[Craig Ward]

That's great to hear, although that doesn't implicate he's any good in midfield. I will be happy to be proven wrong, but I don't see him as a midfielder (same as I've been repeating time and time again about Pogba).

Anyway, considering he's played only in attacking positions for us, and is not clicking with the rest of the team yet, I don't think we'll see him starting anywhere on the pitch anytime soon.

He played in every position in Ajax's midfield.

He's a versatile midfielder who can adapt to any role. He's a product of the Ajax academy - they train every player in multiple positions. He is most likely the best coached player in our entire squad. He's used to playing in a cohesive team unit where every players knows they're role and each player plays a part in the cog.

Reason he's not clicking with the team is he's either started with the dross in cup games or come into games late when we are already knackered and beaten. The lad doesnt stand a chance to impress at the minute.

He needs to start and he needs time to settle in. Even in his appearances - he's often in space and not found. He's an intelligent footballer and technically better than what we have

 

[CG1010]

He played in every position in Ajax's midfield.

He's a versatile midfielder who can adapt to any role. He's a product of the Ajax academy - they train every player in multiple positions. He is most likely the best coached player in our entire squad. He's used to playing in a cohesive team unit where every players knows they're role and each player plays a part in the cog.

Reason he's not clicking with the team is he's either started with the dross in cup games or come into games late when we are already knackered and beaten. The lad doesnt stand a chance to impress at the minute.

He needs to start and he needs time to settle in. Even in his appearances - he's often in space and not found. He's an intelligent footballer and technically better than what we have

The problem as I see it is that he doesn't seem to have the ball winning ability or the discipline to play a complete box to box role for us. Which is the same problem we are facing with Pogba playing that role! If Bruno is on the pitch (and he has to be), I don't see a role of him in the first XI. It seems to be a strange signing by Ole.

 

[FrankDrebin]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

 

[Marcus]

I get the sense that he is world-class. Please start him ahead of Pogba and we will improve massively as a team.

 

[Leonzo1]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

Yes. That's my first choice midfield right there. A hard working energetic midfield but offers plenty of trickery going forward. Mctominay can also fit in there nicely if needed. Pogba as a last resort in a double pivot, in the AM position he's OK.

 

[romufc]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

We won't know until we try it, unfortunately we have a manager who seems to think Pogba plays every game regardless of form.

Bruno and Donny offer alot going forward like Pogba does, but Donny and Bruno offer alot more defensive abilities which Pogba has 0 of.

 

[Oldyella]

Baffling. We sign a player to compete with Bruno and Pogba for their positions. Neither have looked great so far with Pogba way way off both performance and fitness wise and hes still rarely played. Surely this is exactly why we bought him?

 

[CG1010]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

I don't think so based on what we have seen of him until now.. we would be too exposed defensively and our CBs aren't good enough to hold on their own for even 2 minutes forget 90 minutes. We have no choice but to provide a defensive cover of two CMs plus AWB.

 

[gregor]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

Bruno and Donny are not CMs, so it won't work.

 

[Sylar]

Defo has to start next game ahead of Pogba. If that doesnt happen, he has every right to be annoyed.

 

[Borys]

He played in every position in Ajax's midfield.

He's a versatile midfielder who can adapt to any role. He's a product of the Ajax academy - they train every player in multiple positions. He is most likely the best coached player in our entire squad. He's used to playing in a cohesive team unit where every players knows they're role and each player plays a part in the cog.

Reason he's not clicking with the team is he's either started with the dross in cup games or come into games late when we are already knackered and beaten. The lad doesnt stand a chance to impress at the minute.

He needs to start and he needs time to settle in. Even in his appearances - he's often in space and not found. He's an intelligent footballer and technically better than what we have

That is yet to be seen, I've seen so many footballers who were supposed to be able to play anywhere in midfield that I'm sceptical. I don't know what he has over Fred, who is somewhat proven midfielder for us. From what I've seen from VdB, he seems like a pure attacking midfielder.

The problem as I see it is that he doesn't seem to have the ball winning ability or the discipline to play a complete box to box role for us. Which is the same problem we are facing with Pogba playing that role! If Bruno is on the pitch (and he has to be), I don't see a role of him in the first XI. It seems to be a strange signing by Ole.

Exactly.

 

[FrankDrebin]

So, was he really a Ole signing ?

 

[Infra-red]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

No, I don't think so. A #8 and two #10s. Our defence would be left really exposed, and with our defence, that's not a good idea!

I do feel sorry for Donny. He must be thinking "what have I done!"

 

[Craig Ward]

The problem as I see it is that he doesn't seem to have the ball winning ability or the discipline to play a complete box to box role for us. Which is the same problem we are facing with Pogba playing that role! If Bruno is on the pitch (and he has to be), I don't see a role of him in the first XI. It seems to be a strange signing by Ole.

He's a much better all round midfielder than Pogba and he would add much needed balance to the central midfield area.

Matic cant run and Pogba cant defend - that combination will never work.

It's not a strange signing we needed better quality in midfield. Donny is better than: Lingard/Periera/McTom/Fred and will suit the way we play better than Pogba.

It's a great signing - we just need to play him and drop the over hyped Pogba

 

[Borys]

He's a much better all round midfielder than Pogba and he would add much needed balance to the central midfield area.

Matic cant run and Pogba cant defend - that combination will never work.

It's not a strange signing we needed better quality in midfield. Donny is better than: Lingard/Periera/McTom/Fred and will suit the way we play better than Pogba.

It's a great signing - we just need to play him and drop the over hyped Pogba

How do you know he's better than Fred or McTominay in midfield? I won't compare them until I see VdB playing in our midfield . Have you watched him closely?
I saw him only once in midfield (still, most advanced role) for the Netherlands, wasn't impressed but it was something like 60mins.

 

[Craig Ward]

How do you know he's better than Fred or McTominay in midfield? I won't compare them until I see VdB playing in our midfield . Have you watched him closely?
I saw him only once in midfield (still, most advanced role) for the Netherlands, wasn't impressed but it was something like 60mins.

I've watched Ajax quite a bit - always liked they're style of play.

Well frankly you dont have to be a world beater to be better than Mctominay - he's not all that really. Fred may have a better case, for example i think Fred's work rate and tackles/interceptions would be ahead of Donny, but Donny would be able to find space, retain the ball and use the ball much more progressively than Fred.

A major issue of our midfield is we dont use the ball well enough. Matic/Fred/McTom are extremely basic in using the ball - it rarely goes forward with any success. It's always a sideways backwards pass that takes them too long to make. Pogba too - doesnt use the ball well enough. Donny can run with the ball, he's clever at finding space and he is a better passer than all 4.

It's his movement that people will notice though. If you watch McTom/Fred/Pogba/Matic - all too often if they are marked or have a player nearby - they rarely move into space. It's a massive issue for us currently - we are static in every aspect of midfield play.

At this point - he has to play. He cannot do worse than Pogba, who might as well not be on the pitch for what he's offering at the minute

 

[FrankDrebin]

You could argue, if your really want too, as to why did we purchase Bruno when Pogba was coming off the back-of his most statistically promising season (due to Oles arrival) in the attacking midfield role.

 

[Borys]

I've watched Ajax quite a bit - always liked they're style of play.

Well frankly you dont have to be a world beater to be better than Mctominay - he's not all that really. Fred may have a better case, for example i think Fred's work rate and tackles/interceptions would be ahead of Donny, but Donny would be able to find space, retain the ball and use the ball much more progressively than Fred.

Well that depends on the role, clearly Donny will be superior in the final third every day of a week. But if he is to fight the midfield battle, I have some doubts that he should be an automatic starter over Pogba.

A major issue of our midfield is we dont use the ball well enough. Matic/Fred/McTom are extremely basic in using the ball - it rarely goes forward with any success. It's always a sideways backwards pass that takes them too long to make. Pogba too - doesnt use the ball well enough. Donny can run with the ball, he's clever at finding space and he is a better passer than all 4.

It's his movement that people will notice though. If you watch McTom/Fred/Pogba/Matic - all too often if they are marked or have a player nearby - they rarely move into space. It's a massive issue for us currently - we are static in every aspect of midfield play.

At this point - he has to play. He cannot do worse than Pogba, who might as well not be on the pitch for what he's offering at the minute

Again - just because he's better than any of our midfield options offensively and in ball retention, doesn't mean he should be thrown in the midfield. I get you rate him very highly, but I hope we're not doing this "let's play him out of position and see what happens" again. He should be used as a sub, and will get plenty of time this season, but lets not burn him fast when he's here for a few days.

 

[Craig Ward]

Well that depends on the role, clearly Donny will be superior in the final third every day of a week. But if he is to fight the midfield battle, I have some doubts that he should be an automatic starter over Pogba.

Again - just because he's better than any of our midfield options offensively and in ball retention, doesn't mean he should be thrown in the midfield. I get you rate him very highly, but I hope we're not doing this "let's play him out of position and see what happens" again. He should be used as a sub, and will get plenty of time this season, but lets not burn him fast when he's here for a few days.

He's capable of playing the midfield role though.

We wouldnt be playing him out of position, he's an adaptable midfielder.

Even Fernandes played as a #6 and an #8 for Sporting.

No point signing him to leave him rot on the bench when the entire midfield who starts are utter dross

 

[Borys]

He's capable of playing the midfield role though.

We wouldnt be playing him out of position, he's an adaptable midfielder.

Even Fernandes played as a #6 and an #8 for Sporting.

No point signing him to leave him rot on the bench when the entire midfield who starts are utter dross

Pogba was supposed to be an adaptable midfielder too.

Even Fernandes played as a #6 and an #8 for Sporting.

No point signing him to leave him rot on the bench when the entire midfield who starts are utter dross

Do you think he could do that in EPL? Phil Jones was also a midfielder once, Juan Mata can play on a wing and Brandon Williams can play left back. Doesn't mean they are any good there.

I strongly oppose the idea of playing footballers out of their nominal position. That's why I was so surprised with this move. Once again, I will be first to admit I was wrong if he plays well in midfield, but I don't think this is the solution to our problems.

 

[pocco]

He was a stupid signing. We've now got Bruno, Pogba and VDB for 1 position.

 

[Josh 76]

He was a stupid signing. We've now got Bruno, Pogba and VDB for 1 position.

Pogba can feck off!

 

[dannyrhinos89]

Imagine leaving a happy and top quality club like Ajax to come to our rotten club.

I feel for the guy for wasting his career.

 

[ShinjiNinja26]

He really should be starting ahead of Pogba at the moment. Feel for him.

 

[ForeverRed1]

What will it take (other than injury) for him to start over pogba?

 

[FootyGirl88]

He was a stupid signing. We've now got Bruno, Pogba and VDB for 1 position.

We should have prioritised a DM.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

What will it take (other than injury) for him to start over pogba?

Ole has to show some guts and start Donny. I like loyalty but you can be loyal to the point of stupidity.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

We should have prioritised a DM.

Doesn't Michael Carrick think Scotty can be that?

 

[cyberman]

There isnt much point in having depth when Ole shits the bed when he has to make a change anyway.
Fred and Scott had a good first half of last season, barely played after that. We can argue if theyre good enough to take us forward but they are legit options in this squad and theyve barely had a look in. Theyve been frozen out so badly that their rep has reverted back to pre good run of form because we have been brainwashed into thinking we only have 11 players.
How we are sending Smalling off to Roma is beyond me

 

[FootyGirl88]

Doesn't Michael Carrick think Scotty can be that?

Hes not the answer, i dont know how many times he needs to play for the coaching staff to realise this.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Hes not the answer, i dont know how many times he needs to play for the coaching staff to realise this.

That's the problem we have. Will only spend so much money when a lot of positions need filling. It's the obsession with Scott being tall, so he can be a DM or as in the Scotland team a CB. Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get tried there as well. Let Scott concentrate on what he is good at and let him thrive. We do need another DM and let Donny play in place of Pogba at least he will play with enjoyment.

 

[Himannv]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

I think it's not a great combination, especially when we have the ball.

Fred is great off the ball but not as effective when on it and get's caught in the press before he can make the play from deep. VDB moves too far forward when we have the ball and doesn't spend much time on the ball as his game is more about those clever flicks and quick passes and working his way into the final third. Bruno is great on the ball and will create, but as the AM, it means he sees less of the ball unless Fred is able to find him quickly.

To summarize, I think you'll need Matic.

 

[BrilliantOrange]

I think it's not a great combination, especially when we have the ball.

Fred is great off the ball but not as effective when on it and get's caught in the press before he can make the play from deep. VDB moves too far forward when we have the ball and doesn't spend much time on the ball as his game is more about those clever flicks and quick passes and working his way into the final third. Bruno is great on the ball and will create, but as the AM, it means he sees less of the ball unless Fred is able to find him quickly.

To summarize, I think you'll need Matic.

Ehhhh Im not saying Fred Bruno Donny is my favourite midfield, but your logic.... They are not good ón the ball, so we need MATIC?

...

What?

 

[Bebestation]

Bruno Fernandes isnt a player who hasnt played in CM before. You can see it with his energy and defensive ability that he can play in a double pivot.

For me Fred & Mctomminay worked better than anyone in a double pivot when Fernandes became our creative player. We can let Fernandes do the Mctomminay work from deep and do both of getting forward and dropping deep - it makes minimal difference to what he does now because he finds himself dropping back when Pogba needs that defensive support or has lost the ball. We get a bit of creativity from deep aswell.

Van de Beek isnt the most creative but will be in an AM position where he makes runs and interlink the whole of the front 3 to make a front 4. Right now the front 3 looks isolated and unable to play with each other.

 

[Dirty Schwein]

He can't be any worse than Pogba currently is in midfield.

Dropping Pogba may also fire him up.

 

[Dr. Dwayne]

Would a Fred,Bruno and Beek midfield work ?

You'd love to see it. At least I would.

 

[Himannv]

Ehhhh Im not saying Fred Bruno Donny is my favourite midfield, but your logic.... They are not good ón the ball, so we need MATIC?

...

What?

It's more about how they combine together and fall short in terms of balance. Let me explain.

Of the 3, Fred is the one who sits deepest here. Once we win the ball, Donny bolts forward to link up with the attack, Bruno plays as the AM so is further forward as well, and it's now down to Fred to make the play. The issue now is that the opposition presses Fred and he loses the ball or misplaces the pass as he's not press resistant on the ball. Suddenly we have opposition attackers running at our CBs and we all know how that tends to end up. Matic, on the other hand, drops deeper with the CBs on either side of him and is better at playing his way out, while avoiding the press as well when there is less space to play. Hence, we need Matic in place of one of the CMs or we become somewhat unbalanced.

 

[Cheimoon]

I strongly oppose the idea of playing footballers out of their nominal position. That's why I was so surprised with this move. Once again, I will be first to admit I was wrong if he plays well in midfield, but I don't think this is the solution to our problems.

I think that's where you are off though: AM is not necessarily VdB's 'real' position. He played further back a lot with Ajax, so they could also play others who are not as versatile in their natural positions. VdB might be strongest in AM, but since Bruno is already a very strong AM and Pogba is not doing great, VdB could definitely be played further back again.

 

[MattyB1986]

You'd love to see it. At least I would.

Same. I was about to say, I'd like to see a Fred, Bruno, VDB midfield at some point. On paper, it seems quite balanced.

What about a diamond? Fred, Pogba, VDB, Bruno? with Telles providing the width.

I don't think going forward Bruno and Pogba will work full time without having a mobile DM who can cover every blade of grass, a bit like trying to squeeze Lampard and Gerrard into the same 11. They needed the DM that I am trying to work out who would be a good fit. A kante, Ndidi, and the player I would have prioritized over VDB actually; Partey.

I like the look of VDB, seems to have a great attitude. He'll feature, it's a long ass season.

 

[Ronaldo's ego]

He’ll thrive in a well drilled system, which means he won’t thrive here. Chose the wrong club lad.