I'm not 100% but weren't both Fazio and Stambouli made captains of their teams in the summer ?
I can't even name my favourite player any more. I might have to get my next shirt with Pochettino on the back.
Not sure about Stambouli but Fazio was Sevilla captain before, he captained them to the Europa League win.
Thanks . I just read that Stambouli was vice captain but was offered the captaincy along with a new contract by Montpelier.
I'd imagine they both must have on the pitch leadership qualities , well I'm hoping .
Not sure about Stambouli but Fazio was Sevilla captain before, he captained them to the Europa League win.
With the exception of Daws, I wouldn't describe the players that have left as team players. I think that we are still transitioning to a coach wanting a team approach from our previous individualistic approach. It was always going to look a bit raggedy during this period.A lot of truth in that for me as well. Probably Eriksen.
However the biggest point is you dont look at the squad and see a cohesive unit or a team. Its up to Poch to now gel a team spirit and identitiy - at teh moment it looks like a large group of individuals, and not the most talented bunch either. Really comes down to Poch to where we finish - if he does exceptionally then 4th, if he does 'ok' then probably 6th, trying to fight off Everton to stop us finishing 7th
He's not the most popular player on here but Rose did not buckle against Liverpool either and was the pick of our defenders.For me there are only two types of players (in this limited discussion about characters that is). Those that hide and those that do not, when faced with adversity. You can label them characters, leaders, captains, whatever, but I want most of all to see the players take responsibility on the pitch and at least try to sway the tide when we are under pressure. In the Liverpool game two players that did this most IMO were Lamela and Bentaleb. Were they the best players on the pitch? Nope but they never shied away from the ball and hide behind their teammates or the opposition and for that they deserve a lot of credit.
Hope the new guys are of this ilk.
He's not the most popular player on here but Rose did not buckle against Liverpool either and was the pick of our defenders.
He's not the most popular player on here but Rose did not buckle against Liverpool either and was the pick of our defenders.
Imagine the meltdown on here if he was captain! He actually has some good traits for a captain, but doubt will ever happen....
TBH those characters did nothing for us when we got smashed 3-0, 6-0, 5-0, 4-0, 4-0, 5-1 last season.
I'd much rather a team which works as one. Characters come after. But I will sorely miss Sandro and Dawson. Loved that they played for my club.
Holtby is not coming back, loan with buy option.
Sad to see him and Dawson go, but could understand, Sandro still has me wondering at what we don't know.
Re the leader/character thing, said it at multiple points in the Window, we need some experience, a Davids/Naybet, someone that won't panic, been there done that character, think that was a miss by Poch.
Holtby is not coming back, loan with buy option.
Sad to see him and Dawson go, but could understand, Sandro still has me wondering at what we don't know.
Re the leader/character thing, said it at multiple points in the Window, we need some experience, a Davids/Naybet, someone that won't panic, been there done that character, think that was a miss by Poch.
Holtby is not coming back, loan with buy option.
Sad to see him and Dawson go, but could understand, Sandro still has me wondering at what we don't know.
Re the leader/character thing, said it at multiple points in the Window, we need some experience, a Davids/Naybet, someone that won't panic, been there done that character, think that was a miss by Poch.
I'm hoping that Fazio and Stambouli may fit this mould; They were key players in recent successes for their clubs. Stambouli played alongside Giroud when Montpelier shocked French football when they won the league ahead of moneybags PSG i believe...
Pretty difficult to come into a new club in a new country and do that from the off though, you not think?