When Does De Jong Play?

[johnny crossan]

If yesterday was the first pick away side, when would De Jong come in and who would he replace? You can see a case for a new CB and RSC as back up to Ade but when we were shoring up a 1-0 Hughes was content to swap Tevez for Robbie (and you could see him instead of Bellamy as well.) But if De Jong doesn't play away it is more unlikely that he will play at home, and that goes for Kompany & Zab. Hughes seems to value width and pace more than extra holding capacity in midfield, Barry is doing the job alone. Also it seems clear that Ireland has a playmaking role that De Jong would not be able to replace.
Interesting selection dilemmas ahead.

 

[tips]

blackburn tend to bypass midfield so a dm is not really necessary.

 

[Jimbo]

I dont think MH picked de jong yesterday becasue he knew rovers would bypass the midfield and play route 1 football, meaning we only needed one ball-winner in midfield.

I would expect De Jong to play against the footballing sides away from home, probly in place of SWP

 

[whp.blue]

blackburn tend to bypass midfield so a dm is not really necessary.

spot on

de jong will play a part in most games this season imho

 

[Dutty1968]

blackburn tend to bypass midfield so a dm is not really necessary.

Totally agree - NDJ still has a massive part to play in our season.

 

[1.618034]

De Jong's a player for the big games where midfield is packed and protecting the back four from runners is necessary.

Interesting tactical switch yesterday from MH, not exactly as "clueless" as some would have us think!

 

[borassic]

He'll play when we're playing teams that get the ball down on the deck.

 

[Jimbo]

De Jong's a player for the big games where midfield is packed and protecting the back four from runners is necessary.

Interesting tactical switch yesterday from MH, not exactly as "clueless" as some would have us think!

agreed, at first i thought it was a terrible decision but as the game panned out, you could see why he did it.

I think Hughes couldnt implement any tactics last season due to the make up of our squad. I would expect a lot more tinkering and changes from him this season

 

[staffs_blue]

De Jong's a player for the big games where midfield is packed and protecting the back four from runners is necessary.

Interesting tactical switch yesterday from MH, not exactly as "clueless" as some would have us think!

Spot on.

We have a squad now that with 1 or 2 additions in certain areas (CB and CAM) has cover and stength in depth so certain players will be dropped to suit the opposition.

I'm expecting Wolves to pack the midfield on Saturday so NdJ will probably play allowing Barry and Ireland to support the front men more.

 

[yankblue]

Blackburn just hoof it up field, skipping over the midfield, so a DM isn't necessary and wouldn't really benefit the team because the back 4 doesn't need to be protected.

Nigel will play against sides that actually try to play football.