20 Jul 2018 10:45:42
Anybody watch the game last night who fancies giving a brief review on how Shaw/ Pereira/ Fosu Mensa/ Mitchell/ martial looked.
I know it's first game so primarily initial fitness, ability and attitude I guess.
Thanks.
20 Jul 2018 12:37:43
We played a 4-3-3. Back 4 of Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Shaw. Bailly looked very good, Valencia had a few nice touches, Smalling the same as always, and Shaw played well, bursted forward a few times, almost scored. Grant in goal, then Pereira, both were fine. Grant seems like a good leader.
MF three of Pereira as the single pivot, with McTominay and Herrera. Very underwhelming. Herrera was active, but he still makes a few bad turnovers a game, then often makes up for it with his effort. McTominay made a few good tackles, but seemed limited on the ball. Pereira was poor, on influence going forward and he does very little defensively.
Front three of Mitchell, Martial, and Mata. Mitchell is quick but too small, passes and moves very nicely but keeps it simple, does not take anyone on. He got pushed off the ball when he tried to burst forward, and it will only be more physical in England. He knows how to play, though. Martial and Mata had a few good moments but no new surprises.
Fosu-Mnesah came on at right back. So agile and strong, but he blasted a few balls upfield or out of bounds to put safety first. He has the potential if he can grow in composure and positional sense. The 16 yr old Greenwood came on up front and looked confident, drilling a left foot shot at the keeper. Tuanzebe also came in at def mid and played well. Hope he gets his chance.
But by far, the story of the night was Tahith Chong. He raised the tempo with his passing and moving. He has that bit of electric to his game like he is always about to make something happen. His decision-making was good, only once did he get stripped by trying to dribble too much. His cross set up the goal for Mata after Herrera's header came back off the post. Chong has a lovely first touch, able to cushion the ball in stride. He looks very light, but definitely a real talent.
20 Jul 2018 12:46:06
Out of all the youth the ones that excite me the most are Chong, Greenwood and Tuanzebe. I've never seen why people rave over Pereira.
20 Jul 2018 15:01:20
I agree. Chong needs a year or two to put on some size, Greenwood is just 16, but Tuanzebe looks ready right now.
{Ed004's Note - Somehow managed to stay awake and watch the game. Grant had a solid game and did what was expected. Bailly was immense first half but poor in the second. Shaw showed some promising bits of play, looks fitter but not sure he's fit enough yet, still very quick and solid in the tackle. Mata, Martial, Mitchell, Herrera all poor. Perriera I was impressed with him technically however the holding role just doesn't suit him. McTominay was very poor. Playing as the midfielder expected to get forward and influence the attack just doesn't suit him. Chong looked very good but he's at least a year off making a big impact here. Far too lightweight and doesn't have the blistering pace of Mbappe, Rashford etc to get away without the physicality}
20 Jul 2018 15:38:09
I like Pereira, but he's no more the pivot in a midfield 3, than I am a virtuosic violinist.
20 Jul 2018 18:39:35
no probs Yehudi Menuin lol.