Youri seems to have his critic(s) on here, but aside from Vardy I honestly think he’s been out stand out performer this year.
His reading of the game and ability on the ball easily puts as one of our most technically gifted players. But this season I really like the way he’s stepped on in his influence of games defensively. The way he played in this back 11 formation against Man City and Arsenal has been exemplary. His tactical fouls for me are examples of his really clever play, sniffing out issues on the counter and taking a card. He’s also super composed in tight spaces and playing through the press alongside Mendy, which is critical.
And we all know what we can do when there is a pass on. Exhibit A being his ball to Under last night.
There’s no denying that when Leicester struggle (like after lock down last season) Tielemans struggled. But as Rodgers pointed out last night, he needs the runs ahead of him to be effective. If nobody is creating space, Tielemans isn’t the sort of player to take on 3 men and create something on his own.
So, do others feel that Tielemans is one of our best players AND performers this season, or are you with TB in thinking he’s an overstated luxury like Perez? 😉
For me, he’s been class.
Tielemans
posted on 26/10/20
He's a class player I think. Leicester did well to get him, quite a number of big sides wanted him.
posted on 26/10/20
He absolutely not an overstated luxury. If there's anyone I want to play the key through ball, it's Tielemans. Getting him in the position to do so can be a challenge, but he's the one I want to see playing the killer pass. One of the frustrating things about Maddison is that, despite getting into good positions more often, his success with through balls isn't great. He can't get the weighting right nearly as often as Tielemans can, nor does he quite have the same vision. It's something he'll need to learn, while Tielemans seems to have it naturally.
Players like Mendy and Praet are playing well, but you can't have a whole team of them or you won't open opposition defences up. Granted Tielemans will take more risks with his passing and give the ball away, but if you have a player that can split a defence apart each match then it's worth facilitating them.
And besides, it's not like Tielemans isn't pulling his weight defensively. Although he does look likely to rack up the yellow cards this season. Still, he's playing so much football that he'll probably welcome the suspension when it comes.
posted on 26/10/20
I have disagreed with others in the past who I have felt overrated some of our midfielders: James, King and, to some extent, Hamza and Praet. Additionally, the likes of N'didi and Mendy have attributes that you need in a team, but you cannot (or should not) fill your midfield with them.
The reason I previously got frustrated with some of our midfielders is that I believed that we had too many who 'did a job' rather than really drive the team forward. Ultimately you must have someone who can break lines either through carrying the ball forward or passing it effectively. I always feel that one of Kante's key attributes, that is often overlooked, is his ability to convert a defensive position to an attacking one by carrying the ball forward at pace. He is not just a defensive midfielder.
Tielemans is a player who doesn't just pass the ball but has the intelligence to put the ball into space or into areas that will hurt the opposition. It is an intelligence that not all midfielders have. He's the sort of midfielder that makes the team play well when he plays well and vice versa. He probably needs to work on his consistency but is still a young player.
posted on 26/10/20
Completely agree re Tielemans. Classy, talented player. I understand Rodgers regards him as "his coach on the pitch", which is remarkable for someone of his age. Agreed, he does misplace passes which sometimes causes problems but those games where he is thought to have had an off day is brought about by people not making the runs into spaces. Yesterday when Under saw Tielemans had the ball he made a perfectly timed run, resulting in Vardy's fine goal. Another memorable one was the pass to Castagne against Burnley which resulted in the own goal.
If people aren't making the runs, his main talents are nullified. He doesn't do a bad job defensively though.
posted on 26/10/20
So, do others feel that Tielemans is one of our best players AND performers this season?
Yes, without doubt. With good coaching and encouragement, he could go on to be one of our most important players for some years.
posted on 26/10/20
I think we are really starting to build a team and we have some talent. We just need BR to gets his balls out his Wife’s purse and have a go.
Someone mentioned, maybe Mersey or Joby that defending is relagation foder.
When we won the league we just went out and scored more than the opposing teams. Twitchy bum moments but My Best Mate is a Man City fan and when we went up there to play. I said which pub do you want to watch the game at.? He told me to F off and was staying home. He know we were going to win!
I would like to see some of that again.......
posted on 26/10/20
Pah!
posted on 26/10/20
Hey TB. I was wondering when you’d see this 😂😂😂
posted on 26/10/20
Going to start a thread for how underrated Perez is.
posted on 26/10/20
comment by True Blue (U9486)
posted 4 minutes ago
Going to start a thread for how underrated Perez is.
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That should be entertaining!
😂