy and random comparison.

Gerrard and Fletcher, can play DM, CM, AM, RM because they are versatile, able to adapt in those position because they have asset in their intelligence, defensive and offensive. That's a better comparison.

You're defining these players by their versatility, which makes sense for some players like James Milner or maybe Fletcher. But it seems like Llorente has found his standout position and growing into that attacking role. So in the same way that Gerrard is versatile I wouldn't exactly define him by that when his obvious strengths were in that CM/AM role.

 

[Devil may care]

When I've seen him he was playing RM in a Beckham style role.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Once again: Marcos Llorente spent his whole life as a DM. He was downright mediocre at it

His career changed the moment he stopped playing as a DM and turned into an AM instead

The guy just turned 26 though. That's a common age for a midfielder only started burst into the scene in their prime. Pretty unfair and early to judge and to say he was mediocre because he had Partey and Casemiro as his competitor.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

You're defining these players by their versatility, which makes sense for some players like James Milner or maybe Fletcher. But it seems like Llorente has found his standout position and growing into that attacking role. So in the same way that Gerrard is versatile I wouldn't exactly define him by that when his obvious strengths were in that CM/AM role.

We don't really know that for sure until he is given years of football. Gerrard has been playing in lot of different roles, wide, CM, AM and even DM.

 

[giorno]

The guy just turned 26 though. That's a normal age for a midfield only started burst into the scene in their prime.

Playing a completely different role.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Playing a completely different role.

Because he is versatile enough to play that different role.

You are still not answering the question why did Llorente play as DM in full season with Depotivo Alaves? He earnt the move to Atl Madrid because he proved himself previously in La Liga playing in the role. Pretty unfair to say he was mediocre because he had Partey and Casemiro as his competitor. We really do not know that now.

 

[croadyman]

Im quite fine with that. Because I don't see the need for ANY more midfielders in the squad. I real priority problems are at center half, right winger and bottom of the list, center forward. Not any position in midfield.

No issues in the midfield are you kidding me

 

[Ekeke]

Hard working, good movement and effective attacking player, one of Atletico's best players this season as they sit top of the league

If we continue more in the direction of a pressing team/Gegenpress he would fit in. But in terms of his place in the lineup it would seem like either he or Fernandes would play from the wing which doesnt sound ideal, though him playing on the right of attack could work successfully especially because even when picked as an AM one of the key features to his play is movement off the ball in the channels. Thats often where he will get the ball played out to him so he can have a run and try to make something happen.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

No issues in the midfield are you kidding me

Better questions is Are YOu kidding ME? Because unless one pays little attention to how we play. It's obvious United are forced to play a less creative midfield (a.k.a two defensive midfielders) and resultantly our weakest possible midfield line up to protect an imbalanced central defence. (a.k.a NOT a midfield problem). Not only curtailing our creativity but not allowing us to play on a front foot with a higher line.

Plus a lack of a natural right winger (a.k.a ALSO not a midfield problem) results in united being unable to consistently stretch teams on both flanks, reducing the space our more creative midfielders and solitary striker are able to operate in.

So again I ask. "Midfield problem"? who are you kidding?

 

[Boavista]

We don't really know that for sure until he is given years of football. Gerrard has been playing in lot of different roles, wide, CM, AM and even DM.

Fair enough, we don't know that for sure, but on the flipside we also don't know if his new found form would transfer back into that DM role. It's possible it would if he's simply become a better player now and approaching his peak, but there isn't really any evidence to prove that. Obviously it also depends on how the team is set up. Right now all we can say is that he's better in that more attacking role.
For instance Schweinsteiger was moved to a new position at a similar age I believe. Just because he excelled in that CM role, you wouldn't call him a versatile player who could also play on the wing. After all he wasn't exactly excellent as a winger.

In the same vein, if Gerrard was on the market now I doubt many clubs would be after him for his versatility out wide or in DM.

 

[RedSky]

Better questions is Are YOu kidding ME? Because unless one pays little attention to how we play. It's obvious United are forced to play a less creative midfield (a.k.a two defensive midfielders) and resultantly our weakest possible midfield line up to protect an imbalanced central defence. (a.k.a NOT a midfield problem). Not only curtailing our creativity but not allowing us to play on a front foot with a higher line.

Plus a lack of a natural right winger (a.k.a ALSO not a midfield problem) results in united being unable to consistently stretch teams on both flanks, reducing the space our more creative midfielders and solitary striker are able to operate in.

So again I ask. "Midfield problem"? who are you kidding?

I'd say its a mixture of everything.

CB pairing is an issue. No right winger is a real problem and has been for 8/9 years, we also need a proper backup for AWB. But we do have a real, real problem with our midfield. Matic simply isn't cut out for the fast paced nature of the Premier League, even when it's been toned down this season because everyone is knackered he still is a weak link when on the pitch. It leaves us with Pogba, McTominay and Fred as our midfield selections and all of them have flaws. When Pogba is out of the team our creativity takes a massive nosedive. We desperately need reinforcing in midfield. The problem is that we need reinforcing in severals areas of the squad and more importantly, in our first team.

The challenge we face is having huge holes needing filling despite struggling to sign more than 3/4 players a window. Further to the point, we're going to struggle with money this summer too.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I'd say its a mixture of everything.

CB pairing is an issue. No right winger is a real problem and has been for 8/9 years, we also need a proper backup for AWB. But we do have a real, real problem with our midfield.

I insist. We don't.
We have in our senior side 3 natural DMs. 2 Natural 8s and 3 Natural 10s (one is on loan) Our problem is we never get to consistently have a dm + 8 + 10 selection because of our center defence.

Matic simply isn't cut out for the fast paced nature of the Premier League, even when it's been toned down this season because everyone is knackered he still is a weak link when on the pitch.

In his current state he'd hardly ever make the pitch if we had a defence that could operate in all games behind one defensive midfielder.

It leaves us with Pogba, McTominay and Fred as our midfield selections and all of them have flaws. When Pogba is out of the team our creativity takes a massive nosedive. We desperately need reinforcing in midfield. The problem is that we need reinforcing in severals areas of the squad and more importantly, in our first team.

Fred and mcTominay are both excellent enforcers. Our issue is our center defence is not good enough to operate behind one enforcer. For the life of me I can't understand why people constantly conflate that with the quality of the players that play infront of it in the position. Even if we could get a prime Roy Keane he'd still be forced to play alongside a Fred, Mctominay or Matic to protect it. THAT is the real problem!

The challenge we face is having huge holes needing filling despite struggling to sign more than 3/4 players a window. Further to the point, we're going to struggle with money this summer too.

The only holes we have left to fill are center defence and right winger. Then at a stretch center forward.

Right back we have Dalot and Laird returning and I'd be surprised if at least I e of them doesn't finally push AWB for the role.

Midfield? Adding midfielders does not sort out a single structural issue we have. Yet we already have 3 dms, 2 8s and 2 10s. With Garner and Mejbri ( (+ Lingard if we keep him post loan) waiting in the wings to replace the aging (Matic) and the aging 10 (Mata) in the squad long term.


It's funny how people want to ignore the blatant problem at center defence and the 8 season long right flank issue to beef up an already stacked and second strongest department in our team after goal keeper. It's baffling in the extreme.

 

[Mark Pawelek]

I insist. We don't.
We have in our senior side 3 natural DMs. 2 Natural 8s and 3 Natural 10s (one is on loan) Our problem is we never get to consistently have a dm + 8 + 10 selection because of our center defence.

United have one natural DM who's past it = Matic. Fred and McTominay are not natural DMs.

Fred and mcTominay are both excellent enforcers.

You criteria for excellent is way below mine.

 

[TwoSheds]

I insist. We don't.
We have in our senior side 3 natural DMs. 2 Natural 8s and 3 Natural 10s (one is on loan) Our problem is we never get to consistently have a dm + 8 + 10 selection because of our center defence.


In his current state he'd hardly ever make the pitch if we had a defence that could operate in all games behind one defensive midfielder.



Fred and mcTominay are both excellent enforcers. Our issue is our center defence is not good enough to operate behind one enforcer. For the life of me I can't understand why people constantly conflate that with the quality of the players that play infront of it in the position. Even if we could get a prime Roy Keane he'd still be forced to play alongside a Fred, Mctominay or Matic to protect it. THAT is the real problem!


The only holes we have left to fill are center defence and right winger. Then at a stretch center forward.

Right back we have Dalot and Laird returning and I'd be surprised if at least I e of them doesn't finally push AWB for the role.

Midfield? Adding midfielders does not sort out a single structural issue we have. Yet we already have 3 dms, 2 8s and 2 10s. With Garner and Mejbri ( (+ Lingard if we keep him post loan) waiting in the wings to replace the aging (Matic) and the aging 10 (Mata) in the squad long term.


It's funny how people want to ignore the blatant problem at center defence and the 8 season long right flank issue to beef up an already stacked and second strongest department in our team after goal keeper. It's baffling in the extreme.

We don't really have a proper first choice centre forward. Cavani is always injured and possibly leaving and Martial is just...depressed? Depressing? If we had a world class centre forward I think a lot of the complaints about our team would go away. Easier said than done of course to get a world class centre forward.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

We don't really have a proper first choice centre forward. Cavani is always injured and possibly leaving and Martial is just...depressed? Depressing? If we had a world class centre forward I think a lot of the complaints about our team would go away. Easier said than done of course to get a world class centre forward.

I largely agree. My point with strikers though is this: we have Greenwood coming through. (He will become incredible ....) We have Rashford. Even if a Martial refuses to wake up we have alternatives. Plus if we increase our threat two two flanks we won't be as reliant on our center forward for goals. Just goal involvement.

In comparison at cb we have no real alternative to Lindeloff and Maguire, two identical in style and pace defenders forced to always play together due to the others who are different never being fit.


We literally have no senior right wingers. Just "do a job there" types save for the two kids we just got.


Those 2 roles to me thus take priority over any others.