I've heard this phrase used to describe the signing of Mata fairly regularly. To some extent I agree with this. As our centre midfield is weak and our defence is creaking, particularly (though not exclusively) at left back. So you have to wonder why we would indulge ourselves in breaking our transfer record in signing Mata, who won't address either issue. I'll give three possible reasons:
1. We aren't creating chances and our goal scoring record is appalling. Mata was the top assister in the Premier League last year. He also weighed in with the not insubstantial total of 20 goals (in all competitions). He will unlock defences.
2. We sit very very deep when defending leads. It's not a strategy I advocate in any way. But it is compounded by the fact that we have no outlet and the ball just keeps coming back. How do you address that? Either stick a big lump up front to hold the ball up OR you leave a guy further up the field who has the technique and ball retention ability to give the team respite and even threaten the opposition. Mata fits that bill.
3. This could allow us (and this is purely speculative) to incorporate a new style of one up top (RVP) with a fluid interchangeable 3 behind. Say Januzaj, Rooney and Mata (Kagawa could also do well in this formation imo). This would also help explain why Moyes is looking for attacking full backs. They would have a big role to play in terms of providing width in such a formation. Maybe, just maybe, Moyes does have a plan for a style of play.
Well, what do you think? Still a luxury signing?
Luxury signing
posted on 26/1/14
Has he been given the number 7 shirt?
posted on 26/1/14
Thats what everyone is saying PP
posted on 26/1/14
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posted on 26/1/14
comment by Pidier Pogba - #David-Moyes-is-Inside-Me (U11414)
posted 12 seconds ago
Has he been given the number 7 shirt?
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That number along with with a few other shirt numbers will hopefully be changing owners in the summer
posted on 26/1/14
Why do no footballers want the #69 shirt? That would be my first choice
posted on 26/1/14
If Mata is getting 7 then by the summer we'll still need a number 8, 9 and 11. Hopefully anyway.
posted on 26/1/14
comment by Robb Lannister (U9808)
posted 5 minutes ago
Why do no footballers want the #69 shirt? That would be my first choice
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posted on 26/1/14
Personally I do not care whether he is a luxury signing or not. He is a world class player and is a massive boost to the team.
4-2-3-1 and we will start charging up the table. He is also a player that Hernandez will enjoy playing with
posted on 26/1/14
We sit very very deep when defending leads. It's not a strategy I advocate in any way. But it is compounded by the fact that we have no outlet and the ball just keeps coming back.
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I agree that the lack of quality up front is contributing to us retreating and sitting way too deep but it is still a matter of choice because we've also done this when we've had Rooney and RVP playing.
A simple instruction from the manager to push up 5-10 yards and press the ball a bit more would help as it did against Swansea in the league. We were as good as we have been in the 2nd half of that game. Our mentality in games does us more harm than good.
There was next to no intent to attack Sunderland on Wednesday the more the game went on until we actually conceded and it cost us in the end.
On Mata, I agree to a certain extent that he is a luxury signing but considering on the whole how poor this side is at creating chances from open play and how little output in terms of goals scored by wide players/midfielders, this signing was a no-brainer.
And hopefully the signing of Mata will put a little more fear into the opposition because teams that play us now just aren't afraid to come out and attack. With Mata in the side, ball retention should improve and the amount of pressure we put on teams during games for sustained periods of time should do also.
posted on 26/1/14
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