Again, a string of stellar performances in recent weeks. Resembling a certain player we saw in the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
If we continue with the 442 formation and we want to carve out even more from Bennacer's potential, we should pair him with a defensive midfielder that is physical, a defensive juggernaut and towering. This would allow a lot more freedom for Bennacer to play in a more advanced area of the pitch. --- (Bakayoko first player to spring to mind, but not so sure about his current availability)
For instance, have a quick gaze at the 442 formation Monaco deployed under Jardim in 2016/17, as they made the Ligue 1 absolute child's play that season. A small and physically weak, creative, ball-carrying midfielder (J.Moutinho) pairing a physical rock, industrious and a tall DM (Fabinho/Bakayoko).
A Bennacer and Javi Martinez/N.Matic tandem to do the trick for us, perhaps?
I'm at work, but couldn't resist to come here and reiterate what a gem of a player Bennacer is.
5 years from now he will be referred to as one of the best midfielders in the game
I really wanted Barella but Bennacer has made me completely forget about him. I can't stress enough how beautiful this player is. If he'd play in a top club in PL he'd be worth 4x his current valuation.
What has impressed me the most is his mentality, which says a lot because I've been really amazed by his ability to get past opponents and find space. He only recently turned 22 wtfff
He's even taller than I thought. His low gravity point fools you. Initially I thought he was in the Verratti bracket but he's actually right inbetween Verratti (1.65) and Cristiano Ronaldo (1.85)
I immediately thought he'd be a great mezzala and I mentioned months ago how good he'd be together with an octopus type of a player, such as Bakayoko. He's our best defensive midfielder today but that's because he's our best midfielder with a good set of defensive skills plus impeccable grinta. "Unfortunately" one of his very best qualities, moving past opponents, can be quite risky adopted whenever he's playing deep. On the flip side he'd make a terrific mezzala both in transition to attack and defensively.
Extra iron on the left doesn't hurt with Theo on the pitch too.
Last match was the most aggressive I’ve seen him play yet. Very good defensive work.
this should be the number 1 criteria when signing players (young or old) ...i think i heard Maldini hint at it recently, players with some character, up for a challenge... when things go wrong they kep their head high...Gigio is the other one like that
psychological strength has been missing since the 2012 ...
that's why they left Piatek + Suso go ASAP they both have great quality ... when things are not going well they shut down ... Hakan, is the other one but he is Tactically important + very versatile ... i won't be surprised if he is sold in the summer... or at least benched by a similar player with a stronger mind.
Maldini and Boban seem to want all the Mentally weak players out ... Calabria is another one
And Mastour is the best example.
Joyrider is in love with bennacer
Joyrider is in love with bennacer