He's reminded me a little bit of Lampard lately, the way he arrives into the box to score. The timing of runs etc.. he's a bit more box to box than Lampard though as he offers more defensively and works harder. Future captain and legend for sure.
Fantastic player to have in the squad, the sort Ferguson loved. Loves the club, has the right attitude, gives 100% and probably happy to be rotated for the good of the team. He’s really improving and who knows how much more. It’s sad that some fans don’t take a shine to him probably due to him not being a fancy foreign purchase.
I like him and it's encouraging to see him get better and better.
He gets compared to Darren Fletcher (quite often in a slightly derogatory spirit, meaning "hard working but limited home grown midfielder" - which is harsh on both of them) but I think they're quite different players. Fletcher was an accomplished defensive midfielder who recycled the ball efficiently and intelligently. McT's heat map would surely have its centre of gravity slightly further forward: he's is emerging as a player who likes to break forward to support the attack, and has a real eye for goal. Out of all of our players competing for the two spots in midfield, only Pogba provides better goal threat and creativity. In fact, if you were to go by the stats rather than the evidence of your eyes, you'd conclude McT has been better than Pogba this season in all categories other than dribbling - more goals & assists, loses the ball less often, similar key passes per game, slightly better pass completion based on a similar number of minutes played. Obviously this doesn't take into account the fact that Pogba's stats are weighed down by how badly he was playing at the start of the season, but then that also serves to remind us of McT's consistency.
At the moment, of course he's a squad player and no one will be thinking that if we sell Pogba we should just invest in an understudy to McT. But I think he's already a strong squad player, never feel like we're weakening the team when he comes off the bench, and I wouldn't like to predict where his ceiling is while he continues to grow in confidence and output.
Came on late in the game against a tiring midfield, but regardless is always dependable and helped the team get the job done.
He should be giving Fred lessons on how to strike the ball.
Certainly should be getting more appreciation from fans, maybe it's because he was such a favourite of Jose.
after about 30 mins and it was clear we weren't breaking them down, I hoped to see McT. He adds a certain dynamism that helps with those mega bus teams.
Great to see him progress.
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - A Beekers Dozen (U2958)
posted 1 minute ago
after about 30 mins and it was clear we weren't breaking them down, I hoped to see McT. He adds a certain dynamism that helps with those mega bus teams.
Great to see him progress.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There are still games in which we are going to be pressed more aggressively where the specialist DM toolkit of Matic is more valuable than McT's dynamism, but I think we're seeing those occasions dwindling - and that's more to do with McT's growing quality than Matic slowing down (I'd say Matic has performed better over the last 12 months than the year before that).
I'd have no issue at all with McT in the B2B role long term if we could get a Carrick-quality CDM beside him. I don't think McT is quite there yet in terms of playing DM and I think we'd be wasting him there too in truth. I've even suggested before that we could use him on the right of midfield/front three on occasion for his energy, drive and eye for goal.
It's good to see one of our midfielders other than Pogba make a habit of getting into the box and contributing with goals because it's not something our midfielders do that often. They need to start pushing forward more when we haven't just thrown caution to the wind and need a goal though.
McTominay scores some really nice goals. He's such a clean controlled striker of a ball. It's a valuable trait to have when we're struggling to break teams down.
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 9 seconds ago
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Neat and tidy but didn't impose himself. Looked a player short on confidence. It'd be worth playing him again v West Brom I think though. Maybe a bit deeper.
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 4 minutes ago
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Needs to watch videos of Fernandes’s movement, and just copy it.
I think it’s both a tactical and a confidence issue with him right now.
Wouldn't be against that. Think he could be utilised slightly differently. If he had as much of the ball as Fred did and space like yesterday feel he could have made things happen but as the further forward midfielder if he dropped deep he doesn't have a Bruno or number 10 there to link up with
Only player he seemed to have developed a good understanding with was Mata but that may be about game time as much as anything
It's not really VdB's game to impose himself the way some people think he should. He's not a holding player, he's not a controlling midfielder or a high volume passer with an extensive range.
His game is all about pass and release making as few touches as possible and moving into space, particularly in the final third and penalty area which is where he's most effective.
He's never going to get a proper chance in his best role because Bruno's just a better and far more influential player and is a much better fit in a more individualistic, direct and fast transitioning side which is what we are.
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 4 minutes ago
Wouldn't be against that. Think he could be utilised slightly differently. If he had as much of the ball as Fred did and space like yesterday feel he could have made things happen but as the further forward midfielder if he dropped deep he doesn't have a Bruno or number 10 there to link up with
Only player he seemed to have developed a good understanding with was Mata but that may be about game time as much as anything
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruno makes things happen from positions as high up the pitch as Donny was yesterday.
What he doesn’t do enough is show for the ball in central areas or pull out wide to get on the ball and help with overloading like Bruno does.
comment by The Red Side™ (U11275)
posted 1 minute ago
It's not really VdB's game to impose himself the way some people think he should. He's not a holding player, he's not a controlling midfielder or a high volume passer with an extensive range.
His game is all about pass and release making as few touches as possible and moving into space, particularly in the final third and penalty area which is where he's most effective.
He's never going to get a proper chance in his best role because Bruno's just a better and far more influential player and is a much better fit in a more individualistic, direct and fast transitioning side which is what we are.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We do need to get him up to speed if he’s going to deputise for Bruno though.
He can bridge a lot of the gap between his and Bruno’s performances by improving (or adapting might be a better word) his movement.
We do need to get him up to speed if he’s going to deputise for Bruno though.
-----------------------------------------------
How do we do that though?
Like to know his distances and related stats.
Whenever people point to Bruno having a bad game I still feel he brings so much in terms of movement and affecting the opposition then any other player we have. Donny just does not see to do this overtly and maybe that's a personality thing. You feel players know they must pass the ball to Bruno for fear of a bolluking
Part of it is down to personality. Bruno's just a lot more forceful, VdB is so timid in comparison. I'm sure it has something to do with being at a new club etc. but I'm sure the way we play too is a big factor.
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 1 hour, 18 minutes ago
I'd have no issue at all with McT in the B2B role long term if we could get a Carrick-quality CDM beside him. I don't think McT is quite there yet in terms of playing DM and I think we'd be wasting him there too in truth. I've even suggested before that we could use him on the right of midfield/front three on occasion for his energy, drive and eye for goal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is key I feel. A younger Matic could do that job, but it's probably somewhere we will have to look this summer.
comment by rosso - exterminate the talking heads (U17054)
posted 34 minutes ago
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You really are a small-minded, bitter and petty man, rosso. I think that's why I've always related to you.
VDBs movement worries me, I actually think his work on the ball isn’t the issue, he finds quick passes in and around the area nicely. He is so static though, takes few risks and should be doing more to be in a position where is an option for his team mates.
Think he’s being harshly criticised tbh. He’s barely played and not sure he’s even had a full game?
Does seem like a player lacking in confidence, also doesn’t help when he’s been making intelligent runs but the passes never come.
People need to realise he isn’t the same sort of player as Bruno. He doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of him but we do need to get him back playing the way he was at Ajax.
comment by Pride of the North (U6803)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Think he’s being harshly criticised tbh. He’s barely played and not sure he’s even had a full game?
Does seem like a player lacking in confidence, also doesn’t help when he’s been making intelligent runs but the passes never come.
People need to realise he isn’t the same sort of player as Bruno. He doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of him but we do need to get him back playing the way he was at Ajax.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
All of this. OK so Donny hasn’t been amazing, but he’s not been bad either, just quiet. Hasn’t played nearly enough to be judged yet.
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
comment by rosso - exterminate the talking heads (U17054)
posted 34 minutes ago
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You really are a small-minded, bitter and petty man, rosso. I think that's why I've always related to you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sign in if you want to comment
Scott McTominay
Page 1 of 2
posted on 10/2/21
He's reminded me a little bit of Lampard lately, the way he arrives into the box to score. The timing of runs etc.. he's a bit more box to box than Lampard though as he offers more defensively and works harder. Future captain and legend for sure.
posted on 10/2/21
Fantastic player to have in the squad, the sort Ferguson loved. Loves the club, has the right attitude, gives 100% and probably happy to be rotated for the good of the team. He’s really improving and who knows how much more. It’s sad that some fans don’t take a shine to him probably due to him not being a fancy foreign purchase.
posted on 10/2/21
I like him and it's encouraging to see him get better and better.
He gets compared to Darren Fletcher (quite often in a slightly derogatory spirit, meaning "hard working but limited home grown midfielder" - which is harsh on both of them) but I think they're quite different players. Fletcher was an accomplished defensive midfielder who recycled the ball efficiently and intelligently. McT's heat map would surely have its centre of gravity slightly further forward: he's is emerging as a player who likes to break forward to support the attack, and has a real eye for goal. Out of all of our players competing for the two spots in midfield, only Pogba provides better goal threat and creativity. In fact, if you were to go by the stats rather than the evidence of your eyes, you'd conclude McT has been better than Pogba this season in all categories other than dribbling - more goals & assists, loses the ball less often, similar key passes per game, slightly better pass completion based on a similar number of minutes played. Obviously this doesn't take into account the fact that Pogba's stats are weighed down by how badly he was playing at the start of the season, but then that also serves to remind us of McT's consistency.
At the moment, of course he's a squad player and no one will be thinking that if we sell Pogba we should just invest in an understudy to McT. But I think he's already a strong squad player, never feel like we're weakening the team when he comes off the bench, and I wouldn't like to predict where his ceiling is while he continues to grow in confidence and output.
posted on 10/2/21
Came on late in the game against a tiring midfield, but regardless is always dependable and helped the team get the job done.
He should be giving Fred lessons on how to strike the ball.
Certainly should be getting more appreciation from fans, maybe it's because he was such a favourite of Jose.
posted on 10/2/21
after about 30 mins and it was clear we weren't breaking them down, I hoped to see McT. He adds a certain dynamism that helps with those mega bus teams.
Great to see him progress.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - A Beekers Dozen (U2958)
posted 1 minute ago
after about 30 mins and it was clear we weren't breaking them down, I hoped to see McT. He adds a certain dynamism that helps with those mega bus teams.
Great to see him progress.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
There are still games in which we are going to be pressed more aggressively where the specialist DM toolkit of Matic is more valuable than McT's dynamism, but I think we're seeing those occasions dwindling - and that's more to do with McT's growing quality than Matic slowing down (I'd say Matic has performed better over the last 12 months than the year before that).
posted on 10/2/21
I'd have no issue at all with McT in the B2B role long term if we could get a Carrick-quality CDM beside him. I don't think McT is quite there yet in terms of playing DM and I think we'd be wasting him there too in truth. I've even suggested before that we could use him on the right of midfield/front three on occasion for his energy, drive and eye for goal.
posted on 10/2/21
It's good to see one of our midfielders other than Pogba make a habit of getting into the box and contributing with goals because it's not something our midfielders do that often. They need to start pushing forward more when we haven't just thrown caution to the wind and need a goal though.
McTominay scores some really nice goals. He's such a clean controlled striker of a ball. It's a valuable trait to have when we're struggling to break teams down.
posted on 10/2/21
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
posted on 10/2/21
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
posted on 10/2/21
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 9 seconds ago
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Neat and tidy but didn't impose himself. Looked a player short on confidence. It'd be worth playing him again v West Brom I think though. Maybe a bit deeper.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 4 minutes ago
What were peoples take on Donny.
Still seems unable to impose himself on the game an whilst he takes up intelligent positions I often find they are ones others are in or should be taking up. For example there was one time on the left where he and either marital or rashford came tot eh same side.
Don't doubt his ability just not sure he fits this team
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Needs to watch videos of Fernandes’s movement, and just copy it.
I think it’s both a tactical and a confidence issue with him right now.
posted on 10/2/21
Wouldn't be against that. Think he could be utilised slightly differently. If he had as much of the ball as Fred did and space like yesterday feel he could have made things happen but as the further forward midfielder if he dropped deep he doesn't have a Bruno or number 10 there to link up with
Only player he seemed to have developed a good understanding with was Mata but that may be about game time as much as anything
posted on 10/2/21
It's not really VdB's game to impose himself the way some people think he should. He's not a holding player, he's not a controlling midfielder or a high volume passer with an extensive range.
His game is all about pass and release making as few touches as possible and moving into space, particularly in the final third and penalty area which is where he's most effective.
He's never going to get a proper chance in his best role because Bruno's just a better and far more influential player and is a much better fit in a more individualistic, direct and fast transitioning side which is what we are.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by aquantumofsolskjaer (U7129)
posted 4 minutes ago
Wouldn't be against that. Think he could be utilised slightly differently. If he had as much of the ball as Fred did and space like yesterday feel he could have made things happen but as the further forward midfielder if he dropped deep he doesn't have a Bruno or number 10 there to link up with
Only player he seemed to have developed a good understanding with was Mata but that may be about game time as much as anything
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruno makes things happen from positions as high up the pitch as Donny was yesterday.
What he doesn’t do enough is show for the ball in central areas or pull out wide to get on the ball and help with overloading like Bruno does.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by The Red Side™ (U11275)
posted 1 minute ago
It's not really VdB's game to impose himself the way some people think he should. He's not a holding player, he's not a controlling midfielder or a high volume passer with an extensive range.
His game is all about pass and release making as few touches as possible and moving into space, particularly in the final third and penalty area which is where he's most effective.
He's never going to get a proper chance in his best role because Bruno's just a better and far more influential player and is a much better fit in a more individualistic, direct and fast transitioning side which is what we are.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We do need to get him up to speed if he’s going to deputise for Bruno though.
He can bridge a lot of the gap between his and Bruno’s performances by improving (or adapting might be a better word) his movement.
posted on 10/2/21
We do need to get him up to speed if he’s going to deputise for Bruno though.
-----------------------------------------------
How do we do that though?
posted on 10/2/21
Like to know his distances and related stats.
Whenever people point to Bruno having a bad game I still feel he brings so much in terms of movement and affecting the opposition then any other player we have. Donny just does not see to do this overtly and maybe that's a personality thing. You feel players know they must pass the ball to Bruno for fear of a bolluking
posted on 10/2/21
Part of it is down to personality. Bruno's just a lot more forceful, VdB is so timid in comparison. I'm sure it has something to do with being at a new club etc. but I'm sure the way we play too is a big factor.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by Diafol Coch 77 (U2462)
posted 1 hour, 18 minutes ago
I'd have no issue at all with McT in the B2B role long term if we could get a Carrick-quality CDM beside him. I don't think McT is quite there yet in terms of playing DM and I think we'd be wasting him there too in truth. I've even suggested before that we could use him on the right of midfield/front three on occasion for his energy, drive and eye for goal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is key I feel. A younger Matic could do that job, but it's probably somewhere we will have to look this summer.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by rosso - exterminate the talking heads (U17054)
posted 34 minutes ago
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You really are a small-minded, bitter and petty man, rosso. I think that's why I've always related to you.
posted on 10/2/21
VDBs movement worries me, I actually think his work on the ball isn’t the issue, he finds quick passes in and around the area nicely. He is so static though, takes few risks and should be doing more to be in a position where is an option for his team mates.
posted on 10/2/21
Think he’s being harshly criticised tbh. He’s barely played and not sure he’s even had a full game?
Does seem like a player lacking in confidence, also doesn’t help when he’s been making intelligent runs but the passes never come.
People need to realise he isn’t the same sort of player as Bruno. He doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of him but we do need to get him back playing the way he was at Ajax.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by Pride of the North (U6803)
posted 1 hour, 7 minutes ago
Think he’s being harshly criticised tbh. He’s barely played and not sure he’s even had a full game?
Does seem like a player lacking in confidence, also doesn’t help when he’s been making intelligent runs but the passes never come.
People need to realise he isn’t the same sort of player as Bruno. He doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of him but we do need to get him back playing the way he was at Ajax.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
All of this. OK so Donny hasn’t been amazing, but he’s not been bad either, just quiet. Hasn’t played nearly enough to be judged yet.
posted on 10/2/21
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
comment by rosso - exterminate the talking heads (U17054)
posted 34 minutes ago
I have a raft of derogatory and some downright abusive articles and comments from his first season bookmarked, which I look forward to bringing out again repeatedly over the next few (and hopefully a successful career of) seasons.
Some of our fans either don’t understand the concept of player development or just plain hate our Academy for some reason, I swear.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You really are a small-minded, bitter and petty man, rosso. I think that's why I've always related to you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 1 of 2