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Pace in midfield, overrated

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posted on 22/8/14

Agree, pace centrally where space is tight is far less of an issue than pace on the wings.

Everything I've read regarding Carvalho suggests he would be perfect, especially next to someone like Herrera.

Mobility and energy are more important than speed centrally which we currently miss.

posted on 22/8/14

swear you wrote this yesterday

posted on 22/8/14

comment by Pride of the North (U6803)
posted 2 minutes ago
swear you wrote this yesterday
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I did mention something like this as a reply.... but thought it might be a good topic.

It doesn't contain transfer news or doom and gloom though, so I expect 5 replies maximum

posted on 22/8/14

Fair point

I agree and disagree... I don't think you need pace to be a top midfielder. However those top midfielders you listed had players with pace around them to do the leg work.

Ultimately it's about how quickly the ball is moved, we tend to be very slow in this aspect at present, which means the opposition are all back in position making it harder to break teams down.

posted on 22/8/14

Whilst having electrifying pace isn't essential, it really is a requirement to have above average pace.

All our CM's at present have well below average pace, which makes them poor defensively and not very good coming forward with the ball.

posted on 22/8/14

Time to bring in Anderson

posted on 22/8/14

those top midfielders you listed had players with pace around them to do the leg work.
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Like Khedira and Modric?

posted on 22/8/14

How many of you have actually seen this guy play? He's had one decent season in the an average Portuguese league and Sporting want a ridiculous amount of money for him. He would still improve our midfield (hardly a great feat) but he's really no better than Cheick Tiote. Really hope we don't spend crazy money on him, I would much prefer someone like Lars Bender.

posted on 22/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 22/8/14

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - hustla service (U2958)
posted 3 minutes ago
those top midfielders you listed had players with pace around them to do the leg work.
-----------------------------------
Like Khedira and Modric?
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Di Maria was moved into midfield in the big games last season.

Montalivo, Motta, Vidal, Pogba, Keane etc can/could all get about the pitch

Doesn't matter so much in games were you have all the possession

posted on 22/8/14

How many of you have actually seen this guy play?
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Me, alot.

Quite funny that you show up with such bravado and then make it perfectly clear that you have hardly, if ever, seen him play.

Tiote

posted on 22/8/14

Montalivo, Motta, Vidal, Pogba, Keane etc can/could all get about the pitch
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Like I said in the OP though, Herrera can get about the pitch just fine. If we are looking for a CM to partner him, then pace isn't top of the list.

posted on 22/8/14

"then pace isn't top of the list"

No, I agree, it's how quickly the ball is moved on from player to player that sets the tempo by and largely

posted on 22/8/14

All I will say, in fifa style is, would you prefer

Pirlo: Speed:65 passing:88 shooting:85

or

Pirlo: Speed:80 passing:88 shooting:85

posted on 22/8/14

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - hustla service (U2958)
posted 1 minute ago
How many of you have actually seen this guy play?
-------------------------
Me, alot.

Quite funny that you show up with such bravado and then make it perfectly clear that you have hardly, if ever, seen him play.

Tiote
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You can drop your condescending tone, I've probably seen him play alot more than you have . He's a decent player but his buyout clause £37m and Sporting are reluctant to sell, there are far better alternatives available.

posted on 22/8/14

Fully agree with the OP. Other than having a proper football brain, the primary concern for CM should be how fast you're able to move the ball around, not how fast you can chase it. Even in defensive duties, a player with good positional awareness and anticipation is more valuable than a headless chicken.

posted on 22/8/14

I've probably seen him play alot more than you have
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Of course you have pal. That's why you just compared him to Tiote

I bet you didn't even know he was black until the world cup.

The guy will be world/top class, injury withstanding. If he goes to Arsenal and Chelsea, there will be floods of tears on here.

posted on 22/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 22/8/14

Well, that's obviously me just putting my opinion down... There is never a guarantee that a youngster can become world class, but he has absolutely everything in his locker to become a top, top DM.

I lived in Portugal 11 years and still take a real interest in the league. He played such a huge part in getting them to the position they finished, this season... I know it is a weaker league, but when a player bursts onto the scene like that, it is still worth taking notice.

posted on 22/8/14

comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - hustla service (U2958)
posted 2 minutes ago
I've probably seen him play alot more than you have
-----------------------------
Of course you have pal. That's why you just compared him to Tiote

I bet you didn't even know he was black until the world cup.

The guy will be world/top class, injury withstanding. If he goes to Arsenal and Chelsea, there will be floods of tears on here.
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Whatever you clown. The guy has had one decent season, Bebe looked world class in the Portuguese league. There are numerous players who look like world beaters when they are young and then descend into mediocrity a few seasons later just look at our record with midfielders. Way too early to tell if he will become world class or not. No need to get all butt hurt because I have a different opinion to you.

posted on 22/8/14

Bebe looked world class in the Portuguese league.
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He simply didn't.

I will never know why people have to play the billy big balls on here and can;t just admit they don;t know a certain league.

I don't comment on lesser known players from Italy or Germany as I watch next to nothing of those leagues. It is not something embarrassing to admit. I just have better things to do with my life.

posted on 22/8/14

Didn't you do this article yesterday?

I think people are confusing pace with the ability to change the tempo and move defence to attack.
__________________________________________

No, people want a midfielder who can turn a defence into attack with a driving run.

Toure being an example. I personally don't see a NEED for this type of player, on the provision you can get this from your attacking midfielder, Mata however doesn't have this ability.

Little point in having a Pirlo or Scholes in midfield with our wingers/ forwards anyway.

posted on 22/8/14

comment by Pride of the North (U6803)
posted 17 minutes ago
"then pace isn't top of the list"

No, I agree, it's how quickly the ball is moved on from player to player that sets the tempo by and largely
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Only we have no players who do that....nor the wingers to make use of the ball being moved to them quickly.

posted on 22/8/14

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 22/8/14

Little point in having a Pirlo or Scholes in midfield with our wingers/ forwards anyway.
-------------------------
You serious?

Scholes would have had a field day playing with RVP..... Perfect combo, one guy can pick out any pass he sees from almost anywhere on the pitch and the other guy can take down any ball played to him.

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