15 Aug 2021 11:44:45
I think yesterday could be used as the perfect example of the limitations of a couple of our players.

James and Fred for the most part were considered to have been poor yesterday, while neither had their best game, neither particularly did much wrong. They worked hard, tackled, pressed and attempted to get forward where possible.
What ultimately let them down was a lack of quality at key moments. James would break away well, get clear of his man then just at the moment where he could cross/ pass/ shoot he makes the wrong decision. Fred likewise worked hard and pressed tirelessly. Yet when Leeds won the ball back he was often in the wrong position at the wrong moment enabling Leeds to attack through the space he should be in.

Neither are bad players, they just lack the top level decision making/ reading of the game that the very best player have. They are honest hard working and dedicated players, but ultimately they should never be more than good back up for a top side. Both would be great players for mid-table sides, but at the highest level in those crunch games their poor decision making can be the difference between winning 1-0 or losing 1-0.

1.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 12:18:04
I agree with that Shappy, I’d probably add AWB to that list as well. In my opinion I’m just not convinced he’s good enough on the ball and he can’t defend crosses into the box. I’m just not convinced he gives us enough quality especially when teams will sit deep and force the ball out wide. He’s still very young and hopefully will continue to improve so maybe we just have to show a little patience and faith.

2.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 13:00:37
Fred played his normal game. Full of energy, not in the right position for their goal. His goal was well taken though.

James did a lot wrong. I don't think he beat a man 1 on 1 once. His decision making was poor when he had better options he shot. He was woeful. I honestly don't think he would get a game for any premier league side.

3.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 14:59:27
James should be going out with amad taking his place.
Fred brings energy to the team, people say about playing a dm but I can't see ole doing it. Bruno plays basically as a second striker and I can't see ole dropping him back to play an 8.
If pogba is to play from the left we will need to play more defensive minded midfielders, fred and Scott. What we can do is bring someone in who can replaced fred in the starting 11. Can saul do what fred does? Would neves be better suited? Or is ndidi indeed the better option.
The problem is moving players on. If jesse and anders leave it would allow another purchase but I think ole fancies rice so will probably hold on until he becomes more attainable.

4.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 15:52:41
mumbles I honestly don't think it mattered wether fred was in position or not: the goal was quite an excellent strike and we had little chance of any keeper saving it!
On a positive note it was great to see good energy levels from all our players with surprises from awb actually moving forward and not so much of sideways LvG passing.
Stuffed the yorkies and only negative was that we could have had a few more! Yes let's be greedy.

5.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 16:12:41
Quite obvious he will blame fred for anything!

6.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 17:50:09
I think any player coming onto the ball 30 yards from our goal, it should be Fred's job to screen them. I wouldn't blame him for the goal though he was a great strike.

7.) 15 Aug 2021
15 Aug 2021 20:30:56
I'd say if you asked Pogba, he would tell you that he is very happy to have Fred on the pitch yesterday. Most of you just repeat what other posters say when it's not the reality. Watch the man play and appreciate how he allowed Bruno and Pogba the freedom they had.