Match Day Thread Vs Bournemouth (H)

This^
You can see his potential going forward, but his defending has been woeful. He has completely switched off at defensive set-pieces at times.

 

I don’t know what kind of role he played in Germany, he might not have been asked to do that side of things. He seems to do well winning the ball back in those 50/50 tackles and nipping in to intercept but actually staying with a man and positionally is where he’s been iffy.

 

I like keita, my sort of player. Think he looked good before injury, gonna give him till at least next season before passing judgement

 

That’s why I think it’s bes to play Keita Fab with Gini ahead of them in games against the smaller teams and low blocks.

And Fab and Gini with Keita ahead in the bigger games.

 

I still dont know where gini’s Best position is. Seems to be shifted around a bit. He can clearly score goals as he did it for newkie and psv but for us often looks like he cant hit the target. He’ll make forward runs off the ball well though to add that attack from midfield but he’s not really creative.

Defensively hes ok, nothing special but can do a job, but he does keep and shield the ball well when playing deeper.

Feel like he’s suffered a hit by not having one particular position to play in constantly though

 

I think we need him as he gives solidity and muscle to the midfield. we have missed him when he's not started. Hs runs have been important especially defensively but he allows the front 3 to play more freely.

 

To be honest, I underestimated Gini’s defensive ability. It not so much the tackling etc but more his positioning and awareness. Occupies space and blocks passing lanes.

He and Fabinho can really give us a solid defensive platform.

And he can swap with Keita to see who goes forward to attack.

All 3 are pressing machines as well.

 

I thought Fab was great on Sunday. Fast, positive forward passing. He's getting better and better

 

is that when you watched the highlights

 

**** me I obviously meant Saturday

 

Might i point one thing out?

Fabinho... and passing.

Danny Murphy on MOTD was gushing over the lad on Saturday night.

The thing is.... Bournemouth made it piss easy pass forward. Loads of space. If you watched the games v west ham and Leicester you would see a different story. Both sides held a good shape and closed space.

If you look back he has this habit of carrying the ball up until he's no option then he plays what he thinks is a disguised ball sideways. He's wide open to an interception at that point. He turns towards left side and plays ball square every time.

Just watch that one guys.

Yes fabinho had a good game, yes he plays the ball forward... no issues form me but we need to see how easy Bournemouth made it.

 

Different midfield as well mito.

We all expected what we got against wet spam and leicester when we saw midfield line up.

 

Bournemouth definitely made it easy for us. But Fabinho has shown his passing ability throughout the season, not just this game.

His passing is progressive - can either play it on the deck, and he now has a trademark lofted ball to the right back flank.

 

Yes he has, as I said no issue with it.

I'm just pointing out something where he really wants to pass forward and gets close to his marker then plays almost blind to left someone can set up to intercept that.

we need more movement with him in team for forward pass

 

Since he featured a lot in December our midfield passing improved. I think he has been key to that

 

For me he started as a CM for PSV and captained their team to league title form that position. I would agree that his own flexibility has cost him somewhat.

He's not a dribbler nor a creator IMO so i'm surprised newcastle had him as a no 10 or left wing. those seem utterly stupid positions for him.

He is strong on ball and covers the ground so for me he's a guy you want running in late or staying with level of ball to link play not trying to do fancy stuff.

Frankly for he he looks lost at times in real advanced positions.

 

As he grown legs yet?

 

Gini when playing next to Hendo is lost. But Gini without is very different.

He needs to be unleashed. He can be so frustrating because He has the ability but can be too conservative at times.

 

Too often he needs a half time bollocking before he switches on.