Nemanja Matic

[BlueLyon 9,359]

The story goes about a superb centre back who had world at his feet, played in CL final, arguably been on of finest no nonsense defenders in game. Then he declined so bad that nowdays he doesnt even play regulary. There was injury, but surely he could come back after that. No one knows what happend. His name is Subotic.

To this day, I still dont know how he gone from one of best CBs in world relatively young too into average one.

Matic seems to be on same way, but it just surprises me that a player who wasnt realy overplayed, injured and even had several top seasons, then suddenly declines so bad that Mikel takes his place.

He needs to get back on track, because last season, some saw Costa, Eden and Cesc as key players, but Matic was equaly important aswell, and if the rule about midfielders are key in football game is true, then he was perhaps most important player we had last season. And thats a shame to lose such good player to whatever reason he has for such terrible performances.

[xPetrCechx 13,548]

Matic is considering his next move after losing his starting place. [Telegraph]

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,745]

6 hours ago, xPetrCechx said:

Matic is considering his next move after losing his starting place. [Telegraph]

He wouldnt start for any champions league side in the league. Unless he is looking to move abroad he would do well to just focus on improving his horrific play.

[Eidur the Spider 4,515]

What a fall from grace. Hopefully Conte can have a word and get him back to something like his best. If not then it's just plain sad. 

[robsblubot 3,237]

If you are matic, who was one of our best players in our title winning season, and then you have a bad season. A tampon manager comes along and plays mikel fucking obi ahead of you, and the club is ok with it...then just pack your things and go.

dont be like the guy who now plays in your position, who now only at 28 has magically acquired the talent to start for Chelsea.

leave while you can! Money isn't everything... The best players will go in this window and you should too. We don't like talent, only composure. You can do the most absurd things as long as you do them confidently - works for mr trump...

thanks for everything.

[Blue Armour 4,168]

7 hours ago, Robguima said:

If you are matic, who was one of our best players in our title winning season, and then you have a bad season. A tampon manager comes along and plays mikel fucking obi ahead of you, and the club is ok with it...then just pack your things and go.

dont be like the guy who now plays in your position, who now only at 28 has magically acquired the talent to start for Chelsea.

leave while you can! Money isn't everything... The best players will go in this window and you should too. We don't like talent, only composure. You can do the most absurd things as long as you do them confidently - works for mr trump...

thanks for everything.

 

Well at least Mikel is doing his job., but on the other hand you have Oscar who is doing next to nothing by sitting deep in today's match, then you have to wonder why Matic doesn't even get a look in.

 

Full credit to Guus for saving the club from an even bigger mess, but the lineups and substitutions have been really wanting.

[robsblubot 3,237]

On 4/9/2016 at 9:22 AM, Blue Armour said:

 

Well at least Mikel is doing his job., but on the other hand you have Oscar who is doing next to nothing by sitting deep in today's match, then you have to wonder why Matic doesn't even get a look in.

 

Full credit to Guus for saving the club from an even bigger mess, but the lineups and substitutions have been really wanting.

yeah for me Mikel is doing a job that is not in need of doing...  that's why you don't see other mikels in any remotely big clubs out there; yes, we are the only "big" club starting a "limited" player (term used by his fans to describe him) I'd call him something entirely different though. Another way of looking is how many players could do Mikel's job, and provide something extra (aka not being as limited)? I could name a few who play for small sides in England.

personally I think Cahill is limited, while Mikel is a bit below that.

Sorry I just don't buy Hiddink the savior story. It's fictional at best. What did he do really? Play Mikel?! Jose started Mikel against Everton and Porto because he was also fed up with Matic. The squad was just completely unfit then and would have lost to anyone, as they did. The squad is fitter now and play just as shitty football, but at least they can run.

[Blue Armour 4,168]

23 hours ago, Robguima said:

yeah for me Mikel is doing a job that is not in need of doing...  that's why you don't see other mikels in any remotely big clubs out there; yes, we are the only "big" club starting a "limited" player (term used by his fans to describe him) I'd call him something entirely different though. Another way of looking is how many players could do Mikel's job, and provide something extra (aka not being as limited)? I could name a few who play for small sides in England.

personally I think Cahill is limited, while Mikel is a bit below that.

Sorry I just don't buy Hiddink the savior story. It's fictional at best. What did he do really? Play Mikel?! Jose started Mikel against Everton and Porto because he was also fed up with Matic. The squad was just completely unfit then and would have lost to anyone, as they did. The squad is fitter now and play just as shitty football, but at least they can run.

 

Yeah, I agree there are things he definitely should have done better....like not trying to recover Matic like he's trying with Oscar atm..and not giving Begovic chances earlier on. However, the next big mistake he can make is dropping Courtois from the starting 11 entirely..if he wanted to give Begovic chances, now's not the time...especially when you are trying to retain as many quality players as possible for next season.

[Blue_Fox_ 2,086]

Thought he had a good game today, nothing over the top. Hope he stays with us and regains his form.

[robsblubot 3,237]

He had a great game today. Yes, opposition is weak, so grain of salt required.

Did his thing in midfield *and* added up front with through balls and an actual assist. There is nothing telling CMs to not get involved in the game - they should go where they are needed and contribute, as matic did.

[Magic Lamps 11,452]

Good game, offensively and defensively, did his job alright for once. I hope the real Matic who is gone now for about a year can return now. 

 

If Conte is really gonna play Fabregas in the Pirlo role, we have to employ 2 complete cdms, who cover loads of ground on either side of him. From our current squad, Matic is closest to that, so we might as well keep him. Sure, we still need at least one energetic midifelder who is good at breaking up the opponents play and confident on the ball like Vidal, Kante or Nainggolan. They make Drinkwater, Xabi and that other guy look like worldbeaters besides them. 

[Stats 6,982]

Like Hazard, if we even contemplate letting Matic leave, it is a mistake. I think both will be crucial players next season.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

3 hours ago, Stats said:

Like Hazard, if we even contemplate letting Matic leave, it is a mistake. I think both will be crucial players next season.

Perhaps, perhaps not.

There are more dynamic central/defensive midfield players. Guys who can win the ball back but also play with it at their feet and start attacks. We're past this need for 4-2-3-1 where a strong, broad player who majorly rely on his strength to get by. He can't distribute the ball fluidly nor can he bloody shoot. You'd ideally want either/or. 

He'd be a great squad player, holding out a lead against a team who're on waves of attacks late on in games. But should we build a team around him? Perhaps not.

[Stats 6,982]

19 minutes ago, LDN Blue said:

Perhaps, perhaps not.

There are more dynamic central/defensive midfield players. Guys who can win the ball back but also play with it at their feet and start attacks. We're past this need for 4-2-3-1 where a strong, broad player who majorly rely on his strength to get by. He can't distribute the ball fluidly nor can he bloody shoot. You'd ideally want either/or. 

He'd be a great squad player, holding out a lead against a team who're on waves of attacks late on in games. But should we build a team around him? Perhaps not.

I think you need to check his assist for Salah in our 6-0 win against Arsenal couple seasons back and why not take a look at his goal against Everton this season

But honestly, he has been below-par this season but when on form he brings so much imo.

[LAM09 6,555]

I think you need to check his assist for Salah in our 6-0 win against Arsenal couple seasons back and why not take a look at his goal against Everton this season [emoji3]

But honestly, he has been below-par this season but when on form he brings so much imo.

He has more in his locker than most think. Just a shame his decline has been worse than most this season.

[Blue_Fox_ 2,086]

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2016/4/24/11497708/nemanja-matic-i-think-i-played-like-zidane
 Hope the big guy gets a run in the side to see off the season.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

4 minutes ago, Blue_Fox_ said:

http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2016/4/24/11497708/nemanja-matic-i-think-i-played-like-zidane
 Hope the big guy gets a run in the side to see off the season.

 Cesc is Pirlo and Matic is Zidane, is Conte now Arrigo Sacchi?*

 

*minus the racial outburst 

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,745]

Hmmm wonder what this means for him now that Nainggolan is here.