Looks like he has been asked to follow Ericken
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If it's a tactical ploy then it's awful. It's leaving us ridiculously exposed and rendering Mata useless.
Was thinking this too, can be the only reason why he so central. But strange to put your right back man marking someone and its leaving Mata exposed at the moment.
Indeed
Excellent half so far, although he seems to of been told to stick on Erikson similar to what Varela was asked to do. Not sure the benefit of it, but hey Van Gaal logic
Like a young Micah Richards
Hmm I can see the comparison but he's much more talented.
He looks the part and definitely looks like he could be a star just not sure what position he could play and I worry he might be one of those Luiz type footballers who is super talented but doesn't have a fixed position and is tactically reckless.
We did it with Varela on Coutinho and it was awful then. It's entirely possible that Fosu-Mensah is just unsure of his position, understandably given he's so young and it's not where he's used to playing, but Van Gaal has made a habit of sticking with shit ideas that don't work.
He looks a terrific prospect in fairness. As I say that he plays everyone onside.
It's not his fault whether it's tactical or otherwise. He's not a full back. But it's a massive problem at the minute and the whole teams shape is suffering. Smalling and Blind seem to be following Kane and Lamela too so it's probably just Van Gaal being an idiot again.
I can see the Jones scenario as well
I think it's tactical too. A stupid tactic, but when isn't a van Gaal tactic stupid?
Great so far.
Yeah it has to be, otherwise he would never play for LVG again.
He has made some great tackles and has been decent on the ball but has made a few positional errors.
Isn't he a midfielder.
I Agree. I prefer him more central. Also, Mata as right winger doesn't help. He should play as CB or CDM.
Mata's average position
At first I thought he was just drifting out of his position but he's spent so much time central now surely one of the CB's would have told him to go back to the RB position if that was where he was meant to be. It looks like we are playing a back 3 with Mata as a wingback.
Clearly we are aiming for a fluid back four.
He's probably saved us from conceding two goals.
Maybe if we had Lingard playing that side it might work but you can't do it with Mata, he just doesn't have the physique for it.
What is his favorite position again?
I enjoy watching him but I don't want another Jones (very talented player but can't land a good solid position). In his case, he has the height to be CB I think. Still need to see more of him.
I enjoy watching him but I don't want another Jones (very talented player but can't land a good solid position). In his case, he has the height to be CB I think. Still need to see more of him.
DM, but can play full back or centre back.
Cb or dm.
It's better to be outnumbered out wide than in midfield and it's thanks to TFM that we haven't been outnumbered in midfield. Given that's been Spurs' main strength this season and something they've been particularly effective at against the top teams, I'd say it's proving pretty successful personally. Just because it's unconventional doesn't mean it's stupid.
They haven't had a shot on target and clearly haven't been able to play their normal game...
It's led to Spurs best chance of the game. It's also led us being completely incapable of holding on the ball in the last 20 minutes of the half from the moment Spurs woke up. If he doesn't want to be outnumbered in midfield then okay an extra midfielder. Don't ask Mata to play as an auxiliary full back.
It's better to be outnumbered out wide than in midfield and it's thanks to TFM that we haven't been outnumbered in midfield. Given that's been Spurs' main strength this season and something they've been particularly effective at against the top teams, I'd say it's proving pretty successful personally. Just because it's unconventional doesn't mean it's stupid.
If we didn't play that way then us being outnumbered would be the source of their best chance of the game. The fact they have had 1 shot on target, and have only had one real chance, suggests the defensive strategy has worked well not vice-versa. Given their recent record in big games it's not surprising we're being cautious either
That's if you ignore the fact he could've picked three in central midfield and not completely nullified the right hand side of our attack while he was at it.
I hate to bring up the height thing again but is there any reliable source on his height? He looks shorter than Martial.
feck hope he's OK
Lad bloody loves to put in a tackle though
Lad bloody loves to put in a tackle though
This guy is unreal.
He's not only quick and strong, but he's clearly got a lot of talent on the ball. When you consider his versatility too, he'll be a vital player for years to come.
edit - ah feck. The curse continues.
edit - ah feck. The curse continues.
Bah. Hopefully it isn't too long term, he does look a talent.
Hopefully nothing serious. Superb game today, looks a talent.
feck our luck with injuries
It's just crazy.
Oh feck off.
Hopefully just a knock.
Physical specimen with decent instincts and not bad on the ball.
Of course they score right after he comes off.
Instantly fecked in his spot the minute he went off.
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