Eliaquim Mangala - 2017/18 performances

[cleavers]

He's nowhere near as bad as some people are making him out to be. It just happens to be the fact that he is playing for a team who exposes his weaknesses like no other side would do.

I agree, he was largely OK against Bristol C, apart from the one major mistake that helped produce a penalty, but there is his problem, those mistakes, that said, his was no worse than Stones against Burnely, and Stones added to that with a stupid tackle against Bristol C.

He's a decent enough defender, especially against a big man upfront, but he has limited ability in a side like this, thing is he gets on with it without complaining when he's left out, and does a decent enough job when asked. He might never get up to speed in this team, because he won't ever get enough games time, and he looks like he's very much a confidence player.

Not exactly clambering over themselves to sign him though are they?

I wouldn't imagine that right now, we are in any rush to sell him either.

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

An opinion which Pep clearly doesn't share. But what does he know ;-)
CTID

Please explain how pep 'clearly doesn't share' this opinion.

 

[bellsouth]

Seems like such a likeable guy, but his technique is not up to the demands of a Pep passing defender. As some have posted above, as a pure defending defender, blocking, tackling, heading etc he looks decent, but whenever he receives a pass under pressure its deer in the headlights time. Would be surprised to see him him next season, but will deserve any medals he picks up this year

 

[mosssideblue]

Seems like such a likeable guy, but his technique is not up to the demands of a Pep passing defender. As some have posted above, as a pure defending defender, blocking, tackling, heading etc he looks decent, but whenever he receives a pass under pressure its deer in the headlights time. Would be surprised to see him him next season, but will deserve any medals he picks up this year

Agree, good guy in the wrong system

 

[Fame Monster]

Can we still blame Kolarov for Manga's performances? Only on bluemoon haha.

 

[gomer27]

Can we still blame Kolarov for Manga's performances? Only on bluemoon haha.

yes

 

[celf]

hate to be critical but im just being honest hes not a footballer,hes going to cost us a big game if he continues to be picked.

 

[john blue]

hate to be critical but im just being honest hes not a footballer,hes going to cost us a big game if he continues to be picked.

Correct, enough is enough. not good enough, for the prem.

 

[Blue Elvis]

Please explain how pep 'clearly doesn't share' this opinion.

What explanation is needed ?
Do you really believe that if Pep shared your opinion that Mangala was "Absolutely diabolical footballer. An embarrassment" he would put him on the pitch ?
Mangala is there because whatever his limitations, Pep's opinion is that he can do a better job than anyone else he could pick. If he thought Tosin could do a better job than Mangala he would play him or indeed any other member of the squad.
He isn't our first choice CH, nor our second choice nor our third so maybe as fans we need to lower our unrealistic expectations for a fourth choice CH and trust that Pep knows what he is doing in deciding to play him.
It's a team game and each player is there to fulfil a particular role. If they do what Pep asks them to do they get picked again, if they decide to do their own thing (think Hart or Nasri) they are gone.
CTID

 

[schfc6]

What explanation is needed ?
Do you really believe that if Pep shared your opinion that Mangala was "Absolutely diabolical footballer. An embarrassment" he would put him on the pitch ?
Mangala is there because whatever his limitations, Pep's opinion is that he can do a better job than anyone else he could pick. If he thought Tosin could do a better job than Mangala he would play him or indeed any other member of the squad.
He isn't our first choice CH, nor our second choice nor our third so maybe as fans we need to lower our unrealistic expectations for a fourth choice CH and trust that Pep knows what he is doing in deciding to play him.
It's a team game and each player is there to fulfil a particular role. If they do what Pep asks them to do they get picked again, if they decide to do their own thing (think Hart or Nasri) they are gone.
CTID

For me he's picked because if he's needed he the obvious answer. He's obviously very popular in the squad and an experienced senior pro. We would all like to see Tosin play over Mangala, or Angelino over Clichy or Maffeo over Zaba/Sagna. However I don't think it's as easy as a manager. Mangala like Toure are in the first team squad, senior pros and likely popular squad members. They can't just be ignored in favour of youth or players out of position.
The harmony in the squad is clear and like we've seen with Bravo, I think the squad would love a late winner from Mangala or a dominating MOM from him.

With regards the lad himself, time & space is his enemy on the field. Against the shit teams he has far too much, he's required to be a footballer, most of mistakes and lackadaisical performances have come against the lesser teams.
Give him a big game, where he's mentally involved all game and he's actually decent. He's been pretty good against the stronger opposition, yet poor in the lesser games. As an underdog so to speak he's been decent, give him games like Bristol or Wolves where he's the far superior player to his counterpart he for some reason struggles.