- Aug 8, 2005
- 27,242
Thought he looked great on the ball but wasn't sure he was that great defensively? Early days and I don't like to judge quickly but could he slot into the holding midfielder role which we looked like we missed so badly?
Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
[Albion] Could Igor play the holding midfielder role?
- Thread starter Giraffe
- Start date
Christ, no!
We are not going to fix the problem of a lack of pace in our midfield by sticking a tree in the middle of it!
We are not going to fix the problem of a lack of pace in our midfield by sticking a tree in the middle of it!
- Aug 8, 2005
- 27,242
- Thread starter
- #3
Too slow? That was my doubt as well. Then I thought of Pascal Gross...
Horses Arse
Well-known member
I wondered whether than was the plan when he came in - got the physicality and great with the ball. But with Baleba coming in clearly not in RDZ's mind
Neville's Breakfast
Well-known member
I quite like the idea (again based on one game) but what was his interception rate (or whatever the statos call it) ? Basically that person needs to provide defensive cover by nicking the ball off the opposition. Caicedo was the best I have ever seen at this skill.
brighton_tom
Well-known member
- Jul 23, 2008
- 5,525
Won’t Baleba be the holding mid?
studio150
Well-known member
Must have been watching a different game, as I didn't see him being great on the ball. Also when he was on the ball he could see his passing options in front or to the side. I can't see him receiving the ball from the CB with most options behind him, nor being able to turn with the ball when under pressure.
I would say that if played at DM it would be a disaster and no doubt cost us the game from the errors he would no doubt make.
I would say that if played at DM it would be a disaster and no doubt cost us the game from the errors he would no doubt make.
Dave the hatosaurus
Well-known member
To me a great defender has either to be blessed with great pace or have a good ability to read the game (either innate or through experience) .Early days at the moment obviously but i do feel that Igor has some work to do. On occasion when caught out of position he has all the turning speed of a battleship (in a dry dock!). I jest of course but would either of those two qualities be improved by a move into midfield? personally i think not.
The Wizard
Well-known member
- Jul 2, 2009
- 18,401
Have to say I agree I thought he looked shaky on the ball if anything, he seemed to ignore the risky pass to Estupinan/Mitoma in favour of the easier pass inside or backwards.
I think I can safely say the answer to the title of this thread is no, and I highly doubt RDZ will see the need considering we’ve had a very good start to the season domestically.
LamieRobertson
Not awoke
I can see him quickly becoming a NSC favourite
Kalimantan Gull
Well-known member
Quite. And lots of posts like 'I admit it, hold my hands up, I misjudged him'
Dave the OAP
Well-known member
No……next
beefypigeon
Well-known member
- Aug 14, 2008
- 974
I thought Igor did OK yesterday, he played better than JPVH. But I felt he was ponderous in possession at times and often held onto the ball for too long. When our forwards asked for the ball to feet he was a second or two late to make the pass... that can make all the difference with our style of play.
albionalex
Well-known member
Not mobile enough to play CDM.
Neville's Breakfast
Well-known member
I f***ing hate those weasely threads. Perhaps people could just not write off a player in the first place…., after one game….when they probably spent most of it queuing up for drinks and pies and going to the bog anyway.Quite. And lots of posts like 'I admit it, hold my hands up, I misjudged him'
Fence, basically.
ElectricNaz
Well-known member
I personally loved him last night. Aside from the glaring miss. Everyone knows you head that in the general direction of where it came, you don't try and nod that in with the pace of the ball.
He looks great as a CB, can pick a pass no problem, defended okay for a first start with an unknown back line, defo not at fault for any goal.
The thing is, a CB who can play the ball (when playing almost as if he's in a three), can do so as a CB. Much much less pressure. So much space. As a DM, different story. So for now, no. He hasn't shown any attributes that make him a DM.
He looks great as a CB, can pick a pass no problem, defended okay for a first start with an unknown back line, defo not at fault for any goal.
The thing is, a CB who can play the ball (when playing almost as if he's in a three), can do so as a CB. Much much less pressure. So much space. As a DM, different story. So for now, no. He hasn't shown any attributes that make him a DM.
Baldseagull
Well-known member
No, but Dunk could, would work if Baleba can play CB.
Horses Arse
Well-known member
Snap! Thought he was great with the ball, movement of others less so.
Jimmy Grimble
Well-known member
His running stride is odd. His feet look like they’re moving quickly but he’s taking tiny steps.
I’m slightly surprised we were happy to sign a player with such a lack of pace and mobility. He looks comfortable on the ball but that alone is not enough for De Zerbi ball.
I’m slightly surprised we were happy to sign a player with such a lack of pace and mobility. He looks comfortable on the ball but that alone is not enough for De Zerbi ball.