[Home&Away]

Other players making mistakes doesn't excuse him doing his. If you talk about him playing the David Luiz rule at Chelsea, then I have to ask when did you see him playing this rule to prove he's that good in it ? Sure LVG who was his manager in Netherlands NT would have known if he can or not, right ?

I'm not sure about the bold part considering our last 2 games played with 3-5-2 formation we used Lindelof who's supposed to be good with his feet. Can you explain why we bought Lindelof if we just want 3 pure defenders anyway ?

Well Lindelof has yet to play in the middle & I have yet to see his distribution put from the back except one long ball at City. His passing on the ball seems a cut above Jones, Smallings and Bailey but not much different to Roj0's ability down the left channel but on the right channel

It seems to me that Jose wants to play Lindelof Bailey Roj0 with Bailey as a sweeper. Looks good to me but we will have to see just how much attacking ability we really do have from 3 CB's like this. It still seems relatively restrictive to a formation that can allow us to play with 2 CB's or 5 defenders depending on the positioning of the deepest midfielder/CB by its own. David Luiz is played in behind 2 defenders & so is more of a sweeper with ball playing capability. Blind should play in front with the ability to push up & drop back to provide that link between defence & attack we all see is missing even when we have players like Pogba in there.

Basically Blind should be deployed as a Pivot in front of defence that the whole team can decide to push forward when he has the ball because he can drop back in to defence & make the 2 CB's split & divide in to a wider back 3.

This is exactly why Lingard has been effective at AM in the 352 because he acts as the attacking pivot; when he receives the ball both lukaku & martial split making the attack wider with Lingard the one who runs in to the free spaces; making a front 3 as much as the back would be a back 3. The wingbacks are able to join the attack & make a front 5 as much as they can drop back & make a back 5.

The problem is; this pivot is not there in defence so our defensive is overly congested & there is no one to provide the balance between defence & midfield to make the formation fluid. Counterattack has been fine because ever since Lingard went in there our front 2 have played around him; we need that in defence & though u have been impressed with Lindelof; he is more like roj0 than blind or even Dier who moves around this way at least instead of passing.

With regards to LVG; blind wasn't a CB then & was a CDM covering for their injured LB.

 

[el3mel]

Well Lindelof has yet to play in the middle & I have yet to see his distribution put from the back except one long ball at City. His passing on the ball seems a cut above Jones, Smallings and Bailey but not much different to Roj0's ability down the left channel but on the right channel

It seems to me that Jose wants to play Lindelof Bailey Roj0 with Bailey as a sweeper. Looks good to me but we will have to see just how much attacking ability we really do have from 3 CB's like this. It still seems relatively restrictive to a formation that can allow us to play with 2 CB's or 5 defenders depending on the positioning of the deepest midfielder/CB by its own. David Luiz is played in behind 2 defenders & so is more of a sweeper with ball playing capability. Blind should play in front with the ability to push up & drop back to provide that link between defence & attack we all see is missing even when we have players like Pogba in there.

Basically Blind should be deployed as a Pivot in front of defence that the whole team can decide to push forward when he has the ball because he can drop back in to defence & make the 2 CB's split & divide in to a wider back 3.

This is exactly why Lingard has been effective at AM in the 352 because he acts as the attacking pivot; when he receives the ball both lukaku & martial split making the attack wider with Lingard the one who runs in to the free spaces; making a front 3 as much as the back would be a back 3. The wingbacks are able to join the attack & make a front 5 as much as they can drop back & make a back 5.

The problem is; this pivot is not there in defence so our defensive is overly congested & there is no one to provide the balance between defence & midfield to make the formation fluid. Counterattack has been fine because ever since Lingard went in there our front 2 have played around him; we need that in defence & though u have been impressed with Lindelof; he is more like roj0 than blind or even Dier who moves around this way at least instead of passing.

With regards to LVG; blind wasn't a CB then & was a CDM covering for their injured LB.

That's all good but the problem is we have never seen Blind play this role in his career so far so we have no evidence he'll be that good in this position, and if we're going with this formation surely we'll try Lindelof there, as that's why we bought him. David Luiz ticks all the boxes for such position: strong, has good passing and can join the midfield or even attack. I'm not sure Blind will cover all that. He has very good passing but he won't be able to do the same rules as Luiz. I think Lindelof can, though.

Regarding LVG, he had all the tools to try Blind as a CDM or a CB in a 3 at the back defense but he ended up playing him mostly as a LB (with Netherlands and also here) or a CB in 4 at the back defense. He went on and strengthened the midfield by buying Bastian and Morgan instead of strengthening CB position and give Blind a shot in this position.

 

[Home&Away]

That's all good but the problem is we have never seen Blind play this role in his career so far so we have no evidence he'll be that good in this position, and if we're going with this formation surely we'll try Lindelof there, as that's why we bought him. David Luiz ticks all the boxes for such position: strong, has good passing and can join the midfield or even attack. I'm not sure Blind will cover all that. He has very good passing but he won't be able to do the same rules as Luiz. I think Lindelof can, though.

Regarding LVG, he had all the tools to try Blind as a CDM or a CB in a 3 at the back defense but he ended up playing him mostly as a LB (with Netherlands and also here) or a CB in 4 at the back defense. He went on and strengthened the midfield by buying Bastian and Morgan instead of strengthening CB position and give Blind a shot in this position.

Luiz has experience as a CDM & he is used behind the 2 CB's because he is strong as a sweeper. Whilst Blind would be in front of the defence & someone who would have to make constantly decisions of his own position that allows us to switch to countless different formations from his positioning alone - that's what a pivot does.

I don't think Lindelof is that type of defender again he reminds me much of roj0 on the RCB rather than blind, Bpnnuci, Dier or Luiz

 

[el3mel]

Luiz has experience as a CDM & he is used behind the 2 CB's because he is strong as a sweeper. Whilst Blind would be in front of the defence & someone who would have to make constantly decisions of his own position that allows us to switch to countless different formations from his positioning alone - that's what a pivot does.

I don't think Lindelof is that type of defender again he reminds me much of roj0 on the RCB rather than blind, Bpnnuci, Dier or Luiz

In other words, you want him to play the role Dier plays for Spurs ?

 

[Home&Away]

In other words, you want him to play the role Dier plays for Spurs ?

Iv not watched him recently but earlier on the season what Dier was taking the ball forward & dribbling to midfield & even beyond sometimes; which would consistently change how much players were in defence & in midfield depending on where he was.

Blind could do with a pass & reposition himself without having to take the ball forward (even though he does this almost by habit even at LCB) If blind does leave then Dier is the best Jose can get & possibly why there was rumours last summers; however Dier is still very mechanical in his ability to do this.

 

[el3mel]

Iv not watched him recently but earlier on the season what Dier was taking the ball forward & dribbling to midfield & even beyond sometimes; which would consistently change how much players were in defence & in midfield depending on where he was.

Blind could do with a pass & reposition himself without having to take the ball forward (even though he does this almost by habit even at LCB) If blind does leave then Dier is the best Jose can get & possibly why there was rumours last summers; however Dier is still very mechanical in his ability to do this.

It's a good idea, but we'll still need to see him in such a position to see how good he'll be in it, but it's unlikely and even if Mourinho thought of such a system he'll try Lindelof first in it.

 

[Axkiko]

Physicality is a must for a DMF. There are some positions that players can succeed without being strong, as strikers, wingers or number 10, but if you're playing as a DMF you need to be strong otherwise you'll get bullied. Again you didn't really to the fact that even the mighty are using a strong player in this position. Real Madrid have been using Casemiro in this position ..etc. Does Madrid play 90's type football also or what ?

Two best PL holding midfielder over last decade were Xabi Alonso and Carrick. They don't had monster physicality but they played with their brain. I am not saying Blind can replace Matic on XI. But considering we don't have any similar type of midfielder who can replace Matic atm. Fellaini, Herrea and McTominary were not on that category. Blind should be an option for Mourinho to give a chance on that role.

Reminder that Blind played his whole Ajax career mostly on DMF/Holding midfielder role. He also played on DMF role on LvG era before and he once said this is his fav/best position. Also, his physical condition is not as bad as you mention. He played as CB against Lukaku before and Blind made Lukaku invisible the whole game.

 

[The United]

Seems you forgot the WHU game that costed us the 4th spot in LVG's last season. He had some other terrible games there as well as City home game and Celta Vigo at home during last season.

He's decent, and can put 6/10, max 7 if it's his day but really nothing more. Each time he was given a run in the team he plays some good games followed by a disaster.

Yeah coz we only had to win against WHU to get 4th. The rest of the games in that season didn't matter.

He had terrble games just like everyone else. But he was also very good and important in a lot of league games and cup games as well.

It is not like he was playing shit thru the whole season.

Having a good strength is a bonus. But, you would use smalling and blind to switch position against players or teams that need to get physical in the midfield at certain points in games to make sure our stronger CBs mark their stronger players.

As someone pointed out Carrick is hardly physical and he didn't need to dominate physically in the midfield to be a very good dmf. He is always in the right place and right time to intercept the ball and play which is blind's strength as well.

I am not saying blind could be as good. But, people should drop about being strong and let technical players shine in their own ways. It didn't and does not hurt some of the best teams who does not rely on strength almost at all in last few years. One of them just outplayed us who is a very physical team last week.

 

[Epicurean]

Looks like Barcelona are interested according to Spanish newspapers! Really hope it's true because I love watching him & if our manager is playing ancient football - he deserves to go to a club where he is respected & able to play actual football.

Will go down as one my most enjoyable players to watch at United. Really brought something else to CB compared to all the other CB'S at the club who do the exact same thing as each other.

He is so underrated by United supporters, it should be regarded as a criminal offence. Hope he goes to Barcelona or another CL club where he will be appreciated for the vision and technical ability he has got.

 

[el3mel]

Two best PL holding midfielder over last decade were Xabi Alonso and Carrick. They don't had monster physicality but they played with their brain. I am not saying Blind can replace Matic on XI. But considering we don't have any similar type of midfielder who can replace Matic atm. Fellaini, Herrea and McTominary were not on that category. Blind should be an option for Mourinho to give a chance on that role.

Reminder that Blind played his whole Ajax career mostly on DMF/Holding midfielder role. He also played on DMF role on LvG era before and he once said this is his fav/best position. Also, his physical condition is not as bad as you mention. He played as CB against Lukaku before and Blind made Lukaku invisible the whole game.

Alonso wasn't really "that week". No one said he should bulked with muscles but he needs sort of physicality to be able to play this position defensively quite well. Also if you think Blind may come anywhere to Alonso in these categories you're out of your mind.

 

[el3mel]

Yeah coz we only had to win against WHU to get 4th. The rest of the games in that season didn't matter.

He had terrble games just like everyone else. But he was also very good and important in a lot of league games and cup games as well.

It is not like he was playing shit thru the whole season.

Having a good strength is a bonus. But, you would use smalling and blind to switch position against players or teams that need to get physical in the midfield at certain points in games to make sure our stronger CBs mark their stronger players.

As someone pointed out Carrick is hardly physical and he didn't need to dominate physically in the midfield to be a very good dmf. He is always in the right place and right time to intercept the ball and play which is blind's strength as well.

I am not saying blind could be as good. But, people should drop about being strong and let technical players shine in their own ways. It didn't and does not hurt some of the best teams who does not rely on strength almost at all in last few years. One of them just outplayed us who is a very physical team last week.

Yes, it was.

Our defense was somewhat overrated in this season and a single video for DDG saves will prove that on attacking, the opponent was going through our defense easily. We just limited the number of attacks on us with possession.


15 minutes of complete sitters against us this season, enjoy.

 

[SteveW]

I like him but it's probably time for a move. Barring being a useful utility option for the bench there's not much point in keeping him. He's not going to play.

 

[Axkiko]

Alonso wasn't really "that week". No one said he should bulked with muscles but he needs sort of physicality to be able to play this position defensively quite well. Also if you think Blind may come anywhere to Alonso in these categories you're out of your mind.

Your clip didn't show Alonso bullied the attacker with physicality. Otherwise, clearly see how positioning and timing is more important than muscles.

If physicality is the most needed requirement of being good holding midfielder, then Kouyate or Wanyama would be the best of the world, not Busquets or Alonso.

Also, Blind wasn't really that weak as you said. I had pointed out he made "Monster physicality" Lukaku invisible whole game.

Yes. They are in the same categories but different class. You should watch his DM performance on NT before you criticizing him with only reason. "No physicality".

 

[el3mel]

Your clip didn't show Alonso bullied the attacker with physicality. Otherwise, clearly see how positioning and timing is more important than muscles.

If physicality is the most needed requirement of being good holding midfielder, then Kouyate or Wanyama would be the best of the world, not Busquets or Alonso.

Also, Blind wasn't really that weak as you said. I had pointed out he made "Monster physicality" Lukaku invisible whole game.

Yes. They are in the same categories but different class. You should watch his DM performance on NT before you criticizing him with only reason. "No physicality".

You're claiming I said physicality is the only thing needed for a good DMF. Of course you need brain and intelligence to get good positioning on the field but you need a degree of physicality to not get bullied in this position.

We had seen Lukaku using his body very poorly here in most matches so that's not really a good example.

Why watch NT ? You seem to forget that Blind has been used in this position several times during LVG's first season and hasn't been that good. Each time we came against an attacking team he was exposed as a sole DMF.

That was one of the clearest examples, I'll never forget this game :


Watch his shambolic movement and positioning in their first goal.

 

[breakout67]

Alonso and Carrick not physical players??? Both were strong, would ride challenges and shrug off players to open up space.

Do people have such selective memories that they forgot Alonso played almost every game for Mourinho while he was manager at Madrid?

 

[automaticflare]

Alonso and Carrick not physical players??? Both were strong, would ride challenges and shrug off players to open up space.

Do people have such selective memories that they forgot Alonso played almost every game for Mourinho while he was manager at Madrid?

Agreed carrick was 6"1 strong on the ball and ways shrugged off challenges
Just because he didn't go running around like an idiot flying into tackles people have this thought on him

 

[Darkhorsez]

He is so underrated by United supporters, it should be regarded as a criminal offence. Hope he goes to Barcelona or another CL club where he will be appreciated for the vision and technical ability he has got.

Well fortunately it’s not the supporters that pick teams. I like him and he is a great add to our squad. I think the bigger issue is if he is satidfied with the playing time he is getting now.

 

[SwansonsTache]

I can't understand why he hasn't been given more of a chance when we play with a 3 man backline.

Especially considering the absolute inabillity of our defence to play the ball forward.

 

[breakout67]

Agreed carrick was 6"1 strong on the ball and ways shrugged off challenges
Just because he didn't go running around like an idiot flying into tackles people have this thought on him

Exactly. Some people have made up this concept of a top midfielder that never existed; a midfielder that avoids all physical confrontation and just 'reads the game'.

There is no reason to sacrifice physicality for technical quality or vice versa. All the top midfielders in the world have physical and technical quality.

Kante and Silva are small players, but they press and tackle very well; they're physical game is top notch.

 

[Yagami]

Glad to see some praise for Blind pour into this thread for once.

I think many other CL clubs out there will happily snatch him up in summer.

I wouldn't say finding posts that praise him are that hard to come by. He's one of my favourite players so I'm praising him more often than not and there's plenty of others who value him, too. I'd say it's pretty 50/50 in terms of those who rate him and want to keep him as an option and those who think it'd be best to sell.

Looks like Barcelona are interested according to Spanish newspapers! Really hope it's true because I love watching him & if our manager is playing ancient football - he deserves to go to a club where he is respected & able to play actual football.

Will go down as one my most enjoyable players to watch at United. Really brought something else to CB compared to all the other CB'S at the club who do the exact same thing as each other.

I certainly don't hope it's true because I want to keep him but it would be interesting to see how he'd do at Barca. I do think he'd excel there. I do agree with one thing - he'll go down as one the players I most enjoyed watching in recent time.

 

[Home&Away]

Exactly. Some people have made up this concept of a top midfielder that never existed; a midfielder that avoids all physical confrontation and just 'reads the game'.

There is no reason to sacrifice physicality for technical quality or vice versa. All the top midfielders in the world have physical and technical quality.

Kante and Silva are small players, but they press and tackle very well; they're physical game is top notch.

This is where your post fails in my opinion.
Blind would not avoid physicality at all; if he did how would he be a pretty good CB? Where he actually struggles is making last ditch tackles but he intercepts passes almost perfectly due to his understanding of the game.

There has been plenty of midfielders who's strength is to intercept the ball facing the direction of the opposition goal & to play passes forward straight after. Their weaknesses are usually speed & strength.

Then there is midfielders who are able to utilise speed & strength to brush attackers off consistently when going past them but usually at the cost of the ability to initiate attacks because they are normally not positioned to make the interception facing the goal.

The reason blind is the perfect central centre back in a back 3 is because he can intercept the attackers centrally by pushing up/positioning himself as a CDM & initiate a quick counter attack whilst he then drops back again to CB covered by 2 rock solid CB's; allowing the WB's to get forward. Compare this to smalling who is usually the deepest defender when playing centrally in 3CB's; there is a huge huge gap between the midfield & defence that no one is willing to come forward & intercept or pass.

 

[The United]

Yes, it was.

Our defense was somewhat overrated in this season and a single video for DDG saves will prove that on attacking, the opponent was going through our defense easily. We just limited the number of attacks on us with possession.


15 minutes of complete sitters against us this season, enjoy.

The fact that our extremely poor form in dec and jan cost us the 4th. Not against the westham game. It was a league game not a knock out cup game.

 

[el3mel]

The fact that our extremely poor form in dec and jan cost us the 4th. Not against the westham game. It was a league game not a knock out cup game.

Can you argue that getting a draw in this game would have given us the 4th spot even with all other problems we had during the same ?

 

[Nick7]

I like the lad but it's absolutely hilarious that people still think there's a midfielder in there.

 

[Kazi]

Blind comes to play, especially in midfield.

 

[Redplane]

The forgotten man? Surely a much better option than Rojo. Doesn't make (as) many mistakes and can actually pass the ball.

 

[Minimalist]

Certainly many many worse players in the squad if you're looking to calm things down in the final 10 minutes.

 

[Canagel]

Blind belongs at a club like Barcelona. Our style of play doesn't suit him unfortunately. I liked his partnership with Bailly last season. We should've seen some more of it. It was the perfect balance.

 

[SwansonsTache]

I dont understand why he hasn't been given more of a chance in the 5-3-2.

Ball playing CB's are very important in that formation, or any back 3 formation.

 

[Home&Away]

I dont understand why he hasn't been given more of a chance in the 5-3-2.

Ball playing CB's are very important in that formation, or any back 3 formation.

Ditto - give him the protection as the central CB & allow him to go forward with the ball & defend on the front foot as the most aggressive central defender with the likes of Bailey, Roj0, Smalling sitting in behind fighting for the scraps.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with it

 

[engulfing]

Sadly I think he is being phased out together with darmien. I'll be sad to see him leave, superb footballing brain but I guess mou doesn't want to take chances with his lack of pace and height.

 

[BAMSOLA]

We actually have too many CB at the club who can perform a similar role to him including Linderlof and Tuanzebe so I'd like to see us looking to move him on in Jan in favor of a CM in the Matic mode and a CM playmaker to back up Pogba as well as a Right winger all of which will take up space in the squad.

Despite some good performances over the years I can't see a long term future from him in a squad that has a lot of good players but very few exceptional ones.

 

[Home&Away]

We actually have too many CB at the club who can perform a similar role to him including Linderlof and Tuanzebe so I'd like to see us looking to move him on in Jan in favor of a CM in the Matic mode and a CM playmaker to back up Pogba as well as a Right winger all of which will take up space in the squad.

Despite some good performances over the years I can't see a long term future from him in a squad that has a lot of good players but very few exceptional ones.

Lindelpf has had one pass against City & suddenly he is a between ball playing defender than blind?

No chance.

Lindelpf is good at passing the ball down the channels in the same way that Roj0 is but neither are pure ball playing defenders the way Blind is.

He is a totally different kettle of fish : next time watch him & how he dribbles with the ball at CB, taking his time & dribbling forward at every second & making passes that would be risky for all our defenders to make - passes through to midfield & past it.

Sadly I think he is being phased out together with darmien. I'll be sad to see him leave, superb footballing brain but I guess mou doesn't want to take chances with his lack of pace and height.

This is why he should be in the centre of the back 3 protected by two pure CB's. If smalling & Jones or Bailey & Roj0 can play wonderfully in a back 2; there is absolutely no reason to stick another pure CB in there - ultimately solidifying something that is already solid.

Stick blind in there he offers only extra protection for the benefit of extra attacking institutions across our defense & midfield.
That is what ball playing defenders does.

 

[BAMSOLA]

Lindelpf has had one pass against City & suddenly he is a between ball playing defender than blind?

No chance.

Lindelpf is good at passing the ball down the channels in the same way that Roj0 is but neither are pure ball playing defenders the way Blind is.

He is a totally different kettle of fish : next time watch him & how he dribbles with the ball at CB, taking his time & dribbling forward at every second & making passes that would be risky for all our defenders to make - passes through to midfield & past it.

Lindelof has always been what could comfortably be described as a ball playing CB or CB with ball playing abilities whichever one you prefer. I'm not sure how you've interpreted the role but high level dribbling ability isn't really a key requirement so much as good passing ability (which both he and Tuanzebe have) as well a good touch and sense of awareness and whilst Blind's ball playing abilities are very good (better than both the aforementioned players) firstly our style of play doesn't require a fantastically technically accomplished player at CB a good one will suffice which both Lindelof and Tuanzebe are and secondly it is far more important to have solid CB's within a Mourinho team which Smalling, Jones, Bailly, Rojo(on his day), Lindelof(when he is settled) and Tuanzebe (albeit still learning) all are. That is 6 CB's. So with 6 good options to fill 2 or 3 positions I'm not sure how to make a case for Blind staying when he is a worse CB than the other 6 options and most of those option barring Smalling are good enough with the ball at their feet to cope with playing out from the back competently.

A stellar ball playing CB isn't essential(and Blind lacks the solid defensive ability to be considered exceptional at CB), good solid options are more important and we have 6 of them blind being the 7th option is surplus to requirements.

 

[MadMike]

Blind belongs at a club like Barcelona. Our style of play doesn't suit him unfortunately. I liked his partnership with Bailly last season. We should've seen some more of it. It was the perfect balance.

Come off it. He wouldn't get anywhere near their team.

 

[Home&Away]

Come off it. He wouldn't get anywhere near their team.

Says mad Mike the Barcelona scout!

 

[MadMike]

Says mad Mike the Barcelona scout!

You don't have to be a scout to see the obvious, like you don't need to be a car mechanic to see when a car has 3 wheels. Quoting myself from another thread

I don't think I agree. Quite the opposite, I reckon he'd be terrible for Barcelona with all his flaws exposed.

Both of Barca's current CBs (Pique and Umtiti) are very quick and athletic players. They need to be, because pushing up the pitch to support the midfield requires very quick recovery times when the ball is played in the space behind them. Blind might be calm on the ball, but he doesn't have the pace to recover or the strength to win tussles for the ball. At least Mascherano, who played there before for Barca, had terrier like qualities. A strength and ferocity beyond his size. That's not something Blind possesses. And in terms of being a CB Umtiti is a better fit at Barca than Mascherano was, precisely because he's got more size, strength and pace.

 

[Home&Away]

Lindelof has always been what could comfortably be described as a ball playing CB or CB with ball playing abilities whichever one you prefer. I'm not sure how you've interpreted the role but high level dribbling ability isn't really a key requirement so much as good passing ability (which both he and Tuanzebe have) as well a good touch and sense of awareness and whilst Blind's ball playing abilities are very good (better than both the aforementioned players) firstly our style of play doesn't require a fantastically technically accomplished player at CB a good one will suffice which both Lindelof and Tuanzebe are and secondly it is far more important to have solid CB's within a Mourinho team which Smalling, Jones, Bailly, Rojo(on his day), Lindelof(when he is settled) and Tuanzebe (albeit still learning) all are. That is 6 CB's. So with 6 good options to fill 2 or 3 positions I'm not sure how to make a case for Blind staying when he is a worse CB than the other 6 options and most of those option barring Smalling are good enough with the ball at their feet to cope with playing out from the back competently.

A stellar ball playing CB isn't essential(and Blind lacks the solid defensive ability to be considered exceptional at CB), good solid options are more important and we have 6 of them blind being the 7th option is surplus to requirements.

When playing 3 at the back there is no need for 3 pure CB's - I don't care what Lindelof is called; but I have yet seen his ball playing ability even though I have heard about it at benfica.

1) the RCB & LCB of the back 3 should be in a partnership as if they were playing in a traditional back 4.
2) the central defender is allowed to defend high up in midfield or drop back to defence likewise attacking wise he can take the ball in to midfield himself or play passes deep from the back line.

LINDELOF can pass but he has yet to show me any indication of being able to be a CDM/CB player.
Compare what Dier did for spurs in between their back 2 to make their back 3; he would make significant plays forward. Whilst Dier & Blind can do the same job in different manner : one likes to drive forward whilst the other positions himself along the back line and plays the ball forward.

LINDELOF is a good defender but we need more than just a CB in defence when playing 3cb. It's the same reason that Lingard is better than mata pr mkhitarayan behind a back 2 because he repositions himself along the front line meaning we always over do their defence because of an extra player who plays a SS/Cam role can drop in to the holes across the front 2 as well as a player that can drop in to midfield and even on top of that he can play the furthest forward to apply pressure. This is called a forward pivot where Lingard movement directly effects the position of our attacking players in to the most relevant position.

This is why we were so deadly on the counter attack against Watford & Arsenal. Where we looked weak in that game is that we didn't have a defensive pivot that links the defence & midfield together. The same way that Lingard played behind 2 strikers & push up to join strikers or fall back, blind can play behind the midfield two with the ability to join midfield if the wingbacks have fallen in to defence or he can fall back in to defence to create a back 3 Only when the wingbacks push forward.

Lindelpf may be able to pass but so can Roj0 & neither can play the role Blind could play for us. Instead with play with a sweeper & go overly defensive with an already defensive formation.

 

[Home&Away]

You don't have to be a scout to see the obvious, like you don't need to be a car mechanic to see when a car has 3 wheels. Quoting myself from another thread

There's nothing obvious about it - he shouldn't start in a back 2 at LB or CDM. If he starts in a back 3; that's a totally different ball game - so yes Barcelona could use if they decide to utilise him to his strengths & his strengths suit Barcelona though I don't see them using 3 at the back as of yet; the thing is they would know how to utilise him. He'd be amazing for Juventus for example who protected bonnuci with 2 CB's around him.

 

[MadMike]

There's nothing obvious about it - he shouldn't start in a back 2 at LB or CDM. If he starts in a back 3; that's a totally different ball game - so yes Barcelona could use if they decide to utilise him to his strengths & his strengths suit Barcelona though I don't see them using 3 at the back as of yet; the thing is they would know how to utilise him. He'd be amazing for Juventus for example who protected bonnuci with 2 CB's around him.

Yes, Barcelona would change their formation to 3 at the back to accommodate Blind. We're reaching levels of delusion that shouldn't be possible.

I'll stop here, thanks.