De Ligt is just based on reputation now isn't he? He hasn't been good at all in club level for a few seasons hence him not getting a regular game at Bayern.
Will probably end up somewhere like Chelsea or PSG soon.
Virgil van Dijk | Performances
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) look forward to a new life under Ruben Amorim. What system will we be playing? What players will impress? and how will it all go? We also say goodbye to Ruud Van Nistelrooy and review United's 3-0 win at home against Leicester City.
De Ligt is just based on reputation now isn't he? He hasn't been good at all in club level for a few seasons hence him not getting a regular game at Bayern.
Will probably end up somewhere like Chelsea or PSG soon.
Playing 3 at the back doesn't go against their heritage at all? They've always used it
4-3-3 is the Rinus Michels/Cruyff heritage system.
There's a book on it if you want to order it:
Coaching the Dutch 4-3-3 – Coaching Dutch Soccer
From what I remember there was backlash when Van Gaal went 3-5-2 fully going into 2014 World cup but that was mainly to cover their lack of elite CBs at the time (had Ron Vlaar and Martins Indi as starters in those times).
It worked with them getting to within penalty shootout of the final and since then it's been a mixture with lack of world class striking talent so grudging acceptance until they develop a world class striker or two.
Have a look at how Cruyff's barcelona, or Ajax or the Netherlands of the 70s, or Van Gaal's Ajax in the 90s, lined up4-3-3 is the Rinus Michels/Cruyff heritage system.
There's a book on it if you want to order it:
Coaching the Dutch 4-3-3 – Coaching Dutch Soccer
From what I remember there was backlash when Van Gaal went 3-5-2 fully going into 2014 World cup but that was mainly to cover their lack of elite CBs at the time (had Ron Vlaar and Martins Indi as starters in those times).
It worked with them getting to within penalty shootout of the final and since then it's been a mixture with lack of world class striking talent so grudging acceptance until they develop a world class striker or two.
He has been in imperious form, especially he's committed to committing tackles , I know it's funny.
There is a tackle he did to stop a pass from KDB to Foden in the first half, it was sublime defending. I think he's the main factor to Liverpool wild dog pressing.
Liverpool attackers know now, VVD will sweep off anything behind them so they just press and press and press.
, I know it's funny.There is a tackle he did to stop a pass from KDB to Foden in the first half, it was sublime defending. I think he's the main factor to Liverpool wild dog pressing.
Liverpool attackers know now, VVD will sweep off anything behind them so they just press and press and press.
Have a look at how Cruyff's barcelona, or Ajax or the Netherlands of the 70s, or Van Gaal's Ajax in the 90s, lined up
Bit too young for that! The fantastic Dutch national team of late 90s/early 2000s always played 4-3-3 in the major tournaments unless I'm mistaken? (And Van Gaal was managing them then).
Was going to stick the Guardian article in the above post for the Michels era in the 70s:
What formation did Holland's Total Football side actually play? | Football | The Guardian
We're still playing with 3/5 at the back yeah.
We have plenty of Cb's indeed. Out of em all Stefan de Vrij has actually been the best performing one in Orange (though he's had a lot of injuries at key moments).
De Ligt on the other hand has been dire for the national team.
Our '74 Netherlands team played 4-3-3. Or have I always been entirely wrong about that??Have a look at how Cruyff's barcelona, or Ajax or the Netherlands of the 70s, or Van Gaal's Ajax in the 90s, lined up
Cruijff is definitely a 4-3-3 guy.
He is a 3-4-3 guy too. Remember his Barca "dream team".
He was very good today. Has kept things together through the injuries as a captain should.
I don't really, never been much of a Barca fan.
It started as a 4-3-3, then morphed into a 343. Same story in '78. Cruyff and Van Gaal in the 90s just played 343 straight up. Van Gaal at times would do the opposite, play a 343 that was really a 433
I'm actually genuinely surprised the national team hasn't attempted this with the current crop
Wow, Barend en Van Dorp. Blast from the past
I see what you mean. My interest in football stops a bit short of chalkboards
He's using his reading of the game and committing to tackles. He doesn't have the same freakish pace he once had for his size and build. He's defintely adjusted really well and seems to concentrate far better than he ever did.
When Koeman became the manager of the national team he claimed that he was going to change the style after van Gaal. He tried our 'normal' 4-3-3 but we conceded way too many goals. He reverted back to the van Gaal tactic with 3 at the back. Ake and van Dijk seem to be sure of their spot and the third spot is between de Ligt (who isnt great in a 3 at the back system), Timber (who has been injured all season), Geertruida has played there (but he is quite unproven at the highest level). De Vrij has been overlooked quite a bit for our national team over the years. Eventhough de Ligt hasnt been great for our national team he did cause that de Vrij had to sit on the bench a lot even when de Vrij was the best defender in the Serie A.
I do really like van de Ven but he is more for the left side. He competes with Ake and van Dijk so i dont think he will become a starter in the near future. I think it will be Timber, van Dijk and Ake when Timber will come back from his injury.
Only one team buzzing with the result, heh.
Was it me, or was he trying to footrace Rashford on 3rd goal when 10 yards away from goal?
Was it me, or was he trying to footrace Rashford on 3rd goal when 10 yards away from goal?
Neither Amad or Garnacho could dribble past him though.
One team was trying to play the game and fortunately that happened you btec Rio.
And they both had amazing games. Crazy.
He's very good at baiting people into over running or running away from goal because he's so big and athletic. However, he's really passive when it comes to closing down shots and getting closer when a shot is taken. Lindelof-esque in those moments.
He was their worst defender today. He was sleeping for their first goal, why wasn't he closing down Garnacho? Maybe didn't want to lose a dribble? He was shite for all our goals.
No opposition player I love to see losing more.
He never looks like he’s actively marking a player. He’s not a defender in the box, he’s a supervisor.
And pissing off Carragher in the process who is in awe of him…love it!
Virgin van Dijk
Yep.
He trusts his athleticism to get him close enough to bother the shot and close down angles and trusts his gk to take care of closing the other angle. It's defence by playing the odds, which on the whole is pretty smart. Occasionally the striker will hit it perfect and score a worldie - like Lautaro Martinez at Anfield - but the majority of the time it works, and is mucj less riskier than committing to a challenge. Especially so when he has Alisson behind him.
He's genuinely one of the best 1vs1 defenders ever, on the ball at least
The advantage of being able to go from one side of the box to the other in 3 strides
Would still put Robertson firmly at the top of that category.
Rashford always dunking on him
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I think lee Dixon is in love with him.
Never has a defender had more praise for just standing there watching attackers.
Wish more attackers would ignore his rep and just take him on.
Wish more attackers would ignore his rep and just take him on.
Utterly overrated, not even top 10 PL all time defenders.
As you say, it's playing by percentages and it's very effective. I play 5/7 aside a lot and I'm not particularly nimble or strong but I always show players on the outside to the point I will 'give' them a yard of space. Then as I know they can only do one of several things (go outside, take an extra touch or shoot etc) I will go across and close the space/block and not allow them to do anything comfortable. You'd have to have Messi/Mbappe level of first touch and acceleration to really do anything 'good' with that space. Not that I'm comparing myself to VVD or anything..
Anyways, yes he's great at those 1 vs 1 situations but his lack of closing down and getting tight is quite poor. He 'gets away' with it because Liverpool don't get attacked a lot and him slowing a player means, it allows his team mates to counter press/close the space, so it doesn't get punished as much. As I mentioned though, his shot blocking in the penalty box today was Lindelof-esque; really passive and non-committal.
To be fair, I think his ACL injury has taken away some of his ridiculous athleticism where maybe nowadays, he isn't as interested in duelling as much physically or throwing himself about (for last second interceptions/blocks etc). Reminds of Rio's later years where he became more mature and stepped in after reading the situation.
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I think he could definitely be the mainstay of the Liverpool defence for 3 more years
After all, he is legend. Stick with him Liverpool, he will carry you through post Klopp
After all, he is legend. Stick with him Liverpool, he will carry you through post Klopp
Will there be an inquest by Sky as to how this Liverpool team, led by there immortal captain and greatest defender of all time could concede 4 goals against this toothless United attack?
Arrogant cnut.