Zidane Iqbal image 55

Zidane Iqbal England flag

2022-23 Performances


View full 2022-23 profile

Status
Not open for further replies.

pacifictheme

Full Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Messages
7,665
With the signing of eriksen and the potential of Zidane, Savage and Hannibal am I the only one who isn't concerned if we dont sign De Jong and rather spend the dough at another position. There will be a massive difference if De Jong comes in but that also means the kids will get way less opportunities with the first team.
I fully expect that if we do not sign de jong, it will be mcfred most of the season. Trusting the youngsters is too big a risk and asking them to be first team ready because we have no one else isn't fair on them. We need competent midfielders to replace mcfred and then we can give game time to iqbal and others.

I am all for giving these players a chance but I would rather give them every chance to succeed rather than throw them in the (very) deep end and hope it works.
 

OpenIntrovert

Full Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2021
Messages
679
I fully expect that if we do not sign de jong, it will be mcfred most of the season. Trusting the youngsters is too big a risk and asking them to be first team ready because we have no one else isn't fair on them. We need competent midfielders to replace mcfred and then we can give game time to iqbal and others.

I am all for giving these players a chance but I would rather give them every chance to succeed rather than throw them in the (very) deep end and hope it works.
Playing youngsters is not a risk if the manager assesses their maturity and attitude very well. ETH is quite well versed in that aspect, where if you see a youngster playing in the first team it means that he is mature enough to play in that position.
 

yumtum

DUX' bumchum
Joined
May 10, 2009
Messages
7,117
Location
Wales
I fully expect that if we do not sign de jong, it will be mcfred most of the season. Trusting the youngsters is too big a risk and asking them to be first team ready because we have no one else isn't fair on them. We need competent midfielders to replace mcfred and then we can give game time to iqbal and others.

I am all for giving these players a chance but I would rather give them every chance to succeed rather than throw them in the (very) deep end and hope it works.
The bigger "risk" is playing a proven sub standard midfield again, if McFred aye most of the games this season then someone has fecked up somewhere.

I'd much rather see unknown quantities have a try, be that Mejbri, Garner, Iqbal or Savage rather than watch McTominay hide behind opponents for 90 mins.
 

I Am Zlatan

Full Member
Joined
May 26, 2016
Messages
557
He’s very composed and comfortable on the ball, I like how he can hold off pressure, also he seems to play the correct pass more often than not, I hope he gets a decent chance this season, there will be plenty of games to play, hopefully ETH develops him into a very decent midfielder.
 

TrebleChamp99

Full Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2021
Messages
993
Exciting young prospect him and Savage work well together would love to see them both intergrated with the first team. Who needs De Jong
 

AjaxCunian

vexingwijsneus
Joined
Mar 10, 2021
Messages
4,230
Supports
Ajax & United
I am an academy fanboy, but don't think he or Savage have even had a really outstanding season in the academy before. Would find it a huge risk to rely on them this season.
 

Mr PG

Full Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2014
Messages
1,514
Been telling everyone since last season Zidane should be in the 1st team. They’re very similar with Hannibal but he’s a little quicker so integration to mens football is quicker. We’re lucky to have the two of them. And Kobbie Mainoo as well.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,865
Location
England
I am an academy fanboy, but don't think he or Savage have even had a really outstanding season in the academy before. Would find it a huge risk to rely on them this season.
I watched almost every game both players played in last season, and I don't believe either player is ready for first team football. If ten Hag is to go with a youngster then I feel he should go with Hannibal who has performed better than both the aforementioned two players at youth level imo.

I'm not sure why ten Hag hasn't utilised Hannibal, yet. Could be due to his temperament or maybe we'll see more of Hannibal in the coming games. EtH has said that he wants to give the youngsters as much game time as possible so he can decide if they're ready to contribute in the first team or be loaned out. And ten Hag has already seen Hannibal play in the EPL, so i'm assuming he's giving the other youngsters a early chance to show what they can contribute.

I do think it's important we sign a top class midfielder but I would personally supplement the new signing(s) in midfield by introducing Hannibal and Garner. But I guess Garner will be loaned out due to there being a starting role for him at Forest who are now in the top flight.

Edit: Garner can't rejoin Forest due to Henderson being loaned to them?
 
Last edited:

RedRonaldo

Wishes to be oppressed.
Joined
Aug 17, 2003
Messages
18,996
I thought recently ETH is referring to Zidane when he said we would make our own midfielder if we don’t get FDJ as someone who carry the ball forward in midfield. Also it helps after getting Martinez, who is excellent in passing the ball around, and aggressive enough to win the ball in front of him.
 

sglowrider

Thinks the caf is 'wokeish'.
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Messages
25,182
Location
Hell on Earth
I thought recently ETH is referring to Zidane when he said we would make our own midfielder if we don’t get FDJ as someone who carry the ball forward in midfield. Also it helps after getting Martinez, who is excellent in passing the ball around, and aggressive enough to win the ball in front of him.
That's why I like the 1st season of every new manager. All hope and potential glory.

All the different combinations that come with a build-up on the road to success. Fun.
 

city-puma

Full Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2020
Messages
3,215
Location
NYC
I watched almost every game both players played in last season, and I don't believe either player is ready for first team football. If ten Hag is to go with a youngster then I feel he should go with Hannibal who has performed better than both the aforementioned two players at youth level imo.

I'm not sure why ten Hag hasn't utilised Hannibal, yet. Could be due to his temperament or maybe we'll see more of Hannibal in the coming games. EtH has said that he wants to give the youngsters as much game time as possible so he can decide if they're ready to contribute in the first team or be loaned out. And ten Hag has already seen Hannibal play in the EPL, so i'm assuming he's giving the other youngsters a early chance to show what they can contribute.

I do think it's important we sign a top class midfielder but I would personally supplement the new signing(s) in midfield by introducing Hannibal and Garner. But I guess Garner will be loaned out due to there being a starting role for him at Forest who are now in the top flight.

Edit: Garner can't rejoin Forest due to Henderson being loaned to them?
Right. Garner can’t join them except they buy him. It is very worrying indeed for Hannibal‘s situation. I have been hoping Hannibal eventually develop into a deep-lying play maker role one type or another. Maybe it’s what you guess that ETH is giving him some sort of lesson so he gets opportunities to reflect. From what we know about ETH, there is no reason Hannibal is not the one from who ETH will try to bring out the potential. Let’s see.
 

Adnan

Talent Spotter
Joined
Oct 5, 2013
Messages
29,865
Location
England
Right. Garner can’t join them except they buy him. It is very worrying indeed for Hannibal‘s situation. I have been hoping Hannibal eventually develop into a deep-lying play maker role one type or another. Maybe it’s what you guess that ETH is giving him some sort of lesson so he gets opportunities to reflect. From what we know about ETH, there is no reason Hannibal is not the one from who ETH will try to bring out the potential. Let’s see.
I think a double pivot of Garner and de Jong has potential. And it's something I'd like to see tried if we end up signing de Jong. I haven't followed Garner at Forest, but from what I've read and heard from Forest fans, he's done very well for them, albeit in a more advanced role. I think Garner has the ability to play in positional disciplined role in a midfield two, and has also matured physically, whilst also having the ability to thread the lines.

Hannibal I'm not sure what's going on and hopefully we'll see him in the game later against Palace. He's a versatile player and can be utilised in various different roles. But he was originally a midfield playmaker at Monaco, where he was responsible for knitting everything together from a deeper role and then advancing with the ball. At United he was utilised as a #10 for the first time in his fledgling career, which he mentioned in a interview. But originally he was a midfield playmaker who was the conduit in the team at Monaco. I think he has naturally high levels of fitness and covers a lot of ground and can potentially be developed as a understudy for de Jong or even Eriksen/Bruno. And contrary to what I've read on here, he's quicker than Iqbal and has creativity in abundance.
 

city-puma

Full Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2020
Messages
3,215
Location
NYC
I think a double pivot of Garner and de Jong has potential. And it's something I'd like to see tried if we end up signing de Jong. I haven't followed Garner at Forest, but from what I've read and heard from Forest fans, he's done very well for them, albeit in a more advanced role. I think Garner has the ability to play in positional disciplined role in a midfield two, and has also matured physically, whilst also having the ability to thread the lines.

Hannibal I'm not sure what's going on and hopefully we'll see him in the game later against Palace. He's a versatile player and can be utilised in various different roles. But he was originally a midfield playmaker at Monaco, where he was responsible for knitting everything together from a deeper role and then advancing with the ball. At United he was utilised as a #10 for the first time in his fledgling career, which he mentioned in a interview. But originally he was a midfield playmaker who was the conduit in the team at Monaco. I think he has naturally high levels of fitness and covers a lot of ground and can potentially be developed as a understudy for de Jong or even Eriksen/Bruno. And contrary to what I've read on here, he's quicker than Iqbal and has creativity in abundance.
In the last two games, the setups probably tells what ETH wanted to try. He seemly prefers the partnership complementing each other. Lindelof (Marinez) + Maguire/Varane, Telles + Bailey, McFred, Iqbal + Savage. Maybe, he will try Hannibal + McT or Hannibal + Savage next? If it happens, we will know which level he thinks Hannibal can play at the moment. He mentioned we have to get result even though the team has not completed the development into the way he wants us play. With or without FDJ, we need depth in midfield, in case if injuries to McT or Fred.
 

AjaxCunian

vexingwijsneus
Joined
Mar 10, 2021
Messages
4,230
Supports
Ajax & United
I watched almost every game both players played in last season, and I don't believe either player is ready for first team football. If ten Hag is to go with a youngster then I feel he should go with Hannibal who has performed better than both the aforementioned two players at youth level imo.

I'm not sure why ten Hag hasn't utilised Hannibal, yet. Could be due to his temperament or maybe we'll see more of Hannibal in the coming games. EtH has said that he wants to give the youngsters as much game time as possible so he can decide if they're ready to contribute in the first team or be loaned out. And ten Hag has already seen Hannibal play in the EPL, so i'm assuming he's giving the other youngsters a early chance to show what they can contribute.

I do think it's important we sign a top class midfielder but I would personally supplement the new signing(s) in midfield by introducing Hannibal and Garner. But I guess Garner will be loaned out due to there being a starting role for him at Forest who are now in the top flight.

Edit: Garner can't rejoin Forest due to Henderson being loaned to them?
Top post, I wonder what's going on with Hannibal as well. Hope to see him play today.
 

AltiUn

likes playing with swords after fantasies
Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
23,494
I am an academy fanboy, but don't think he or Savage have even had a really outstanding season in the academy before. Would find it a huge risk to rely on them this season.
They didn't. Hannibal and Elanga were the outstanding U23s. Makes it even more confusing as to why Hannibal isn't getting a look in, must be a reason for it.
 

AjaxCunian

vexingwijsneus
Joined
Mar 10, 2021
Messages
4,230
Supports
Ajax & United
They didn't. Hannibal and Elanga were the outstanding U23s. Makes it even more confusing as to why Hannibal isn't getting a look in, must be a reason for it.
Maybe Hannibal's temperament, or he just hasnt impressed in training as much in the way Erik Ten Hag likes his midfielders to play. Breaking through isn't always fair, need to take your moments or have the favor. Will be interesting.
 

jesperjaap

Full Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2014
Messages
5,695
I think a double pivot of Garner and de Jong has potential. And it's something I'd like to see tried if we end up signing de Jong. I haven't followed Garner at Forest, but from what I've read and heard from Forest fans, he's done very well for them, albeit in a more advanced role. I think Garner has the ability to play in positional disciplined role in a midfield two, and has also matured physically, whilst also having the ability to thread the lines.

Hannibal I'm not sure what's going on and hopefully we'll see him in the game later against Palace. He's a versatile player and can be utilised in various different roles. But he was originally a midfield playmaker at Monaco, where he was responsible for knitting everything together from a deeper role and then advancing with the ball. At United he was utilised as a #10 for the first time in his fledgling career, which he mentioned in a interview. But originally he was a midfield playmaker who was the conduit in the team at Monaco. I think he has naturally high levels of fitness and covers a lot of ground and can potentially be developed as a understudy for de Jong or even Eriksen/Bruno. And contrary to what I've read on here, he's quicker than Iqbal and has creativity in abundance.
Interesting, didnt know he started as a deeper midfielder for Monaco youth sides. Reading the DeJOng alternative threads, nobody mentioned really stands out for me. I did actually think Hannibal is capable of becoming a similar player to DeJOng...The likes of Neves and Tielams tough technically gifted, just dont fit to me.

See lots of people seem happy with some of the current options in the short term alongside DeJong if we were to sign him. I am not into tactical analysis and I know there is a lot of talk about Ten Hag and his systems....but for me, every good team needs a tenacious defensively sound midfielder and I simply dont see the option at all there in our midfield. I watched a few Forest games and I like Garner, but I really dont see the player that has had so muchhype for a good four years or so. He is still young and is progressing but I just dont see him becoming someone challenging for the firsts eleven regularly, not in terms of the team we need to try and become anyway....he certainly has a chance in the current set up though
 

FrankDrebin

Don't call me Shirley
Joined
Aug 25, 2019
Messages
19,877
Location
Police Squad
Supports
USA Manchester Red Socks
The less hyped player in our reserves comes away from the tour as our most promising young player.
Really looking forward to see him continually develop in the side.
 

AltiUn

likes playing with swords after fantasies
Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
23,494
The less hyped player in our reserves comes away from the tour as our most promising young player.
Really looking forward to see him continually develop in the side.
He did have a fair bit of hype but I personally never thought he had the physicality to make it at first team level, however he hasn't looked out of place at all.

One of the few to come out of that second half with any credit, I suspect we'll be seeing plenty of him this season, ten Hag clearly seems to rate him.
 

Adam-Utd

Part of first caf team to complete Destiny raid
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
39,954
I really like Iqbal. Just glides with the ball, has quick feet and good control.

Seems to have decent decision making too. I'd like to see him playing with the first team.
 

AltiUn

likes playing with swords after fantasies
Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
23,494
I do think it's a bit of a sad indictment on our midfield that literally the first youth player we've dropped in there has looked better than our actual starters.
 

Adam-Utd

Part of first caf team to complete Destiny raid
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
39,954
I do think it's a bit of a sad indictment on our midfield that literally the first youth player we've dropped in there has looked better than our actual starters.
I mean that's life isn't it? young players come and displace 'settled' first teamers all the time.
 

Davie Moyes

Full Member
Joined
May 10, 2013
Messages
784
Location
Up North
Please, please, please can this guy make it at Utd - even if it's at a decent squad level player. It would be fantastic for the South Asian community.
 

The Purley King

Full Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Messages
4,227
When he came in was our best midfielder
Definitely should be brought on as a sub or even starting some early games when things actually Matter
 
Status
Not open for further replies.