Tiemoue Bakayoko

[sullydnl]

The #6 and #8 at Chelsea were Makelele and Essien. I don't see any of those qualities in that midfield either.

Actually I think Makelele's contribution in that regard often gets sorely underrated, he contributed in terms of control and bulid-up too. Obviously he wasn't a Xavi-esque maestro but neither was he a pure destroyer sitting in front of the defence.

Surely in that midfield, it'd be Herrera who'd be the deepest midfielder? He played the role earlier in the season when we tried Pogba, Fellaini and him in a midfield three together.

Maybe it would, which would be a problem too as that isn't his best position.

 

[kouroux]

That part worries me, Ivory Coast are trying to get him and he won't play for France if he isn't starting at club level. So it's probably best for France if he is in a club were he is a guaranteed starter.

Unless he has a totem d'immunité like some players we know.

 

[Attila]

Bakayoko was a poor man Yaya when he started there and fell out with their previous coach. Makelele took a coaching role with Monaco and helped him change his game. Bakayoko didn't play that much until this season, so it's not like he has had plenty of chance to try and try again. Sometimes, another player's just more talented.

He hasn't fell out with anyone, he only had Jardim as coach and Makélélé doesn't have a coaching role at Monaco.

From the article above

Made by Makelele

While his old mentor from Rennes, Menu, can take some of the credit, the lion's share goes to Makelele.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder was brought to Monaco in a coaching role in January 2016. Although his own rocky relationship with Jardim meant he left last summer, the impact he had on Bakayoko is still being felt.

"He told me that I had a tendency to get distracted. It was true," Bakayoko told L'Equipe after heeding the words of the man who defined the defensive midfielder's role. "I took too many risks, but when you play in this position, you have to be calm and effective. He helped me channel myself."

While Makelele's advice has helped shape the Bakayoko of today, as a youngster, he dreamt of playing the more marauding game of Yaya Toure.

"If there's one player I admire, it's Yaya Toure," he said of the Manchester City and Ivory Coast star in 2011. "Because he has everything I would like to have in my game one day."

 

[Van Piorsing]

That part worries me, Ivory Coast are trying to get him and he won't play for France if he isn't starting at club level. So it's probably best for France if he is in a club were he is a guaranteed starter.

True, there may be a risk he may get Krychowiak in PSG treatment where player will just lay low in depth of the squad and slowly fade. The good news however is that United have finally started rating French players again. He may find a lot of chemistry and pitch communication with Pogba, Martial and perhaps even Griezmann in one club and that could help establish himself more as a starter in both teams.

The fact that Mourinho looks keen on selling almost half of his current midfield lineup sooner or later may help the player even more in making decision.

 

[JPRouve]

From the article above

Makélélé wasn't a coach, he was the president advisor and no one knows what his job was exactly.

 

[RedChip]

6 isn't an imaginary number.

 

[ROFLUTION]

Good with some stats, even though its different leagues. What does Possesion Score cover? Any stats on his passing abilities?

 

[kr0nix]

Good with some stats, even though its different leagues. What does Possesion Score cover? Any stats on his passing abilities?

Possession score is an aggregate of passing accuracy, forward/backward passes, key passes, chances created, assists, pass length among other things.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

His dribbling and drive with the ball is pretty special for a midfielder, we already have Pogba who can do it though. Lord knows what Mourinho is planning to do, the article from Castles also say we are interested in Saul for next summer. If that is true (which i have my doubts about), Mourinho really is going full muppet.

 

[ti vu]

His dribbling and drive with the ball is pretty special for a midfielder, we already have Pogba who can do it though. Lord knows what Mourinho is planning to do, the article from Castles also say we are interested in Saul for next summer. If that is true (which i have my doubts about), Mourinho really is going full muppet.

Mourinho was planning to do something with Chelsea midfield with both Essien and Gerrard, so it's not out of this world that he can do something with another midfielder with ability to burst through midfield along side Pogba

 

[MounchesterUtd]

How do you pronounce his first name? Tea-moo?

 

[Fraud]

-------------------Schneiderlin-----------------
-------TFM---------Carrick----------Blind------
Ñíguez--Bakayoko--Herrera--Pogba---Rakitic
------------Fellaini-----Schweinsteiger--------

 

[kr0nix]

How do you pronounce his first name? Tea-moo?

Tee-em-way

 

[Obiorahking_]

We need a Carrick replica, this guy is promising but isn't him.

 

[Jib]

Bakayoko and Herrera with Pogba?
He plays at his best with a player capable of organizing the game behind him. Bakayoko and Herrera can't do it.

The team will be built around Pogba for the next decade. So be sure to surround him well ffs

Weigl
Bakayoko Pogba

Bakayoko
Verratti Pogba

Things like that!

 

[Andre Kagawa]

We need a Carrick replica, this guy is promising but isn't him.

Seems the Carrick-type deeplying playmakers were produced in limited edition, sadly. This Bakayoko lad is undoubtably talented though and seems to possess all the athletic attributes for playing the holding role, even in the PL. Only having watched those Tube-comps, admittedly, I'd have worries regarding his defensive positional discipline. Those Yaya-esque (whom he himself says he admire) surging runs are like double edged swords depending on the set up. In our case such roaming from behind would mostly limit Pogba by taking up the same space.

If we would play him next to Pogba (with Carrick or some other disciplined DM behind) however, that could be an absolutely menacing midfield to play against. Herrera is already doing a superb job in that support role, but he can be improved upon (although I love him to bits).

Something like this for 2017/18, as CM:

______ De God
AV25 Bailly Lindelöf Shaw
______ Weigl
__ Bakayoko Pogba
Mkhi Rash/Ibra Martial

Or as CDM, if disciplined:

______ De God
AV25 Bailly Lindelöf Shaw
______ Bakayoko
__ Rakitic Pogba
Mkhi Rash/Ibra Martial

 

[Jib]

______ De God
AV25 Bailly Lindelöf Shaw
______ Bakayoko
__ Rakitic Pogba
Mkhi Rash/Ibra Martial

Rakitic is a workhorse, we need a #8 like Thiago, Verratti, Modric, Kovacic if Bakayoko plays as CDM

 

[notcool]

Maybe this video highlights him better as a holding midfielder:

Spoiler: Tiemoue Bakayoko 2016/17

I know he likes to go on those runs but that is something that William Carvalho does and no-one would dispute that he is a #6.

Seems assured in his tackling, whereas someone like Herrera is more hectic. That marks him out as a #6, I think. You need someone in that position who is controlled.

 

[OohAahMartial]

Somewhat concerned if its up to date that he has never had an assist and only scored 2 goals (as per that video). We struggle enough for goals as it is.

 

[Welbeckham]

True, there may be a risk he may get Krychowiak in PSG treatment where player will just lay low in depth of the squad and slowly fade.

If that's the case with Krychowiak, could he move again? Because I don't think that's a bad option. He was brilliant with Sevilla and good in Euros last summer. His position is the holding midfielder, and his passing (and defending) is superior to the likes of Schneiderlin.

 

[notcool]

@OohAahMartial
His midfield partner (Fabinho) has scored 8 goals this season so I guess it's not his role. Monaco have been playing 4-4-2 a lot this season so it seems his job is to be an old-fashioned destroyer (with Fabinho the creator).

Edit: Fabinho only has 5 goals this season, per whoscored.

 

[ROFLUTION]

Not totally convinced by the videos. Comes off a bit clumpsy at times, but at least he's tall.

Fabinho sounds more interesting - can play both Ander and Carricks role from what I understand.

 

[Chaky_Best]

How do you pronounce his first name? Tea-moo?

It's Ti-Mou-Hey

 

[OohAahMartial]

@OohAahMartial
His midfield partner (Fabinho) has scored 8 goals this season so I guess it's not his role. Monaco have been playing 4-4-2 a lot this season so it seems his job is to be an old-fashioned destroyer (with Fabinho the creator).

From what I have read before on here it is Fabinho that is the #6.

Its weird also that we were strongly linked to Fabinho first (by Dunc again). Makes me wonder if Monaco are just pimping their players to us.

 

[notcool]

From what I have read before on here it is Fabinho that is the #6.

Take Arsenal. If they have Cazorla and Coquelin in midfield, which one is performing Carrick's role? Cazorla provides the passing but Coquelin is better defensively. Actually, Fabinho only scored 5 goals this season. It's a bit more than Bakayoko though, who has only 2.

 

[AgentP]

@OohAahMartial
His midfield partner (Fabinho) has scored 8 goals this season so I guess it's not his role. Monaco have been playing 4-4-2 a lot this season so it seems his job is to be an old-fashioned destroyer (with Fabinho the creator).

Edit: Fabinho only has 5 goals this season, per whoscored.

I don't think too many of those goals are from open play. From what I remember, isn't he their main penalty taker?

 

[VP89]

Interesting if he is the profile we are looking for to replace Carrick. A powerhouse trio full of energy would work well, but I'm concerned as to whether we can truly control certain games without a player like Carrick.

 

[P-Nut]

Interesting if he is the profile we are looking for to replace Carrick. A powerhouse trio full of energy would work well, but I'm concerned as to whether we can truly control certain games without a player like Carrick.

I think people are getting too caught up in this whole replacing Carrick scenario. Yes it's good to have a player like him that can dictate the game but it isn't essential.

Most peoples concerns seem to be against the lesser sides that are just going to sit 10 men behind the ball and we dominate possession.

Well the solution with a pure destroyer mid is that it allows more freedom to your other CMs to push further up field aswell allows both full backs going as your CDM can create a back 3 with your 2 cbs.

With a player like Carrick as your deepest midfielder you still need at least one full back to cover. Along with one of the CMs playing slightly deeper.

 

[notcool]

I don't think too many of those goals are from open play. From what I remember, isn't he their main penalty taker?

Could be. I'm just putting two and two together and coming up with five.

 

[Martia11]

There are noises about Jose wanting both him and Niguez. Wonder how a midfield 3 of Pogba on the left, Niguez on the right and Bakayoko behind them would work. Then if we manage to get all of our targets, we can lineup like. Lindelof might offset the lack of long range passing a bit I feel if we get him. Someday we could have

De Gea
Semedo Bailly Lindelof Shaw
Bakayoko
Niguez Pogba
Mkhitaryan Griezmann Martial​

Yes I am a muppet but this team is potentially a CL winning side.

 

[VP89]

I think people are getting too caught up in this whole replacing Carrick scenario. Yes it's good to have a player like him that can dictate the game but it isn't essential.

Most peoples concerns seem to be against the lesser sides that are just going to sit 10 men behind the ball and we dominate possession.

Well the solution with a pure destroyer mid is that it allows more freedom to your other CMs to push further up field aswell allows both full backs going as your CDM can create a back 3 with your 2 cbs.

With a player like Carrick as your deepest midfielder you still need at least one full back to cover. Along with one of the CMs playing slightly deeper.

I think having a composed deep lying midfielder is still essential in big games though. With us letting go of Schneiderlin and Schweinstiger and Carrick maybe leaving by next season, we might get another body in alongside Bakayoko.

 

[P-Nut]

I think having a composed deep lying midfielder is still essential in big games though. With us letting go of Schneiderlin and Schweinstiger and Carrick maybe leaving by next season, we might get another body in alongside Bakayoko.

Yeah that wouldn't suprise me to be honest. I'd love the rumours of Saul to be true as I rate him as the next great Spanish midfielder but I can't see why Barcelona wouldn't be interested with Busquets getting older.

 

[GBBQ]

I think people are getting too caught up in this whole replacing Carrick scenario. Yes it's good to have a player like him that can dictate the game but it isn't essential.

I think Carrick's impact was huge in the early games he played because we weren't getting enough out of Pogba, Zlatan and Mkhitaryan. I think with those 3 settled in the team the onus isn't on the defensive midfielder to create chances as much, just needs to link play from Defense to Attack.

 

[Dante]

Okay...

I'm just putting this out there so I can look like a genius in 3 year's time.

If this interest is real, it may be Mourinho trying to counteract Europe's most popular footballing philosophy.

Over the years, there have been teams that defined eras of football. Be they sides that emphasised defensive solidity or direct wide play or tikki takka or high pressing. Every single one of those tactics has existed for decades, but we've had a copy-cat effect when the best side around adopts one of them. We saw it during the Makalele era at Real Madrid and the Pep era at Barcelona. Most recently, Klopp and Simeone seem to be the most fashionable coaches in Europe. Their philosophies aren't revolutionary, it's just that they've had extremely talented squads suited to playing a certain way. And that's led to every other manager thinking they can do the same.

If we created a midfield of Pogba, Bakayoko and Herrera can you imagine how difficult it would be to close down? Teams wouldn't be sure what to do. Strength, pace, tight control and the ability to dribble out of danger. It's the perfect way to kill the most popular tactic of the day. Mourinho achieved the same thing in Spain when he made Real a top counter-attacking team in the face of Barca's possession dominance. We'll head into Europe knowing exactly what to do to nullify the best sides.

Talent will be the most important factor, ultimately, but I can see a logic if this is indeed the direction we're heading.

 

[JPRouve]

I don't think too many of those goals are from open play. From what I remember, isn't he their main penalty taker?

He is indeed the main penalty taker.

 

[Icemav]

Okay...

I'm just putting this out there so I can look like a genius in 3 year's time.

If this interest is real, it may be Mourinho trying to counteract Europe's most popular footballing philosophy.

Over the years, there have been teams that defined eras of football. Be they sides that emphasised defensive solidity or direct wide play or tikki takka or high pressing. Every single one of those tactics has existed for decades, but we've had a copy-cat effect when the best side around adopts one of them. We saw it during the Makalele era at Real Madrid and the Pep era at Barcelona. Most recently, Klopp and Simeone seem to be the most fashionable coaches in Europe. Their philosophies aren't revolutionary, it's just that they've had extremely talented squads suited to playing a certain way. And that's led to every other manager thinking they can do the same.

If we created a midfield of Pogba, Bakayoko and Herrera can you imagine how difficult it would be to close down? Teams wouldn't be sure what to do. Strength, pace, tight control and the ability to dribble out of danger. It's the perfect way to kill the most popular tactic of the day. Mourinho achieved the same thing in Spain when he made Real a top counter-attacking team in the face of Barca's possession dominance. We'll head into Europe knowing exactly what to do to nullify the best sides.

Talent will be the most important factor, ultimately, but I can see a logic if this is indeed the direction we're heading.

And why not. Would be exciting. A group of athletic skillful ball winning midfielders who can interchange between sitting deep or going box2box.

I would love a midfield depth chart of Herrera, Pogba, Bakayoko, Strootman, Miki and the ever enduring Carrick (and keep an eye on Wiegl).

With this in mind yes I would take a punt on Strootman who is back doing the business.

 

[Adam-Utd]

It'll give us more legs in the middle, allow us to rotate while still keeping pace and power in the midfield. It's a great idea.

 

[pocco]

Nobody else from the top teams plays with a Carrick. To think we need a like-for-like replacement is wrong. In my opinion we might be even better with an athletic destroyer that is no slouch on the ball.

 

[DWelbz19]

Unless he has a totem d'immunité like some players we know.

Who would that be? Lass Diarra?

 

[Maradona10]

People wanting Carrick clone to replace carrick forget carrick was never Roy keane. Like for like is never possible. Hell we replaced Ronaldo with Valencia and still won the league. We wont find another carrick, We will have to adjust the way we play. Thats what we did after keane.