Looks a really good grab. Immaculate against Betis if largely untested, and a couple of super moments today. Smashing.
Really pleased with that performance. You can see the team are starting to gel and easily the best performance of the pre season. Well done to all the lads, new and old who played today. We’ve also still got players to come in who didn’t play today - Enzo, Guiu, Masuaku and hopefully Alderete. Also a mention to RLB and his coaching staff on their excellent work getting this team to work so well together in such a short time. That is such an important factor for any newly promoted team. With the sheer number of new additions that happen for all promoted teams moving up into the Premier League to give them any chance of staying up, it can take time for the players to get used to each other on the pitch but you can see it’s starting to come together for us. Really looking forward to this season and quietly confident we’ll surprise a few people
I understand why some people are upset about these friendlies, why we're playing teams with different styles of play and why we're playing two formations in two days. It It takes time to figure out what changes are being considered, who'll be in the squad and which players are being tried in formations with each other. I don't understand it all and, of course, there are niggles, injuries, fitness, etc, to consider. The days of the first team squad running along Roker Beach then playing Boro, in a friendly, are long gone
Think the 3 that started today are the ones that have impressed RLB the most Hoping for a big Le Fee performance tomorrow to show he deaerves a start against west ham
Hopefully mate. Love the lad and think we are better with him in the side. Some sign of progress that he might not be seen as first 11 day 1 though, how’s that happened man.
Shows how strong we are in CM, I just feel Sadiki probably suits Xhaka more. I'm not convinced by Enzo in the no10 and still feel we need a more natural player in there to compliment what we have Mental to be saying this about Enzo eh, qualiy player
Good interview from RLB, talking about the “finishers” getting 90 mins tomorrow. Not a “second string”
Just watching the highlights. It's amazing to me how a brand new player in Xhaka and just command the leadership and presence he has. Even for the goal celebration, just look at his presence and command of the teammates. Elite mentality.
I wasn't sure with his age etc. But I have seen enough already. Been here a week and that is incredible. So vocal, presence and instant command. Certain personalities just have it. Others are weak as piss in comparison.
Can I just ask what's going on with mayenda. All pre season he has been poor and this game via the highlights, his finishing! Seems better suited to a second striker for me.
He actually played well today, def lacked composure in front of goal today but he played well. I'm encouraged he's getting into good positions, hopefully just saving the goals for when the season starts He is def better when he can drop in and receive it, that's why Diarra as the 10 works as he has the pace to stretch the game
