Plastik Man

These tales build up a head of steam but are never quite as exciting as they sound...

... and Rita too?

If he deflects the ball into the goal would it be a cannon?🤔

Yep, he isn't small but just doesn't use his strength to hold off challenges. Needs to bulk up a little perhaps, and that should come as he matures. He doesn't look that confident either, understandably as he is struggling. It looked like he was ready to run off even before his number came up for the substitution, though I guess he may have been told from the sideline he was being pulled. There's definitely a lot of potential there but it's not happening for him at the moment.

This is true. Outside the ground post match it was as if they'd won the champions league. Just like in the 1970s

If we describe the position as "deep lying midfielder" it gives another perspective. Not so long ago that would've described Pirlo. Not the most efficient defensive tackler! It depends how you approach the game. If you want to protect Maguire and his marauding forward moves, you need a more defensive midfielder. And Southgate prefers 2 of them! It's instructive that Maresca doesn't play any stereotypical DMs. And more amazingly has transformed Ndidi, but that's another topic! If your deep lying midfield can retain possession and distribute the ball. Then do you need your stereotypical DM?

Looking at Fury's spare tyre you knew he'd be ok if he suffered a puncher

I think I was a little surprised with the transfer, and was only going on the negativity around him stemming from Spurs fans. In hindsight that was due to him struggling in the more attritional style of Mourinho and the Conte. In contrast he fits Maresca's style perfectly and is showing the kind of form he did under Pochettino. He's done so right from the start of the season. I expected his tidy passing but what surprised me the most was his half turns and driving forward with the ball. He really does create so much forward movement. He really is the heart beat of the team.

Say no more!

Maybe take a raincheck?

Oh yes! Oh yes for the youngster. He'll remember that all his life!