Let's talk about Nuno....

[Wolvensam]

Nuno has been quite reactive this season more than in the past. He got spooked by one or two horror performances and saw fit to rip it up and start again. I'm glad that has stopped now!

 

[Parkins left foot]

Nuno (& the team) have gone back to what they know well - this may not have been the season to start th evolution given the extra games/pressure last year & no real gap in between the seasons.

 

[lemonjelly]

I think what I’ve been very encouraged about in the last four games is the defensive line has definitely been higher. Against Arsenal and Southampton in those first halves we got away with teething issues in that change. In fact, quite a lot of times last night we forced Meslier to kick long rather than allow the first pass which we have virtually never done under Nuno.

We probably still had less possession than Leeds in that first 60 minutes but it was good possession, and we were playing to people under pressure to create space elsewhere. Long may that continue

Neves has also been 20-30 yards further forward. I feel his contribution continues to be very under the radar.

 

[lemonjelly]

I don't 100% agree with this, intent is key but with three at the back (with current personnel especially) it ends up leaning into the over-cautiousness we need to avoid if we're going to make the most of our attacking talent, and actually score some goals

We play three at the back because individually our defenders aren't good enough for where we want to be (exception would be Boly).

When we're in possession and cross the halfway line we then have the likes of Dendoncker killing promising moves by passing back to Coady constantly. I'd rather sacrifice that eventually for a more forward-looking mid.

Boly is 30 now. Probably an unpopular opinion, but feel we have to be looking for his replacement soon I feel.

 

[PuntsWolf]

He’s Just turned 30! He’s not ready for the scrap heap yet!

Probably got the best 3 years of his career ahead of him.

If you want to replace him on ability - fine. But his age is an irrelevance. Football fans love writing people off as they get to 30, so strange.

 

[Freddeno]

He’s Just turned 30! He’s not ready for the scrap heap yet!

Probably got the best 3 years of his career ahead of him.

If you want to replace him on ability - fine. But his age is an irrelevance. Football fans love writing people off as they get to 30, so strange.

agree, still has about four years left at least if he stays injury free

 

[Parkins left foot]

agree, still has about four years left at least if he stays injury free

He's not this year & it gets harder to stay fully fit the older one is - he still has some years left in him, but the question being asked is not unreasonable.

 

[PuntsWolf]

He's not this year & it gets harder to stay fully fit the older one is - he still has some years left in him, but the question being asked is not unreasonable.

Of course it’s unreasonable, he’s not old! He’s been injured less this year than he was when he first joined aged 26. 29 - in his prime. 1 month later, 30 - shit he’s old need to replace him.

He’s 5 months older than Van Dijk. Ignoring the injury, are they looking to replace him anytime soon?

CB literally the least athletic outfield position. And a position where experience and know how out trumps physical attributes. Obviously if you’ve got both you are world class - Van Dijk. Mings has pace and physicality - shit, pace gets him out of trouble. John Terry had the mental attributes - world class.

 

[redvictor]

I'm in the keep Boly/Coady/Siass camp as they are at their prime right now. I think Kilman is a good back up, but we certainly need a quality CB in the summer window, especially as injuries keep coming. I know some don't like Coady, but as a player who leads this team i think whatever his failings are could be figured out (apart from the speed). He's not going anywhere under Nuno imo.

 

[Freddeno]

I'm in the keep Boly/Coady/Siass camp as they are at their prime right now. I think Kilman is a good back up, but we certainly need a quality CB in the summer window, especially as injuries keep coming. I know some don't like Coady, but as a player who leads this team i think whatever his failings are could be figured out (apart from the speed). He's not going anywhere under Nuno imo.

yeah, like Coady a lot, a real vocal captain, has come out of form a bit in the latest games but having played those amount of games last season(or same season) it must be hard both physically and mentally to always be on top..Saiss is also versatily like Donck and a much better heading the ball than Donck..Boly is a no brainer

 

[AndyWolves]

Of course it’s unreasonable, he’s not old! He’s been injured less this year than he was when he first joined aged 26. 29 - in his prime. 1 month later, 30 - shit he’s old need to replace him.

He’s 5 months older than Van Dijk. Ignoring the injury, are they looking to replace him anytime soon?

CB literally the least athletic outfield position. And a position where experience and know how out trumps physical attributes. Obviously if you’ve got both you are world class - Van Dijk. Mings has pace and physicality - shit, pace gets him out of trouble. John Terry had the mental attributes - world class.

No one is saying that Boly is shit, just that it's time to think about succession planning.

 

[Tredman]

Hoever.

 

[Freddeno]

Hoever has a lot to learn to handle the football, looks a bit out of control at times

 

[AndyWolves]

Hoever.

Yes, of course, good shout

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Hoever has a lot to learn to handle the football, looks a bit out of control at times

Hoever is going to be absolute class.

 

[redvictor]

Hoever.

seconded that it's a good shout. He was signed as a back to begin with.

 

[Freddeno]

Hoever is going to be absolute class.

going to be key here if he develops a bit more..he is just 19 though so think he can do that..just wonder why Liverpool made the part exchange for Jota

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

They REALLY wanted Jota. We wanted Hoever. It’s negotiation isn’t it? Bet they wish they had Hoever now with their injury crisis.

 

[Freddeno]

They REALLY wanted Jota. We wanted Hoever. It’s negotiation isn’t it? Bet they wish they had Hoever now with their injury crisis.

yeah, they have been hit a lot by injuries especially in defence..

 

[YoungWolf]

Hoever has a lot to learn to handle the football, looks a bit out of control at times

Yeah does some mad things sometimes with and without the ball but got a lot of good attributes. Definitely see him developing as a centre back though