33 | Nico O'Reilly - 2025/26

I like the idea of him getting time in midfield, he was completely knackered by the time that chance came today but I suspect he'll get more given our lack of fit midfield options.

Have to say though hes getting a touch of the Rico's in that he is bombing forward practically alongside Haaland way too often leaving too many gaps. Has to learn quickly when to stay and not just sprint forward on instinct everytime we have the ball.
 
I suspect he is close to a move into midfield.
My chosen team for tonight replaced Bernardo with Stones and Cherki for Reijnders. Other than that, it was the same. The reason I chose Stones was because I think we need a bit more of a physical presence alongside Gonz - I think Nico is that man, or I hope that he is.
 
Dug us out the shit in the last 15. Looked the only player who might be tight and aggressive enough to get in and nick the ball off them when they were knocking it about, and depeatedly he did that. Huge game from him.

And yea agree we might need him in midfield if we continue to look as flimsy as we are
 
Looks like Pep is seriously considering moving him into midfield:

“Yeah, we have that problem. We have three holding midfielders, with two injured for a long time.

Rodri will be back soon, but Kova will be late, and we don’t have anyone. Today we prove it. I have to think about it; maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there - Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can play at left-back.

Tijjani has proved it, but he’s more a player for attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored; in the pockets, movements are unstoppable - he’s really good.

We have to find something…”
 
Ric said:
Looks like Pep is seriously considering moving him into midfield:

“Yeah, we have that problem. We have three holding midfielders, with two injured for a long time.

Rodri will be back soon, but Kova will be late, and we don’t have anyone. Today we prove it. I have to think about it; maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there - Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can play at left-back.

Tijjani has proved it, but he’s more a player for attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored; in the pockets, movements are unstoppable - he’s really good.

We have to find something…”
Click to expand...

I swear Pep reads Bluemoon

Post in thread 'The Squad planning thread' https://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/the-squad-planning-thread.357996/post-18790066

Jokes aside. I'm surprised it's not something that Pep has done as an in-game adjustment when we are struggling in midfield. Pair the Nicos, allow O'Reilly more scope to break when needed. Not sure he's ready as a sole 6 yet - especially if he just has Bernardo & Reijnders for company
 
Ric said:
Looks like Pep is seriously considering moving him into midfield:

“Yeah, we have that problem. We have three holding midfielders, with two injured for a long time.

Rodri will be back soon, but Kova will be late, and we don’t have anyone. Today we prove it. I have to think about it; maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there - Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can play at left-back.

Tijjani has proved it, but he’s more a player for attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored; in the pockets, movements are unstoppable - he’s really good.

We have to find something…”
Click to expand...

The key to this happening is Ait-Nouri playing well. Aké’s performance on Wednesday pretty much ruled him out.
 
Ric said:
Looks like Pep is seriously considering moving him into midfield:

“Yeah, we have that problem. We have three holding midfielders, with two injured for a long time.

Rodri will be back soon, but Kova will be late, and we don’t have anyone. Today we prove it. I have to think about it; maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there - Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can play at left-back.

Tijjani has proved it, but he’s more a player for attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored; in the pockets, movements are unstoppable - he’s really good.

We have to find something…”
Click to expand...

I think we're going to have to, he's one of the most composed on the ball and at least has some defensive awareness. Can also chip in with the odd attack.
 
Gingers Dad said:
Lads running on empty time for Ait Nouri to get a run out.
Click to expand...

Bit late for that. Ait Nouri goes to AFCON in a couple weeks

That’s the same problem we have if Pep thinks putting O’Reilley in midfield is a solution, who do we play at left back? Ake, I hope not! Gvardiol perhaps then Stones/Khusanov next to Dias - that might work

Considering we’ve spent a small fortune over the past 11 months, we do still have a lot of holes in this squad
 
Blue Hefner said:
Bit late for that. Ait Nouri goes to AFCON in a couple weeks

That’s the same problem we have if Pep thinks putting O’Reilley in midfield is a solution, who do we play at left back? Ake, I hope not! Gvardiol perhaps then Stones/Khusanov next to Dias - that might work

Considering we’ve spent a small fortune over the past 11 months, we do still have a lot of holes in this squad
Click to expand...
couple weeks of rest would do good for Nico tho
 
Skrastins said:
couple weeks of rest would do good for Nico tho
Click to expand...

Going off Levekusen, Ait Nouri will need 2 weeks to get anything like up to speed. He looked well off

Maybe toss the Real Madrid game off and bet the house on beating Gala and Bodo. That way everyone gets a week off??
 
Blue Hefner said:
Bit late for that. Ait Nouri goes to AFCON in a couple weeks

That’s the same problem we have if Pep thinks putting O’Reilley in midfield is a solution, who do we play at left back? Ake, I hope not! Gvardiol perhaps then Stones/Khusanov next to Dias - that might work

Considering we’ve spent a small fortune over the past 11 months, we do still have a lot of holes in this squad
Click to expand...
Should have been subbed well before he cramped up. He's being overplayed for the sake of the team. Feels very un-Pep like
 
He was one of the few that showed any sort of composure on the ball in the second half. Definitely someone we can utilise in midfield but it's going to take some time for him to settle into that position and deliver performances.
 
Ric said:
Looks like Pep is seriously considering moving him into midfield:

“Yeah, we have that problem. We have three holding midfielders, with two injured for a long time.

Rodri will be back soon, but Kova will be late, and we don’t have anyone. Today we prove it. I have to think about it; maybe Nico O’Reilly can play there - Rayan Ait-Nouri or Nathan [Ake] can play at left-back.

Tijjani has proved it, but he’s more a player for attacking positions. His position is the goal he scored; in the pockets, movements are unstoppable - he’s really good.

We have to find something…”
Click to expand...
Would be quite the trick to help rescue last season as a revelation at LB, then rejuvenate our season this time out from central midfield

Would love to see it!
 
Think he'd do a good job in the middle only problem is we have a gaping hole at left back if we do that. Feel a bit harsh given we have a 50 million signing who's barely played but fuck me he's looked an absolute liability defensively when he has.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top