Nemanja Matic

[Blue Armour 4,436]

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 3,595]

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 11,692]

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 7,142]

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 7,142]

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 7,043]

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 4,920]

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

[Bir_CFC 3,455]

Matic is definitely a lot more dynamic than what he has shown so far with us. In the double pivot, partnered with Cesc he just can't afford to go forward. But if we play a 3 man midfield, he can join the attack. He's very very good with ball at his feet and can make excellent runs through the heart of the midfield. He has shown glimpses of this when he was paired with Mikel and had the license to go forward for the few games.

A midfield 3 of Matic, Radja and Cesc is very good. Just one flaw, maybe not enough goals there assuming Cesc plays deeper. If Cesc will be a 10, then he can probably get a decent chunk of goals but then the build-up from the deep will suffer. Cesc's role is up to Conte, but as far as the personnel goes, I think the midfield is getting there. CB next, please.

[manpe 10,861]

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

Both would fit in the same line-up nicely. At the moment Nainggolan is closest to actually replacing Ramires, anybody remember him? We never replaced him, now we have. Matic's replacement, if any, is yet to arrive. Have we even been linked with a DM yet?

[Beigl 1,387]

Matic is definitely a lot more dynamic than what he has shown so far with us. In the double pivot, partnered with Cesc he just can't afford to go forward. But if we play a 3 man midfield, he can join the attack. He's very very good with ball at his feet and can make excellent runs through the heart of the midfield. He has shown glimpses of this when he was paired with Mikel and had the license to go forward for the few games.

A midfield 3 of Matic, Radja and Cesc is very good. Just one flaw, maybe not enough goals there assuming Cesc plays deeper. If Cesc will be a 10, then he can probably get a decent chunk of goals but then the build-up from the deep will suffer. Cesc's role is up to Conte, but as far as the personnel goes, I think the midfield is getting there. CB next, please.

I have to say I don't think he is that good going forward. Matic can't even use his right foot to save his life which makes him extremely one dimensional and predictable. His lack of stamina is also limiting him big time. Not to mention that his shooting isn't that good in my opinion.

[robsblubot 3,595]

4 hours ago, Beigl said:

 

 

I have to say I don't think he is that good going forward. Matic can't even use his right foot to save his life which makes him extremely one dimensional and predictable. His lack of stamina is also limiting him big time. Not to mention that his shooting isn't that good in my opinion.

 

Fair critique, which makes him a Mourinho player all right - cover less ground. Compared to Mikel, your criticisms seem harsh though - especially the shooting and being predictable.

As a joke, Maradona couldn't use his right foot either...