Pirate55
The Last Man Standing 17/18
Not sure fragile is fair. He's gone from not being fit enough to play, to being fit enough to play for an hour as a #10 to being fit enough to play 90 minutes consecutive games the same week deep in midfield. He's improved his fitness levels massively.
Against Zagreb he was fouled a lot, but kept wanting the ball and taking players on knowing he would probably get fouled again, knowing it could be rough tackles. Even when subbed it was probably about resting him, but because he couldn't go on.
That being said it's probably unfair to expect his fitness levels to be truly top notch. I think that might only happen after another preseason, particularly as he's playing quite a lot these days. He should be managed accordingly.
I think we need him on the bench if we get into trouble though. I suspect he might start though if Mourinho is to be taken seriously on his pre match comments.
I am afraid he is the epitome of fragile . He goes down with a massive scream whenever he receives the smallest touch ( nb not saying that was true in the first leg where he got some real punishment). In addition, mentally he also appears really fragile. He goes missing ( ? hiding) in the big games and while he shows the occasional flash of brilliance, which games has he actually dominated? Given his undoubted talent, I feel he really should be offering us more .