Players with this kind of pace combined with intelligence don't come along often. They present a unique problem, which is further amplified in an era of high lines and pressing - you simply cannot get into any kind of foot race with him as a defender. To do so (assuming equivalent pace in the first place) you'd have to be fully turned towards your own goal and not on the half-turn as normal because you'll never make up those initial steps from there.
Theoretically, you've got to sit deep, negate his pace and concede space between the lines, or ball up. You would think that'd be a playground for Neymar and other creative types in their team. We'd be stupid to go out there for the second leg adopting any kind of plan that repeats on our attempt in this leg to try match Bailly off with him because he stripped him easily, and one more goal for them and we're done.
Outside of our remaining encounter, I do hope that pace of his isn't taken from him via injury; would love to see the organic conclusion of his peak ability. He's still overrated to date, but the scope and potential he has are enormous.
Theoretically, you've got to sit deep, negate his pace and concede space between the lines, or ball up. You would think that'd be a playground for Neymar and other creative types in their team. We'd be stupid to go out there for the second leg adopting any kind of plan that repeats on our attempt in this leg to try match Bailly off with him because he stripped him easily, and one more goal for them and we're done.
Outside of our remaining encounter, I do hope that pace of his isn't taken from him via injury; would love to see the organic conclusion of his peak ability. He's still overrated to date, but the scope and potential he has are enormous.
