08 Jan 2021 10:47:42
I'm not going to get into the seemingly ever-constant debate around OGS and the capability of this squad, that conversation has been done to death and quite frankly makes for some tiresome reading.

I would however like to talk about two things. Firstly, Donny van de Beek. I, like most others on here, was excited by this signing and was expecting great things. However, looking back I think it was potentially naive to think he was going to walk into the team straight away. He's new to the league, is still young at only 23 (? ) and needs to get used to our players and build relationships to understand how they play and move etc. Furthermore, and I've said this before in a previous post, I believe he was signed as a replacement for Paul Pogba. Whether that was to be an immediate replacement (thinking PP would leave last summer), or whether we actually displayed some foresight and planned to bed him in this season knowing PP was going this coming summer and for DvdB to take his place in the team next season, remains to be seen, though I believe that was the plan for him. I may be wrong. I hope I'm not. Though personally I can see a midfield of Donny, Bruno and a mobile CDM working very well (in fact, on the occasions he's been given a chance, I've liked the way Bruno and Donny work together) . I just think we need to exercise some patience with DvdB and I reckon we'll start to see a bit more of him in the second half of the season.

Secondly, Amad Diallo. He's still a young kid but is clearly very talented. I for one was underwhelmed last summer when we spent a lot of time chasing Sancho and ending up signing Pellistri and Diallo. That being said, I am excited by this signing. Some people have mentioned it before, but it has a feel (and I'd like to stress that word) of a Ronaldo-type signing. I'm not saying for one second I'm putting that pressure on him, but there's just something about him that excites me. I haven't watched him play extensively or at all really, so I can't explain why. Like many others, I assumed he'd come in and spend most of the season in the U23's to bed in and take his time and that maybe we would see him once or twice at the back end of cup games. However after the announcement of his squad number today, I'm not so sure. I think it'll take some time but I reckon he'll feature a bit more than I first expected. I may be completely wrong and it's just my opinion so I'm keen to see what others think? Do you reckon he'll play much this season?

Hope everyone is happy and healthy despite the current circumstances.

1.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 13:22:44
Good post UIR.

Sky are already talking about Diablo in the same bracket as Ronaldo and Messi, which is ridiculous.

It may be a couple of seasons before he makes double digit first team starts. We’d be wise to offer the kid some patience.

Ole has his favourites so he will need to work very hard and bring Ole an apple every day if he wants to speed up his progress.

2.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 14:58:52
Ole said Diallo's decision making is really good for his age, so we may see him in action pretty soon.

Since we don't have any real competition at RW, he can make that position his own.

3.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 13:44:59
I agree, Wazza - the Ronaldo and Messi comparisons are ridiculous (despite the fact I did that myself in some way) and any player should have to earn that comparison. My comparison was merely that the excitement around him feels similar.

Personally I would like to see Martial sold this summer, with Mata moved to a coaching role and James either loaned out to another Premier League club or sold. That way we’ll have room for a Sancho-type signing and space for the likes of Pellistri and Diallo feature in the cup games/ off the bench, and allow Greenwood to deputise Cavani in the central role (assuming we don’t sign a Haaland-type) .

4.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 15:28:13
UIR, Eds have repeatedly told us that there is no plan for DVdB and hence he is on the market. But assuming that your premise is true that he needs bedding in, i am sure he won't bed in sitting on the bench.

5.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 16:15:37
Shan - I’ve seen the Ed’s comments on DvdB but I read that as though he’s being offered around by his own agent/ team, as opposed to the club offering him around. That my be me reading it wrong but you’re right to point it out. If it is indeed the club offering him around, it’s certainly a worrying thought.

I agree he won’t bed in from the bench, hence why I theorised we may see more of him in the second half of the season.

I guess only time will tell.

6.) 08 Jan 2021
08 Jan 2021 16:56:25
I agree UIR and hoping that you are right and he is utilised properly in the remaining half of the season. Ole seems adamant in his selections though and doesn't rest his favorites so don't really see how he can get a game. But really don't wish to see him leave because some people are stupid enough to hold pogba hostage.