I agree. He created much of the danger for BVB in the second half. But he's earned a reputation as a Zardes in the final third and that plays into everything he does. Bruun Larsen did nothing but kick what would have been a 55 yard field goal on a clear chance from distance. Reus was useless until the final moments. Sancho was wasteful and easily as poor as Pulisic in the first half. But CP is the odd man out and the fans jump on him quicker than others. It's great that he can make a fresh start for himself in England, but that huge price tag puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders. How he reacts to the move will make or break him IMO.
I'd bet he realizes his transfer fee is going to amplify the noise, and is in turn prepared to deal with all that stuff. And at least he has a refuge with U.S. fans. Unless he goes to MLS before hitting 30...the meltdowns would dwarf the current negativity.
So he missed a sitter and some half chances. All of Dortmunds best players did likewise today. The main takeaway from today’s game is his dribbling (and confidence) look to be almost completely back on track. Ignore the noise
This is more or less what I saw. He certainly could have done better and is capable of doing so. IMO, he took some chances and they didn’t payoff this time. Also, Rues’ goal was pure class.
sancho recently was interviewed saying something like he looks up to CP...i'm assuming that means they are pretty tight - Sancho probably feels bad that so many are turning on his teammate that he knows doesnt deserve it and that he basically took his spot from for a while..... I'm not a huge fan of favre - but there's a reason CP was not subbed off in this one - and that BVB ended up winning the game. other thoughts: 1. the field was a mess - players slopping and sliding all over the field...had something to do with some of the misses imo 2. BVB had over 20 shots in the game - if they keep up this combo of sancho, reus, CP - that will continue....and cp will rack up goals/assists. 3. CP needs to work on shooting...especially from more than 10 yards out. 4. CP's decison making was off in this game but he still managed to wreak havoc...he hasn't been playing a ton ...hopefully it is because he is young and that will improve....and he can shake off the "rust" THAT SAID he is still def an overall positive contributor for the team despite questionable decision-making at times. 5. CP was far from worst on the field - for one, not seeing what everyone sees in weigl....BVB will be lucky if they can sell him for a good amount and they should do it asap. 6. witsel is a key player for BVB. 7 BVB and CP were straight gassed at the end of the game - great effort considering to score 3 in an away game. 8. put a good physiccally imposing forward on this team and watch out - wouldve loved to see jozy playing on a team like this....
All true, but his finishing was atrocious today. His shots were weak. And in at least one chance that I remember he probably could've passed the ball for a better opportunity (likely goal). He had pretty much a sitter, but I think was wrong-footed in that the timing of his run meant he couldn't make optimal contact on the ball. Not sure that makes sense, but sometimes you're standing on the foot you want to use just because you're in run mode. Still, it looked bad. Overall he was not as bad as some make out. He was not really involved in the first half, but was very involved in the second. Unfortunately his end product in several instances detracted from his overall play. He put himself in great positions, but did not deliver, and looked bad in trying to deliver.
He was involved in one play that was a shocking miss. Either it’s shocking that he missed the frame, or it’s shocking the ref missed a foul. I couldn’t tell which from the video. He was bad. In particular, he looked out of sync with his teammates the first hour or so, and then looked like he was trying to do too much the last half hour; definitely pressing. He needs a change of scenery. As for Sancho...he was outstanding in the last 25 yards, but mediocre further away. He didn’t combine with his teammates well at all.
Lost my rep here. There’s no team I actually like seeing him play for because he’s a depressing player to watch. He’s a better Zardes/worse Lukaku. No one enjoys that.
a jozy type forward - physically - would fit perfectly with all these small finesse attackers dortmund has. jozy has disappointed for sure - i just wish he had a chance at some point to play with an attack like this version of dortmund that has a bunch of threats and knows how combine in the final 3rd...woulda been something to see....i presonally think he couldve risen to the occasion. on thos eepl squads he was the sole focus of the defenses he faced...on a team like bvb...the defense couldnt just cue on jozy they'd have to worry about eveyone else too....
Dortmund still have some defensive issues that need attention. They were lucky that PK was not called and got exposed a couple of other times.
I said it before and I'll say it again. His finishing has to get up a notch by next year. At least he is taking shots and looking to shoot. And it's clear that he has to work on that. It is the next step in his development to become truly world class.
At what point do we say he just doesn’t have that ability? Let’s hold off on world class and work to becoming an above avg bundesliga winger first.
I’m no apologist for CP, but o agree with this statement. Skills can be developed - you aren’t born with them (born with the apitiude). We still don’t know where his ceiling is on some of these skills- perhaps high enough, perhaps not.
Your brain develops until you reach about 21 age. After that it's the final product more or less. So up till around that age you can hard wire skills into your brain. After that it's maintenance and adding experience connecting to the hardwired skills.
BIG away game for Chelsea today. WIN and they will move to 5th, tied with Arsenal for 4th on points. And they will only be 1 point behind Tottenham for 3rd. At the rate that Tottenham had been dropping points recently, it could be Arsenal and Chelsea for 4th and 3rd. MU hot streak might also be coming to an end soon.