I agree. Patrick played with a DM (Petit, Gilberto, Makélélé) next to him for most of his career, which is what you'd need usually. Though I'd say even bastian is at his best next to a DM like he was during the treble winning season. You can play him as the DM and he can do a defensive job like he did in the WC final but his ideal role is a proper B2B.
Indeed, which is why comments like Bastian being a huge deal better than Vieira don't sit right with me.
Not sure if it was Bale but I did myself pick Alonso ahead of Bastian for that 80s spot in the same round you picked him after me if I remember, but again Alonso is also very underrated on here. Anyway that was a long time back and he's added tons to his CV since then, the fact that I'm rating him next to Keane and Vieira should be enough to say that I'm not underrating him.
I'm talking particularly about the Spain game. Claude was great in the tournament of course but Patrick was on steroids in that game. Unreal show of midfield dominance.
I'd say so myself, although we both should agree there's a bit of United in there. But still, the initial point was Bastian >>>> Vieira which is bollocks.
Agreed with the notion both operate better with a DM next to them, whereas with Keano.. I'd argue he is in less need of a DM next to him, although in Europe against the very best he did need Butt next to him for that extra reinforcement. Whereas I felt with Schweini for regular games week in week out, he'd need a DM but in one off games he could play as a DM.
In terms of controlling a game through passing ability, I'd rate Schweini higher than both Keano and Viera as he has that level of silk, closer to the likes of Modric/Scholes but not quite as good a technician but his on the ball skills, in terms of footwork was top tier and his range of passing, superior. He didn't need to rely on his athleticism to beat a man, he used more guile and intelligence.. whereas Viera who also had deft footwork, relied more on his athleticism. Keane in terms of footwork, less gifted than either but he had an aura on the ball and a conviction in possession which the other two don't quite match. Keane was a very intense player in possession, rather like Davids.. where no moment on the ball is wasted, the other two slightly more lacksadaisical on the ball which gives the impression that they have more time on the ball.
Off the ball, Keano has the best aggression, can really grab a game by the scruff of the neck.. Viera has it too, but against top top opponents, I'd rather have a Keano as he is fearless against anyone whereas Viera had a ceiling for me. Schweini less aggressive but a more clever footballer positionally.. the fact he is less dynamic than the other two, makes him look weaker than them two but he read the game extremely well.
I'd definitely rate Keano as better than Viera, but Schweini is more a game controller rather than a just pure B2B midfielder at his best. Not sure where he is in relation to them two, but I don't see him as the type of guy who'd be overwhelmed by them.. he has alot of confidence on the ball and even if he is pressed hard, kicked around.. he has the tenacity and strength of will to handle it. On the other hand, in terms of his defensive work.. I can't see him being able to keep a rampaging Viera on a leash.. physically in that respect, he'd struggle imo.