Van Baasten is my favourite CF, in my lifetime, along with Ronaldo (brazillian one). Van Baasten moved like Haaland, always in between centre backs, or off the back. His instinct is just class. Not saying he is that level, but easily coule be.
It's amazing how taking just one more touch makes a passing team look so much slower. Same thing happens to us when we do it now and again. Makes us look so much less effective.
Van Basten slightly early for me but proper Ronaldo was a monster. So quick, strong, skillfull and still had the ability to finish with style. Some of the runs and goals he scored were unbelievable. Half a dozen players aiming for his knees and he still carried on.
Stones in this position doesnt work for me. Not many defenders can transition to midfield, particulary a holding role. You need the quickest brain in there. You have to be able to receive on the half turn and play 1 2 touch. Defenders dont generally have that approach. I really like Stones, but as a centre back that can pass, where he has a 180 degree view. A 360 degree view is a totally different proposition to coach and play.
That is awful defending. Line all over and nobody with him. When we give up set piece goals it isnt due to those basics.
I'd like us to leave Amad and Roberts on the halfway line for their corners on Monday. Just to mix it up and go for it. I bet Preston would leave 4 players back.
His record at Dortmund was phenomenal, knew he would score goals in the PL but he has maintained the numbers in a much better league. Still get the feeling there is a move to Madrid or Barcelona on the cards in a few seasons. He will probably have about 300 PL goals by then though.
