“Contributed” to second goal as well by blocking the GK’s view and getting out of the way at the right second… Giving him credit for anything that would pump his confidence!
De Ligt MOTM for me. Zirkzee didn't score but had some really nice touches in midfield, and held the ball up well. I think he might do ok in the premiership
Nice recovery performance by de Ligt. It shows he might just have the mental fortitude required. Having said that it will take a lot more than one good game to turn the tide for him. Let’s hope he continues like this.
De Ligt very happy for him today. Zirkzee movement is top notch. What he needs is better players around him who also move themselves and the ball. That being said the unfortunate reality is he plays with Overrated Rashford and Bruno Fernandes who are in my opinion two of ETH biggest problems at that club. Zirkzee in Oranje with Gakpo Xavi Reijnders Frimpong can be lethal as these players are all dynamic runners with the ball.
Totally agree with you. This guy is mentally strong, and his career has had its ups and downs. What truly bothers me is how the football writers and certainly the nitwits on social media kill the guy as if he’s totally useless. I can recall his first cap vs Bulgaria that turned into a nightmare when the mindless Danny Blind decided he was ready to start for Oranje at 17, but like I said he’s overcome some things that shows his mental strength. Obviously he had great success at Ajax then getting his move to Juventus were after some initial learning and extra training from the Italian veterans Chiellini and Bonucci he was playing quite well in Italy before moving to Bayern Munich we’re he was voted Player of Year at the club, and Top Defender in the Bundesliga in his first season before Tuchel screwed around and decided on the error prone pair Upamecano and Kim, last season finally coming to his senses, and putting De Ligt back in the team as he was excellent in the run through the Champions League Semi-Finals. Clearly De Ligt has made some bad mistakes which truly pisses me off as a hardcore Oranje supporter, but the guy can play pretty well. As you said he’s going to have to buildup his resume with several strong matches now that goes without saying. As far as replacements at RCB I’m happy to see Van Hecke get some time but he has much room for improvement with him just coming onto the scene, while De Vrij personally doesn’t do it for me, and Jurrien Timber is too small for my liking at NT level so unless someone else pops up De Ligt has every possibility of getting his game together and find himself back into the Oranje side.
I think they will. Nagelsman rated him highly and so did Tuchel it was said often, but obviously he did not give him the time to show himself. Who knows what discussions have taken place between Slot and RG but I’m sure that mentality, effort, and work ethic had to have been brought up. Energetic and switched on Gravenberch is some player!
Timber got MOTM rating today against Spurs. Also booked https://www.si.com/soccer/arsenal-p...rcome-injuries-for-north-london-derby-victory VdVen was good as well. Not at fault for the lone goal
After seeing Van de Ven playing today, it’s very hard to understand how come he doesn’t start every single game in the middle of the defense for us. The guy is a total beast, has everything, speed, awareness, aggressiveness, passing you name it. He’s by far one of the most reliables CDs we currently have.
Koopmeiners back! Midfield dream lineup: Gravenberch, Reijnders, Koopmeiners, and a position-less (pseudo RW/AM) Xavi —that’d be sweeeet! All are ballers and excellent passers.
Or 4-2-3-1.... Last time (v. Germany) the double-pivots were Gravenberch and Schouten. This time around, I think Reijnders can drop down to Schouten's spot, and Reijnders's old spot in the advanced midfield position will/should go to Koopmeiners. Something like this: Back four Reijnders - Gravenberch Simons - Koopmeiners - Gakpo Zirkzee (or Brobbey) Honestly, with so many ball-handlers, this team should really evolve into a position-less formation (i.e. nobody should be fixed into a permanent position) -- total football at its best!!
Mmmmm. Koopmeiners for me hasn’t performed at the NT level like at a club level. I think it’s nice to have him sure but I’ll still go for now Schouten Ryan and Reijnders. Hopefully we’ll add Frenkie to the mix soon.
Who we put in the midfield partly depends on how the attack is formed. Brobbey requires a different midfield than Zirkzee or Gakpo or Simons or the combo's formed by these.
It all depends on who Koeman select to start or give playing time. He needs to address the left back attack and who will partner Van Dijk in the middle. I don't mind trying De Ligt if he perform well from now till then, but if he mess it up again in NT, he needs to be benched.
Watching Gravy right now, I keep asking myself what changed? Why is now such a player? It’s insane how quick a manager can influence a player. Slot has been amazing for Liverpool so far and I couldn’t be happier to have this Gravy version.
Why? He did nothing there and under Klopp neither at Liverpool. So the main thing to regret in this case is not hiring Slot.