[Fabio Rochemback]

As I understand it, he's an intelligent and tactically flexible player with great passing and control, but lacks pace. Is that about right?

 

[top1whoisman]

He has got the height could he possibly converted to CB similar to Shaw for those who have an idea of his defensive intelligence. From what I am reading technique to play out from the back should not be an issue.

Shaw has done that after a decade of first team football under his belt. I’d say you need a lot of experience to be able to learn how to read the game at the highest level.

I don’t think Fernández has the physical attributes to become a CB. Maybe way down the line in the future. But considering his strengths are going forward, crossing and creating chances, moving to CB would take those strengths away immediately.

 

[Bondi77]

It is essential to be quick if you are going to play in the Premier League in a wide position.
It is like crossing the road without looking...you are just going to get run over.

 

[top1whoisman]

As I understand it, he's an intelligent and tactically flexible player with great passing and control, but lacks pace. Is that about right?

Yeah someone mentioned Marcos Alonso in this thread, I’d say that a pretty accurate comparison (in terms of style, not quality).

 

[top1whoisman]

It is essential to be quick if you are going to play in the Premier League in a wide position.
It is like crossing the road without looking...you are just going to get run over.

I agree. I think he’s improved on that at Preston but still some way to go. Some of that is genetics, but I’m sure a well-tailored pre season might help too.

 

[Desert Eagle]

Shaw wants to move in to CB anyways so there is a pathway for him to be successful here.

RB: Dalot/AWB/Mengi
CB: Varane, Martinez, Lindelof, Shaw, new CB
LB: Shaw, Malacia, Fernandez

This is assuming we sell the fridge, bailly, Telles and buy a replacement

 

[Bondi77]

I agree. I think he’s improved on that at Preston but still some way to go. Some of that is genetics, but I’m sure a well-tailored pre season might help too.

Not unless he goes to the track and gets a specialist sprinting coach.

 

[top1whoisman]

Not unless he goes to the track and gets a specialist sprinting coach.

Exactly, so nothing that can't be done if there's a will.

 

[Bondi77]

Exactly, so nothing that can't be done if there's a will.

Head down arse uo and get those glutes working....only way to go.

 

[Bastian]

He has got the height could he possibly converted to CB similar to Shaw for those who have an idea of his defensive intelligence. From what I am reading technique to play out from the back should not be an issue.

That's exactly what I'm hoping for.

 

[Bastian]

Shaw has done that after a decade of first team football under his belt. I’d say you need a lot of experience to be able to learn how to read the game at the highest level.

I don’t think Fernández has the physical attributes to become a CB. Maybe way down the line in the future. But considering his strengths are going forward, crossing and creating chances, moving to CB would take those strengths away immediately.

For crossing to be an asset we'd need forward players making runs into the box. Of course it's a good option to have, but his foot technique and passing would be an asset in a variety of positions. Those are the key attributes needed in every single position, of which we have very little. Of course there's a steep learning curve, but I am willing him to make it here.

 

[top1whoisman]

For crossing to be an asset we'd need forward players making runs into the box. Of course it's a good option to have, but his foot technique and passing would be an asset in a variety of positions. Those are the key attributes needed in every single position, of which we have very little. Of course there's a steep learning curve, but I am willing him to make it here.

Agreed, and I hope and believe EtH will target players who do that more than our current forwards. Either way I would prefer to play AF in a position where he can play to his strengths.

He’d be good in possession but would struggle physically as a CB. That position would also require very good reading of the game, something I don’t see in him, at least yet.

 

[sglowrider]

 

[top1whoisman]

Don't know what he's doing there as a winger nor do I think he played that well, but congrats Álvaro!

 

[SAFMUTD]

Maybe I'm reading it wrong but my understanding is that he doesn't want to go on loan again? Saying ten Hag has to make a decision?

I'd sell him with a buy back clause. I don't know if he'll be good enough or not but at this moment Shaw is the starting LB with Malacia as a back up, at this moment he can't compete at that level. Specially considering he's more a LWB than a LB.

 

[Remember the geese]

Saying ten Hag has to make a decision?

A decision between keeping him around next season or sending him out on loan again. It isn't that dramatic.

 

[SAFMUTD]

A decision between keeping him around next season or sending him out on loan again. It isn't that dramatic.

Well he's already 20 so not so young anymore. He has one more loan on him, if in 2 seasons he can't breakthrough the squad he most likely wont ever do it.

 

[Remember the geese]

Well he's already 20 so not so young anymore. He has one more loan on him, if in 2 seasons he can't breakthrough the squad he most likely wont ever do it.

Was just pointing out that him 'not wanting to go out on loan' isn't the case. He needs a loan next season to a club where he is playing as a fullback, rather than a wingback.

 

[top1whoisman]

 

[AltiUn]

Personally think he's North End's best player, a view shared with a few of my friends as well. Gonna be a very big ask for them to replace him next season. Premier League is the next step for him I reckon.

 

[SAF is the GOAT]

Can he be a vital competition for Malacia or maybe even instead of him ?

 

[Bwuk]

I'd be keen to have him around the squad in pre-season to evaluate his level.

Shaw has shown he can be a very good CB, and I'm more than happy for him to be our back-up LCB and starting LB.

Issue is Malacia & Dalot - the level drops off majorly with either at LB.

 

[Bebestation]

Id sell malacia & bring this guy back.

 

[dutchred]

He couls also be a good back up for Martinez. He's looks more of a Left sided Centre Back than a Full Back

 

[RedRJ]

Watched the Sunderland v PNE game yesterday and didn’t see what the fuss was about with this lad. I can see why we’re all excited about Amad potentially getting a run in the team next season, but I don’t think this guy will get anywhere near our team. Hope I’m wrong though because there’s room for a good back-up to Shaw at LB.

 

[AltiUn]

Watched the Sunderland v PNE game yesterday and didn’t see what the fuss was about with this lad. I can see why we’re all excited about Amad potentially getting a run in the team next season, but I don’t think this guy will get anywhere near our team. Hope I’m wrong though because there’s room for a good back-up to Shaw at LB.

He didn’t have a great game but no one from Preston did, they’ve been on the beach since missing out on the play offs.

 

[Gandalf]

Watched the Sunderland v PNE game yesterday and didn’t see what the fuss was about with this lad. I can see why we’re all excited about Amad potentially getting a run in the team next season, but I don’t think this guy will get anywhere near our team. Hope I’m wrong though because there’s room for a good back-up to Shaw at LB.

After watching Malacia this season it is safe to say there is room for a pub league standard back-up to Shaw. The problem for this lad is his lack of pace, I still have nightmares as a result of Telles making Maguire look like Linford Christie so I would prefer not to repeat that mistake again. I think we should be looking to sell with a decent sell-on clause, we have to raise funds for transfers and balance the books and it is the right time to cash in here.

 

[L1nk]

If nothing else you know you'll at least get an attacking threat from LB with this kid, which in my opinion makes him a better alternative option to Malacia/Dalot

 

[NoPace]

If nothing else you know you'll at least get an attacking threat from LB with this kid, which in my opinion makes him a better alternative option to Malacia/Dalot

I could see him being in the squad and us not signing an LCB this summer, because he's so different than Malacia in strengths and weaknesses.

LB - Shaw, Malacia, Alvaro
LCB - Lisandro, Shaw, Lindelof
RCB - Varane, Lindelof, Young RCB with some height
RB - I guess Wan-Bissaka has beaten out Dalot, so maybe Dalot goes and say Frimpong in?