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Player Watch: Victor Wanyama

SpartanSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
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My comments are I really hope not as it’s never worked.

While I'm not a big fan of it as it does stifle creativity, did we not boss Arsenal at WHL with that pairing last season with Vic appearing all over the park? We also used it in the Hull 7-1 if I'm not mistaken.

It'd certainly have merits in tough away games like Liverpool or Juventus IMHO.
 

Shadydan

Well-Known Member
Jul 7, 2012
38,247
104,143
While I'm not a big fan of it as it does stifle creativity, did we not boss Arsenal at WHL with that pairing last season with Vic appearing all over the park? We also used it in the Hull 7-1 if I'm not mistaken.

It'd certainly have merits in tough away games like Liverpool or Juventus IMHO.

The problem with playing Wanyama and Dier is that they are too risk averse, neither of them really offer enough penetration when we're going forward so when we win the ball back it doesn't get forward quick enough to the attacking players in transition.
 

TheChosenOne

A dislike or neg rep = fat fingers
Dec 13, 2005
47,874
49,708
Both Dier & Wanyama can mark space, intercept & tackle equally well. But what makes Wanyama better is what he does with ball in possession. Dier usually stands still & looks for a short or long pass. Attimes, it sticks, at times it doesnt. While Wanyama doesnt have a long range pass with him - what he does so well is protect the ball & dribble & run into space and then pick a pass. This opens up the play even better in transition.

Hopefully he is fully fit and back. We desperately need him for the 2nd half of season


Was amazed with the passes he made in the brief appearance on Tues...
 

dagraham

Well-Known Member
Sep 20, 2005
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While I'm not a big fan of it as it does stifle creativity, did we not boss Arsenal at WHL with that pairing last season with Vic appearing all over the park? We also used it in the Hull 7-1 if I'm not mistaken.

It'd certainly have merits in tough away games like Liverpool or Juventus IMHO.

Yeah you're right Arsenal was the only time I've seen it work, but their midfield were pussies and I think we just muscled them out of the game.

I agree there are exceptions such as you've mentioned (City away would be another one), but it's a paring that I really don't like. Watching both of them stay within 3 yards of each other all game passing between themselves against West Ham away last season was painful.
 

SpartanSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
12,552
43,063
Yeah you're right Arsenal was the only time I've seen it work, but their midfield were pussies and I think we just muscled them out of the game.

I agree there are exceptions such as you've mentioned (City away would be another one), but it's a paring that I really don't like. Watching both of them stay within 3 yards of each other all game passing between themselves against West Ham away last season was painful.

I don't dispute that, certainly would not want it often, I even said that at the start of my post. As you said there are some rare occasions where it may be a worthwhile tactic.
 

Jimmypearce7

Well-Known Member
Feb 23, 2005
1,473
2,255
It was so lovely to see Vic back. He is such a great player. Much better than i thought he would be when we bought him- imagined him as a strong destroyer, which he is but has so much more than that, helping us really dominate midfield and with some attacking qualities too.
Great to see him back against Swansea, winning the ball when he has no right to and hoping he starts tonight. Him and Dier or him and Dembele in midfield would give us a crucial advantage.
 

coys200

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2017
8,436
17,403
Wasn’t able to go yesterday so just judging on MOTD. Ok I know it was Wimbledon but that passing by wanyama looked a step up. I think I noticed end last season he seemed much more useful on the ball. Tbh he’d warrant a place in team purely as the destroyer. But if he can add that range if passing and ability to carry the ball we could have a special player.
 

Shadydan

Well-Known Member
Jul 7, 2012
38,247
104,143
What was MOTD saying about him yesterday, I was on the phone when they were doing the analysis.
 

dagraham

Well-Known Member
Sep 20, 2005
19,115
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What was MOTD saying about him yesterday, I was on the phone when they were doing the analysis.

Without saying it directly, they implied he’s better than Dier ( although they never mentioned Dier’s name).

And they’re right. As a DM/CM he is.
 

Insomnia

Twisted Firestarter
Jan 18, 2006
20,199
55,543
I met him in Club Wembley yesterday, he was MOM. They interviewed him & he stopped to sign my eldest boys autograph book. My eldest's favourite player is Victor (he had his shirt on with Wanyama on the back) so Vic posed for photos with my 3 little one's & made a fuss of my eldest boy coz of the shirt (he asked how old he was,he's 12,& said wow you're nearly as big as me, he's 5ft9 ) .Got to say what a top bloke. Also quick mention to Olly Murs who also posed for photos with my kids (he was there coz his mate plays for AFC Wimbledon) he was a cracking bloke too was Olly.
 

arunspurs

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
8,807
35,543
Wanyama has written a article for Daily Mail, talking about his time during injury....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...r-Wanyama-Kids-inspired-dark-injury-days.html

While it has other great parts, IMO standout from a team perspective is this one -
"I never felt disconnected from the squad while I was injured. People find it hard to believe but we are an unbelievably tight group. I've not known it before where everyone is friends"
 

Armstrong_11

Spurs makes me happy, you... not so much :)
Aug 3, 2011
8,572
19,113
Disappointed with him today... I know he is coming back from injury... But he was caught a few times with the ball at his feet, a couple of mistakes today that could be punished against a better side.

Think he is still lacking match sharpness...

He still isn't at his best.
 

allpaths

Well-Known Member
Oct 31, 2014
3,174
8,381
yes wanyama was caught in possession a few too many times but i felt it was bc he was trying to do more than the usual to offset the dearth of on the ball quality that was in the squad. he looked like he was moving well and thats what important to me.
 
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