Nemanja Matic

[TheWiz 109]

The center backs were more exposed and we looked more vulnerable to counter attacks. It's no coincidence we conceded more goals during that period. Jose and the team probably worked on that aspect of his game because he is more disciplined now and less adventurous. His lack of mobility however was and still is there, that wasn't exclusively in the second part of the season. He looked less comfortable playing against better sides and faster players. Schneiderlin being more athletic than Matic isn't everything, of course but I don't think Matic is very good in his positioning. He can intercept the ball when there's pressing infront of him or when his physical abilities allow him to but he can't be reliable against a good opposition.

At the end of the day this is only my opinion so you're free to disagree, and quite frankly I can't see this debate going anywhere so we will probably have to agree to disagree.

I dont even understand some of your Logic.

Could you please explain me, how exactly Matic is supposed to (situationally) build up forward play / Counter Attacks ... while at the same Time he's got to shield our Defense Line? Maybe we should just cut him in half ;-)

Hes not perfect, but lets be honest - neither Fabregas nor Ramires are reliable when it comes to covering fore him, while he's going forward.

It appears to me like a huge Tactical Leak.

[Rapkun 668]

I dont even understand some of your Logic.

Could you please explain me, how exactly Matic is supposed to (situationally) build up forward play / Counter Attacks ... while at the same Time he's got to shield our Defense Line? Maybe we should just cut him in half ;-)

Hes not perfect, but lets be honest - neither Fabregas nor Ramires are reliable when it comes to covering fore him, while he's going forward.

It appears to me like a huge Tactical Leak.

His main job is to protect the defense not dictate play. If anything it should be him that covers for Fabregas not vice versa. Jose instructs Oscar to swap positions with Cesc when he goes forward so we're well covered in that department. He is only asked to cover for the CB/FB on the same flank.

[Jase 43,479]

Both Fabregas and Matic on 9 domestic yellow cards. Pick up 1 more and they'll be suspended for 2 matches.

Must avoid getting one in either the next 2 games (against Stoke + QPR). After 2nd weekend of April, will need 15 YCs to pick up suspension.

[MrBlueGuy 1,552]

Another ok/average game. In fact cannot even remember when was the last time he put in a commanding performance, must have been over 3 months ago. He, like Fabregas and almost the whole team have not been themselves for a long time now.

I think now we will win the title he can take the foot off the peddle a bit and have a rest, next season he needs to get back to his top form.

[MrExcalibur100 7,124]

He's looking weary which is understandable. It's his first full season in England and dealing with the intensity of every match and the reality of no winter break must be difficult for him.

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

He was all over the place at times. His lack of stamina takes its tolls. A proper back-up to Matic is another position on the pretty long list now of necessary upgrades in the future.

[Jase 43,479]

He was all over the place at times. His lack of stamina takes its tools. A proper back-up to Matic is another position on the pretty long list now of necessary upgrades in the future.

The most concerning thing is, he's been getting drawn out of position too easily. Teams are just walking through our midfield and our defence has been left hopelessly exposed, even more exposed when we have the likes of Ivanovic, Cahill and even Terry in defence.

[LAB 1,030]

If Matic is average, the team (and most importantly the defence) becomes average. I felt so much safer when Zouma came on. The previous time we experienced it with Ramires.

We need Mikel back to give this guy some breathing space to recover.

[zolayes 14,489]

If Matic is average, the team (and most importantly the defence) becomes average. I felt so much safer when Zouma came on. The previous time we experienced it with Ramires.

We need Mikel back to give this guy some breathing space to recover.

I think our form since Mikel got injured means he will not be sold in summer

[DYC. 7,542]

He was all over the place at times. His lack of stamina takes its tolls. A proper back-up to Matic is another position on the pretty long list now of necessary upgrades in the future.

I could be wrong, but I think Matic covers the most ground in the PL. If not the most, he's definitely up there at the top of the list. It's not a stamina issue. I think he's either overplayed, or he's covering too much ground. As in doing too much. We have a saying here, it's not about moving a lot, it's about moving enough.

Either way, Matic does not look fit and sharp and that's a problem. But he's definitely not the only one.

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

Just scored a great tricycle kick against Portugal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8gxcre_QR8

[Sheva. 5,373]

My goodness

[petr.breu 1,618]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8gxcre_QR8

http://gfycat.com/BarrenTemptingKid

[michalcfc 69]

fucking hell

[zolayes 14,489]

Just scored a great tricycle kick against Portugal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8gxcre_QR8

I think its a bicycle kick UNLESS he has THREE legs

[Leif 6,006]

I hope i wasn't the only cynic with their heart in mouth thinking he'd been injured after seeing his name trending on Twitter

[Jase 43,479]

Just scored a great tricycle kick against Portugal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8gxcre_QR8

OH MY WORD!

[petre.ispirescu 4,928]

MAAAAAAAAAAAAATIC, MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATIC, MAAAAAAAAAAAAATIC

It's also the same end he scored that goal against Porto for which he was nominated for Puskas Award