Dele

[Shotgunofmichalebrow]

I think there has to be a reasonable bridgeable gap for the trial by fire to work e.g. trying Moura as a CB

Moura is better in the air than Dier probably be stronger on set pieces

 

[dychin0910]

I don't think he has the defensive ability nor the technical ability to dictate pace and tempo. It was difficult enough getting his defensive work rate to where it was suitable for his advanced role, can't imagine what it would do to him if he needs to be even more defensive. I would rather he plays in his current role which suits him fine, than force him into a role that he is less suited for. Instead of playing that deep, it's better to change the formation.

With Wanyama + Dembele, Dembele was the playmaker and would have fit in the role we are currently missing. You might think they are similar, but Ndombele is nothing like that Dembele

Dembele was physically stronger, more reliable on ball protection, maybe a bit more skillful on dribbling than Ndombele.
I could say their ball holding and dribbling style are quite similar，other than that they are totally different type

 

[stevee]

Dembele was physically stronger, more reliable on ball protection, maybe a bit more skillful on dribbling than Ndombele.
I could say their ball holding and dribbling style are quite similar，other than that they are totally different type

Jose news conference (according to SSN.

Jose saying Dele had an injury, hence why he wasn't on the bench vs Sheffield Utd.
Could be a doubt for Wycombe as well.

 

[Igula]

You are not doing your credibility any service when you claim Bergwijn is better than Sissoko as a defensive midfielder. That is just nonsense.

Yes, a 4-3-3 solves your Sissoko problem, but creates others e.g. what happens when GLC is unavailable, Reguilon and Son cannot be as offensive as they currently are, Bergwijn has to track back even more, how do you man mark a CAM when needed etc.

All these can be debated but are simply too hypothetical to be worth much value

Bergwijn would be much better than Sissoko as a defensive midfielder. Both would struggle with the defensive aspects of it but Bergwijn, unlike Sissoko, could help with ball movement and make passes. He wouldn't run away from the ball, hide from teammates looking for an outlet and be able to clear the ball from dangerous areas.

As for your concerns it is easily addressed by one addition of quality MFer.

 

[El Magnifico]

Not finding the deluge of articles you are referring to tbh

Regardless, Dembele was such the complete midfielder i think you could argue he played several different roles at once in that midfield, if you wanted.

Wrt to Ndombele i see no reason why he can't perform the playmaker role you've described in your last post- he ticks off all the qualities required to me, what do you think he lacks or what makes him better suited to a final third position? And why do you think his productivity in the final third is so low?

The question is not how many roles Dembele played but that who was the playmaker, and my assertion is that it was Dembele and not Eriksen.

Ndombele can develop into a playmaker, but he would need to add much more to his game, but even then , he would be a central playmaker not a deep lying playmaker as required in a double pivot i.e he would be more a Xavi than an Alonso. Specifically, the 4-2-3-1 under Mourinho requires a deep lying playmakerand that is not Ndombele. Two key qualities he currently lacks (specific to DLP beyond general playmaking requirements) is the defensive quality and the long range passing.

His is currently low because he is still struggling to adapt to the burden of the defensive duties that Mourinho demands. Once his fitness catches up (playing 90mins regularly) and the defensive role becomes more instinctive, he would have more energy and freedom on the offensive end. Also, once we have a DLP, we will have more consistent and meaningful possession, which should increase offensive production for the entire team (e.g. Kane wont have to keep dropping so deep)

 

[El Magnifico]

Moura is better in the air than Dier probably be stronger on set pieces

Moura is an headless chicken, last kind of player you want as a CB.

 

[El Magnifico]

Bergwijn would be much better than Sissoko as a defensive midfielder. Both would struggle with the defensive aspects of it but Bergwijn, unlike Sissoko, could help with ball movement and make passes. He wouldn't run away from the ball, hide from teammates looking for an outlet and be able to clear the ball from dangerous areas.

As for your concerns it is easily addressed by one addition of quality MFer.

This is just arrant nonsense

 

[Micky Bubbles]

The question is not how many roles Dembele played but that who was the playmaker, and my assertion is that it was Dembele and not Eriksen.

Ndombele can develop into a playmaker, but he would need to add much more to his game, but even then , he would be a central playmaker not a deep lying playmaker as required in a double pivot i.e he would be more a Xavi than an Alonso. Specifically, the 4-2-3-1 under Mourinho requires a deep lying playmakerand that is not Ndombele. Two key qualities he currently lacks (specific to DLP beyond general playmaking requirements) is the defensive quality and the long range passing.

His is currently low because he is still struggling to adapt to the burden of the defensive duties that Mourinho demands. Once his fitness catches up (playing 90mins regularly) and the defensive role becomes more instinctive, he would have more energy and freedom on the offensive end. Also, once we have a DLP, we will have more consistent and meaningful possession, which should increase offensive production for the entire team (e.g. Kane wont have to keep dropping so deep)

It's been interesting reading your opinions mate but I'm going to have to bow out now as i think as we just seem to view these things far too differently. Will be interesting to see where Ndombele ends up settling for us long term

 

[SpurFromOz]

 

[rusty]

Don't see where Dele fits in Jose team, for me Dele works best as second striker in 2 striker system
he is not strong or fast enough to be CF, not got that speed to be LW/RW
that's what hes not good at,
but he is good at getting into box, creating/scoring, just needs to be in right system

 

[Pzabbythethird]

I think Dele could work as a right wing relied on not for pace but for getting into the box an auxiliary to Kane. Like Son playing just ahead of Kane. But he would provide a different threat than Son and a different outlet for Kane.

It would only work in a 5 back with Regi and Aurier as wing backs bombing forward for width. But it's worth a try.

 

[Micky Bubbles]

But then we'd lose all the goals and assists that Bergwijn provides

 

[Notabadsquad]

Further proof the exit door looms.

 

[spursmalc]

Further proof the exit door looms.

Injured.

 

[Notabadsquad]

Injured.

Smoke screen

 

[Guido]

So we need to find a replacement for a player we don't play???!!?

 

[Spursidol]

So we need to find a replacement for a player we don't play???!!?

I'd certainly like to find an alternative HG player who is as good or better than Dele - whether as an AM to rely less and upgrade on Lamela or Moura or as a CM so as to rely less and upgrade on Sissoko especially if Lo Celso injuries continue.

With the number and frequency of matches we need all the rotation options we can get especially if we pick up any injuries

Preferably by getting a large fee for Dele, as I doubt if we can loan in a replacement of that calibre.

 

[Totti]

More importantly - who's going to replace Dele as Mourinho's personal punchbag?

 

[MemphisWill]

More importantly - who's going to replace Dele as Mourinho's personal punchbag?

 

[Blanchflower]

So we need to find a replacement for a player we don't play???!!?

VACANCY: ONE SCAPEGOAT
(applicant won't require football boots)