comment by Sir Robert Paisley says 'How long???' (U3823)
posted 34 seconds ago
Januzaj is very good. But I think Sterling could be something very special
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I think that both sets of fans feel the same about their player. Probably down to having seen them play more frequently than any bias. Both great little players though and I hope that they get some playing time during the WC.

I don't think Sterling will really have a set position.

Rodgers likes lots of rotation, lots of versatility.

Sterling has shown he can basically play anywhere across the front, he can even play wing back or full back too reasonably well and that defensive side will only improve with more strength conditioning.

I think he will play different roles depending on the formation we play, but his performances will have ensured he is one of the first names on the team-sheet that's for sure.

Rodgers now knows he can trust him when it matters.

comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 6 minutes ago
Where do you guys see Sterlings future position being?

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Anywhere across the front 3. I can even see him playing as a striker in the future.

You nailed it with his movement. It may sound a little over board but I don't think I've seen a player as good technically at that age before. The timing of his runs and his movement between the lines coupled with his decision making mean that he is a modern baller in every way for me. I reckon he could play RB if he wanted.

Just to throw this back at you where do you see Januzaj? The lad can cross a ball but the weight of his passing and ability to use both feet means that I feel he would be more effective centrally.

Sterling is more versatile than most and his levels don't drop when played in different positions so I see him being used in a number of positions throughout his career. I expect him to appear more on the wings though as his pace and game intelligence wreaks havoc.

Darren if we get Lallana I imagine we will play 3 attacking midfielders with no wingers, the fullbacks will provide the width.
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Aye that makes sense, but I was talking more long term I guess.

righteous, while what you say is true young versatile players, if they reach a certain level within the first team, will often find a set position - ego has something to do with it as well, look at Rooney and how he was versatile and willing and capable to play different positions but has now settled behind the striker.

I suppose it's hard to predict because he's still so young. Just wondered if you guys think he has a future playing behind the striker.

comment by Robbing_Hoody - Here, have some goals. You don't have to work for them. They're a gift. That's what we do now. (U6374)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 6 minutes ago
Where do you guys see Sterlings future position being?

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Anywhere across the front 3. I can even see him playing as a striker in the future.

You nailed it with his movement. It may sound a little over board but I don't think I've seen a player as good technically at that age before. The timing of his runs and his movement between the lines coupled with his decision making mean that he is a modern baller in every way for me. I reckon he could play RB if he wanted.

Just to throw this back at you where do you see Januzaj? The lad can cross a ball but the weight of his passing and ability to use both feet means that I feel he would be more effective centrally.
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I think that he will play centrally eventually, but that might be 5+ years before he does. That is if he is still at United.

Robbing

Adnan is too early to say. He excelled in attacking mid and on the wings for the under 21's, he even played as a lone striker, but has yet to really find a position in the first team.

I think he's seen as a number 10 in the future, and his style of play and attributes probably suit that position best, but with players like Mata and Rooney ahead of him in that position it'll be hard for him to nail a spot down there in the next few years and will probably then do so wide - where he may just end up developing into a winger.

Of course he's so young, so if and when Mata and Rooney leave he could eventually move into the centre if he's carried on progressing. But for the mean time the wing is where I see his future.

Adnan will be a CAM IMO. Too slow for the wings.

Ok perhaps not too slow but i think playing him anywhere other than CAM will waste his skill sets. Its his best position.

Januzaj does not need to be quick. He can manipulate a ball and can buy a yard. Beckham made a career out of that.

He's not got the pace of a Sterling or Walcott but he's got good acceleration and is quick running with the ball, as well as having good dribbling, so he's certainly got the attributes to become a top winger.

I agree attacking midfield is probably his best position based on his attributes but for the moment he's looked better in the first team playing wide than behind the striker, so it's not a forgone conclusion he'll end up there, especially if he nails down a wide position.

comment by Robbing_Hoody - Here, have some goals. You don't have to work for them. They're a gift. That's what we do now. (U6374)
posted 1 minute ago
Januzaj does not need to be quick. He can manipulate a ball and can buy a yard. Beckham made a career out of that.
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He isn't that slow either. Not really fast, but pretty quick with the ball at his feet. This season he has beaten plenty of players too thanks his his footwork and balance - often taking on 3/4 players in one run. He has what it takes to be a top winger. However, I do agree with Red Mamba's opinion that he is better suited to playing centrally.

Pace is essential for a winger. Of course there's exceptions to the rule. He can do a job on the wing but CAM IMO will get the best out of him.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Oh I think he'd be better centrally, as I said above, I just don't agree that he'll be unable to play wide because he can cross from anywhere and buy a yard with his balance.

You can teach people to run quicker as well. Milner (just to digress a bit but I kind of hope he play RB at the WC) is far quicker than he was at 20 for example.

Silva is a good example. Not saying he'll be in his class. But he plays better wide than behind the striker and isn't blessed with pace. But he has intelligence, good balance and brilliant close control and so excels in that position.

Adnan could end up doing the same, and like Silva isn't a traditional winger, but is quicker than him anyway.

I've a feeling that's where his future will be despite him probably being better suited to playing behind the striker.

comment by Red Mamba - Real Sosobad (U1282) (U13041)
posted 4 minutes ago
Pace is essential for a winger.
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No it isn't. Adnan doesn't have frightening pace, yet can beat a man thanks to his excellent balance and footwork. He has been pretty good on the wing and can develop into a top winger. A decent crosser of the ball can also make a good winger.

I do agree that he will be better suited to the central role though.

Januzaj isn't a slouch. The way he beats defenders so effortlessly with balance and footwork is a joy. Same with Sterling.

Yes it is. Its not a necessity but its essential. Most wingers in the game are pacey.

Januzaj isnt a typical winger though, he comes inside alot doesnt he?

comment by Red Mamba - Real Sosobad (U1282) (U13041)
posted 3 minutes ago
Yes it is. Its not a necessity but its essential. Most wingers in the game are pacey.
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How can something be essential but not a neccesity?

Anyway it neither on wide players.

Necessity and essential mean the same thing.

Illori, yeah he does. Depends which side he plays, though. He comes inside and out and has a good burst of pace for it to not matter he cannot run 100m in ten seconds.

Watch Wilson's second goal against Hull and Adnan's run to set up Fellaini's assist (). He was certainly not effected by a lack of pace in that game while playing wide.

Yes Ilori. I think he will end up playing centrally perhaps with licence to drift.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgI56dEUmxo#t=53

At 0:52 seconds

I know it's a Youtube video but look at his balance and dribbling. Stupendous.

Watching that video, Januzaj has a great burst of acceleration, like Aguero.