11 Aug 2024 10:09:17
My question on MDL is his pace, if we want to play a higher line, push full backs up, what is his recovery pace like?
It has to improve a back line that cannot rely on such a deep compact team set up as yesterday. Evans and Maguire are not the way forward.
I am also interested in the screen in front of the back four. I really liked what I saw of Collier, but we must get one quality defensive CM in. It's a key position and a two relegation Burnley player isn't the answer.
I would add we saw Amad and definitely Garnacho show talent, but why is Rashford still preferred? It cannot go on long.
Overall I was quite encouraged by what I saw yesterday, better structure and after an awful 20 mins to start there was more of a pattern. Early days but I was pleased generally. We need more goals than last season, that will be the challenge because we haven't bought a prolific experienced striker. However, two young strikers, Wheatley and Obi Martin coming up behind Zirkze and Hojland. Behind that we have some excellent kids, Igbramovic, Lacey, but then behind that is a certain lad called Rooney. There is hope going forward. Get the key CM in asap this week and see how the season starts.
11 Aug 2024 11:40:30
I was encouraged too Red Man. If those we are buying are better than those we have, then hopefully we make progress.
If, if, if, Martinez can stay fit (I would make him captain), Shaw can stay fit, Mount settles, Amad hets a run, and the newbies step up, then there is some optimism.
We still need a MF, that would make the window solid.
11 Aug 2024 11:43:05
we will not see a settled team and who plays where for 8 weeks at best. When you add 5 new players assuming a cm comes in, it takes time for them to settle in especially if they are suppose to go into the first 11. Would not read too much into yesterdays game.
I would hold judgment on everything until we get halfway through the season.
11 Aug 2024 12:08:08
Half way through the season? Really?
11 Aug 2024 12:13:11
I expect a fast and good start I don't see any reason why not.
It will take some time to see the best of them for sure but there is no reason at all given our very kind fixture list that we should not be up and around the top 3 spots in the league after the 1st 10 games.
The 2 lads coming from bayern know the manager well and that should help them a lot. The pace of the epl is very different but some players adapt quickly and knowing the manager and his ways is a huge bonus.
11 Aug 2024 13:14:54
MdL is no Usain Bolt, but he isn't a slow player. Due to his size he isn't the quickest over the first 5-10 yards, but once he's in his stride he can keep up with most players.
I wonder if he might benefit from slimming down slightly in the EPL, where mobility is increasingly more important than physical presence in central defence. With defenders being asked to cover spaces rather than man to man.
I think part of Casemiro's issues last season was he seemed to put on more weight (as muscle) which effected his mobility. He's trimmed down more this season and in pre-season has looked more agile than last season.
I've also been impressed with Collyer during pre-season and feel he could grow into becoming a regular first teamers over the course of the season. He already looks more comfortable in those deeper midfield positions than McTominay does. He puts himself about well, makes himself available for a pass, and tends to not give it away cheaply. He seems to have a mature head and doesn't try to force the play like a lot of young players do when they start to play in the senior team. It's like they feel that they have to do something every time they get on or near the ball. Often leading to them giving the ball away trying high risk passes or diving in to low chance tackles.
Amad has been one of the bright sparks during pre-season and was a constant thorn in Cities side yesterday. He looks like he could have a real breakout season this year. While Garnacho looks like picking up exactly where he left off last season.
It'll be interesting to see how long Rashford can hold on to his place if his form doesn't start to pick up. He missed two guilt edge chances yesterday which would have deservedly put us 3-0 up before City scored just before stoppage time.
I can't say for certain but I do feel like if those chances fell to Garnacho or Amad then we would have seen the net bulge.
It's probably a confidence thing, he's coming off of a bad season and being left at home for the Euro's. He did do the right things in attack which is why he ended up having two great chances. I feel like he could be a goal or two away from kicking into form and then going on a scoring run.
A centre forward like Zirkzee might really help him (and the other wide forwards) get a fair few goals this season. The way he drops off the front line (pulling a CB with him creating space for a wide forward to run into) to link the play and find through balls to the wide players looks perfect for a player like Rashford.
I've been very encouraged by this new shape we seem to have adopted this season (and the end of last to be fair) . Where we have our wide players tuck in to the half spaces, and play with an actual double pivot in midfield.
It makes us very solid and hard to play through the middle of us, while giving us the ability to spring forward with that ball in packs.
Compared to last season where we kept the wingers high and wide, with Bruno pressing high and one of the midfielders being asked to push forward as well. That left Casemiro as the only guy in the centre and made the pitch very big with lots of space in between us. Teams could just pour through the centre of the pitch when they won the ball. While our attacking players were often left isolated when they got on the ball.
If we can continue to work on this shape and improve in our combination play then we should be far more competitive this season. Especially if we can get all our best players back fit and playing regularly.
Lots to be optimistic about this season.
11 Aug 2024 14:15:40
Shaps, I'd say for a CB, the first 5-10 yards are the most important. It's rare these days that a CB will have to get in a foot chase.
11 Aug 2024 14:30:21
Stevie, that's a fair point and one I won't disagree with. That's why I said he might find trimming down a little might be better for the EPL. It might also mean he picks up less injuries. A little lighter on his feet, more flexibility, quicker and more mobile.
I think if you have good reading of the game and defensive awareness then those first few yards are in your head as you anticipate where the danger is and where you need to be, starting your move 2-3 seconds sooner.
But ideal you want a CB whose quick and mobile in the modern game over someone whose a bricksh*t house.
11 Aug 2024 14:58:54
The first 5 to 10 yards are in the players reading of the game, positioning, reaction time and agility.
De ligt learned his craft at Ajax playing on the halfway line in a ball dominant team. I think he'll be alright.
11 Aug 2024 18:56:54
Agree with Dodg, the first 5-10 yards are in the reading of the game, that is more important that running around like needlessly.