Along with Savage, played extremely well. Composure and close control that helped navigate the midfield and he was trying to find passes that put us on the front foot too, whilst also getting back into a proper defensive position when Savage would push on with a press. Had less issues than McTominnay and against much higher quality players.
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We came out for the 2nd half with a completely new team of youngsters while Liverpool put on their big guns and needed to do much better in the 2nd half.
Considering who they were up against Savage and Iqbal did great. And the team in general did well in the circumstances after 60 mins or so when the 2nd team started to get to grips with the game after a poor start to the half. Savage mainly impressed with a couple of nice distance passes to find teammates and getting stuck in, while Iqbal impressed with his composure and ability to go past players and find a successful outcome, whilst also helping out dropping into a defensive position as needed. Good to see him have that responsible side and not just working hard when we have the ball and he can show off a bit, like Amad.
That's my problem with the praise. It reminds me of the Mctominay situation. He runs around and brings energy, yet the attackers barely get the ball in positions to attack. Then people praise Mctominay and have issues with our attackers despite the fact that their poor performance was due to the lack of supply.
Never seen him play outside of this game, but looked promising and calm on the ball. And on that side felt he stood out a bit. Will be interesting to see how he develops, and goes as the tour continues.
A 19 year old Savage played better than he did and it was against a stronger level of opponent. Think thats very different to McTom who is 6 years older and has been a starter for us. Savage absolutely did find a couple of good Carrick-like passes to spread play and help bring the ball to the attackers. The problem is it was against Fabinho and Thiago, not against kids, so yeah he couldnt do it every time he got the ball.
I don’t think they have been installed yet
After listening to what Ton Heaton said i think ypur right, the youth team will be much closer to the first team in term of training and integration.
0:19; 0:46.
Balls like grapefruits.
Also, 1:05. Sweet long pass.
Those two highlights show exactly what Frenkie de Jong is also very good at. Guess ten Hag can always play Iqbal instead if he doesnt get Frenkie...
But they were getting the balls into the attackers and they weren't making it stick. I take your point about transition through the midfield third generally but that wasn't an issue yesterday, the issue was squarely with the attackers (DvB included)
If Savage and Iqbal had played the first half.with Sancho, Martial and Rashford in the mood they were in. It would have been an even better performance imo.
Isnt Hannibal typically deployed higher in the pitch ? I always thought of Hannibal as a CAM/ advanced playmaker whereas seeing highlights from Zidane he felt like a DLP.
Either case, he really looked brilliant on the ball, showed some flair when carrying the ball and this was indeed against a high pressing team. The kid has talent i got some Xavi vibes but this could be me being overly excited when i see young prospects doing fancy footwork
Exactly!
To me, aside from just getting a brilliant player, a big benefit of de Jong joining is that future generations will look up to him and try and emulate his style. We already have Galbraith, Mejbri and Iqbal utilising the la pelopina, and Gore and Mainoo from the next gen, too. The more players we develop who have this skill in their arsenal, the better.
Looked really good and I believe this lad has a real chance.
What I liked is that he was always willing to receive the ball under pressure, he had good awareness of what was going on around him and he was constantly looking to turn. These things are very difficult to teach.
Sure, a couple of his longer passes didn't come off but I think that's easier to either a) practice or b) just stop doing so much.
I am really, really hoping we see more of these technically very comfortable, press-resistant players. Who knows, we might have a mini-Jorginho/FDJ type player on our hands - even if there's a long way to go yet!
What I liked is that he was always willing to receive the ball under pressure, he had good awareness of what was going on around him and he was constantly looking to turn. These things are very difficult to teach.
Sure, a couple of his longer passes didn't come off but I think that's easier to either a) practice or b) just stop doing so much.
I am really, really hoping we see more of these technically very comfortable, press-resistant players. Who knows, we might have a mini-Jorginho/FDJ type player on our hands - even if there's a long way to go yet!
Getting a bit much, think we need to slow down and remember it's pre-season, he looks like he has a good centre gravity and can turn very easily with a decent pass, haven't seen the defensive side of his game and it's very rare a CM at his age is ready for PL football. It was a good cameo but think it's getting a bit carried away.
I don't think anyone thinks he is read for PL football. Alot of fans are just happy to see a CM that can pass.
Considering we are in the Europa, he has every chance to play alot of games in those games.
Havent searched but he's 19? surely its not unusual to see a CM playing in the PL at 19?
Serious ability. He looked a little nervous yesterday, which is to be expected, but the lad can have a big future. Wonderful technique and balance.
It was a good game for him. We know he's got a bit of talent but more impressive was how confident he looked on the ball. That can't be taught.
Sounds good if true, it's always great to see youths comming up the ranks.
I'd like to see him played in CM alongside Fred with Rashford, Fernandes, Martial, Sancho ahead. Think that could be really nice balance.
Impressed me from what i saw. Loved his ability to take the ball on the half turn. Probably will need to bulk out a little bit more but would like to see him given a run of games in the 1st half of the season instead of going out on loan
How did he and Savage do defensively? Were they bypassed easily, or were they able to get stuck in some?
Savage was playing the deeper role, shielding the defenders. He covered well. Cut out a couple of passes from midfield, made a good block from the wings, couple of clearances from the box.
If I was Ten Hag I would play him in a 2 man midfield vs City and Liverpool away and see how he handles the pressure. If he swims he swims.
You mean if you were crazy....
I know it’s one game but which player did he remind people off from his half turns and dribbles?
Or we can pick and choose games and develop him carefully like any other managers do.
I'd love for him to make it here. But I thought he looked miles off if we're talking about giving him PL minutes this season. Every touch was a turn backwards to run towards his own goal. And so were most of his passes.
He has, however, got fantastic natural balance that allows him to turn on a dime. His first touch is also very good. So I can see why so many people were impressed. He's definitely got some decent tools to work with.
I think he needs to stay with the U23s for another season or two before going on loan. He's not ready for any level of senior football yet, let alone PL.
He has, however, got fantastic natural balance that allows him to turn on a dime. His first touch is also very good. So I can see why so many people were impressed. He's definitely got some decent tools to work with.
I think he needs to stay with the U23s for another season or two before going on loan. He's not ready for any level of senior football yet, let alone PL.
Blend of Pele and Maradona
Thanks for the update.
This kid is going to get stopped so much at Airport security because he’s got some balls of steel.
Modric clone
He’s been excellent so far in pre-season.
Does he usually play in a double pivot for the academy? Or as a 10?
Does he usually play in a double pivot for the academy? Or as a 10?
Very impressive. Smooth in possession and always looking for the ball and looking to make something happen. Everything donny should be but isn't. Great that we moved on so much dead wood this summer. Hopefully some of these young lads get mins and develop this season.
The kid is natural, wonderful to see. Midfield comes easy to him, unlike our senior CMs.
Him alongside Savage should be in 25 man squad this season. So smooth in possesion.
We should sell Donny if there are any takers and play this lad instead.
This kid is absolutely brilliant. How old were Pedri and Gavi or Cesc Fabregas when they became starters?
If he’s good enough then he’s old enough.
I almost wish we don’t sign anyone so he could get a real chance.
Ridiculously impressed by him.
If he’s good enough then he’s old enough.
I almost wish we don’t sign anyone so he could get a real chance.
Ridiculously impressed by him.
Color me impressed.
I think ten Hag will give him chances for minutes this season, looks the type of player perfect for his tactics.
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