Saúl Ñíguez \ Joins Chelsea on loan

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Thought SMS and Bruno were the new Sneidjer and Gaitan. Turns out it's this guy

 

[Devil may care]

Saul is a very good box to box CM but I think we need a proepr holding CM who is a great passer of the ball and can thread it through the lines accurately and consistently.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

It's pretty much an impossible signing if you ask me as I see this guy very loyal to Atl Madrid. It's like asking De Rossi to leave AS Roma. However, if the news that Atl Madrid is in financial crisis then may be it is not impossible.

To me this is the transfer that depends on Pogba leaving not Grealish. This guy suits as Pogba's replacement. Playing in 6, 8 & 10. He even played wide midfielder & cover the centre back before. Grealish on the other hand is a 10, winger or CAM.

 

[andersj]

Saul is a very good box to box CM but I think we need a proepr holding CM who is a great passer of the ball and can thread it through the lines accurately and consistently.

This. And that is Partey?!

Maybe Saul would be a more natural replacement for Pogba? Very different and not as talented (who is?!). But it is a bit weird with AM-players as their system is so different from any other team at that level.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

This. And that is Partey?!

Maybe Saul would be a more natural replacement for Pogba? Very different and not as talented (who is?!). But it is a bit weird with AM-players as their system is so different from any other team at that level.

If you look at the data alone it looks more like Partey is the box to box midfielder and Saul the DM. Quick look over the last few years Saul has consistently had the better defensive stats. Saul from the looks of it also attempts a lot more passes than Partey which could explain the discrepancy in the passing percentages.

I’d prefer Saul, just think he is a better player and would suit what we want/ need more. He for me also has that thing Bruno has which is workrate, fight and leadership.

 

[Rocknrolla69er]

Just a thought

Do we really need a specialised "DM"? If for instance we had two pivots behind Bruno, who have really impressive defensive stats but you wouldnt class them as DM's.

Brunos possesion recycling is brilliant, has anybody seen Mctominays defensive stats? I know they were pretty impressive. I really dont think we d need a specialist DM such as Partey if we had the following, as somebody pointed out Sauls defensive stats are actually better than Parteys

Ive purposely left Pogba out the equation, but even adding Pogba in there for any of the three i still think you d have the defensive quality amongst them to function very effectivley

...............Bruno
........Saul.....Mctominay

 

[limerickcitykid]

If you look at the data alone it looks more like Partey is the box to box midfielder and Saul the DM. Quick look over the last few years Saul has consistently had the better defensive stats. Saul from the looks of it also attempts a lot more passes than Partey which could explain the discrepancy in the passing percentages.

I’d prefer Saul, just think he is a better player and would suit what we want/ need more. He for me also has that thing Bruno has which is workrate, fight and leadership.

Having better defensive stats doesn’t mean you’re playing a sitting DM role. In fact it’s more often the highest defensive stats are obtained by box to box players who are free to fly around into challenges all over the pitch.

 

[andersj]

If you look at the data alone it looks more like Partey is the box to box midfielder and Saul the DM. Quick look over the last few years Saul has consistently had the better defensive stats. Saul from the looks of it also attempts a lot more passes than Partey which could explain the discrepancy in the passing percentages.

Depends on what data. It is only natural that an aggressive box-to-box player makes more interceptions and tackles than a more laid-back, balancing DM.

It is worth noting that Partey has more touches (per 90 min in La Liga) in their own penalty box, the defensive third and middle third. Niguez, on the other hand, has more touches (compared to Partey) on the attacking third and the attacking penalty box. It is also worth noting that Partey is quite much more progressive in his passing, meaning that significantly more of his passes moves towards the opponents box and Partey's passes travel a (significantly) longer distance towards the opponents goal. It dont mean that much, but it is a strong indication that he sits deeper than Niguez.

 

[Sanche7]

It's pretty much an impossible signing if you ask me as I see this guy very loyal to Atl Madrid. It's like asking De Rossi to leave AS Roma. However, if the news that Atl Madrid is in financial crisis then may be it is not impossible.

To me this is the transfer that depends on Pogba leaving not Grealish. This guy suits as Pogba's replacement. Playing in 6, 8 & 10. He even played wide midfielder & cover the centre back before. Grealish on the other hand is a 10, winger or CAM.

From what I've seen he's nowhere near as creative as Pogba, or as good a dribbler. He's like a better version of Herrera. If Pogba leaves we'll need a creative midfielder and Saul is not the most creative midfielder out there. IMO he's the perfect link between DM and AM, able to contribute in both attack and defense while being not fantastic at either

 

[andersj]

From what I've seen he's nowhere near as creative as Pogba, or as good a dribbler. He's like a better version of Herrera. If Pogba leaves we'll need a creative midfielder and Saul is not the most creative midfielder out there. IMO he's the perfect link between DM and AM, able to contribute in both attack and defense while being not fantastic at either

Well, we added a creative midfielder in january. And we will probably add a creative RW to the squad this summer regardless of Pogba.

 

[Sanche7]

Well, we added a creative midfielder in january. And we will probably add a creative RW to the squad this summer regardless of Pogba.

IMO we would still need another creative CM even if he's just backup. Pogba money for Saul + Grealish would be fantastic but just depending on Bruno could cost us especially if we are looking to compete for all major trophies. A Bruno - Saul - Zakaria midfield with Grealish, McSauce and Fred as backup would be one of the best midfields in league

 

[reddevilchennai]

IMO we would still need another creative CM even if he's just backup. Pogba money for Saul + Grealish would be fantastic but just depending on Bruno could cost us especially if we are looking to compete for all major trophies. A Bruno - Saul - Zakaria midfield with Grealish, McSauce and Fred as backup would be one of the best midfields in league

This is never going to happen. We will be spending heavily on Sancho and no way we are going to buy these three along with him. We have already purchased Bruno last winter window.

With Pogba:
Bruno Pogba Fred Partey/Zakaria

Without Pogba:
Bruno Saul/Zakaria Fred Grealish. Even getting Grealish and Saul/Zakaria will be a tough one to do in a single window.

 

[Sanche7]

This is never going to happen. We will be spending heavily on Sancho and no way we are going to buy these three along with him. We have already purchased Bruno last winter window.

With Pogba:
Bruno Pogba Fred Partey/Zakaria

Without Pogba:
Bruno Saul/Zakaria Fred Grealish. Even getting Grealish and Saul/Zakaria will be a tough one to do in a single window.

Don't think so personally. The most difficult deal out of the three is Saul. If rumours are to be believed, we are already negotiating for Grealish and there's also some reports linking is with Zakaria.
We are probably looking to bring in a DM irrespective if the Pogba situation, so if Pogba is sold for say 100 million, if we can get Grealish(40-50 mill) + Saul(70-80 mill) for 110-120 mill, we only have to spend around 20 mill. Plus we can sell Lingz + Pereira. I know it's improbable but not impossible. But all this talk about Saul is most probably BS, don't see him leaving Atleti

 

[Brightonian]

Saul is a brilliant player but would only make sense as a signing if he's a direct Pogba replacement.

He's a box-to-box CM with particular strengths as a distributor from deep and also for driving runs right into the box, both things which are also key Pogba qualities. Buy him and keep Pogba and we end up with too many box-to-box CMs (Pogba, Fred, McTominay and Saul) and still no specialist DM apart from Matic.

 

[SilentWitness]

Saul is a brilliant player but would only make sense as a signing if he's a direct Pogba replacement.

He's a box-to-box CM with particular strengths as a distributor from deep and also for driving runs right into the box, both things which are also key Pogba qualities. Buy him and keep Pogba and we end up with too many box-to-box CMs (Pogba, Fred, McTominay and Saul) and still no specialist DM apart from Matic.

I think that Liverpool have shown that you can succeed without a specialist DM if you pack a midfield with runners and have fullbacks who can operate as runners too. I think Ole has a vision where he wants to be a hybrid between a Klopp and SAF team from what I watch of you anyway.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

From what I've seen he's nowhere near as creative as Pogba, or as good a dribbler. He's like a better version of Herrera. If Pogba leaves we'll need a creative midfielder and Saul is not the most creative midfielder out there. IMO he's the perfect link between DM and AM, able to contribute in both attack and defense while being not fantastic at either

He's creative enough to me and unlike Herrera, he likes to play risky passes and to back it up, you can tell from his passing completion as well.

"creative" word is once again what people don't see why managers played Pogba deeper. We have Bruno as source of the creative end product while Pogba to come deep and bring the ball from the back pass through the midfield. It's something that Saul is also capable of.

 

[Okey]

From what I've seen he's nowhere near as creative as Pogba, or as good a dribbler. He's like a better version of Herrera. If Pogba leaves we'll need a creative midfielder and Saul is not the most creative midfielder out there. IMO he's the perfect link between DM and AM, able to contribute in both attack and defense while being not fantastic at either

Exactly this. Saul is the upgrade on Herrera. Everything Herrera is, just much better. Definitely not a Pogba. DM, Saul and Bruno is quite a very good and balanced midfield. If Pogba is leaving, his money buying Zakaria/Partey and Saul would be a perfect reinvestment IMO.

 

[Okey]

IMO we would still need another creative CM even if he's just backup. Pogba money for Saul + Grealish would be fantastic but just depending on Bruno could cost us especially if we are looking to compete for all major trophies. A Bruno - Saul - Zakaria midfield with Grealish, McSauce and Fred as backup would be one of the best midfields in league

Ah. Just saw this. Amen brother. That'll get us competing properly. Locally and in Europe. We've had such a poor midfield for years really. Crying shame...

 

[Brightonian]

From what I've seen he's nowhere near as creative as Pogba, or as good a dribbler. He's like a better version of Herrera. If Pogba leaves we'll need a creative midfielder and Saul is not the most creative midfielder out there. IMO he's the perfect link between DM and AM, able to contribute in both attack and defense while being not fantastic at either

Have you seen his goal against Bayern? The boy can dribble.

He's kind of a Herrera type player who turns into a Pogba when he gets into the attacking third.

 

[SATA]

Surely we can’t leave Fred out of the starting XI if we buy Saul and Pogba stays?

 

[Ekeke]

Would be a quality signing but just don't see them selling for anything as low as £75m

Its a really high number as far as I'm concerned.

I can't imagine a team paying that much for him. He's a good player but I dont think many CMs are worth £70+ million. I think a fair price would be £60 million for Saul, £50 million for Partey if either of them wanted to leave.

 

[Champagne Football]

Every year we're told Atletico have financial problems and might sell Saul and Partey. Then when summer comes Atletico spend vast fortunes on players like Felix and Thomas Lemar, and Saul and Partey go nowhere unless Atletico have a youngster coming through who is even better than someone in the first team.

 

[Ekeke]

Every year we're told Atletico have financial problems and might sell Saul and Partey. Then when summer comes Atletico spend vast fortunes on players like Felix and Thomas Lemar, and Saul and Partey go nowhere unless Atletico have a youngster coming through who is even better than someone in the first team.

And then they're 4th-6th in the league

 

[Champagne Football]

And then they're 4th-6th in the league

Well I think if they can find buyers for Diego Costa and Lemar then they might not need to sell any key players.

 

[Ekeke]

Well I think if they can find buyers for Diego Costa and Lemar then they might not need to sell any key players.

Sorry I guess I should have expanded, my point was more that suggesting they have multiple players who are worth like £75 million+ while they're 5th or 6th in the league doesnt make any sense.

If they arent star players who are pulling their own team into the top 3 then they arent going to do it for us.

Over the entire season AWB has probably been our 2nd best player after Rashford but I don't think that means he's a £75 million RB. And we're 5th in the premier league which is around the same standard as 5th in Spain. Atletico are 6th although only 2 points off 3rd. Around the same.

Saul has been their best player but its not like losing him would lose Atletico 10 points over the course of the season and its not like we'd suddenly get 10 more points over a season.

 

[InterFan1998]

It sounded like you were saying Atletico are constantly 4th - 6th in La Liga. The last time they finished in those positions was 8 years ago. They've finished 2nd last two years in a row.

They are having a worse season because they lost the majority of their backbone and experienced players - Godin, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Griezmann.

They are also in the quarter final of the CL meaning top 8 teams in all of Europe. Also the season hasn't finished and they could easily finish in the top 3 again this season.

I'm sure a lot of people would value Pogba at more than 75 million despite him being on a 5th place team in England that is not in the CL. Maguire was valued at 80 million etc. and lots if people value Rashford and Bruno Fernandes at a high price too.

 

[R0nald0]

Very similar to Herrera for me - all rounder and no major flaws but not amazing at anything either.I could be wrong though as I don't watch as much La Liga as some of you!

 

[Isotope]

What we need is Schweinsteiger or Rijkaard type. An aggressive DM who's comfortable with his passing. I think we can save money by grooming McTom for this position.

 

[Devil may care]

This. And that is Partey?!

Maybe Saul would be a more natural replacement for Pogba? Very different and not as talented (who is?!). But it is a bit weird with AM-players as their system is so different from any other team at that level.

Both Partey and Saul strike me more as all round CM's, plenty of graft and energy and good all round games witho9ut being truly outstanding in any singular department. I feel with Fred and McTominay we have two all action box to box CM's with decent all round skillsets and great engines, I'd like to see us get a Carrick type of DLP.

 

[Fahad Jawaid]

This signing does not make sense unless Pogba leaves. I was an advocate of Grealish signing because, he would be used as a substitute for Bruno or Rashford and wont make a fuss if is not starting every week.

Whereas if we sign him Saul he will always start and, i don't think any midfield combination with Saul, Bruno and Pogba will work unless we play a diamond, which will make Sancho signing pointless as he is a winger.

Furthermore what happens with Rashford or Martial if we play a diamond and sign Sancho then one of these two will be on the bench.

Therefore as per my understanding this is all baseless rumor and has no legs.

 

[sp_107]

With a midfield like Saul,Partey, Llorante and Koke, Why A-Madrid are not doing well in LaLiga (45 points from 27 games)?

 

[davidmichael]

I think Saúl Niguez is an amazing player BUT bringing him in only makes sense IF Pogba is sold, as someone said having Fernandes ahead of McTominay or Fred alongside Saúl Niguez is a very well balanced midfield trio.

Personally I’d rather we signed a pure defensive midfielder and Grealish if we sold Pogba as I think no matter what we need a pure defensive midfielder no matter who leaves or comes in as we only have Matic.

 

[Stadjer]

With a midfield like Saul,Partey, Llorante and Koke, Why A-Madrid are not doing well in LaLiga (45 points from 27 games)?

Marota is their striker

 

[croadyman]

It's pretty much an impossible signing if you ask me as I see this guy very loyal to Atl Madrid. It's like asking De Rossi to leave AS Roma. However, if the news that Atl Madrid is in financial crisis then may be it is not impossible.

To me this is the transfer that depends on Pogba leaving not Grealish. This guy suits as Pogba's replacement. Playing in 6, 8 & 10. He even played wide midfielder & cover the centre back before. Grealish on the other hand is a 10, winger or CAM.

Yeah I do get the impression that he is very loyal to his club similar to Verratti at PSG

 

[Rozay]

Yeah I do get the impression that he is very loyal to his club similar to Verratti at PSG

Verratti is a prisoner in Paris who would would have left us his club were the type that allow their good players to leave.

 

[Icemav]

Just a thought

Do we really need a specialised "DM"? If for instance we had two pivots behind Bruno, who have really impressive defensive stats but you wouldnt class them as DM's.

Brunos possesion recycling is brilliant, has anybody seen Mctominays defensive stats? I know they were pretty impressive. I really dont think we d need a specialist DM such as Partey if we had the following, as somebody pointed out Sauls defensive stats are actually better than Parteys

Ive purposely left Pogba out the equation, but even adding Pogba in there for any of the three i still think you d have the defensive quality amongst them to function very effectivley

...............Bruno
........Saul.....Mctominay

If there is no Pogba then this makes sense.

 

[James Peril]

And then they're 4th-6th in the league

I’m confused, when did Atletico last finish 6th? And from what I read on here, we’d love to finsh 4th... so perhaps bringing Saul is a masterstroke in that regard

 

[Fortitude]

If this Saul talk isn't fluff, this would be the first time I'd believe Pogba is actually on his way.

Not sure if it's a trade off I'd want despite rating Saul in the top percentile of CM's.

Creative duties are thrust solely on Fernandes in that trade off, which is what we should be actively working to avoid.

 

[DelPotro]

I highly doubt this transfer would happen. His contract is very tricky iirc. A third party owns certain % of his rights, which means a large chunk of the transfer money won't go to Atletico. Why would they sell if they end up only getting 40-50m for a player like him? Saul and Koke both love the club so it's unlikely they would push for a transfer.

 

[Ekeke]

I’m confused, when did Atletico last finish 6th? And from what I read on here, we’d love to finsh 4th... so perhaps bringing Saul is a masterstroke in that regard

I'm talking about current form. They are 6th.

We should already have enough for 4th if we use it correctly.