He was immense today. Best player on the pitch by a mile before Long came on. His best performance in a Saints shirt IMO.
Did a great job last year screening the back four, but he didn't look much like the all-action box-to-box player he was at Celtic. This year, he's that and more...Cork, Schneiderlin and Wanyama is such a luxury.
Not sure about his best performance as he was unplayable last week but he has become so important to our team. An absolute rock playing in a generally thankless role (the kind of position were one mistake can lead to it being replayed and focused on for days) so him and Schneiderlin are doing fantastic and i'm happy they're getting some plaudits and the chance to score a goal or two of their own.
Agreed. He was really superb. He defensive contribution was always invaluable, but he seems to have improved in all the other departments. He was so assured in possession today and his teammates also felt his confidence on the ball and they passed the ball to him no matter how congested the area around him was. And he hasn't lost any ball. And a special shout for the assist. He's really becoming a game changer.
Cork's having quite a season, as well. And if Davis is out for any length, we may get a stretch with all three of them together.
He is just so strong, often got the ball in a really tight spot, but held the Leicester players with pure strength on the ball - AWESOME
I was being sarcasic at the people that like compare the two over and over and who should play. I don't mind who plays they both are great.
Oh, I know. I'm mostly intrigued to see them as a trio for a spell...last year, I'd have been dubious that they could provide enough going forward. This year, not so much.
His ball control and passing this season is so so so much better. Absolute quality. I'd go as far as saying Morgan/Vic are in the top couple of CM pairings in the PL.
Vic has really gone up a level, which is great for us. We need to try and keep hold of him though, his agent will rear his head once again.
Yes, a fabulous performance from Ryan. Difficult to split them but I'd give MOM to Vic by about a hair. There was one moment when Leicester broke out on a counter after Bertrand had run down our left wing. They broke down our right, and Clyne made a good tackle down the side of our box, the ball popped out and bugger me, Beetrand was there covering Clyne in the RB slot. Incredible.
Victor got caught out a few times last season in dangerous positions. He is much more confident now and is encouraged to get forward by Koeman...you can do that when the team defends as a whole.
I saw similar covering in the Cup game. Gardos lost the ball and Fonte rescued him....but Gardos had also set off at pace and was behind Fonte to provide cover if needed. Great training.
Best player in front of the back four by a mile before Long came on, yes. The defence was solid all game. Particularly Fonte for me, who was a rock at the back.