Officially official De Jong v Robbie thread

[mr_nool]

I think - and hope - that NdJ won't be too missed in the semis. Against Uruguay a midfield combo of van Bommel, Sneijder and van der Vaart should be more than sufficient. Van der Vaart is quite capable of taking a defensive responsibility as well, and offers more than NdJ going forward. I would actualy have prefered him in the team over NDJ against lesser teams in the beginning of the tournament.
That said, if Holland make the final, NDJ will be needed against Spain/Germany.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I remember that there was a lot of negativity towards NDJ when he 1st started - and even a lot towards the end of the last season - whilst some of us remember just how the opposition flooded through our MF before he arrived.

Holland seem to think he is good enough for their MF - and if they do not make the final I would not be surprised if it is because he is not available in the semi - also Arsenal fans seem to think he has some qualities as well judging by this thread:

http://arsenal-mania.com/forum/viewtopi ... 1&start=60

Maybe he should get more recognition amongst CITY fans

I think thats a bit harsh. I dont think people were overly negative to Nige. I and others just wondered why he was picked regulally against the Burnleys and Portsmouths at home of this world when we didnt need a DM.

Also Holland have likes of Wesley Snijder and Arjen Robben who basically drop to take the ball off De Jongs feet and work their magic. I fully understand the concept of defensive midfielder but I don't think it's too much to ask to want them to be able to pass the ball at least three yards forward every now and then. He undoes all his great magic with his inabilit to start counterattack. One of the best tacklers around though for sure.