[Cheekiey]

Fellaini behind Pogba and Fred/Andreas seem to be the best offensive trio.

I'd start to convert Matic to a CB now too. He'd probably be one pf ojr best CBs too.

 

[shamans]

Another good performance by my guy!

Although I have to say, people should remember at his core he is an attacker. He will always be prone to defensive mistakes.

 

[VeevaVee]

Once again decent when played in a proper role. I'm on edge that we're going to go back to how we were and how we were deploying him, but if we can carry on using him in this fashion I'm plenty happy with it.

 

[Member 109952]

He played very well today, credit to him.

But he will struggle a lot against teams that press him. He's not a natural DM, he's not comfortable with the ball at all in that position.

He's better than Pereira though for us because he also gives us a lot of options in attack, which is where he's the most useful for me. Weird player Fellaini, a target man striker masquerading as a DM.

 

[Green_Red]

Id give him 7.5/10 for yesterday. Played a really good game. Tired towards the end but great contribution at DM.

 

[MadDogg]

This begs the question then, who is covering the actual DM danger positions around the edge of the box where the goal came from today?

If we are to say that when we dont have the ball Fellaini is playing as an extra CB, then I guess its not his responsibility. So who's is it? Is it then Matic's responsibility again?

Usually thats clearly the DM's area. But if he's not playing DM when we dont have the ball, who is playing it?

I would presume it's probably Matic's responsibility, but he got dragged way out wide in that situation. Not sure if that was a mistake from him or whether he did the right thing and whoever was supposed to cover for him (Pogba?) didn't do so.

 

[M Bison]

Played very well and dominated in the air. Good move by Jose to start him.

I don’t think he’ll play against those teams who play quicker and on the floor but deserves praise for the last 2 performances.

 

[haram]

We have an answer to these direct teams away from home.

 

[RedPnutz]

He wasnt that good. Compare his role in the team to how fernandinho plays and its night and day. So many loose balls and he cant pass a ball more than 10 yards.

I get what he does for the team but we really should be having better.

There are many positions bar GK where we can have better players. But getting rid of Fellaini shouldn’t be a priority.

 

[GM K]

I talked about his performance, it was good for a player with his attributes, he played to his best for sure, but it does always goes back to a top club looking to a player like this for results, it's just not going to be a good thing in the long run.

Fellaini will get into most top teams in the world as a squad player. I think he is massively underrated because he is not a flair player.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

Rio and that we’re saying yesterday is the perfect type of game for him where you know it’s going to be a physical sort of battle and yesterday I thought he was excellent apart from one moment where he and Matic both screwed up for the goal.
However if we are going against a City, Pool, Barca or someone like that would you really think Fellaini is the man for this game. I’d rather Herrera or Fred but then Fellaini is an important tool for certain games and situations and I think it’s great to have him in our team.

 

[GM K]

He played very well today, credit to him.

But he will struggle a lot against teams that press him. He's not a natural DM, he's not comfortable with the ball at all in that position.

He's better than Pereira though for us because he also gives us a lot of options in attack, which is where he's the most useful for me. Weird player Fellaini, a target man striker masquerading as a DM.

 

[Ekeke]

I would presume it's probably Matic's responsibility, but he got dragged way out wide in that situation. Not sure if that was a mistake from him or whether he did the right thing and whoever was supposed to cover for him (Pogba?) didn't do so.

If it was Matic then I'd say its definitely a mistake on his part. You dont leave the danger area you're responsible for to help on the wing.

 

[Kapardin]

Fellaini will get into most top teams in the world as a squad player. I think he is massively underrated because he is not a flair player.

True. The problem is that even when people accept he played well, it's rather grudgingly with a disclaimer added for good effect: "He won't be able to do this against top teams", "Won't be as good in a pressing system", "will be found out in big games".

Truth is, you could levy that accusation to any player in the world who may perform well at times and badly at others. Fellaini has played well in many big games for us and in different roles - as a defensive mid, attacking mid, #10 and long ball outlet. The latter role has come to define him for some people simply because he is tall and awkward, and because our managers were inept and used him in that matter. But he has done a good job of whatever he is asked to do.

Whenever he plays badly, it's often when the whole team is in a slump (4-0 vs Chelsea, Sevilla etc). He is not a mediocre player, but an above average midfielder who could play for many decent sized clubs.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

He had a great world cup & has had a good start the season. Always a goal/assist threat too. I'm not his biggest fan, but he certainly deserves his place at the moment.

He is a speciality player, perfect DM against teams like Watford & Burnley. Starting him against a City or a Liverpool would be a bad move in my opinion. If we need a goal against big teams, get him up front for the last 15 or so.

 

[golden_blunder]

He played very well today, credit to him.

But he will struggle a lot against teams that press him. He's not a natural DM, he's not comfortable with the ball at all in that position.

He's better than Pereira though for us because he also gives us a lot of options in attack, which is where he's the most useful for me.
Weird player Fellaini, a target man striker masquerading as a DM.

Why is that weird? The likes of Paul warhurst and dion Dublin used to play striker and cb. Fergie wasn’t afraid to play pally up front when he was chasing a goal so I don’t find it weird, just clever tactics

 

[Redo91]

I know he can “do a job” but is there a more limited player at an elite club in terms of his technique than Fellaini? You often see him do great work and win the ball back only for him to give it away after misplacing a simple pass. The first save from De Gea was a prime example. He was perfectly positioned and won the loose ball but then had a terrible touch and literally played the ball to a Watford player in our own box who nearly scored. It’s so frustrating.

 

[Hughie77]

He is the go to guy for games like Burnley, Watford. When there's lots of long balls, crosses etc. Been excellent, and I'm not his biggest fan, but he gives you something different. Had great world cup. Can't see him playing against teams who move ball quick not in the air. But a brilliant sub to bring on in games of that nature if we need a goal, or protecting a lead.

 

[Tincanalley]

Fantastic player. Full of heart and with no little skill. 11 George Bests would be fun, but no.

 

[meamth]

My man Fellaini. Always inspired me on how to deal with haters. This guy should have a statue by now.

 

[Buster15]

To be fair, Moyes did try to use him in that role but he failed miserably. His positioning was shocking and he looked totally out of place. He seems to be a completely different player in the same role now.

I wonder if it has anything to do with Jose's coaching by any chance.

That should provoke a response from the Jose out fans.

 

[Andycoleno9]

He is player with character. And now he is playing on best position for him. I am glad that he stayed

 

[Ekeke]

IIRC Mourinho put him straight in as the holding midfielder when he came in. Within a few games it was changed around.

I still feel like we'll pay for this when he gets in a position to make challenges inside our own box. But for now its working

 

[Bwuk]

IIRC Mourinho put him straight in as the holding midfielder when he came in. Within a few games it was changed around.

I still feel like we'll pay for this when he gets in a position to make challenges inside our own box. But for now its working

Yeah think it was a Pogba - Fellaini pivot for a while.

I agree though. I don't trust Fellaini in our own box. Never forget the Everton game.

 

[The_Midfielder]

He is the go to guy for games like Burnley, Watford. When there's lots of long balls, crosses etc. Been excellent, and I'm not his biggest fan, but he gives you something different. Had great world cup. Can't see him playing against teams who move ball quick not in the air. But a brilliant sub to bring on in games of that nature if we need a goal, or protecting a lead.

He is exactly the type of player we need against Liverpool.. to bypass their press. thats what we have been doing last few seasons

 

[Posh Red]

He is the go to guy for games like Burnley, Watford. When there's lots of long balls, crosses etc. Been excellent, and I'm not his biggest fan, but he gives you something different. Had great world cup. Can't see him playing against teams who move ball quick not in the air. But a brilliant sub to bring on in games of that nature if we need a goal, or protecting a lead.

Was he not a key component when we beat both City and Liverpool in the past?

 

[Tomuś]

Was he not a key component when we beat both City and Liverpool in the past?

Or Chelsea, or Arsenal, or Madrid. I actually prefer him in the big games than vs minnows. At least in previous years.

 

[stevoc]

IIRC Mourinho put him straight in as the holding midfielder when he came in. Within a few games it was changed around.

I still feel like we'll pay for this when he gets in a position to make challenges inside our own box. But for now its working

He did and initially he played well there for 2-3 games, but his limitations in the position soon became apparent and he switched to Herrera as the DM.

But back then he was in a 2 man midfield though and Fellaini often struggles in a two. With Matic in there beside him this time around it negates some of his limitations and allows him to do a specific job of breaking up and helping out the defenders.

 

[Acole9]

Very good again, his foot work was the only minor thing.

 

[haram]

Jose > Footballing Einsteins.

Dont be silly.

 

[AltiUn]

Do we reckon he'll be starting in Matic's spot against Wolves? I feel we'll play without Fellaini in the "false CB" role at home and have him as a more traditional DM role, maybe bring Fred in and play with Pogba and Fred ahead of Fellaini.

 

[Canagel]

When we play defensive and have to defend crosses and corners into our box he is perfect for that game. He has limitations with the ball at his feet but he is still a valuable member of the team and is a big reason for stabilizing the leaky defence we had at the beginning.

 

[andycolegangstainnit]

Do we reckon he'll be starting in Matic's spot against Wolves? I feel we'll play without Fellaini in the "false CB" role at home and have him as a more traditional DM role, maybe bring Fred in and play with Pogba and Fred ahead of Fellaini.

I think he will start as a "false CB" - that is a perfect description of him btw. Fred and Pgba can play ahead of him. Like Lukaku he gets derided for his lack of technique but in the modern games it takes all sorts. He can cause mayhem in the opposition box and can shut games down when he comes on as sub. He wouldn't be in my first choice 11 when we want to go on the front foot but he is a valuable squad member. He's taken some awful stick in the past but has come thru it. Good luck to the big man.

 

[AltiUn]

I think he will start as a "false CB" - that is a perfect description of him btw. Fred and Pgba can play ahead of him. Like Lukaku he gets derided for his lack of technique but in the modern games it takes all sorts. He can cause mayhem in the opposition box and can shut games down when he comes on as sub. He wouldn't be in my first choice 11 when we want to go on the front foot but he is a valuable squad member. He's taken some awful stick in the past but has come thru it. Good luck to the big man.

Mourinho does seem to have found the perfect role for Fellaini, hopefully he can keep up this form because he was a real asset the last two games I always felt Fellaini's technique gets criticised too much, it's nowhere near as bad as people make out to be, personally I actually think it's fairly decent. My issues with him lie when he stops playing football and just goes around fouling everyone.

 

[Dembeza]

Never forget the Everton game

The guy clearly dived, and the ref was Oliver. How is that pen Fellaine’s fault?

Edit.



For comparison, turn to 2:30, same ref but the penalty wasn’t given. This was a clear penalty.

 

[Aloysius's Back 3]

False CB was something a lot of fans had been saying for Jose to use since LVG was sacked since it was the next step needed to be taken after the initial 352. Especially since we had Blind at the time who would have been an insane false CB.

The improvement we are seeing right now is due to us playing the back 3 for the first time how we should have been using a false CB.

Seriously - is anyone surprised? Anyone remember the posters talking about 352 to be used with a false CB & also a false CF in the same team. When we actually include the false 9 our game will be immense due to the direct position that the they will take up on the pitch vertically from each other.

Looks like the Lvg fans were right hint check the name.

 

[andycolegangstainnit]

He's a false CB in that he's as good as CB aerially and as limited on the floor. Unlike a proper DM - Matic, Busquets, Carrick his passing is not up to dictating the play nor is his mobility (Kante). With our inverted wingers we do rely on the FB's getting forward. We either need three CB's or 2 + F9 - little difference really. Lindelof certainly looks a bit shaky in a two withur protection but has looked good in the last two games.

 

[Ekeke]

He did and initially he played well there for 2-3 games, but his limitations in the position soon became apparent and he switched to Herrera as the DM.

But back then he was in a 2 man midfield though and Fellaini often struggles in a two. With Matic in there beside him this time around it negates some of his limitations and allows him to do a specific job of breaking up and helping out the defenders.

The guy clearly dived, and the ref was Oliver. How is that pen Fellaine’s fault?

Edit.



For comparison, turn to 2:30, same ref but the penalty wasn’t given. This was a clear penalty.

Because its a clumsy leg stuck out and he didnt get the ball. Thats why the penalty was given.

 

[andycolegangstainnit]

He was clumsy against Everton. Some refs would've given it, some wouldn't. He's not faultless no-one is, for every Ronaldo goal five go in the stands. Mourinho knows he's a valuable asset to the squad and can do a job. Similar to Big Rom his touch not his strong point.

 

[RedCurry]

I've always thought Matic at the base of midifeld is quite an average player. Fellaini helps him play in a much more natural box-to-box role. The balance seems right.