Tielemans and Maddison

[Nicolo Barella]

I'm bored of the international break already. As a result I'd like to ask you a question I've been pondering recently. Tielemans and Maddison are both incredible talents, and fairly distinct players from each other as well. My question is, where do their playstyles differ? If you asked me I'd say there are definite differences between the two of them, but when pressed I'd struggle to think of any. They're both good at all sorts of passing, long range shooting, runs in the box, dribbling... The best I can think of is that Maddison is better defensively? Maybe Tielemans is marginally better at running into the box? I'd like to see your perspectives.

[Foxymcoxy]

22 minutes ago, Nicolo Barella said:

I'm bored of the international break already. As a result I'd like to ask you a question I've been pondering recently. Tielemans and Maddison are both incredible talents, and fairly distinct players from each other as well. My question is, where do their playstyles differ? If you asked me I'd say there are definite differences between the two of them, but when pressed I'd struggle to think of any. They're both good at all sorts of passing, long range shooting, runs in the box, dribbling... The best I can think of is that Maddison is better defensively? Maybe Tielemans is marginally better at running into the box? I'd like to see your perspectives.

I think Madders is a bettter dribbler by quite a bit. Also slightly better at set pieces probably. Tielemans slightly better in terms of finding space, vision and passing? I would have said Tielemans for composure too but Madders is starting to find that now.

[Billy Big Balls]

Maddison is better at: dribbling (specifically in tight areas), using his body to draw fouls, turning quickly, set pieces, pace, tackling. 

 

Youri is better at: organising the team, finishing, through balls, pinged longballs, strength on the ball, positioning in and around the box, defensive positioning. 

 

For me Maddison is actually the weakest player in our midfield which is mental to say because he is absolutely incredible! I think Ndidi and Tielemans are slightly better players than him at the moment and it's mental that we have all three of them at the same time! AND they're all 22!! We probably have £300m worth of midfielders starting for us right now. It's scary how good the three might be in 2/3 years time if they stick together. 

[DerbyshireFox]

For me, Maddison has quicker feet and more likely to go on a mazy dribble and pick up free kicks. Both are good at coming from deep to be a threat in the box. Youri is phenomenal at seeing space and playing those eye of a needle passes and picking someone out. Together they compliment each other beautifully. I’ve been impressed with Madders winning tackles and challenging more for the ball this term, chalk and cheese from last season in that respect 

[Stadt]

Maddison is better higher up the pitch because he's more agile and carries the ball better. Tielemans is better deeper because he has better vision and is generally more of a controlling player than Maddison because of his superior decision making.

[LC/FC]

I've been pondering this for months now and with the way we play dual 8's they are practically interchangeable.

But as far as differencea go, the only slight ones I can tell personally, is that Youri has an ability to see a pass where the real top class players do that's 1 or 2 steps ahead and play it. 

Maddison is more of a creative dribbler that likes to go into space to create something a bit more unexpected.

So for me, Tilly likes making space. 

And Maddy prefers to occupy space. 

But it's getting pretty marginal with the way things are passing and moving. 

 

 

Hahaha we're all more or less on the same lines of opinion

[Foxymcoxy]

Still have to pinch myself when I look at the quality we have throughout the team now though. I was v. optimistic about our squads "potential" but considering where we are now compared to when Youri arrived (obviously BR shortly after) it is astonishing.

[urban fox]

I really like the way Tielemans is so quick thinking and his awareness of where his teammates are is verging on Physic. Yes he can play an incredible through ball but look at the number of quick, one touch round the corner passes he makes in that little triangle of him Perez and Ricardo without even having to look up. It is that speed of thought when doing something that looks unspectacular that is so often the catalyst for starting a move.  This is what we were missing before he came here. We were trying to play possession but had no-one had his urgency or vision with the result that often the killer ball or quick break was never on.  Maddison is growing too. he looks a lot tougher this season and together, with Ndidi providing the steel he seems more confident to take on defenders (not that he ever lacked confidence !)

I really do think that, KDB aside we have the best midfield combination in the league.

[HighPeakFox]

We're massive, basically. 

[Stadt]

1 hour ago, urban fox said:

KDB aside

The mental thing is that De Bruyne is better than Maddison and Tielemans combined, plus he's taller, quicker and stronger 

[car1os]

2 hours ago, urban fox said:

I really like the way Tielemans is so quick thinking and his awareness of where his teammates are is verging on psychic.

Fixed it for you... 

[StriderHiryu]

3 hours ago, Nicolo Barella said:

I'm bored of the international break already. As a result I'd like to ask you a question I've been pondering recently. Tielemans and Maddison are both incredible talents, and fairly distinct players from each other as well. My question is, where do their playstyles differ? If you asked me I'd say there are definite differences between the two of them, but when pressed I'd struggle to think of any. They're both good at all sorts of passing, long range shooting, runs in the box, dribbling... The best I can think of is that Maddison is better defensively? Maybe Tielemans is marginally better at running into the box? I'd like to see your perspectives.

Interesting question! In our team, I think our central midfield 3 have specific roles that in some way remind me in some way of the legendary Milan team of the late 2000s.

 

- Ndidi is our destroyer as we all know. Protects the defence and watches out for the turnover to allow the other two to do their jobs. Reminiscent of Gattuso.

 

- Tielemans is our box-to-box player. I feel like he generally runs more distance during games and provides more of a link between defence and attack. That's not to say Maddison doesn't also do it, but Tielemans does this role more often. He reminds me of Seedorf. In the last 6 games or so Tielemans has come into his own and I feel that's because he's fully match fit now and able to go for a full 90 minutes. He is best at orchestrating and running the game in the middle third of the pitch, again a bit like a vintage Seedorf!

 

- Maddison is our schemer and focal creative outlet. He has the best vision and range of passing, but this season is also adding goals to his game and supports the attack more often. He reminds me of Kaka when he was at Milan in terms of the role he plays. He is best at running the game in the opponent's half of the pitch from the half way line to their goal.

 

Now that AC Milan team also had Pirlo who is probably the best midfielder of the last 20 years along with Zidane, but functionally the rest of the roles correlate to our team. Or even a little similar to the legendary Barcelona team under Pep with Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta. 

 

I think this setup suits all of our players and to answer your question, I feel like Tielemans is better in the box-to-box role, and Maddison better as the one who supports Vardy. Both can do the other role, but from what we've seen in recent weeks, it works best this way. I feel like the 8 and 10 shirts that the two players are perfect for their roles int he team, the 8 is usually more of an all rounder whereas a 10 is further up the pitch.

 

All 3 players are exceptional for their age. Honestly if we could keep all 3 together for 3-4 years you could be talking about a Champions League winning midfield 3! I know that sounds crazy but I really don't think it is because all 3 are on the same wavelength and all 3 create such an exceptional balance to our side. The problem is of course, I cannot see us keeping all 3 because crazy offers will come in for them. Tielemans and Maddison could fetch 100m+ and Ndidi I think will break the world record for a CDM because of his crazy stats. I think we will keep all 3 till the end of next season at minimum though, and who knows maybe they will get to that Champions League final in that time !

 

 

 

[Meat and 2 veg]

1 hour ago, Stadt said:

The mental thing is that De Bruyne is better than Maddison and Tielemans combined, plus he's taller, quicker and stronger 

KDB is the result of putting those 3 players best qualities into one.

 

barnes pace and strength, dribbling and size.

 

maddisons shooting and close control.

 

tielemans vision, game management and his ability of knowing where to be at a certain time.

 

scary. 

[wardyfox86]

Just seeing their names together brings a smile to my face, with Ndidi looking after them. Keep them together, it's scary how good they could be. 

[gurru991]

1 hour ago, Stadt said:

The mental thing is that De Bruyne is better than Maddison and Tielemans combined, plus he's taller, quicker and stronger 

KDB is now 28, he joined Man C in 2015 at 23/24 and has improved immensely under Pep. I'm not saying Maddison or Tielemans will ever be that good but neither one is close to their peak yet.

[Koke]

They're more similar than I initially thought. Had Maddison down as a pure 10 and Tielemans as a pure 8, but they are actually more interchangeable. I enjoyed Maddison's coming deep against Southampton, almost a deep lying playmaker.

 

Maddison is obviously the better dribble and has quicker feet in tight spaces. He also takes better free kicks. Tielemans has better vision and can find a pass where nobody else sees a pass. 

 

These 2 are a far cry from the legends that are Jason Jarrett, Stephen Hughes and Andy Johnson. 

[coolhandfox]

2 hours ago, Stadt said:

The mental thing is that De Bruyne is better than Maddison and Tielemans combined, plus he's taller, quicker and stronger 

He's also 5-6 years older and had more time to develop, so it's not surprising.

 

Who to say what level will JM and YT will be performing at 28. 

[VLC86]

I’m not completely sure on the question but if it’s which would you let shit on you it’s both.

[fuchsntf]

2 hours ago, Stadt said:

The mental thing is that De Bruyne is better than Maddison and Tielemans combined, plus he's taller, quicker and stronger 

And been gathering Experience in the PL since the season we won the league.....Our 2 lads are still at the beginning of their PL careers,KDB is now in the

MIddle of his...and all 3 have their peak in front of them...   

 

We dont know how  all 3 careers will pan out,lets just Enjoy each individuals journey.....count up at the end...if you will!!!

 

 

[January47]

I think also they are still developing physically. Maddison looks stronger and fitter this season. Tielemans still looks a little leggy to me later in the game but is slower getting there.

[Stadt]

30 minutes ago, fuchsntf said:

And been gathering Experience in the PL since the season we won the league.....Our 2 lads are still at the beginning of their PL careers,KDB is now in the

MIddle of his...and all 3 have their peak in front of them...   

 

We dont know how  all 3 careers will pan out,lets just Enjoy each individuals journey.....count up at the end...if you will!!!

 

 

 

40 minutes ago, coolhandfox said:

He's also 5-6 years older and had more time to develop, so it's not surprising.

 

Who to say what level will JM and YT will be performing at 28. 

 

49 minutes ago, gurru991 said:

KDB is now 28, he joined Man C in 2015 at 23/24 and has improved immensely under Pep. I'm not saying Maddison or Tielemans will ever be that good but neither one is close to their peak yet.

I hate to break it to you lads but I don’t think Tielemans and Maddison are getting any taller 

[rachhere]

Youri plays more of a supporting role - he spots when players are under pressure and either gives himself as an option or directs them out of it.

[dmayne7]

2 hours ago, car1os said:

Fixed it for you... 

You must be physic to know he wanted it fixing

[jim5000]

Tielemans is like Zidane whereas Maddison is like Gazza

[coolhandfox]

2 hours ago, Stadt said:

 

 

I hate to break it to you lads but I don’t think Tielemans and Maddison are getting any taller 

Bugger forgot we were playing basketball....