Match Day Palace v Liverpool, Monday 20 August 20:00

[Redpelt]

Just to add further,I suspect Palace will deliver some major hurt on those tipping up in their back yard without a game plan inclusive of stopping their chief tormentors.

Make no mistake this was brilliant game management from the boss ,we completely blunted the usual sharpness of their attack and Zaha and Townsend cut frustrated figures ,thought Gomez was on par with the big Dutch fella on Monday night and Wijnaldum completely blotted out the industry of Milivojević and co.

Impressive three points and if we can just maintain our close proximity with Guardiolas charges to the extent that when he casts a backward glance he sees us hanging out of his arse pocket then I'd settle for that.

 

[SALTIRE]

What looks even more pleasing with that assured performance, was how good Gomez and Alisson were. VVD is amazing, but if he picks up an injury, the defense looks so well drilled now, we won't be running around like headless chickens unlike so many other times this past decade now; and even if we do make a mistake or two at the back, we have a keeper there that is the real deal.

Oh and his distribution...

 

[Redpelt]

What looks even more pleasing with that assured performance, was how good Gomez and Alisson were. VVD is amazing, but if he picks up an injury, the defense looks so well drilled now, we won't be running around like headless chickens unlike so many other times this past decade now; and even if we do make a mistake or two at the back, we have a keeper there that is the real deal.

Oh and his distribution...

I think our overall improvement defensively is not solely down to to the back four ,its the marked change in Wijnaldum's game ,he's now reading the drop of the ball more intelligently and his ability to break up the play is now a key part of our game ,he's protecting our back four in the same way Lucas used to do and is finally evolving into a very important component in our new found defensive solidity.

I hope to God we don't lose the big Dutchman because he brings real order to that defense and he's arguably the reason we look so well drilled ,I still think we missed a great opportunity in the window to bring in a quality CB to either deputize or partner him.

 

[Bilo]

he's protecting our back four in the same way Lucas used to do

Gini was very good I agree but please don't use the Lord's name in vain.

 

[Stevencc]

Fabinho, Keita, a supposedly reinvented Wijnaldum (I've not watched Liverpool this season so I can't comment on his recent form) and captain Henderson.

Who is going to miss out in the biggest games when all are fit?

 

[Bilo]

Fabinho, Keita, a supposedly reinvented Wijnaldum (I've not watched Liverpool this season so I can't comment on his recent form) and captain Henderson.

Who is going to miss out in the biggest games when all are fit?

Wijnaldum hasn't been reinvented, he played the third most minutes in our squad last season.

Henderson and Keita will probably be definites, the rest won't.

 

[Stevencc]

Wijnaldum hasn't been reinvented, he played the third most minutes in our squad last season.

Henderson and Keita will probably be definites, the rest won't.

The minutes Wijnaldum played last season are irrelevant. Redpelt described a "marked change" in Wijnaldum's style of play, making him sound like a different type of midfielder to the one he was previously. That suggests a reinvention.

Redpelt even went so far as to compare him to that Brazilian midfielder you definitely don't overrate massively.

 

[Bilo]

The minutes Wijnaldum played last season are irrelevant. Redpelt described a "marked change" in Wijnaldum's style of play, making him sound like a different type of midfielder to the one he was previously. That suggests a reinvention.

Redpelt even went so far as to compare him to that Brazilian midfielder you definitely don't overrate massively.

Yes and he's over the top in his praise for Gini, as I pointed out with my reprimand regarding the Brazilian midfielder I definitely don't overrate massively.

Wijnaldum is a good player, similar to Milner, in the sense that he can play all three of our roles in the central midfield quite well so they both get lots of minutes without ever being first choice. They also overperform in our exact system for a number of reasons, mainly because a combination of good work rate and positional sense goes a hell of a lot further here than in most other places. However, I suspect we will alternate between a 1-2 (one of Henderson and Fabinho) and a 2-1 with the pair at the base behind Keita (who I famously said is better than prime Iniesta). He will start a lot of games, but probably only one of the three finals we're shoe ins to reach.

 

[Stevencc]

Yes and he's over the top in his praise for Gini, as I pointed out with my reprimand regarding the Brazilian midfielder I definitely don't overrate massively.

Wijnaldum is a good player, similar to Milner, in the sense that he can play all three of our roles in the central midfield quite well so they both get lots of minutes without ever being first choice. They also overperform in our exact system for a number of reasons, mainly because a combination of good work rate and positional sense goes a hell of a lot further here than in most other places. However, I suspect we will alternate between a 1-2 (one of Henderson and Fabinho) and a 2-1 with the pair at the base behind Keita (who I famously said is better than prime Iniesta). He will start a lot of games, but probably only one of the three finals we're shoe ins to reach.

I like the Fabinho, Henderson and Keita trio in midfield - nice balance and they can all do a bit of everything to a decent standard. Keita definitely stands out, though.

I wish United players would overperform in our system.

I reckon Jose could get Messi to look like a clogger.

 

[Bilo]

I like the Fabinho, Henderson and Keita trio in midfield - nice balance and they can all do a bit of everything to a decent standard. Keita definitely stands out, though.

I wish United players would overperform in our system.

I reckon Jose could get Messi to look like a clogger.

It probably lacks a spark of creativity for low block teams imo, even though posters more knowledgable than I (meaning on other forums, of course) have pointed out we're not going to be especially reliant on that this season. In fact, the hipster opinion seems to be the good old "you need an incisive pass to break teams down" view becoming increasingly out of date.

So I guess you're right.

I reckon so too mate I'm sorry. But as I am an absolute expert on United matters now that I spend unhealthy amounts of time on Redcafe, your rot doesn't stop or even start at Mourinho imo. Your whole club is run poorly and it will take a while to fix. Ferguson was a fucking miracle worker and it shows more for every year that passes. If a manager considered to be the best of all time ever could be underrated, he is.

 

[Stevencc]

That was really big of you to agree with me that United are shit, thanks mate.

 

[Bilo]

That was really big of you to agree with me that United are shit, thanks mate.

I also said that I'm sorry for you and that Ferguson is considered the best of all time while still being underrated.

I googled your 2012-13 squad. Fucking amazing.

 

[Redpelt]

Yes and he's over the top in his praise for Gini, as I pointed out with my reprimand regarding the Brazilian midfielder I definitely don't overrate massively.

Wijnaldum is a good player, similar to Milner, in the sense that he can play all three of our roles in the central midfield quite well so they both get lots of minutes without ever being first choice. They also overperform in our exact system for a number of reasons, mainly because a combination of good work rate and positional sense goes a hell of a lot further here than in most other places. However, I suspect we will alternate between a 1-2 (one of Henderson and Fabinho) and a 2-1 with the pair at the base behind Keita (who I famously said is better than prime Iniesta). He will start a lot of games, but probably only one of the three finals we're shoe ins to reach.

May I just say, your admonition was well disguised ,practically covert in its execution.

 

[Bilo]

May I just say, your admonition was well disguised ,practically covert in its execution.

Yes well those who know they know mate. Believe it or not I used to be a bit of an educator on this forum, often giving lectures regarding the greatness of the Messi of central midfield that is Lucas Leiva.

I can tell you my mile-long essays regarding points per game, average positions and a short stint regarding Sturridge's wingeresque positional play were always much appreciated. All things must pass, sadly, but it is with immense pride I look upon this board today and see what wonderful persons they all turned into. Each and every one of them.

You and I will speak again I'm sure. Run along now, kiddo.

 

[Redpelt]

The minutes Wijnaldum played last season are irrelevant. Redpelt described a "marked change" in Wijnaldum's style of play, making him sound like a different type of midfielder to the one he was previously. That suggests a reinvention.

Redpelt even went so far as to compare him to that Brazilian midfielder you definitely don't overrate massively.

I believe Wijnaldum's overall game has improved ,his play is now a lot more measured and his instinct more honed. I know Klopp insists on his midfielders creating space to pick the pass in the tightest of situations and Gini seems to be adapting to this and playing with far more intelligence,last season he often received the ball with his back turned against the play and this made him look slightly awkward and our midfield play look slightly disjointed. I'm delighted to say this part of is game is far less apparent and he seems to be reading from the same page pertaining to what the manager expects from his midfielders.

I'd still like to see Keita pushed further forward and pressing the play more ,but when we successfully integrate Fabinho into the holding role I suspect this will come to fruition.

 

[Redpelt]

A

Yes well those who know they know mate. Believe it or not I used to be a bit of an educator on this forum, often giving lectures regarding the greatness of the Messi of central midfield that is Lucas Leiva.

I can tell you my mile-long essays regarding points per game, average positions and a short stint regarding Sturridge's wingeresque positional play were always much appreciated. All things must pass, sadly, but it is with immense pride I look upon this board today and see what wonderful persons they all turned into. Each and every one of them.

You and I will speak again I'm sure. Run along now, kiddo.

Needless to add ,I wasn't part of this most informative community back then,but speaking as a voyeur from my years spent standing/sitting on the Kop I can attest to the competency of Mr Leiva in the role he was afforded whilst at the club and the adoration bestowed on him by those old arses who recognized a good reader of the game and a highly intelligent player when they seen one ,but still I cant get enough of budding blog writers regurgitating stats ,like they believe it will alter my opinion. Other than that ,its been many a moon since I was called kiddo ,but seen as you're relatively a young pup I will allow you this solitary snap and take it with the stoicism that arrives with the onset of time.