Very impressive from our B-team. Asensio is our MOTM. Llorente and Mariano also looks ready to play in the first team. Enzo looks a lot like his father in posture. Everyone played well, Carvajal was probably the least impressive....even though he's the only experienced player. Some amazing passing and pressing game, even though we didn't create a lot of clear chances.
Odegaard is 17 but what a vision this kid already has is outstanding. Needs to buckle up a bit, but definitively first team potential. Asensio should already get more playing time with A-team players. He is great from both flanks. Zizou really has a fantastic squad with a great balance between upcoming talents and already the top players. Seeing Llorente play against PSG makes you wonder why we should buy another CB. Ramos, Pepe and Varane fighting for 2 spots, Llorente and Nacho for the fourth and Vallejo is also a upcoming player. Llorente doesn't panic under pressure and keeps good composure and vision. He reminds me of Hummels. Odegaard, Asensio and Llorente A-team material, the rest meh.
Agree on a lot of this, but are you getting Leinhart and Llorente confused here? Llorente was playing DM and it seems the midfield is where he normally plays. He'd be an alternate to Casemiro if he stayed with the first team. I did like some of what Leinhart did at CB though too.
Glad to read that Asensio did well, looking forward to seeing this kid play for us in the regular season.
Sucks that we lost but great to see our team back in action! Really entertaining game. Our defending was pretty atrocious in the first half, and I think a lot of that might be down to our new formation 442. With 2 CMs instead of 3, it felt like the wide players (Lucas and Isco) were not sure when to drop back. In the 433 it has been quite clear that Toni/Luka drops to the wing to double up on attacker, but it seemed like our guys today weren't sure of their responsibilities tracking back. Oh well, I guess thats what preseason games are for. That said, Nacho and Danilo were utterly horrendous, and now I don't consider Danilo a cover for RB at all. As far as I am concerned, he has 2 more games to show that he isn't a complete waste, otherwise I would be 100% ok with a €50 million back up panic buy for RB. If Dani ever gets injured (hope not) in the next 2 years during our ban, I don't want to rely on Danilo. Also, 2nd half I was pleasantly surprised. I think Odegaard has a lot going for him - think he is still atleast a year, maybe 2 from top flight European football, but the signs are good. Asensio however, I'd take right away. Jese can go out on loan, and Asensio can come into rotation for us this year.
I think we see a future CB setup of Varane-Ramos-Vallejo (if he plays well in Germany)-Diego Llorente after his spell at Malaga.
Really impressed with Llorente. The kind of CDM I wish we had (albeit higher level) - quick in passing, playmaking skills from the back, calm under pressure, isn't reckless, etc. Odegaard and Asensio are going to make a devastating duo in the future. Lienhart reminded me of a Kroos that would play defense, great passing range. Vallejo, Varane, Lienhart and Diego Llorente as CB options in the future is enticing. The Castilla kids showed us the type of football Zidane wants to play, I can't wait. Jesé and Kovacic should go on loan to improve, they have the potential to.
I knew Llorente was special a while back. So glad he stuck out today. I would love him on the squad but at the same time I want him to have minutes to develop. I think Asensio will cement himself this season. Give him a couple more games and you guys will see.
Does anyone know where Madrid is staying while in Michigan and if they will have any autograph sessions? I took Friday off. Can't wait for the game
There are actually people here saying Mariano looks ready for the first team? Were we watching the same game? Yes he looks like a hard worker, but doesn't have the technique to match. He was running around like a madman all game charging into players from behind. I would understand if the attitude of some people was "meh it was 45 mins, too short to judge." But to look at those 45 minutes and conclude he's first team material is just shocking. Asensio, Odegaard, Llorente and Lienhart all impressed me tonight. Shame our starting 11 didn't impress. 9 or so of those players are the actual backups for our starting 11, meaning we could see that lineup again come CWC or early CDR stages. But it's early on, PSG have played matches and we haven't so I'm not going to judge yet.
Lienhart impressed me last preseason as well. He's too good to play for Castilla, I think he should go out on loan to a first division team. Same goes for Ødegaard. Both Llorente brothers have first team potential. Diego is a rock, can play anywhere in the back four or CDM. Different game now, coaches love versatility. And I've only seen Marcos a handful of times but it's clear to see that he's a smooth, composed player with vision. Attributes you cannot teach. Asensio will deliver the goods, anyone who watched Espanyol last season could tell you that. Exciting player, but for the good of his career he'll need to be loaned again this season, there aren't enough minutes for him here.
Agreed and just the energy displayed, maybe it's just the first game, maybe they are overdoing it because they are youngsters and just want to showcase themselves in the best light, but whatever, I like how energetic they were compared to the norm
Watched only the second half... Guess it was the right decision based on the comments here.. Asensio is too good to sit in the bench. I would still think it will be better to loan him out for hisown development. He can be a crucial player for a suitable club. First time I'm seeing enzo playing and he did well - I'm more impressed by Ødegaard- boy this kid is a real find.. I would be really surprised if he doesnt end up something big in his career. Its still very early but I am happy with the passion our kids shown.. Its like they were out there to prove a point..
Asensio, damn hard decision. he already can be important players.. but when so many attacking midfielders or wingers in the squad, question if he will play that much. maybe loan again?
I'm glad that Asensio and Llorente stood out. There are still traces of me praising him to heavens in the Castilla thread. I was watching the promotion game and I was so damn impressed with him.
I am on vacation so i missed the game. When i woke up this morning i saw the scoreline, went to breakfast and saw the goals. Defense looked horrible there and i came here expecting everyone to be panicking and flaming our team. I am glad to read that our youngsters did well, the result doesn't really matter. Anyone got extended highlights for the game?