lovecity8utd wrote:Ted Hughes wrote:Denayer looks to me like a miles miles better footballer than any of our current defenders. He will need to toughen up even more for the prem, as a cb, but he is a real talent. I doubt either Fernandinho nor Fernando are better on the ball than Denayer will be in 4 years time.
He reminds me of Lakey. Proper footballer not pseudo 'good on the ball' character like Nasti or Savic, genuinely fucking REALLY good on the ball, footballer.
I didn't see all the game but the bits I did, completely agree how good he looked on the ball. Quality at such a young age and against decent opponents. What was he like defensively - didn't see him in too many positions where he had to defend other than win a couple of routine headers.
Some of his 1v1 defending was excellent, using his pace to get between the striker & keeper etc, also some brilliant clearences & he really battles & gets in blocks on the edge of the box etc, plus he comes out to the ball quickly, as the Count would want.
He fucked up once a clattered a bloke in a dangerous wide position (like Zabba does too often) which was a bit poor & he isn't commanding enough in the air at present to play cb in the Prem.
But surely we must find some position this lad can play even if he doesn't develop at cb (no reason to think he won't) as he can tackle, sprint, pass, beat a man, has skill, composure, decent if not yet commanding in the air. I'm sure he could piss it at right back for a start, probably now.