16 May 2022 11:25:38
Hi Ed001,
Have you by any chance happened to watch Goncalo Inacio from Sporting?
Looks like an exciting prospect that would suit United's rebuild.
{Ed001's Note - I haven't seen any of him yet sorry. I have heard a lot about him, he is very highly rated. I have added him to the profiles list for you.}
16 May 2022 13:26:46
He seems quite fast and strong and a good tackler but it is hard to tell his positional sense when looking at YouTube videos. I believe that the best defenders need to know where to position themselves on the pitch even before you consider speed, strength and tackling.
He's also quite tall so could be useful in both boxes. if Ten Hag wants him and Timber I hope we get them both to replace Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and possibly Lindelof.
16 May 2022 15:28:44
It's interesting that we have been linked with several left footed CB's. Pau Torres, Evan Ndicka, Sven Botman, Goncalo Inacio and Dan-Axel Zagadou.
Which makes sense as EtH likes his CB's to play wide and they need to be comfortable defending in the channels. Being left footed certainly helps when playing on the left in this sort of system. It means when defending in the channels you can put a challenge in with your stronger foot without cutting across your body. It's a fine margins thing and shouldn't make a huge difference especially when you have top level defenders. Yet it's the fine margins the top managers worry about, as that's where you make the most gains at the highest level.
16 May 2022 15:43:46
Apparently Timber deal is wrapped up.
Good start if true.
Covers RB and CB.
16 May 2022 17:12:14
TRD, Timber looks a top young talent, plus he knows EtH's methods and tactics. In the games I've seen I've noticed he is very vocal, possibly a bit of a leader. Certainly an organiser/ communicator.
That said the step up to the EPL is huge, he looks like he's talented enough to make it. However, as fans we will need to be patient as he isn't the finished article and he will make mistakes.
16 May 2022 20:47:11
Even top CBs who've come into the Prem late have found it a struggle initially. Take Thiago Silva at Chelsea who was very shaky at first, and Laurent Blanc who was like Mickey Mouse. I don't think they expect the sheer speed of the league.
Then again complete unknown youngsters like Fofana come in and boss it in no time.
16 May 2022 22:20:31
Spenno, there are probably many factors. England has a vastly different culture to main land Europe for one. However for me the biggest factor is probably the nature of football in this country.
Very few teams play at a more sedate pace, taking the sting out of the game or having meaningless possession. Most teams when they have the ball they will attack you. Often at pace and directly.
That gives defenders very little time to recover their position if they are not in the best place to deal with the opposition attack. That requires a much higher level of concentration and focus. You need to read the game and understand when to push up, step out, tuck in, or drop off.