Player Watch: Nabil Bentaleb

[chinaman]

Is it just me or has Nabil been much better since he went to the World Cup (and now since AFCON), rather than first team apps?

In Sherwood side, he was decent but seemed to lack positional awareness and standabout ability; he did a job, but didn't really look like a future star or standout player. Since the World Cup, he's been so much better.

I'm not sure whether we should be crediting ourselves, or applauding the Algerian FA. Everytime he goes off to internationals, he comes back 10-20% better.

I think playing further forward with Algeria definitely gives him more confidence. It can be seen yesterday that he made three shooting attempts, forcing a really top-class save and of course made the assist for the winning goal. He made more forward plays yesterday than any other game he had played before.

 

[Sweech]

I think playing further forward with Algeria definitely gives him more confidence. It can be seen yesterday that he made three shooting attempts, forcing a really top-class save and of course made the assist for the winning goal. He made more forward plays yesterday than any other game he had played before.

I think you're right that it's a confidence thing. In this squad you've got the bigger names and egos who expect you to just simply get them the ball and they can make the plays, whereas in the Algerian squad they're more or less equals and he can be a little more expressive and then he simply carries it over to our team.

 

[matthew.absurdum]

Excellent game tonight. Although all the spot lights are on kane right now, i think nabil will eventually become our new modric, and prehaps our future captain (he tries to commend other teammates tonight, and he is just 20!)

 

[chinaman]

Yes, him and Verts were superb tonight. But have to give MOM to Verts as he saved our skin on more than one occasion.

 

[spursfan77]

Had a great game again last night. Must be pretty galling for him to have to line up next to paulinho who he know is paid about 6 times what he earns and yet he's easily the better player of the two.

Hope he's rewarded properly in his new contract.

 

[nidge]

Felt a bit sorry for Nabil last night was pretty much having to cover for all our other midfielders.

 

[antti19]

In few years...Bentaleb and Alli in midfield

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

Just a heads up that there is going to be an interview with Nabil on talksport with Matt Holland on the Kick-off show tonight.

 

[Snarfalicious]

 

[EQP]

1:39 is the reason he should be paired with a real DM and then give him free reign to run rampant. He showed great ability to intercept the ball and make a great run but it seemed like he lacked the conviction to actually try and score.

 

[yiddo23]

This kid just keeps impressing

 

[yiddo23]

1:39 is the reason he should be paired with a real DM and then give him free reign to run rampant. He showed great ability to intercept the ball and make a great run but it seemed like he lacked the conviction to actually try and score.

Him and Benji seemed a good fit when they had a go together

 

[crokey]

IMO apart from Lloris he is the best player in our squad, and he's 20 ffs

Prone to the odd misplaced pass, but does nothing else wrong, he's a machine

 

[samsonlevi]

Love the kid!!

He's got a great attitude on and off the pitch

Seems like he's got some leadership characteristics

So composed on the ball but importantly doesn't dwell on the ball

Looks for the forward pass

Seems willing to learn from others

Tactically aware. Shows signs of intelligence.

Loves our club.

Strong and a good passer

Loves a tackle and brave in 50/50's

Runs all day!!

Honestly think he could go all the way to the top....just hope he takes us there with him!! Proud to have him at our club!!

 

[tooey]

IMO apart from Lloris he is the best player in our squad, and he's 20 ffs

Prone to the odd misplaced pass, but does nothing else wrong, he's a machine

Don't be ridiculous. He's a good player but he's yet to show me anything to believe he has anywhere near the sort of ability of Eriksen. He's on a par with Stambouli, he get's extra points from fans because he came from our youth system, there's no point in painting it any differently.

 

[samsonlevi]

Don't be ridiculous. He's a good player but he's yet to show me anything to believe he has anywhere near the sort of ability of Eriksen. He's on a par with Stambouli, he get's extra points from fans because he came from our youth system, there's no point in painting it any differently.

Think your underestimating the lad! I think it's a shame that unless your scoring the goals some fans find it hard to give you the credit you deserve.

 

[Gbspurs]

Don't be ridiculous. He's a good player but he's yet to show me anything to believe he has anywhere near the sort of ability of Eriksen. He's on a par with Stambouli, he get's extra points from fans because he came from our youth system, there's no point in painting it any differently.

How is he on par with Stambouli?!

 

[Borks]

Don't be ridiculous. He's a good player but he's yet to show me anything to believe he has anywhere near the sort of ability of Eriksen. He's on a par with Stambouli, he get's extra points from fans because he came from our youth system, there's no point in painting it any differently.

Who would you rather have alongside you in a war? Bentaleb or Eriksen?

Eriksen is a luxury player, Bentaleb is what makes the team tick.

 

[THFCSPURS19]

Don't be ridiculous. He's a good player but he's yet to show me anything to believe he has anywhere near the sort of ability of Eriksen. He's on a par with Stambouli, he get's extra points from fans because he came from our youth system, there's no point in painting it any differently.

You also posted this a few days ago:

I really have tried my hardest but I just don't seem to get what people see in Mason. He's a tenacious little git but lacks too much quality with the ball at his feet, I understand that every player is prone to a misplaced pass now and then...but it's not now and then, its several occasions in every game.

It's a shame that some people don't appreciate our youth. Oh well. I'd like to remind you that Bentaleb and Mason were our midfield 2 during our incredible performance against Arsenal.

 

[THFCSPURS19]

Who would you rather have alongside you in a war? Bentaleb or Eriksen?

Eriksen is a luxury player, Bentaleb is what makes the team tick.

Random comment. This is football. I'd rather have Eriksen than Bentaleb if I had to choose between the two on a football pitch though.