Xavi Simons

[Ace Face]

Every team needs someone just chasing players to force them into mistakes. I would pick him every week if he could be trusted to mark a player

But don’t you think that type of player also needs to have on-ball skills too as opposed to merely being effective in a pressing situation?

Anyways, enough of derailing this thread!

Xavi was very good yesterday and looks to be developing a good understanding with Gray now he is finally being played in CM. Long may it continue!

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

But, having said that, he has played well the last two games in a more disciplined role. If he can improve on his passing or become more press-resistant then he could have a future with us. However it has been four (?) seasons now with some improvement but not enough to make me believe he is a long-term answer for us. That’s all

So at least he's going in the right direction compared to the team in those four years.

 

[ricky2tricky4city]

Absolutely, Dembele's strengths was there for all to see. He was one of the best in the world at consistently moving the play, bringing the ball from his own half into the opposition area safely, alone or with the help of others. No need for 167 passes in all sorts of directions to advance 10 yards. Just him and his magnetic boot. You could commit as a team, not fearing that he would misplace a simple 8 foot pass, putting the team on the back foot, or wander aimlessly into a wall. I like Sarr, but I fail to see a single Dembele fibre in him.

I don't think Gutter was directly comparing him to Sarr, just the timelines it takes to develop.

You're so right about what Dembele gave to the team. It was their complete faith in him never to lose the ball...that in turn spreads confidence in their decision making.
I never seen a player quite like him. In complete control of the ball and all the opposition players that came near him.
Simply bullied them.