Phil Neville

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Yup Phil and Carsley are the sort of characters you need on the pitch getting team mates geared up and in the zone. You need a couple of leaders on the pitch (or at least one anyway), and that's what we've missed recently
 

We are missing our first choice centre midfield really, it's going to hurt us. Not only where Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta reliable defensively but they also always made themselves available in possession and took the ball under pressure. That's leadership for me, taking responsibility.

Phil Neville's distribution over the last year and a half is seriously underrated, he used the ball with intelligence and accuracy - something I honestly didn't know he had in him. He's as good as both Cahill and Fellaini in possession and provides a far better defensive shield than Rodwell at this current time.

Not the long term answer by any means but at this current time he's the most reliable option we have and certainly, in my opinion, a better player than Lee Carsley. Although I did respect what Cars' did for us during his time here.

We definitely miss him.
 
Arteta's ok defensively its not natural to him though, still needs the balance of Neville in beside him maybe Jack will play that role with a few more miles on the clock.

His best attribute are his creativity and retention so im never really annoyed with him when he doesnt block a hole or close down space - thats what Neville is there for - i hope the few months he played centrally were not a flash in the pan and with an increased awarness of how dangerous he can be centrally amongst the oppositon i hope he can play his way in to a but of form and be ready for the phyisicality he certainly will be facing.
 
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I disagree to be honest, I would have agreed with you a few years ago but the Arteta of last season was doing as much defensive work as Phil Neville and he revelled in the role.

Watch him closely once he gets back to his best, his positioning is excellent, similar to Xabi Alonso. And he was showing tenacity and putting his foot in when required. He's a very disiplined player, probably too disiplined considering his qualities going forward.

He played the role without Neville against both Spurs and Manchester City and we kept clean sheets in both games, he was excellent, our standout player. He carried Castillo against Manchester City and held whilst Fellaini and Cahill attacked against Spurs. After Neville he's certainly our best and most reliable defensive midfielder.

Hopefully he does get back to his best, it's going to take a while though. I'm still gutted we missed out on Ever Banega, who's doing very well for Valencia I might add.
 

ToxtethBlue said:
I disagree to be honest, I would have agreed with you a few years ago but the Arteta of last season was doing as much defensive work as Phil Neville and he revelled in the role.

Watch him closely once he gets back to his best, his positioning is excellent, similar to Xabi Alonso. And he was showing tenacity and putting his foot in when required. He's a very disiplined player, probably too disiplined considering his qualities going forward.

He played the role without Neville against both Spurs and Manchester City and we kept clean sheets in both games, he was excellent, our standout player. He carried Castillo against Manchester City and held whilst Fellaini and Cahill attacked against Spurs. After Neville he's certainly our best and most reliable defensive midfielder.

Hopefully he does get back to his best, it's going to take a while though. I'm still gutted we missed out on Ever Banega, who's doing very well for Valencia I might add.
Click to expand...

This here, right here, this is why Mr TxB is the best pound for pound poster on this forum.

Arteta used to make me fume, I always wanted him to push more forward, but I agree, he was superb in that role, Deeplying Playmaker.

Ive also caught bits and bobs of Benega, he has been brilliant from what ive seen.

Great post TxB.
 
To be convinced to be honest - but lets see!-still think he needs someone in beside him for balance and allow him that bit of a licence - probably rightly he can only play one role at a time in the team.
 
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Can't quite see what's so special about TB's post there, but ok. Arteta is a far better defensive midfielder than Neville, he's ahead in every respect other than slide tackles and going mental.
 

So we are all more or less saying we would love a fit Phil Neville in the team right now (y)
Was never in doubt for me. First 11 when everybody is fit again.
 
Best poster? The great Batman Bruce.
Best poster I've ever come across, by miles. Never fail to impress me with his post(have to admit i am piss with his pro kenwrong views at times).
Its a pity he dont post much now.
 
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