Jason Denayer

[Hungarian blue]

In a sense, it's a shame for City as he could have been with us from the start of July for the first trainings with Pep, which might have helped his case, especially given Kompany's injury and Laporte's, who even if we do sign, still has to recover, but of course that's still fantastic news.

I hope he will play. If Wilmots has any sort of common sense, which I stronlgy doubt, he won't fuck with the Toby - Vertonghem Spurs CB duo, now that Vinnie is out, it seems really as a given. That might make way for Denayer as a starting RB, a position he played quite a lot in Galata, though lately he's reverted back to CB. Meunier is the only natural RB in their squad, and I'm sure he is looked as a sub by Wilmots currently.

 

[Bruun]

In a sense, it's a shame for City as he could have been with us from the start of July for the first trainings with Pep, which might have helped his case, especially given Kompany's injury and Laporte's, who even if we do sign, still has to recover, but of course that's still fantastic news.

I hope he will play. If Wilmots has any sort of common sense, which I stronlgy doubt, he won't fuck with the Toby - Vertonghem Spurs CB duo, now that Vinnie is out, it seems really as a given. That might make way for Denayer as a starting RB, a position he played quite a lot in Galata, though lately he's reverted back to CB. Meunier is the only natural RB in their squad, and I'm sure he is looked as a sub by Wilmots currently.

Wilmots tend to use Vertonghen and Alderweireld on each back positions, and play with four "natural CB's" in a back four, that's how they played in the qualification.

 

[Hungarian blue]

Wilmots tend to use Vertonghen and Alderweireld on each back positions, and play with four "natural CB's" in a back four, that's how they played in the qualification.

I know, but I think it'd be completely idiotic. Now that Vinnie is out so he doesn't even have to think about what to do with the captain, the Spurs (and former Ajax) duo seems like a clear decision...

But I guess you are right and at least one of them will play on the side, and he'll play Lombaerts anyway. Otherwise he wouldn't have named 7 natural CBs (and 9 defenders in total).

 

[Bruun]

I know, but I think it'd be completely idiotic. Now that Vinnie is out so he doesn't even have to think about what to do with the captain, the Spurs (and former Ajax) duo seems like a clear decision...

But I guess you are right and at least one of them will play on the side, and he'll play Lombaerts anyway. Otherwise he wouldn't have named 7 natural CBs (and 9 defenders in total).

Its Wilmots we are talking about, he's idiotic at times.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

Going to EURO 16, in the final squad picked by Wilmots

Denayer will start, thats for sure.

 

[Hungarian blue]

Its Wilmots we are talking about, he's idiotic at times.

That's basically what I was implying since my first post. :)

In fairness though, the whole Belgian talent pool is a bit of a weird one. They have CBs that most teams only dream of, they have two huge outlets in attacking mid (KdB, Hazard), two CMs that normally half the world chases (Nainggolan, Witsel) and one that had such a wonderful season (Dembele). Then few strikers which can provide goals if the service is there, and one of a different type who seemed to be progressing very well under Klopp (Origi).

Yet I feel something is missing. What if they are in behind and have to attack a team that has parked the bus? Hazard and De Bruyne are brilliant on their day, but neither is a Silva type of player, who splits defences with his movement and passing. Both need space, though Hazard is a good dribbler, but having seem him this season... Also, Lukaku or Benteke are strikers that can be quite easily shut down if you have a solid CB partnership. But as they have Lukaku, that'd require a good crosser from defence, not natural CBs on the wing... So with the current setup, I think it's still missing a creative no. 10 or ar least a striker with better link-up play. And Wilmots doesn't seem like quite the strategian whom this team needs.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

Denayer will start, thats for sure.

Big summer coming up for Jason, really hope he takes his chance to shine.

Has it been confirmed yet that he's going to be with us next season?

 

[Bruun]

That's basically what I was implying since my first post. :)

In fairness though, the whole Belgian talent pool is a bit of a weird one. They have CBs that most teams only dream of, they have two huge outlets in attacking mid (KdB, Hazard), two CMs that normally half the world chases (Nainggolan, Witsel) and one that had such a wonderful season (Dembele). Then few strikers which can provide goals if the service is there, and one of a different type who seemed to be progressing very well under Klopp (Origi).

Yet I feel something is missing. What if they are in behind and have to attack a team that has parked the bus? Hazard and De Bruyne are brilliant on their day, but neither is a Silva type of player, who splits defences with his movement and passing. Both need space, though Hazard is a good dribbler, but having seem him this season... Also, Lukaku or Benteke are strikers that can be quite easily shut down if you have a solid CB partnership. But as they have Lukaku, that'd require a good crosser from defence, not natural CBs on the wing... So with the current setup, I think it's still missing a creative no. 10 or ar least a striker with better link-up play. And Wilmots doesn't seem like quite the strategian whom this team needs.

Dont underestimate Mertens and Carrasco.

Carrasco had one hell of a season and tends to offer the x-factor that often goes missing in games with tight defences. My biggest fear is that their midfield won't link up well together. The 4 picked are all quite stocky midfielders, without to much flair and agility.

 

[Hungarian blue]

Dont underestimate Mertens and Carrasco.

Carrasco had one hell of a season and tends to offer the x-factor that often goes missing in games with tight defences. My biggest fear is that their midfield won't link up well together. The 4 picked are all quite stocky midfielders, without to much flair and agility.

True, Carrasco is an interesting option.

 

[ws01]

That's basically what I was implying since my first post. :)

In fairness though, the whole Belgian talent pool is a bit of a weird one. They have CBs that most teams only dream of, they have two huge outlets in attacking mid (KdB, Hazard), two CMs that normally half the world chases (Nainggolan, Witsel) and one that had such a wonderful season (Dembele). Then few strikers which can provide goals if the service is there, and one of a different type who seemed to be progressing very well under Klopp (Origi).

Yet I feel something is missing. What if they are in behind and have to attack a team that has parked the bus? Hazard and De Bruyne are brilliant on their day, but neither is a Silva type of player, who splits defences with his movement and passing. Both need space, though Hazard is a good dribbler, but having seem him this season... Also, Lukaku or Benteke are strikers that can be quite easily shut down if you have a solid CB partnership. But as they have Lukaku, that'd require a good crosser from defence, not natural CBs on the wing... So with the current setup, I think it's still missing a creative no. 10 or ar least a striker with better link-up play. And Wilmots doesn't seem like quite the strategian whom this team needs.

They lack quality in depth - they drop off quite a bit after the first XI. Aren't blessed with high quality fullbacks. Lack a class, game controlling playmaker ala Merlin as has been mentioned.

They're developing rapidly though. The young talents are going to become hardened in the next few years and more high calibre players seem to be coming through to strenghthen that depth.