Spurs 23/24: I'm Loving Big Ange Instead
- Thread starter DJnVa
- Start date
Not a jinx, as Postecoglou signs a 4 year deal.
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s new manager: The history, the track record, the philosophy
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s new manager: The history, the track record, the philosophy
Let's talk about the squad, and who might be staying or going:
Keepers - No real comments, Hugo needs to go, and we need to bring in a starter ahead of Forster, or a great prospect to play behind him.
Hugo Lloris - Au revoir
Fraser Forster
Alfie Whiteman
Brandon Austin
CB - we're probably keeping 1 or more likely 2 of Dier/Dav/Tang/Rodon to be the backup(s), but we need to buy a starting LCB. Dav is definitely gone, and I'd bet that either Japh or Rodon stays for homegrown reasons. I believe Dier doesn't count.
Cristian Romero - Starting RCB
Eric Dier - Sell
Davinson Sánchez - Sell
Japhet Tanganga - Sell
Joe Rodon - Sell
LB
Destiny Udogie - Starting LB
Ben Davies - backup
Sergio Reguilón - adios
Ryan Sessegnon - sell
Ivan Perisic - sell/backbencher
RB
Pedro Porro - moving to RW
Emerson Royal - starter
Djed Spence - no idea
DMF
Oliver Skipp - sell
Harry Winks - sell
Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg - backup
Tanguy Ndombélé - keep
Yves Bissouma - starter?
Pape Matar Sarr - maybe?
CMF
Rodrigo Bentancur - starter
Tanguy Ndombélé - keep
Giovani Lo Celso - starter
Pape Matar Sarr - maybe?
Deki - my dark horse for this!
LW
Heung-min Son - doesn't fit quite right, but maybe this works?
Bryan Gil - keep
Perisic - backbencher
Udogie - why not?
CF
Harry Kane - is Kane, but not a great fit for Ange's strategy
Richarlison - keep
Heung-min Son - better fit at CF
RW
Gil - keep
Porro - keep
Spence - maybe?
Deki - Starter
Keepers - No real comments, Hugo needs to go, and we need to bring in a starter ahead of Forster, or a great prospect to play behind him.
Hugo Lloris - Au revoir
Fraser Forster
Alfie Whiteman
Brandon Austin
CB - we're probably keeping 1 or more likely 2 of Dier/Dav/Tang/Rodon to be the backup(s), but we need to buy a starting LCB. Dav is definitely gone, and I'd bet that either Japh or Rodon stays for homegrown reasons. I believe Dier doesn't count.
Cristian Romero - Starting RCB
Eric Dier - Sell
Davinson Sánchez - Sell
Japhet Tanganga - Sell
Joe Rodon - Sell
LB
Destiny Udogie - Starting LB
Ben Davies - backup
Sergio Reguilón - adios
Ryan Sessegnon - sell
Ivan Perisic - sell/backbencher
RB
Pedro Porro - moving to RW
Emerson Royal - starter
Djed Spence - no idea
DMF
Oliver Skipp - sell
Harry Winks - sell
Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg - backup
Tanguy Ndombélé - keep
Yves Bissouma - starter?
Pape Matar Sarr - maybe?
CMF
Rodrigo Bentancur - starter
Tanguy Ndombélé - keep
Giovani Lo Celso - starter
Pape Matar Sarr - maybe?
Deki - my dark horse for this!
LW
Heung-min Son - doesn't fit quite right, but maybe this works?
Bryan Gil - keep
Perisic - backbencher
Udogie - why not?
CF
Harry Kane - is Kane, but not a great fit for Ange's strategy
Richarlison - keep
Heung-min Son - better fit at CF
RW
Gil - keep
Porro - keep
Spence - maybe?
Deki - Starter
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I'd be pretty surprised if the sold Oliver Skipp, a homegrown player that is only 23 and played okay after being thrust into a pretty big position. Even as a back up he'd be pretty good.
Ndombele's contract expires and I doubt he is coming back. GLC is interesting, he's played really well for Villareal, but his contract is also expiring and I'm not sure why he would be interested in coming back to Tottenham, he seems like a La Liga player.
I get that Skipp has value as a young homegrown player, but from what I understand he's not a great fit for Ange's system. Ange likes to play a 4-3-3 so I'm viewing the Spurs squad through that prism. Ange is also much more tactically flexible than Conte, so I'm not discounting the possibility that Ange has a very different view of the players. So what follows should be more of a comment on how these players fit into the 4-3-3.
In Ange's preferred 4-3-3, the 2 #8s are AMFs. Ange is a possession-driven manager, and he frequently cites and borrows from Pep. In possession, Ange likes to setup in a 2-3-5, with the AMFs playing between the CF and wingers, while the FBs push into the MF 3.
Skipp isn't good enough in attack to play AMF, and he's probably not a good enough carrier to play the pivot. Ange asks A LOT of his DMF, and I don't think Skipp has the skills. To be clear, I agree with you that Skipp is a nice player, is young, and is homegrown, and there is value in all of that. But his ceiling for a top 4 side managed by Ange is a bit player. I think he's a better fit at the pivot, but he's probably behind Bissouma, Tanguy, Hoj, and Ben10.
I do think GLC fits the prototype AMF Ange wants, and GLC being a relentless presser also fits the mold hand-in-glove. Ben10 is a terrific presser, but I wonder whether he's skilled enough to be a possession-based AMF. This is also why I think Deki could be a real good fit in CMF, and that would also open up the RW spot for someone who likes to hug the touchline like Porro.
Tanguy is skilled enough to play either role in MF, but he's a bit too daring ATM to play the pivot. In a 2-3-5, the DMF losing the ball is obviously very bad. Tanguy is press-resistant enough to hold up the ball, but he'd have to simplify his passing a bit to avoid costly turnovers against better competition. That said, his aforementioned ability to hold the ball up, his passing range, and elite ball carrying all fit the bill nicely.
I'd be interested to see Skipp in a side that actually plays attacking football and is not consistently dominated numerically in the midfield. Conte's midfield 2 setup was so demanding and specific that I don't know how much to draw from performance in that system.
Postecoglou seems like an exciting appointment from a football perspective and also a genuinely good guy. Arsenal fans will have their work cut out in terms of finding a reason to dislike him.
Mourinho and Conte shaped the squad in a direction that is almost opposite to what Postecoglou seems to prefer - CBs most comfortable playing a deep block, wingbacks most comfortable flying down the touchline rather than inverting into midfield, tough but not very technically proficient central midfielders, etc.
I think the big challenge for Ange will be how to start putting some of his ideas into place while being pragmatic enough to get results with the players he inherits. That's what Arteta and Ten Hag had to do their first years too. You can't just try to play your ideal tactics with lots of square pegs in round holes or you'll end up getting ripped apart by Brentford 4-0 like Ten Hag did last August before he tightened everything up considerably (and buying Casemiro didn't hurt either).
I don't know what the budget looks like but I'd say in terms of field players, CB and CDM seem like the biggest needs. You need the central platform of athletic ball playing CBs and a pivot DM who is technically secure and reliable but also physically up for the duels for this kind of football to have a chance. Those players make the team go in possession and its the trust the rest of the team places in them to hold their own defending a high line that allows everybody else to press aggressively. Only Romero really fits the bill for this kind of football among the CBs and I don't see anybody in the squad who can play that pivot DM role to the required standard. Skipp just isn't that guy, Bissouma isn't nearly good enough with the ball. Spurs need their version of Rodri, Casemiro, Partey, Fabinho. They should probably look at Zubimendi, who Xavi seems to love but Barca likely can't afford and who Arsenal also has been very interested in but seem unlikely to buy at this point.
Mourinho and Conte shaped the squad in a direction that is almost opposite to what Postecoglou seems to prefer - CBs most comfortable playing a deep block, wingbacks most comfortable flying down the touchline rather than inverting into midfield, tough but not very technically proficient central midfielders, etc.
I think the big challenge for Ange will be how to start putting some of his ideas into place while being pragmatic enough to get results with the players he inherits. That's what Arteta and Ten Hag had to do their first years too. You can't just try to play your ideal tactics with lots of square pegs in round holes or you'll end up getting ripped apart by Brentford 4-0 like Ten Hag did last August before he tightened everything up considerably (and buying Casemiro didn't hurt either).
I don't know what the budget looks like but I'd say in terms of field players, CB and CDM seem like the biggest needs. You need the central platform of athletic ball playing CBs and a pivot DM who is technically secure and reliable but also physically up for the duels for this kind of football to have a chance. Those players make the team go in possession and its the trust the rest of the team places in them to hold their own defending a high line that allows everybody else to press aggressively. Only Romero really fits the bill for this kind of football among the CBs and I don't see anybody in the squad who can play that pivot DM role to the required standard. Skipp just isn't that guy, Bissouma isn't nearly good enough with the ball. Spurs need their version of Rodri, Casemiro, Partey, Fabinho. They should probably look at Zubimendi, who Xavi seems to love but Barca likely can't afford and who Arsenal also has been very interested in but seem unlikely to buy at this point.
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This strikes me as a good move if they complete it, or alternatively it could be a backup plan to push Brentford to complete the Raya deal at Spurs' price. Either way, nice to see the club addressing 1 of the 2 huge areas of need. Next they need to sign the best LCB they can find. But buying isn't going to be the problem this summer methinks...
Better move than haggling fruitlessly for a few months over Raya, which is what I was expecting.
The bigger drawback here is that Spurs miss out on a keeper who counts as homegrown. Seems like an easy way to meet that quota. However, I just looked up the homegrown player rule for the first time in my life, and it's really not hard to comply with it. You can have up to 17 non home-grown players at a club, and the max squad size is 25. So in theory, you could have 17 galacticos and then pay 8 homegrown backbenchers (they don't even have to be English!) to round out the squad and comply.
Who are the best yet realistic CB targets out there? Who would you want the most? Who do you think we land on?
Gvardiol
Min-jae Kim (listed as righty, but I think he's ambi?)
Bastoni (lol)
Skriniar (righty)
Silva (youngster at Benfica, righty)
Pau Torres
Timber (strongly righty)
Scalvini (youngster at Atalanta, righty and likely too aggressive)
Tomori (strongly righty)
Hincapie (Leverkusen)
Guehl (Palace, righty)
Normand (Sociedad, righty)
Todibo (righty)
Tapsoba (linked already, righty)
Kilman (linked)
Ibanez (linked I think, righty and aggressive)
The names in bold are the lefties.
Gvardiol
Min-jae Kim (listed as righty, but I think he's ambi?)
Bastoni (lol)
Skriniar (righty)
Silva (youngster at Benfica, righty)
Pau Torres
Timber (strongly righty)
Scalvini (youngster at Atalanta, righty and likely too aggressive)
Tomori (strongly righty)
Hincapie (Leverkusen)
Guehl (Palace, righty)
Normand (Sociedad, righty)
Todibo (righty)
Tapsoba (linked already, righty)
Kilman (linked)
Ibanez (linked I think, righty and aggressive)
The names in bold are the lefties.
Maddison just about signed, for approx. £40M. Pretty solid business, although I was holding out hope that Ange would consider Deki and GLC as our 2 #8s. This confirms for me that GLC is gone. I previously thought Tanguy was a 6/pivot in Ange's system, but I think he's actually pretty well-suited for one of the 8s. But then there's a number crunch, with Deki/Maddison/GLC/Tanguy all too talented and high-priced to stick around. At the 6, it's Bissouma, Ben10 IMO. I feel like Hoj is a great swingman who can play both roles, but they have to reduce his minutes to be effective. No idea where Sarr fits in. All that and I haven't mentioned Skippy yet.
More importantly, let's get a CB!
More importantly, let's get a CB!
Looking at the CB pool again, if Gvardiol or Pau Torres is willing to make the move, I think they should absolutely move for one of them. Gvardiol in particular is a prime target. Here are the TM values/release clauses for a slightly revised group of potential CB targets from the one I previously posted:
Gvardiol, RBL - £65M
Pau Torres, Villarreal - £52M release cl.
Hincapie, Leverkusen - £30M
Tapsoba, Leverkusen - £26M
Kilman, Wolves - £26M
Ibanez, Roma - £26M
Min-jae Kim, Napoli - £39M release cl.
Tomori, Milan - £35M
Todibo, Nice - £26M
There are other elite CBs not at elite clubs yet (e.g., Schlotterbeck at Dortmund, Bastoni at Inter, etc.) but I think it will nigh impossible to pry players like that out of their home countries since they're already at big clubs. Pau is almost certainly going to end up at Real or Barca, but since Spain has mandatory release clauses, they could potentially bowl him over with wages. Gvardiol is at RBL and maybe he loves life in Germany, but it's not his home country (Croatia) and he's not at one of the elite clubs (Bayern, Dortmund, Union Berlin amirite @candylandriots ??). Gvardiol is about as safe as it gets when buying a young defender, as he's shown out at RBL and Croatia NT. The guy is well rounded, but definitely more exciting on the ball and in attack.
Defensive stats are noisy, but I tend to like tackle % as a good shorthand. For example, I think the world of Wan Bissaka as a defender and he's the leader by a wide margin in the Big 5 leagues in the category. With that, I think Hincapie might be a really good option to pair with Romero. Hincapie is a terrific tackler, but doesn't get many interceptions. But I look at this as a positive not negative, since Romero is an outlier with how aggressive he is. And for all the consternation about Romero's deficiencies in aerial duels, he has a better aerials % than most if not all of the guys on that list.
Gvardiol, RBL - £65M
Pau Torres, Villarreal - £52M release cl.
Hincapie, Leverkusen - £30M
Tapsoba, Leverkusen - £26M
Kilman, Wolves - £26M
Ibanez, Roma - £26M
Min-jae Kim, Napoli - £39M release cl.
Tomori, Milan - £35M
Todibo, Nice - £26M
There are other elite CBs not at elite clubs yet (e.g., Schlotterbeck at Dortmund, Bastoni at Inter, etc.) but I think it will nigh impossible to pry players like that out of their home countries since they're already at big clubs. Pau is almost certainly going to end up at Real or Barca, but since Spain has mandatory release clauses, they could potentially bowl him over with wages. Gvardiol is at RBL and maybe he loves life in Germany, but it's not his home country (Croatia) and he's not at one of the elite clubs (Bayern, Dortmund, Union Berlin amirite @candylandriots ??). Gvardiol is about as safe as it gets when buying a young defender, as he's shown out at RBL and Croatia NT. The guy is well rounded, but definitely more exciting on the ball and in attack.
Defensive stats are noisy, but I tend to like tackle % as a good shorthand. For example, I think the world of Wan Bissaka as a defender and he's the leader by a wide margin in the Big 5 leagues in the category. With that, I think Hincapie might be a really good option to pair with Romero. Hincapie is a terrific tackler, but doesn't get many interceptions. But I look at this as a positive not negative, since Romero is an outlier with how aggressive he is. And for all the consternation about Romero's deficiencies in aerial duels, he has a better aerials % than most if not all of the guys on that list.
To add one last thing, the way I think Spurs approached the keeper situation this year was to try and get their man in Raya, but Brentford made it pretty clear they didn't want to sell. So Spurs decided to roll the dice on Vicario and see how he handles the EPL this season. I don't think they've shut the door on Raya by any means, but rather they'll attempt to sign him on a free next summer instead if Vicario doesn't look up to the task. Moreover, this would be an interesting squad building approach as Vicario could be a terrific backup to Raya and the cup keeper, and then they can decide down the line how they want to handle.
Similarly at CB, perhaps they'll go after a young player with upside and wait to see what established stars entering the final year of their contracts might shake loose on a free next summer (e.g., Bastoni, Pau Torres, Kimpembe, Hermoso, etc.). Alternatively, perhaps Spurs are getting back to buying younger promising players, hoping to increase their value, and then move them on.
What I can say is that it's exciting to follow Spurs transfer biz again!
Similarly at CB, perhaps they'll go after a young player with upside and wait to see what established stars entering the final year of their contracts might shake loose on a free next summer (e.g., Bastoni, Pau Torres, Kimpembe, Hermoso, etc.). Alternatively, perhaps Spurs are getting back to buying younger promising players, hoping to increase their value, and then move them on.
What I can say is that it's exciting to follow Spurs transfer biz again!
Recent rumors suggest that City are in on Gvardiol, but have been quoted €100m by RBL. At that price point, only Madrid is a possible alternative, so I don’t think Gvardiol moves this summer.
And Kim has apparently already agreed to terms with Bayern, but there’s some public confusion about when the release clause activates this summer. Whenever that happens - July 1? - he’s expect in Munich.
Spurs and Liverpool are both linked to the Dutch kid van der Ven. He looks like a massive and fleet-footed CB that needs an apprenticeship period to get up to EPL speed. The Liverpool press have a made a lot of the fact that Wolfsburg’s director is the son of Liverpools new/interim director, but I think that complicates things for the Reds. No young director is going to want to give the appearance of short changing his club to help out dad.
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I like the Maddison signing. They really need more creativity from the midfield, something they have been lacking since Eriksen left, and while the solution of having Kane drop deeper was impressive, the team is better if someone else can be the engine in midfield that can make progressive passes to unlock the defense, and pot double-digit goals. He's also a good free-kick taker, something again Spurs have lacked since Eriksen left, outside of Bale's brief return. Also, he was in the 83rd percentile in terms of tackles made for AMs, which I did not expect.
Yeah the names that are being discussed by at least half-decent transfer reporters are van der Ven and Tapsoba. I'd take either or both.
van der Ven is young and has only had one really good season, but left footed compliments Romero and he reminds me of Vertongen before the injuries.
Tapsoba seems much more likely to be a player that can step in and start immediately at the center of defense. While I've seen some mixed reports on his defending, everybody raves about his ability on the ball which Spurs badly need. I don't think you are getting him for £26m though.
I don't know anything about the GK you signed but Tapsoba and Maddison would be a very nice pair of additions.
I don't know anything about the GK you signed but Tapsoba and Maddison would be a very nice pair of additions.
Maddison deal looks done at this point, he's at the ground doing a media shoot and has had the physical.
Signing makes a lot of sense, but the midfield is crowded now. Need some loans and some just gone. I have a feeling PEH is out this summer.
Signing makes a lot of sense, but the midfield is crowded now. Need some loans and some just gone. I have a feeling PEH is out this summer.
Winks is going the other way to Leicester for 10m. That clears out one body. I've never been high on Winks but I'm a little surprised no PL team was interested.
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I just looked at Nico Schlotterbeck on Transfermarkt, because I was pretty shocked to see him on your list. I know he’s only 23, but his season at Union was not particularly memorable. I was surprised Dortmund paid €20 million for him and even more surprised he was in Qatar. Admittedly small sample size, but in the Dortmund games I saw this year - as well as in Qatar - if I remember right, he made a few costly errors.
There’s a lot I have still to learn about this sport, but I feel like if Spurs came offering €40 million (assuming Transfermarkt somewhat reflects reality), Dortmund would be fools not to take it.
I’ll gladly take Doekhi or Leite before Schlotterbeck just on pure performance, even when excluding the savings on transfer fees on those players. The other starting CB, Robin Knoche is much older than Schlotterbeck, Doekhi and Leite, but I’d choose the next couple of years of him over Schlotterbeck too.
As an aside, Union’s transfer value at the end of the season now exceeds a Harry Maguire transfer fee! It was less at the beginning of last year, but now up to €139 million (though there have been a few minor ins and outs since then).
I doubt that there’s anyone on Union Berlin that will end up on Spurs, at least in the near future
I just looked at Nico Schlotterbeck on Transfermarkt, because I was pretty shocked to see him on your list. I know he’s only 23, but his season at Union was not particularly memorable. I was surprised Dortmund paid €20 million for him and even more surprised he was in Qatar. Admittedly small sample size, but in the Dortmund games I saw this year - as well as in Qatar - if I remember right, he made a few costly errors.
There’s a lot I have still to learn about this sport, but I feel like if Spurs came offering €40 million (assuming Transfermarkt somewhat reflects reality), Dortmund would be fools not to take it.
I’ll gladly take Doekhi or Leite before Schlotterbeck just on pure performance, even when excluding the savings on transfer fees on those players. The other starting CB, Robin Knoche is much older than Schlotterbeck, Doekhi and Leite, but I’d choose the next couple of years of him over Schlotterbeck too.
As an aside, Union’s transfer value at the end of the season now exceeds a Harry Maguire transfer fee! It was less at the beginning of last year, but now up to €139 million (though there have been a few minor ins and outs since then).
Everything I've seen is along these lines:
View: https://twitter.com/thespursweb/status/1677402254276534272
Also, apparently Inter may come after Lloris.
Dele Alli gave an incredible interview where he detailed suffering from addiction and depression, which he said is related to him being sexually abused as a child. He recently completed a six week rehab process, and is back training with Everton. Really puts some things into perspective regarding how his career has shaken out.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38004205/dele-alli-reveals-rehab-stay-addiction-childhood-sexual-abuse
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38004205/dele-alli-reveals-rehab-stay-addiction-childhood-sexual-abuse
Just read about Dele and watched the video clip. Difficult and horrible stuff. I've really missed the young Dele - the demon with a gleam in his eye, the guy who played free and risky, the young man that brought joy to the pitch. There aren't enough like him. Dele is is taking the first steps on a long journey. I hope he reaches a place of peace and healing.
One piece noted that Everton will owe Spurs £10m after another 7 Dele appearances for the club. Unless he really balls out in training this month, I suspect he'll be off on loan again.
One piece noted that Everton will owe Spurs £10m after another 7 Dele appearances for the club. Unless he really balls out in training this month, I suspect he'll be off on loan again.
Yeah, it was a rough watch, but credit for him for making positive steps and coming out and talking about it.
I've been watching some older clips this off-season and I kind of forgot how incredible Dele was as a young player and how integral he was to Spurs, and one of the reasons the window collapsed on them over the last few years was the decline in his play. He had 19 goal contributions as a 19 year old in the Premier League and then 25 the following year.
I'll give Harry credit, after it looked like he was struggling early, he handled the Wings of Death better than I expected.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy59Fq-GkJg&t=60s
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy59Fq-GkJg&t=60s
Lost 3-2 in Australia to West Ham. I didn't watch but word is the ball moved well and Spurs had lots of possession but the center backs were horrific--as was expected.
West Ham had already played a game as well, and that matters a bit.
EDIT: Shots were 30-5 for Spurs. Wow. West Ham's xG was below 1 and 2 of their goals came on set pieces, which Postecoglou says they haven't really worked on yet.
West Ham had already played a game as well, and that matters a bit.
EDIT: Shots were 30-5 for Spurs. Wow. West Ham's xG was below 1 and 2 of their goals came on set pieces, which Postecoglou says they haven't really worked on yet.
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Highlights from today's game:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zOEUkgx7L8
On the goals, they all came really from individual defending errors. On the first goal, Reguillon totally loses Ings off a re-set set piece. In the second goal, Pedro Porro plays a poor ball back to the keeper, who has to concede a corner; and then Porro loses the West Ham striker off the ensuing kick. The last goal was a brutal mistake from Sanchez, totally overplaying a pass and getting caught in no-mans land.
On the bright side, Destiny Udogie had a sublime header off a corner kick from Perisic, it was beautiful.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zOEUkgx7L8
On the goals, they all came really from individual defending errors. On the first goal, Reguillon totally loses Ings off a re-set set piece. In the second goal, Pedro Porro plays a poor ball back to the keeper, who has to concede a corner; and then Porro loses the West Ham striker off the ensuing kick. The last goal was a brutal mistake from Sanchez, totally overplaying a pass and getting caught in no-mans land.
On the bright side, Destiny Udogie had a sublime header off a corner kick from Perisic, it was beautiful.
Very long thread about Postecoglou's tactics in the West Ham game and him implementing tactical systems in and out of possession that are very reminiscent of Pep, Arteta, and Ten Hag.
I find this account kind of annoying in general but the tactics threads can have interesting nuggets of information if you can get past his Twitter personality.
View: https://twitter.com/EBL2017/status/1681628265423724545
I find this account kind of annoying in general but the tactics threads can have interesting nuggets of information if you can get past his Twitter personality.
View: https://twitter.com/EBL2017/status/1681628265423724545
Ange dunking on the clown German for the Kane-Bayern shirt stunt is a winner though.
But seriously, can we haz a CB plz??!?
But seriously, can we haz a CB plz??!?
Joe Lewis indicted for insider trading.
View: https://twitter.com/meninblazers/status/1683972557177847808?s=46
View: https://twitter.com/meninblazers/status/1683972557177847808?s=46
So PL now has to expel both the Spurs and City? Points deduction at least. Kane and Son must go. No argument about it! They didn't even get any stock tips!
I watched a good portion of the Lion City match last night and had a few takeaways.
- There's a lot of pieces that look to be in place, but it's not a complete XI yet.
- My stapled on starters (back to front):
- Vicario. Looked good with the ball at his feet. Didn't have a lot of work. Still needs to learn to come off his line much faster.
- Romero. Truly a beast. Easily the best defender in the squad, but also asked to make line-breaking passes a lot.
- Udogie. I didn't believe the hype because I'm a cynic, but DAYUM. This is what a star looks like--comes into a major club and looks like he belongs immediately.
- Emerson. Just looks really comfortable and confident out there. This also says something about the alternatives.
- Bissouma. The guy looks supercharged and really silky on the ball. Big fan.
- Maddison. Holy shite, this guy is incredible. He's fucking lightning on the turn, has a shot on him that he's not shy about, and can still play terrific through balls.
- Honorable mention--players that look good/very good, but have competition for their spot
- Solomon - looks very threatening on the wing, and unselfish. It's early days and there's competition for these spots, but wow he's making an impression.
- Perisic - Looks really good on the wing. Unrelated to his play, but Reggie did a really nice play tracking back behind him and he waited for Reggie to catch back up and gave him a fist bump. I love when players recognize a well-executed difficult play from someone in a similar role.
- GLC - I thought he was better against WHU than yesterday, but he deserves some praise for fitting into Ange's system hand in glove. When I started reading about Ange's tactics, I immediately thought GLC had a role on this team.
- Richy - Yes, he's doing what most of us didn't think was possible. Showing that he just might be a better overall fit for Ange than Kane. Are we ready to trust him and give him the keys?
- OK, so what does this say about the rest?
- Porro - I'm very down on his defensive play. He really has terrible awareness and lacks the instincts to track runners. I also don't think his output in attack is so great that they'll want to start him consistently. Emerson way ahead IMO, but if Ange wants to go super aggressive Porro is obviously better going forward than Eme.
- Reggie - Really underwhelming performance IMO. He did show good movement and chemistry with Perisic, but just not enough there overall. I think Davies is probably ahead of him at LB for when Ange wants to be more defensive, dominate MF more, or just backing up Destiny.
- Sarr - I really like his attributes, but doesn't look ready for prime time. Not sure if a loan is better for him or for him to be in the backend of the MF rotation.
- Hoj - I think he's shown that he's a real value add in this system. I thought he was unfairly maligned last year, as he played almost every match and never got rest (2nd in minutes to only Kane). If we're trying to construct the best squad without consideration for $, he's in the best XV or whatever.
- Son - I didn't think Son played badly, but I'm considering that there might be a world where he's not the best option at wing for Ange. It's not sexy, but Perisic-Richy-Solomon is a real system-focused approach to the XI that doesn't seem too far off. He's almost definitely staying on the squad because he's done it at this level consistently for years, you don't just ship players like that off, and even if Perisic is a better fit you can't rely on a player of his age for a full season.
- Deki - He's really talented, but his final product has really taken a dip over the past year or so. I'd keep him on the squad for sure because he does have elite talent, but I wonder if his best (or at least an additional) role is backing up Maddison.
- Japh - Just not cutting it at this level.
- Dier - Purely a cheerleader at this point. Despite Davies' mistake, I'd rather see Gentle Ben at CB before Dier.
- Skipp - He was fine. I'm surprised he was playing ahead of Hoj in the MF 3, but I guess that makes some sense when you consider that the 2 CMFs (Hoj being the DMF) have to cover a fuckton of ground and that just may be Skipp's best attribute. I think Skipp stays because he's English, homegrown, and Tanguy and Sarr don't make the cut.
- MF rotation: Bissouma (Hoj), Maddison (GLC, Deki), GLC (Skipp)
- When Ben10 returns, I think he and GLC would be the best players for the CMF role, with GLC versatile enough to backup the AMF role. Skipp likely stays as we're not deep enough to sell him with Ben10 sidelined and an unknown. Maybe a problem for January?
- What's the word on Gil? He would be fun to see as a winger in this system or even possibly as the AMF.
- Please sign 2 CBs already.
Spence is raw as hell and has only even played in a 3-back, I don't think he's gonna get a sniff this year. I think we was a ghastly signing, Spurs are kind of horrible at buying from the Championship over the past five years.
hahaha totally fair, but let's remember he was the expected starter for Argentina in the role that Mac ultimately ended up starring in.
Re Spence, I don't know about his qualities, but I think he was a quintessential financial acquisition by Levy in that he thinks he bought low and expects to turn a profit on the eventual sale. He also might've thought that Conte would buy into playing Spence, which obviously had the opposite effect.
For a minute earlier this summer there were rumors that Spurs might not exercise their option to buy on Porro and frankly, I'm surprised they did go through with it if that was a real option.