Better without De Jong?

[bizzbo]

IMO it wasn't just de jong, it was swp and richards... we had 10 outfield players all very comfortable on the ball and looking to work it between themselves. footballers who can play football....it's the future.

one or two out of that trio is okay, but all three together is too much, especially when two are on the same flank.

I do think that it was a tactical thing today. fulham are a good team but they lack a bit of pace, especially in the midfield. so it didn't matter that Viera and Barry are a bit slow, we were able to use their intelligence, strength and passing range to our advantage.

I don't know quite what the approach will be for everton but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play, as yer man says, pienaar, cahill and arteta often try and play through the kind of areas where NDJ operates.. then again...everton are actually a bit light in central midfield without screech... we'll see.

 

[Mike D]

De Jong has been an interesting topic of debate over the last few weeks. Some feel he's a world class defensive midffielder and an integral part of the team, and some feel his all action defensive displays actually hold back the team...

Today it seems we played some top quality football. We had a nice flow to the team, and we stopped them creating chances purely by keeping hold of the ball.

So the question is, are we better without him in certain games? And, does he need to play on Wednesday?

I love De Jong and think he has the potential to be a world class player, BUT he has develop as a player and improve his all around game. In particular his passing and shooting, if he can improve upon them then we will have one hell of a player.

 

[supercity36]

i think for de jong to be used to his optimum, he woul be used in a 4-3-3 with 2 more forward minded attacking mids. i reckon he's perefectly made fo a formation like arsenals.

 

[samharris]

Horses for courses tbh,but it takes a good manager to decide which horse at which course.

Today Bob was correct.

 

[charliebigspuds]

I really like De Jong. He's perhaps one of the best in the division (and in Europe) at what he does, but what he does is essentially negative. You know what you'll get with him: commitment, energy and an attempt to destroy anything the opposition they might try and create.

However, do we seem to move the ball around a lot more quickly and with more urgency when Nigel isn't in the team. Rather contradictorily, I do feel a little more secure knowing he's on the pitch. Given that Everton can be extremely physical, we might be best playing him.

I guess the main question is: do we want to go out there with the mindset of stopping others from playing, or de we want to do the playing ourselves? I'm not convinced that we can't play with Nigel in the side, but at times he doesn't seem to help.

Bit of a quandary for Roberto.

bang on bingobango.

 

[m27]

IMO it wasn't just de jong, it was swp and richards... we had 10 outfield players all very comfortable on the ball and looking to work it between themselves. footballers who can play football....it's the future.

one or two out of that trio is okay, but all three together is too much, especially when two are on the same flank.

I do think that it was a tactical thing today. fulham are a good team but they lack a bit of pace, especially in the midfield. so it didn't matter that Viera and Barry are a bit slow, we were able to use their intelligence, strength and passing range to our advantage.

I don't know quite what the approach will be for everton but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play, as yer man says, pienaar, cahill and arteta often try and play through the kind of areas where NDJ operates.. then again...everton are actually a bit light in central midfield without screech... we'll see.

Spot on regarding today mate.

With the players put out today we could keep possession for long periods and the midfielders passed the ball FORWARD *swoon*.

In regard to De Jong, it's a simple as this, if we play 4 4 2 he doesn't play, if Bob sees fit to go 4 3 3/ 4 5 1 then he plays. I must admit, Barry is now winning me over in a 4 4 2 because he just looks more comfortable. Vieira is exactly what we've been missing in the middle as well.

Let's stop comparing him with what he used to be though eh? He is what he is NOW and in the absence of any other fit 'complete' midfielders at the club he could just be the difference which gets us that 4th spot.

I love SWP but I'm afraid Johnson is so far ahead of him now under Mancini it's untrue. Johnson has has the world at his feet.

 

[mancityscot]

i'll stand by what i think, and that is that barry and de jong dont fit together in the same line up

 

[Tricky Dickys Right Foot Shot]

Apparently we're better without Toure............ untill today that is.

De Jong is to valuable to just assume we're better off without him.

 

[speccybob]

Imagine what it would be like with fully fit, in form centre backs and kompany could show us what he could do in the holding/defensive midfield role!!

 

[PSmyth07]

I want to see De Jong do what Lucas is doing at Liverpool.

Last couple of games Lucas has improved greatly, making runs, carrying the ball and still protecting the defence.