That's what has been added to the team if the first 45mins are anything to go by! we are looking completely different in the tackle and that's as clear as day to see, I know its a pre season gam but there is a real urgency with protecting the defensive 3rd and winning 50/50 balls. roll of honour for today. Canas, took out two players in 3 secs, swans legend in the making and giving bite all around the field,not getting bullied off it either which has always been a big problem for us. Shelvey, hasn't put in crunching tackles but he has tracked back well and shouldered people off the ball,using his size very well, sneaky bargin of the season I reckon,just needs to stop the Hollywood passes ! Pouzeulo, a lot more busy off the ball than JDG, getting his foot in and tracking his runner, looks good player Michu, I just ****ing loves him, taking no **** what so ever and sticking to the den hag boys with a real "**** you " attitude, if only we could bottle his will to win ! The steel is being installed this season, laudrup has sussed what a lot of people have said gfor a while, but these are not dogs they are fine footballers that seem prepared to do the ugly stuff !! PS I will also add amat to the list first touch crunching tackle !! lol
Canas looks a good player. Pozuelo has been involved in most of the goals we've scored (well that's how if feels!) he might be our next Michu level bargain signing. I really hope that quote doesn't come back to haunt me in 12 months time!
Ivor and a few others have talked about a lack of bite from jdg and he was correct , canas gives us an all action defensive player that will see a few red cards but I feel it's going to be needed this season
Yes a few of us have been calling for bite in midfield. On the performances of Canas, Shelvey (who I thought looked great) and Pouz, I can't see where JDG will fit in this season, so I am glad it is a loan deal for him. Still not convinced on Lamah, tries to over complicate things on times.
At first impression I thought we looked heavy on midfielders (even with European games) but now I can see the tactical reasons after watching some preseason games. We can field a very creative, attack minded midfield but when up against physical or dangerous teams we can play some gritty ballwinners instead (or any mix between the two extremes). Has the season started yet?.... Come on!
Missed all the second half (bloody wife wanted to go shopping ) from what I sough of the first half impressed with midfield, I do like the look of Shelvey, Canas and Pouz. Shelvey did try a couple of passes that to me would have been better to keep hold of the ball. But nice to see something different. As all ready mentioned we have two teams basically a flair side and the gritty edgy side. Going to be a fun season.
I thought the midfield seemed more settled in the second half..Ki and Leon seemed to be playing for eachother, whereas Shelvey and Canas didn't. Not sure Pozuelo will be a starter this season. Michu, Leon Canas probably. Bony looks impressive.
