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Player Watch Player Watch: Giovani Lo Celso

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spids

Well-Known Member
Jul 19, 2015
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I think he’ll want to keep Moura and Son fresh for Man U away, and will give either one of them a complete rest, or give them 45 mins each against Bournemouth (who will defend deep and be hard to hit on the counter). Sessegnon or Lo Celso could benefit.
 

Ghost Hardware

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
18,484
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I understand what you are saying. But imho, we need different solutions, rather than pegging players that can only operate in one specific role. Jose loves what I call ‘offensive, defensive, creative midfielders’. GLC who I rate, has all the the attributes you mention. BF is a very interesting one, because he is high energy, quick, both footed, clinical. And very good dead ball specialist. And I also think if you rest any one of the three behind Kane, he can more than do that. GLC can play off a mobile defensive midfielder.
I completely understand that desire for options, makes complete sense. But I just feel that getting BF in out current situation is over kill. Son and Lucas are very different to BF, Dele and Gio and if anything I would want us to find another wide option who can then also play as a 10 or up front. All that being said, having seen a fair bit of him, I do also have my doubts about BF ability and really think he will struggle in such a physical league as the PL. Considering we only have one very questionable option for DM I just feel getting another AMC would be a little extravagant. Especially as we paying around 60+ mil for Celso who is best as an AMC. Anyway, always appreciate your insight.
 

Hercules

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2014
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156,741
I completely understand that desire for options, makes complete sense. But I just feel that getting BF in out current situation is over kill. Son and Lucas are very different to BF, Dele and Gio and if anything I would want us to find another wide option who can then also play as a 10 or up front. All that being said, having seen a fair bit of him, I do also have my doubts about BF ability and really think he will struggle in such a physical league as the PL. Considering we only have one very questionable option for DM I just feel getting another AMC would be a little extravagant. Especially as we paying around 60+ mil for Celso who is best as an AMC. Anyway, always appreciate your insight.
I have your reservations about him also. But a lot of coaches and scouts believe he has everything to help in a major league. He is not brittle, and can handle himself quite well. Possibly he has matured and developed to make it work in our league. I know Jose rates him extremely highly. So an interesting one. I personally think we need to bring in a specialist DM, with minimum height of 6ft 1 inch. Must have ability to distribute, and dominate in front of the defence. I don’t think Dier is cut out for that. And we also have TN, do don’t see the need for BF. But, if CE goes I think we do need a BF, as well as a DM.
 

mrlilywhite

Well-Known Member
Sep 1, 2008
3,176
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When we signed N'Dombele and Lo Celso I never saw Lo Celso as an Eriksen replacement directly and I think Poch didn't either, in fact, I don't think Poch was bringing anyone in to replace CE. I saw both TN and Gio as playing a double pivot in the centre. I was seeing a Xavi/Iniesta/busquets type pivot and when you look at the versatility of both of them, you could see potentially one of the strongest CM pairings in world football. On paper, you have a great blend of defensive and playmaking ability. The versatility of Lo Celso is one of his key strengths and he can pretty much play any cm role, including a more forward playmaking role.

I honestly feel that if we can get both of these guy's ticking along, then it could be the fulcrum of what we have been crying out for. If you took our current crop of players (regardless of injury), you would have the best blend of defensive shielding and attacking options from pretty much everywhere.

Lloris

Aurier Toby Verts Davies

N'Dombele Lo Celso

Moura/Lamela Dele/Eriksen Son/Sessegnon

Kane
The sub's bench would have loads of options for both attacking changes or defensive changes.

On paper, I can see why Lo Celso was brought in - we need to give him the opportunity to impress and push through that transfer if we don't get CL, if by some luck we do then we have to sign him anyway.
 

mrlilywhite

Well-Known Member
Sep 1, 2008
3,176
4,999
I have your reservations about him also. But a lot of coaches and scouts believe he has everything to help in a major league. He is not brittle, and can handle himself quite well. Possibly he has matured and developed to make it work in our league. I know Jose rates him extremely highly. So an interesting one. I personally think we need to bring in a specialist DM, with minimum height of 6ft 1 inch. Must have ability to distribute, and dominate in front of the defence. I don’t think Dier is cut out for that. And we also have TN, do don’t see the need for BF. But, if CE goes I think we do need a BF, as well as a DM.
Hasn't BF just signed a new deal with Lisbon?
 

Haddock

Captain
Oct 16, 2017
2,032
6,377
I said that it will be interesting to see where Lo Celso ends up playing for us. That question still hasn't been answered. I do like the fact that Lo Celso is so versatile, similarly to someone like Milner at Liverpool, but I also believe that he has to got a run of games in a designated position just to get him accustomed and comfortable in the league and the team.

Mourinho will want to have a true DM and that unfortunately rules out a lot of interesting CM combinations for us, especially as 4-2-3-1 seem to be the what Mourinho will opt for. I can't see Ndbombele + Lo Celso starting at the center of the midfield for example, unless we're playing a 4-3-3.

We have so many talented CM players at the moment and I'm not sure how to get the best out of them. It's a pleasant problem though, we've been screaming out for squad depth and now we have it.
 

spids

Well-Known Member
Jul 19, 2015
6,647
27,841
I think he is a great alternative for Moura in the inside right position, especially if teams defend deep and leave no space for Moura to run into..
 

bigfrooj

Well-Known Member
Nov 11, 2011
2,861
8,270
The best number 10 we have is .... no. 10 Harry Kane. Put Troy Parrott in front of him and watch the goals roll in. Don’t underestimate the vision of Harry Kane. There are matches out there that Lo Celso and Ndombele will shine in also for sure.
 

Hercules

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2014
5,721
156,741
For someone who doesn't care, you seem to make these posts quite a lot. Comes with the territory, can't expect everyone to state their reasons for a rating, etc.
If you observe my posts closely, I get a few negs etc, and don’t question why. I have my reasons when I do ? I honestly don’t care. But I will leave it there. I have been asked a few times, due to my fat fingers etc. It comes with the territory I know. Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. Anywayz, we move on.
 
Last edited:

DJS

A hoonter must hoont
Dec 9, 2006
31,274
21,772
When we signed N'Dombele and Lo Celso I never saw Lo Celso as an Eriksen replacement directly and I think Poch didn't either, in fact, I don't think Poch was bringing anyone in to replace CE. I saw both TN and Gio as playing a double pivot in the centre. I was seeing a Xavi/Iniesta/busquets type pivot and when you look at the versatility of both of them, you could see potentially one of the strongest CM pairings in world football. On paper, you have a great blend of defensive and playmaking ability. The versatility of Lo Celso is one of his key strengths and he can pretty much play any cm role, including a more forward playmaking role.

I honestly feel that if we can get both of these guy's ticking along, then it could be the fulcrum of what we have been crying out for. If you took our current crop of players (regardless of injury), you would have the best blend of defensive shielding and attacking options from pretty much everywhere.

Lloris

Aurier Toby Verts Davies

N'Dombele Lo Celso

Moura/Lamela Dele/Eriksen Son/Sessegnon

Kane
The sub's bench would have loads of options for both attacking changes or defensive changes.

On paper, I can see why Lo Celso was brought in - we need to give him the opportunity to impress and push through that transfer if we don't get CL, if by some luck we do then we have to sign him anyway.

We need a proper specialist defensive midfielder in there IMO.

I don't think N'Dombele and Lo Celso are long-term answer as central duo as they'll both want to attack. It may work in odd game but not as long-term strategy.
 

Japhet

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2010
19,300
57,716
We need a proper specialist defensive midfielder in there IMO.

I don't think N'Dombele and Lo Celso are long-term answer as central duo as they'll both want to attack. It may work in odd game but not as long-term strategy.

It would work in a 3 man midfield with a specialist DM in the middle. They both like a dribble as well so they could actually take the game to the opposition without leaving the back door open.
 

tiger666

Large Member
Jan 4, 2005
27,978
82,216
It would work in a 3 man midfield with a specialist DM in the middle. They both like a dribble as well so they could actually take the game to the opposition without leaving the back door open.

Which means no Dele at 10. Can't see that happening anytime soon.
 

mrlilywhite

Well-Known Member
Sep 1, 2008
3,176
4,999
We need a proper specialist defensive midfielder in there IMO.

I don't think N'Dombele and Lo Celso are long-term answer as central duo as they'll both want to attack. It may work in odd game but not as long-term strategy.
Actually they are both ideal imo - N'Dombele and Lo Celso are complete midfielders or at least will be. In my opinion, gone are the days when you need a defensive midfielder destroyer. The modern midfielder can and should be able to play with the ball as well as defend it and with both of them, we have an ideal double pivot. Players are instructed what to do on the pitch and no player has a license to do as they please, so I doubt N'Dombele or Lo Celso will deviate from what is being asked of them..

Of course all of this moot, as Jose will decide what's best for him and the style in which he wants to play, but the most wonderful things he has at his disposal are options and when you look at the various amount of versatility in the squad, you could make two or three different styles to suit any given game.
 

mrlilywhite

Well-Known Member
Sep 1, 2008
3,176
4,999
It would work in a 3 man midfield with a specialist DM in the middle. They both like a dribble as well so they could actually take the game to the opposition without leaving the back door open.
I can not see that happening at all - I think Jose will line up with a 4-2-3-1 and utilise a front 3 of Dele, Son, Moura behind Kane. The likes of Lamela, Siss, Eriksen (possibly) and Sess will be options from the bench or rotated. The middle two, we now have viable options for are Lo Celso, N'Dombele, Winks & Dier.

Have a look at these analyses on both Lo Celso and N'Dombele - Imo, they are destined to be the fulcrum of our central midfield.

 

Nick-TopSpursMan

Well-Known Member
Aug 4, 2005
4,169
20,068
It will be an absolute travesty if we don't utilise Lo Celso and end up not signing him. He will almost certainly go on to show us up and end up at a giant.

He is versatile, he can play CM, he can play CAM and he can play as that floating RAM (where Lucas is currently playing).

He is quick, he works hard, he's tenacious and he is silky on the ball with superb ball retention skills and vision for a pass.

We simply MUST keep him, he's the type of player who can help us win things.
 
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