Oleks Zinchenko - 2018/19 Performances

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Really sad for Zin, just as he was playing at a high level.

Now again we have an issue at LB.
 
Easy said:
Really sad for Zin, just as he was playing at a high level.

Now again we have an issue at LB.
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So has any official word on the extent of his injury or time out?

Yes, it's a big blow no question. Of course there are options whether it is the partying or often injured yet not match fit Mendy, Laporte or Danilo but Zinchenko owned the position like Delph had at one time before. Still, I continue to say Pep's ultimate vision for this City side has never regularly been achieved because of the issues at LB. Overlapping fullbacks who can stretch the attack or come inside is the most noticeable aspect missing from how you guys play. Truth is, it's not there at RB either but no question Zinchenko's injury is terrible timing.

All those options at Pep's disposal will be good ones but I believe they all are inferior to what Zinchenko was providing - with one caveat. Mendy. He's a possible x factor to finish the season but so many question marks with him
 
citytilllidie said:
Our full back positions are our weakest and will be targetted by the big boys.
None of them are natural defenders.
Walker is the best defender of the bunch which says it all really
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It's certainly the weakest aspect of the XI for me but I wouldn't agree that it's an area the 'big boys' will target in particular. At least not all of them, Liverpool clearly of course and in a possible final with Barcelona ith either Dembele or Messi. I just don't believe the defensive aspect of fullbacks is the primary trait Pep wants from them.

I think the biggest issue is how it affects the overall function of Pep's system of play. Fullbacks have to defend and add something to the attack, it's that balance, flexibility & intelligence of movement, passing, making runs or even just knowing when to keep your shape

The two tactical setups with the highest probability of success against Pep is either the counterattacks after absorbing relentless pressure or the Liverpool full press. Most clubs lack the personnel much less discipline/experience to pull off the latter but many will try the former. Few will try to battle City for possession, not even sure Valverde has the courage to attempt that. That's why only a couple of clubs will perhaps be able to exploit the LB position atm. The bigger issue will be errors that you cannot anticipate/predict where a scoring chance could be manufactured for the opposition
 
FCBarca said:
It's certainly the weakest aspect of the XI for me but I wouldn't agree that it's an area the 'big boys' will target in particular. At least not all of them, Liverpool clearly of course and in a possible final with Barcelona ith either Dembele or Messi. I just don't believe the defensive aspect of fullbacks is the primary trait Pep wants from them.

I think the biggest issue is how it affects the overall function of Pep's system of play. Fullbacks have to defend and add something to the attack, it's that balance, flexibility & intelligence of movement, passing, making runs or even just knowing when to keep your shape

The two tactical setups with the highest probability of success against Pep is either the counterattacks after absorbing relentless pressure or the Liverpool full press. Most clubs lack the personnel much less discipline/experience to pull off the latter but many will try the former. Few will try to battle City for possession, not even sure Valverde has the courage to attempt that. That's why only a couple of clubs will perhaps be able to exploit the LB position atm. The bigger issue will be errors that you cannot anticipate/predict where a scoring chance could be manufactured for the opposition
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We are one sided imo, because Walker is the only defender with serious pace to overtake a player & rescue situations, especially if Otamendi is playing & therefore if Walker fucks up or gets caught out, we are in danger as we have no cover at all, from the left back coming accross.

Mendy, assuming natural improvement under Pep, would have given us two potential get out of jail cards, but he had no real pace when he came back last time anyhow.
 
We have enough centre backs to switch Laporte to left back if we need to. Or play Danilo there. Danilo was excellent last night, direct running to create space for others. We have cover. That's before we talk about whether Mendy, an actual left back can come in now. And before we know the extent of Zinchenko's injury.
 
You could see Zinchenko close to tears last night and it's no wonder. He's just nailed down his place and was about to go into some of the biggest games in the club's history, and possibly that he will ever play. He is in danger of missing all of them. He will be a big miss, too, with no natural replacement.
 
Neville Kneville said:
We are one sided imo, because Walker is the only defender with serious pace to overtake a player & rescue situations, especially if Otamendi is playing & therefore if Walker fucks up or gets caught out, we are in danger as we have no cover at all, from the left back coming accross.

Mendy, assuming natural improvement under Pep, would have given us two potential get out of jail cards, but he had no real pace when he came back last time anyhow.
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Problem with Walker, for me, is where he's at mentally. Either he is lacking a bit of confidence or Pep is and has instructed him to be more risk averse. He also, unlike the other FBs in the squad, is the most prone to the occasional red mist, if you will. Not dirty but the occasional rash challenge when beaten

I'm less concerned about Mendy's pace but fitness and discipline. Else, he has all the attributes you'd covet in a modern fullback
 
Didsbury Dave said:
You could see Zinchenko close to tears last night and it's no wonder. He's just nailed down his place and was about to go into some of the biggest games in the club's history, and possibly that he will ever play. He is in danger of missing all of them. He will be a big miss, too, with no natural replacement.
Click to expand...

Shame really but I guess this is always the danger in sport, the odd injury here & there. When you consider how Pep has described Zinchenko and how professional he is and has been when rarely playing, you understand the heartbreak even for professional athletes. They just cross a threshold and then have the rug pulled out - hope it isn't longterm

Still, a player with that sort of mentality is sure to make a speedy recovery
 
FCBarca said:
Problem with Walker, for me, is where he's at mentally. Either he is lacking a bit of confidence or Pep is and has instructed him to be more risk averse. He also, unlike the other FBs in the squad, is the most prone to the occasional red mist, if you will. Not dirty but the occasional rash challenge when beaten

I'm less concerned about Mendy's pace but fitness and discipline. Else, he has all the attributes you'd covet in a modern fullback
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I don't think Mendy is anything without his pace tbh but we'll see. I don't think he's any more of a natural.defender than Zinchenko, but he has the build & pace to help avoid trouble & to get forward quickly & cross.

Without that, Zinchenko is better than Mendy imo & neither really much better than Kolarov.

Re Walker, agree his brain has been in 2nd gear this season but I think he is hanging back more, under instruction, as he is the 'insurance'. If we had pace on both sides then that might change.
 
Agreed, I just think Pep has to be frustrated with how little he is currently getting from the fullbacks and how to address that going into next season. He's not one to just sit and wait for players to come around & click, he will make changes
 
FCBarca said:
Shame really but I guess this is always the danger in sport, the odd injury here & there. When you consider how Pep has described Zinchenko and how professional he is and has been when rarely playing, you understand the heartbreak even for professional athletes. They just cross a threshold and then have the rug pulled out - hope it isn't longterm

Still, a player with that sort of mentality is sure to make a speedy recovery
Click to expand...
Doubt it's long term. Hamstring is normally 3 week to 3 months, depending on severity.
 
Didsbury Dave said:
Doubt it's long term. Hamstring is normally 3 week to 3 months, depending on severity.
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Hamstring? Ah ok, I hadn't even read what the injury was - I missed the first quarter hour. Still, even at best he is virtually guaranteed to miss the rest of the season - maybe seeing a return for potential finals or last match or two

Judging from how Pep reacted to the mention of Mendy getting the call, you'd guess the player might remain in the doghouse
 
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