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If Smalling is fit to start and if we continue to play the 4-4-2 diamond, I don't think Blackett will start. But with Smalling and Shaw pretty fit this week, we could go back to playing 3-5-2 since LVG said last week we only play the 4-4-2 diamond since we didn't have enough defenders.
I think after last week's success, LVG will not change things yet. the diamond worked really well for us, so I think giving it another go is the best option.If Smalling is fit to start and if we continue to play the 4-4-2 diamond, I don't think Blackett will start. But with Smalling and Shaw pretty fit this week, we could go back to playing 3-5-2 since LVG said last week we only play the 4-4-2 diamond since we didn't have enough defenders.
Then he said this week that we have to look at the quality of the players we now have, meaning that he now feels we have a good enough squad to stand toe to toe with pretty much anyone. I don't see the merit of dropping an extra attacker for a defender, myself.If Smalling is fit to start and if we continue to play the 4-4-2 diamond, I don't think Blackett will start. But with Smalling and Shaw pretty fit this week, we could go back to playing 3-5-2 since LVG said last week we only play the 4-4-2 diamond since we didn't have enough defenders.
he has made by far the least mistakes among our defenders.
He could, right footed CB's play on the left side all the time but when a left footer plays on the right, it creates an issue. Obvously being a left footer, he would have played his career on the left side and would naturally feel more comfortable and I'm sure van Gaal would see it that way but if need be, he could play on the right side of the pair, it would be a last resort though.
Has he? How many/What mistakes have Smalling and Jones made?
He will eventually be better than any of Evans, Smalling or Jones I'm increasingly confident of that. In his first team games to date he has proven at the very least to be their equal and yes he has made the odd mistake but he will do at his age. His composure on the ball is remarkable considering not only his inexperience but also the fact that the entire team is in transition and he's been playing alongside players who are hardly commanding presences themselves. I'd keep him in for now no matter who's fit but LVG did say that Tyler had been "lucky" to get so many games due to injuries so that suggests he'll bench him soon. If he does it won't be for long as it's just a matter of time before Jones and Smalling are injured again and Evans is brainfarting goals away.
In 4 years you will repeat this post with the name Blackett in place of Evans and some youngster in place of Blackett.
I dont get the hype hes hype hes getting so far this season. Im obviously all for giving the young players a chance but people saying hes been our best defender are going overboard. He's made at least one blatant error in every game which havent been punished and apart from actually getting on the ball and passing it he's looked to stay out of the game as much as possible and play as a spare man which doesnt really work when youre playing as a centre half. Im not saying he doesnt deserve to get more chances but I cant see him playing a huge amount with a 4 man defence if we can ever get our other centre halves fit although thats not particularly likely.
Stats this season from Squawka
Name Appearances Pass accuracy Defensive Actions Duels won Defensive Errors Cards
Smalling 2 90% 6 83% 0 0
Evans 2 86% 9 47% 1 0
Jones 3 91% 12 69% 0 0
Rojo 1 92% 5 45% 0 0
Blackett 4 87% 7 50% 1 2
I dont get the hype hes hype hes getting so far this season. Im obviously all for giving the young players a chance but people saying hes been our best defender are going overboard. He's made at least one blatant error in every game
and apart from actually getting on the ball and passing it he's looked to stay out of the game as much as possible and play as a spare man which doesnt really work when youre playing as a centre half.
Im not saying he doesnt deserve to get more chances but I cant see him playing a huge amount with a 4 man defence if we can ever get our other centre halves fit although thats not particularly likely.
Stats this season from Squawka
Name Appearances Pass accuracy Defensive Actions Duels won Defensive Errors Cards
Smalling 2 90% 6 83% 0 0
Evans 2 86% 9 47% 1 0
Jones 3 91% 12 69% 0 0
Rojo 1 92% 5 45% 0 0
Blackett 4 87% 7 50% 1 2
It's strange, but I didn't think that he looked that good in the youth teams and was almost sure that he would be sold/released.
First team football really has been the making of him though.
Hopefully he can really push on and become a United regular for years to come.
He's been very composed and assured which for a 20 year-old with no previous first team experience, is impressive. No, he hasn't.
So, apart from looking to get on the ball and pass it assuringly he's looked to stay out of the game...great logic you people!
He's played well and as long as he continues to do so he deserves to play.
Please tell me what's wrong with those stats...
Yeah, it would be really harsh on him. As much as I want to see Shaw play, I'd be a bit disappointed if it was instead of Blackett.Be harsh not to start him today after his impressive displays of late, but now that Shaw's back, I can see him going in at left back, with Rojo partnering Evans.
He has done well for us but a tough away game might be better left to the more senior players. Evans rebounded pretty well against QPR. I think he will hold his place alongside Rojo.Be harsh not to start him today after his impressive displays of late, but now that Shaw's back, I can see him going in at left back, with Rojo partnering Evans.
I think he is being a tad over rated in here.
For example, (maybe I'm just seeing things) I'm sure Evans was being criticised for his performance in the Burnley game whilst there wasn't much talk on Blackett. Fact is, Blackett made quite a few questionable decisions on the ball as well. Defensively Jones was the best, but Burnley hardly threatened anyway.
It's nice to see an academy player in the first team, I just think perhaps we are getting a bit carried away. Same thing happened with James after the Galaxy game and it was evident in the Valencia game he wasn't quite good enough going forwards and didn't really fit in.
Huge difference between playing fairly well in a pre-season friendly, and playing every minute of the first for epl games of a season, and playing quite well in most of them.
I know. I'm just saying people had James down as a back up wing back, and then the Valencia game came and it was clear he wasn't ready/good enough.
Not saying Blackett isn't good enough, just that we shouldn't get carried away, especially when he has made some bad decisions. He's young, I get it, it doesn't mean we should just forget about it though.
Great shout. He really does seem like Ledley King. Composure, strength and maturity.Reminds me of a young Ledley king great prospect!
Reminds me of a young Ledley king great prospect!
How?