Obviously we're all watching the Euros with a bit of club-supporter subtext. How are our players performing? Getting a look at players we're linked with. Noticing players we'd like to sign. While doing so, I think it's worth keeping in mind how different international football is, and how it's not necessarily a reliable indicator of how players can perform at club level.
First of all, international football contains groups of players who spend much less time training together and therefore aren't going to be as fluid / telepathic in their collective movements. This also leads to more conservatism / reactive football, and less pressing (which should also be seen in the context of tired players and warm summer temperatures). For example, I saw an interesting tweet that pointed out that Pogba's sumptuous passing for France this summer has existed in a context of being afforded way more unpressured time on the ball than he'd get in the PL. It's not that he's a better player for France, and not purely about playing next to Kante or in a 4-3-3, though those things help.
So I think international football accentuates the qualities of certain players. The same issues of lack of cohesion / slower pace can also inhibit the quality of attacking moves and make some players look worse than they are. We can talk about Kane's lack of form but I think you'd see his playmaking abilities utilised more if England weren't such a cautious side, and if we were playing in a more consistently attacking manner, more chances would be falling to him and statistically he'd probably be converting one or two of them.
That said, it's also useful to see players in different contexts. For example, for those of us who'd like to see us switch to a 4-3-3, it's instructive to see Pogba playing in a three-man midfield, and also to see Bruno Fernandes struggling to make an impact (again, form/fitness should be factored in) playing in a role other than his favoured 10.
Anyway, contrary to all of the above, here are some things I've decided purely based on watching a few minutes of the Euros:
- Renato Sanches is now the player we thought he was about to become in Euro 2016
- Alexander Isak could become an elite striker
- I reckon we should test Chelsea's resolve to keep Billy Gilmour - there's a shorter path into the United midfield than theirs
Lessons from Euros
posted on 24/6/21
I reckon we should test Chelsea's resolve to keep Billy Gilmour - there's a shorter path into the United midfield than theirs
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He’s good enough for both. But I can’t see him being cheap, far rather him than Rice, though a different player.
I like the look of Isak, has the attributes to be very good.
posted on 24/6/21
I think with Bruno we have to take the bad (sloppy at times etc) with the good (amazing goal and assist output). With this in mind I can only see us playing with both him and Pogba if we get an elite DM who'd allow Pogba the time and space to go and influence the play.
It could also mean it's time to cash on on Pogba and invest on two solid CMs who can be energetic, be technically sound and have a good eye for a pass.
The signing of Sancho could also open up a different dimension for us as well.
The Euros are a funny place to judge a player though. A few days ago Dan James had created more chances than anyone according to the stats. He's had a decent tournament but he still frustrates at times.
posted on 24/6/21
anyone who judges players by a few performances in a major tournament needs their head testing
dan james is a prime example.
posted on 24/6/21
Looking at the last 16 there are all the teams you would expect to be there. But then you have Wales in the mix with a reasonable draw for the next round. Their star player hasn't really produced yet, no goals or assists, but hopefully he will turn it on when needed. Good luck to Wales.
posted on 24/6/21
comment by goadocwatson (U1016)
posted 6 minutes ago
Looking at the last 16 there are all the teams you would expect to be there. But then you have Wales in the mix with a reasonable draw for the next round. Their star player hasn't really produced yet, no goals or assists, but hopefully he will turn it on when needed. Good luck to Wales.
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If you're talking about Bale he has two assists. Of course if you're talking about Dan James...
posted on 24/6/21
The Euros are a funny place to judge a player though. A few days ago Dan James had created more chances than anyone according to the stats. He's had a decent tournament but he still frustrates at times.
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And potential 90m sancho has done fack all, can’t even get a game.
posted on 24/6/21
comment by Ole-dirty-baztard - You want ole in, ole out, in, out, in, out, shake it all about. Do the ole Koke-Penited (U19119)
posted 9 minutes ago
The Euros are a funny place to judge a player though. A few days ago Dan James had created more chances than anyone according to the stats. He's had a decent tournament but he still frustrates at times.
—
And potential 90m sancho has done fack all, can’t even get a game.
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Resting for next season!
Looking at it though we'll have quite a few players raring to go next season as they won't have played much/at all over summer.
DDG
AWB
Bailly
Tuanzebe
Matic
Mata
Martial
Greenwood
Sancho
I wouldn't be surprised to see quite a few of those start in our first game of the new season.
posted on 24/6/21
I reckon a few of them might be shipped out.
posted on 24/6/21
Tuanzebe is touted for a loan.
posted on 24/6/21
comment by Ole-dirty-baztard - You want ole in, ole out, in, out, in, out, shake it all about. Do the ole Koke-Penited (U19119)
posted 7 minutes ago
I reckon a few of them might be shipped out.
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Possibly. Maybe not by the middle of August though. Perhaps we'll use them before they go to allow the others a longer break?
We'll have a fresh forward line at least though won't we? It'd be great to see Martial back to his best. On a consistent basis too I hope.