Three players whom I have under-estimated

[Goat]

Warmup? Way to show your indepth knowledge lad.

 

[toffeetower]

Fellaini...

Aerial Threat, Defensive Shielding, Ball Winning, Ball Retention...

Patrick Vieira?

 

[Goat]

He looks closer to Viera than Alonso.

 

[DENNIS STEVENS]

He looks closer to Viera than Alonso.

Yeah, I suppose Manchester to Liverpool isn't all that far.

 

[toffeetower]

He looks closer to Viera than Alonso.

I'd agree with that.

I think he demonstrates the aggression in his play that both Vieira and Mascherano possess.

However he is much more technically gifted than Mascherano, not quite as much as Xabi Alonso, and perhaps slightly more than Vieira.

 

[Goat]

DENNIS!!!!!!!

Alonso plays in Madrid now.

 

[Goat]

I'd agree with that.

I think he demonstrates the aggression in his play that both Vieira and Mascherano possess.

However he is much more technically gifted than Mascherano, not quite as much as Xabi Alonso, and perhaps slightly more than Vieira.

Thats a good point, I suppose hes a cross between Peter Crouch, Mascherno and Pele.

??

 

[ToxtethBlue]

More technically gifted than Vieira? Did anyone actually watch Vieira in his prime. He was one of the most complete centre midfielders to play the game, the Michael Essien (a better version) of his day.

He had more ability than Fellaini, far better defensive qualties and much more in terms of natural athleticism and pace. That's not taking anything away from Fellaini, who's improving all the time, but Vieira is in a different League and quite different in terms of style of play.

YouTube - Arsene's XI - Patrick Vieira

There's some clips in here. The tackling ability, the drive and pace with the ball and the natural ability, the quick feet and close control. The only obvious similarities are there height and build.

 

[Brownie]

It's very difficult to compare Fellaini to any other player because not many have a top speed of 3 miles an hour.

 

[bluebastardo]

But he keeps going all game long.
Graceful as opposed to nifty.

 

[DENNIS STEVENS]

DENNIS!!!!!!!

Alonso plays in Madrid now.

Yeah, exactly - Fellaini plays for Everton (that's in Liverpool) & Viera's just signed for Manchester City, hence my flippant response to your comment that "He looks closer to Viera than Alonso."

 

[DENNIS STEVENS]

It's very difficult to compare Fellaini to any other player because not many have a top speed of 3 miles an hour.

He displays a trait common to a few Everton players : deceptive pace (slower than he looks!).

 

[Allezfan]

Yeah, exactly - Fellaini plays for Everton (that's in Liverpool) & Viera's just signed for Manchester City, hence my flippant response to your comment that "He looks closer to Viera than Alonso."

I love that you had to explain that.

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

Jury's still out for me on Felli...he's improved a lot, I'll give him that. For the first few months I thought for sure we'd signed Treebeard from LoTR because he looked like an Ent when he "ran" around; God he was painful on the eyes. I often forget he's still so young, so that is a plus. If he continues to improve at his current pace we won't be able to afford to hold on to him by the time the end of his contract gets close.

Ossie's an odd one as it concerns where to play him and it's all down to his size, or lack thereof. He cannot survive in a 4 man midfield because of it and if you play him in an AM position he can be man marked out of a game as long as the CB's got decent pace. It's either 5 in midfield with a DM backing him up or bust; if you want any consistency out of his game anyhow.

Pip is Pip, he knows his role in the league and with this club and does it well.

 

[TX Bill]

Even with all fit, Ossie is going to get games. He's proven me wrong time and time again over the past few years.