75 | Nico O'Reilly - 2024/25

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As you'd expect from a young lad he was a bit sloppy in other performances in the middle of the park. Not doing the basics that well. But he put in a shift, was physical and committed at full back and played really well. Happy to see him get his goal as well. He wasn't that good in the Charity Shield or against Spurs in the league cup, although he finished that game more strongly. Considering others, with a lot more experience have been even more sloppy in the middle of the park, or at full back, but can't compete physically either he's put his hands up for more minutes with that showing.
 
supercity88 said:
As you'd expect from a young lad he was a bit sloppy in other performances in the middle of the park. Not doing the basics that well. But he put in a shift, was physical and committed at full back and played really well. Happy to see him get his goal as well. He wasn't that good in the Charity Shield or against Spurs in the league cup, although he finished that game more strongly. Considering others, with a lot more experience have been even more sloppy in the middle of the park, or at full back, but can't compete physically either he's put his hands up for more minutes with that showing.
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Great balanced post about him pal.
I fully agree; he’s not been faultless by any means, but I’d like to see him get a PL starting opportunity, when surrounded by the rest of the current first team, over Rico for example, and lets see how he copes.
Could he do a job in the Rodri position, or at full back … ?
 
chesterbells said:
Great balanced post about him pal.
I fully agree; he’s not been faultless by any means, but I’d like to see him get a PL starting opportunity, when surrounded by the rest of the current first team, over Rico for example, and lets see how he copes.
Could he do a job in the Rodri position, or at full back … ?
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Just listened to Pep's post-match. He said he thinks he can play the DM role with his physical attributes but Nico doesn't believe he can, or wants to play a more attacking role. So watch this space!

I think he'd benefit from having a role where he could concentrate on spreading the play and use his physicality defensively to mop things up. If Pep can give him that confidence we may well see him in that role sooner rather than later. He's clearly highly regarded.
 
supercity88 said:
Just listened to Pep's post-match. He said he thinks he can play the DM role with his physical attributes but Nico doesn't believe he can, or wants to play a more attacking role. So watch this space!

I think he'd benefit from having a role where he could concentrate on spreading the play and use his physicality defensively to mop things up. If Pep can give him that confidence we may well see him in that role sooner rather than later. He's clearly highly regarded.
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Really interesting I missed that, thanks for posting. Yep, fingers crossed.

Sky’s transfer chat this morning were discussing the 3 names linked with us, all favourably, but expressed surprise that none of them played in that defensive midfield role. Maybe this is the reason why … (!)
 
I was impressed with his runs & surges through the middle, somewhat Rodri-Lite. His size might be an asset in the middle, & he can’t be any worse than some of the performances we’ve had of late, obviously Pep wants to blood him slowly & not throw him to the lions as it were, but definitely deserves some more game time
 
He kind of randomly reminds me of Ruben Lotus-Cheek. A physical unit but very technical with it.

Obviously that guy hasn't completely fulfilled his potential. Hopefully Nico does, because he has bag loads of it.
 
I completely see why Pep would wanna make him a 6, he has all the attributes for it.

He has virtually no experience, so I also see his view of being a bit scared there.

I still think for now, LB is such a good role to give him easy minutes, and that the #8 role next to a 6 is a good long term role, because he has goal scoring instincts.

My feeling on why Pep likes him deeper, and perhaps wont like him as an 8, is that his first touch and turn of pace (likely due to being big) isnt at the level he wants like a prime Gundogan, Bernie or Foden.

I think O Reilly can easily make up for that using his physicality though.
 
chesterbells said:
Really interesting I missed that, thanks for posting. Yep, fingers crossed.

Sky’s transfer chat this morning were discussing the 3 names linked with us, all favourably, but expressed surprise that none of them played in that defensive midfield role. Maybe this is the reason why … (!)
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From 3mins roughly, switches to Nico having been asked a question about McAtee.

It could be something we see....

It's all about balance, I still believe that if our front 4-5 press more effectively we'd be so much better. Whether it's due to fitness is the question, but it's so hard to defend when you have half your team bypassed and the opposition running full pelt at you!

I don't believe Pep has watched what we have recently and not decided on a solution though, through the transfer market and within the club. He'll have a plan.
 
WallyA said:
I completely see why Pep would wanna make him a 6, he has all the attributes for it.

He has virtually no experience, so I also see his view of being a bit scared there.

I still think for now, LB is such a good role to give him easy minutes, and that the #8 role next to a 6 is a good long term role, because he has goal scoring instincts.

My feeling on why Pep likes him deeper, and perhaps wont like him as an 8, is that his first touch and turn of pace (likely due to being big) isnt at the level he wants like a prime Gundogan, Bernie or Foden.

I think O Reilly can easily make up for that using his physicality though.
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I'd be surprised if Pep does actually play Nico as a 6 in Premiership games this season, since he's normally pretty cautious in throwing youngsters in the deep end so as to not damage their long term confidence if things don't go well.

As you've mentioned Nico has virtually no experience as a 6, which as Rodri can confirm is one of the most difficult positions to play especially in a Pep system. Whilst Nico may have the physical attributes for this position, I'm not sure he possesses the positional awareness which of course comes with experience, as well as coaching. I fear putting in there will simply be a Kalvin Philips deer in the headlights situation where the game is too quick for him. There's a reason why Pep tends to initially stick the youngsters on the wings rather than in centre so as to give them more time & space to get used to the pace of competitive first team matches.

I have to agree with Nico's own expectations that a 8 box to box midfielder would most likely be his more effective long-term position. His burst of pace & general positive & forward thinking play should set him apart.
 
Pep wont even be here by the time this lad is ready to play the #6 i reckon.
 
He will get a 2 minute cameo and will be expected to score again until he gets a chance. Pep has no choice already but as we know he won’t use him because the others are more experienced. Looking at Barcelona I know McAtee and O’Reilly would’ve gotten their chances until Flick already who HAD to use the youngsters because of injuries .
 
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