Best 11 at this moment

[alanf0x]

Good god, would struggle to select my top 6 

[honeybradger]

Whatever it is Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp arent in it.

 

As much as our fans dont want to admit it after ragging on them for years but Soumare and Ndidi are better. There's a reason that was our starting midfield last season in the PL despite it not bringing results.

 

I think at the very least we need to play El Khannouss deeper with one of Alves or Page in front of him. Personally i would partner El Khannous with Page and play Alves ahead of him but that's not a popular opinion on here. For me we need to get as many of the better players on the pitch as possible.

[frany104]

11 minutes ago, honeybradger said:

Whatever it is Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp arent in it.

 

As much as our fans dont want to admit it after ragging on them for years but Soumare and Ndidi are better. There's a reason that was our starting midfield last season in the PL despite it not bringing results.

 

I think at the very least we need to play El Khannouss deeper with one of Alves or Page in front of him. Personally i would partner El Khannous with Page and play Alves ahead of him but that's not a popular opinion on here. For me we need to get as many of the better players on the pitch as possible.

I’d agree on the midfield. 
 

Id start giving Page a chance because currently that CM position looks a massive weak link. 

[LeePhilpottsBaldSpot]

Mads

Ricky Nelson Okoli Justin

Winks Ndidi

Fatawu BEK Mavididi

Daka

 

Putting in Nelson out of hope and Daka out of necessity 

[Muzzy_no7]

2 hours ago, honeybradger said:

Whatever it is Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp arent in it.

 

As much as our fans dont want to admit it after ragging on them for years but Soumare and Ndidi are better. There's a reason that was our starting midfield last season in the PL despite it not bringing results.

 

I think at the very least we need to play El Khannouss deeper with one of Alves or Page in front of him. Personally i would partner El Khannous with Page and play Alves ahead of him but that's not a popular opinion on here. For me we need to get as many of the better players on the pitch as possible.

Watching Ndidi and Soumare try and control a game is vile, we can’t carry on like that. 

[Supergray22]

4 hours ago, honeybradger said:

Whatever it is Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp arent in it.

 

As much as our fans dont want to admit it after ragging on them for years but Soumare and Ndidi are better. There's a reason that was our starting midfield last season in the PL despite it not bringing results.

 

I think at the very least we need to play El Khannouss deeper with one of Alves or Page in front of him. Personally i would partner El Khannous with Page and play Alves ahead of him but that's not a popular opinion on here. For me we need to get as many of the better players on the pitch as possible.

I really like Bilal and would be gutted if he left. That said I would have reservations about playing him in the pivot. He is particularly good at turning the opposition and running at players with the ball. He is prepared to take a risk in both his passing and willingness to run at opposition. These are attributes better suited to a more advanced position. In the pivot discipline is required in terms of holding position and not risk the ball. His work rate is commendable and is why he is so useful in the advanced role both in and out of possession. I can’t see him using that as destroyer type deep lying midfielder either. As an ex midfielder I don’t see his tackling as one of his great strengths - brave and willing but he tackles more like Vardy used to. He is a great player and I want to see him thrive with us but I’m not sure that is going to be a number six. I think he is capable of ramping those attacking stats up considerably and that this will come under Marti. 

Edited 25 July 2025 by Supergray22

[honeybradger]

1 hour ago, Supergray22 said:

I really like Bilal and would be gutted if he left. That said I would have reservations about playing him in the pivot. He is particularly good at turning the opposition and running at players with the ball. He is prepared to take a risk in both his passing and willingness to run at opposition. These are attributes better suited to a more advanced position. In the pivot discipline is required in terms of holding position and not risk the ball. His work rate is commendable and is why he is so useful in the advanced role both in and out of possession. I can’t see him using that as destroyer type deep lying midfielder either. As an ex midfielder I don’t see his tackling as one of his great strengths - brave and willing but he tackles more like Vardy used to. He is a great player and I want to see him thrive with us but I’m not sure that is going to be a number six. I think he is capable of ramping those attacking stats up considerably and that this will come under Marti. 

Bilal is a strong tackler, I dont quite understand your point about tackling not being one of his strengths, you cant just say that without backing it up. The stats and the eye test all say the opposite.

 

The point about Vardy is bonkers as well, in his younger years he was the best defensive forward in the league, you cant win as many tackles as he did without being a good tackler.

 

Being able to tell if someone is a good tackler is simple:

 

1. being mobile enough to close the opposition down.

 

2. Positioning yourself to make the tackle.

 

3. Being able to win the tackle once you commit.

 

El Khannnous is more than capable of all 3. I cant see how it's acceptable to have Winks and Skipp in the deeper roles who arent mobile, cant position themselves properly to tackle and in Winks's case loses the tackle more often than not it he goes for it.

 

In terms of El Khannouss taking too many risks with the ball in the pivot he is an intelligent player and will understand the difference in playing in front of his own defense as compared to the opposition's. Particularly as he has played deeper many times before.

 

It's not like you are comparing El Khannouss to Rodri or prime Matic, he will be able to play that role to a higher standard than Winks, Skipp, Soumare or Ndidi. Think of Tielemans for us, El Khannouss should be playing that role but we keep on trying to play him like a Maddison which he isn't.

Edited 26 July 2025 by honeybradger

[Lesterlad]

Team will probably be Mads Justin Faes Vestergard Thomas. Mavadidi Fatawu. Winks Soumare BEK Daka. Awful 11 but don’t be surprised 

[Supergray22]

58 minutes ago, honeybradger said:

Bilal is a strong tackler, I dont quite understand your point about tackling not being one of his strengths, you cant just say that without backing it up. The stats and the eye test all say the opposite.

 

The point about Vardy is bonkers as well, in his younger years he was the best defensive forward in the league, you cant win as many tackles as he did without being a good tackler.

 

Being able to tell if someone is a good tackler is simple:

 

1. being mobile enough to close the opposition down.

 

2. Positioning yourself to make the tackle.

 

3. Being able to win the tackle once you commit.

 

El Khannnous is more than capable of all 3. I cant see how it's acceptable to have Winks and Skipp in the deeper roles who arent mobile, cant position themselves properly to tackle and in Winks's case loses the tackle more often than not it he goes for it.

 

In terms of El Khannouss taking too many risks with the ball in the pivot he is an intelligent player and will understand the difference in playing in front of his own defense as compared to the opposition's. Particularly as he has played deeper many times before.

 

It's not like you are comparing El Khannouss to Rodri or prime Matic, he will be able to play that role to a higher standard than Winks, Skipp, Soumare or Ndidi. Think of Tielemans for us, El Khannouss should be playing that role but we keep on trying to play him like a Maddison which he isn't.

I don’t see tackling as one of his main strengths and that is just based on what I see. I do love it that he tracks back and enjoys a tackle just like I did with Vardy. I’d say the same thing about Abdul. Nothing got the crowd going like when jamie came crunching into tackles and the same applies with Bilal. I just feel that isn’t as big a strength as some of his offensive capabilities. I don’t think that is bonkers. The three points you mention are important in the art of tackling but I think he would pick up quite a few yellow cards through the positions he sometimes gets into in the tackle.coming in from the side or getting caught square in or with a leg dangling out. Part of that is because we mostly see him tracking back I concede.   If you compare that to a natural tackler of recent past like Kante he does not win the ball as cleanly or effortlessly. That said this is an area we are not blessed with at the moment. I also mentioned the need for  the pivot to have positional discipline. I don’t think placing this restriction on Bilal is getting the most out of him. I firmly believe in playing your best players in their natural position not fitting square pegs into round holes. He is one of our most talented players and together with some of the other talented youngsters we could build a team around for years to come. I just think his talents lend themselves to a more forward position. If he can’t play there for us would he even stay?

[moseeds]

Skipp is giving me Rhian Brewster vibes. I don't know what the spurs sales person said or did but I hope they got a massive raise. We got robbed.

[CrazyKopCorner]

7 hours ago, LeePhilpottsBaldSpot said:

Mads

Ricky Nelson Okoli Justin

Winks Ndidi

Fatawu BEK Mavididi

Daka

 

Putting in Nelson out of hope and Daka out of necessity 

I think that's more or less our best team currently - Nelson's our best centre half from what I've seen in pre season.  

 

Daka will do the high press Marti will be looking for and he can finish as long as he doesn't have to engage his brain and acts instinctively 

 

I'd play Thomas left Back as I'd want a left sided full back 

[honeybradger]

5 hours ago, Supergray22 said:

I don’t see tackling as one of his main strengths and that is just based on what I see. I do love it that he tracks back and enjoys a tackle just like I did with Vardy. I’d say the same thing about Abdul. Nothing got the crowd going like when jamie came crunching into tackles and the same applies with Bilal. I just feel that isn’t as big a strength as some of his offensive capabilities. I don’t think that is bonkers. The three points you mention are important in the art of tackling but I think he would pick up quite a few yellow cards through the positions he sometimes gets into in the tackle.coming in from the side or getting caught square in or with a leg dangling out. Part of that is because we mostly see him tracking back I concede.   If you compare that to a natural tackler of recent past like Kante he does not win the ball as cleanly or effortlessly. That said this is an area we are not blessed with at the moment. I also mentioned the need for  the pivot to have positional discipline. I don’t think placing this restriction on Bilal is getting the most out of him. I firmly believe in playing your best players in their natural position not fitting square pegs into round holes. He is one of our most talented players and together with some of the other talented youngsters we could build a team around for years to come. I just think his talents lend themselves to a more forward position. If he can’t play there for us would he even stay?

My whole point is that Khannouss is currently a square peg in a round hole at attacking midfielder. He is a natural 8 who should be predominantly based in our half and venture into the opposition half rather than be pinned as our furthest forward midfielder.

 

He is a much better tackler than Tielemans was for us who successfully played in the pivot when we won the FA cup, much better tackler than Winks as well who currently plays the pivot for us. If you compare tackling ability to Ngolo Kante as a benchmark then there are no natural tacklers apart from Ngolo Kante.

 

When I see El Khannouss play i see a Tielemans replacement, not a Maddison one. His best moments for us last season were receiving the ball in our half and progressing the ball up the pitch. When he is in the opposition half he often struggles to open up the opposition defence, his final pass isn't always great and his shooting is inconsistent. 

 

We need to play to his strengths by playing him deeper where his ability to dictate play can shine and minimise his time outside the opponents box where he often struggles to make things happen. Yes, he's not going to be elite at protecting the backline but as I've said we have had success in the championship and the PL playing players who are worse defensively than El Khannouss.

[Claudio Fannieri]

This is my team based on performances so far and also trying to have a high energy team, I am also assuming that Mads and Bilal leave before the start of the season. 
 

Stolycyrk

 

Riccy

Okoli

Nelson

Thomas

 

Choudhury 

Page

 

Fatawu

Mavididi

Monga

 

McAteer 

 

subs 

New GK

Justin 

Aluko 

Joseph 

Ndidi

Skipp

Alves

Ayew

Evans 

 

Edited 26 July 2025 by Claudio Fannieri

[Pliskin]

10 minutes ago, Claudio Fannieri said:

This is my team based on performances so far and also trying to have a high energy team, I am also assuming that Mads and Bilal leave before the start of the season. 
 

Stolycyrk

 

Riccy

Okoli

Nelson

Thomas

 

Choudhury 

Page

 

Fatawu

Mavididi

Monga

 

McAteer 

 

subs 

New GK

Justin 

Aluko 

Joseph 

Ndidi

Skipp

Alves

Ayew

Daka

 

I only disagree with Thomas, in my opinion I think he’s looked poor, he doesn’t look comfortable playing the role Marti will want him to, he’s a risk on the ball and will likely cost us alot of goals. 

[Noahfence]

So fed up with Vestergaard, Coady, Faes, Soumare, Daka, Winks & Skipp now. 
 

What id I do to have them all out the door. 

[Bordersfox]

1 hour ago, Claudio Fannieri said:

This is my team based on performances so far and also trying to have a high energy team, I am also assuming that Mads and Bilal leave before the start of the season. 
 

Stolycyrk

 

Riccy

Okoli

Nelson

Thomas

 

Choudhury 

Page

 

Fatawu

Mavididi

Monga

 

McAteer 

 

subs 

New GK

Justin 

Aluko 

Joseph 

Ndidi

Skipp

Alves

Ayew

Daka

 

I think I'd probably start Skipp for Choudhury and Ayew for Mavs based on what we've seen.  I do worry about Riccy's fitness in this system and I'd rather save Hamza for rotating with him, think he's done okay. Same with Mavs, rotate with Abdul and Monga rather than run either into the ground.     LB is an issue, haven't been that impressed with anyone there so far in preseason. 

 

If Bilal stays, which I think he might, then he starts.  His pressing has been excellent apart from his skill set.  I think Marti will fight to keep him.  

 

We need a new LB, 8 and striker I think.  Realistically we can only get that by selling Mads, VK and Ndidi.  I cannot see us shifting more than 3 based on Rudkins horrible track record and the wages some of our players are on.  Hope he proves me wrong...

[Supergray22]

1 hour ago, honeybradger said:

My whole point is that Khannouss is currently a square peg in a round hole at attacking midfielder. He is a natural 8 who should be predominantly based in our half and venture into the opposition half rather than be pinned as our furthest forward midfielder.

 

He is a much better tackler than Tielemans was for us who successfully played in the pivot when we won the FA cup, much better tackler than Winks as well who currently plays the pivot for us. If you compare tackling ability to Ngolo Kante as a benchmark then there are no natural tacklers apart from Ngolo Kante.

 

When I see El Khannouss play i see a Tielemans replacement, not a Maddison one. His best moments for us last season were receiving the ball in our half and progressing the ball up the pitch. When he is in the opposition half he often struggles to open up the opposition defence, his final pass isn't always great and his shooting is inconsistent. 

 

We need to play to his strengths by playing him deeper where his ability to dictate play can shine and minimise his time outside the opponents box where he often struggles to make things happen. Yes, he's not going to be elite at protecting the backline but as I've said we have had success in the championship and the PL playing players who are worse defensively than El Khannouss.

I do agree he is a more natural 8. I thought you were advocating playing him as defensive midfield/ number 6/ pivot? I did say we had no one like Kante. I don’t know why you were using language like bonkers against my comments?

[honeybradger]

23 minutes ago, Supergray22 said:

I do agree he is a more natural 8. I thought you were advocating playing him as defensive midfield/ number 6/ pivot? I did say we had no one like Kante. I don’t know why you were using language like bonkers against my comments?

I was saying that saying Vardy isn't a good tackler is bonkers considering how important his tackling was for us in his early days. His ability to win the ball in the opposition half was immense. The objective of tackling is to win the ball back and he did that time and time again, therefore he is a good tackler.

 

I wasnt advocating playing El Khannouss as a defensive midfielder but you can play in the pivot without being a defensive midfielder. You can have an 8 and a 6 in the pivot or even two 8s like Barcelona do with De Jong and Pedri or Bayern had with Goretzka and Kimmich.

[Grebfromgrebland]

Assuming bek, ndidi and mads are gone 

 

                 Daka

Mavi.       Mcateer.      Fatawu

 

         Skipp.   Winks

 

Thomas.  Okoli.  Nelson.  Ricardo

 

 

I think we desperately need a midfielder like kdh in the team.

[GingerrrFox]

I think this would be the best 11 we could make from the players currently available:
 

Jakub

 

Ricky P

Okoli

Nelson

JJ

 

Skipp

Bilal

 

Fatawu

Page

Monga

 

McAteer

[dmayne7]

16 hours ago, honeybradger said:

Whatever it is Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp arent in it.

 

As much as our fans dont want to admit it after ragging on them for years but Soumare and Ndidi are better. There's a reason that was our starting midfield last season in the PL despite it not bringing results.

 

I think at the very least we need to play El Khannouss deeper with one of Alves or Page in front of him. Personally i would partner El Khannous with Page and play Alves ahead of him but that's not a popular opinion on here. For me we need to get as many of the better players on the pitch as possible.

Can only assume you didn't watch the first game yesterday (good decision really!) because Soumare in particular was embarrassing. An absolutely dreadful performance. Skipp might have given a pen away and would hardly be shouting from the rooftops about his performance, but he was much better than Winks who couldn't have looked less bothered, and Ndidi also not brilliant but so much better than Soumare.

 

We should be fine at this level but would like to see BEK play a bit deeper with a Skipp/Ndidi sitting in, or signing a new centre mid.

[honeybradger]

1 minute ago, dmayne7 said:

Can only assume you didn't watch the first game yesterday (good decision really!) because Soumare in particular was embarrassing. An absolutely dreadful performance. Skipp might have given a pen away and would hardly be shouting from the rooftops about his performance, but he was much better than Winks who couldn't have looked less bothered, and Ndidi also not brilliant but so much better than Soumare.

 

We should be fine at this level but would like to see BEK play a bit deeper with a Skipp/Ndidi sitting in, or signing a new centre mid.

Yh I hadn't watched the first game yesterday at the time of making this comment and I watched it today and Soumare was really bad.

 

It is worth noting that the quality of the pitch was terrible though, pretty much everyone apart from El Khannouss and Nelson struggled to get anything done that game

[dmayne7]

9 minutes ago, GingerrrFox said:

I think this would be the best 11 we could make from the players currently available:
 

Jakub

 

Ricky P

Okoli

Nelson

JJ

 

Skipp

Bilal

 

Fatawu

Page

Monga

 

McAteer

Alves in for Page (who as good as he's looked, don't think he's quite ready to be first choice, and certainly not as a 10). And I think Ayew will actually be ok up top for now if people are willing to run beyond. Kasey not being tested out up front also kills that idea for now.

[dmayne7]

Just now, honeybradger said:

Yh I hadn't watched the first game yesterday at the time of making this comment and I watched it today and Soumare was really bad.

 

It is worth noting that the quality of the pitch was terrible though, pretty much everyone apart from El Khannouss and Nelson struggled to get anything done that game

Soumare should be so much better than he is but I think it's safe to say he'll never unlock his potential. Doesn't have the tactical awareness for it, not the application.

 

And yes, that pitch was shocking. Looked ok visually but I described it as an absolute pudding as the bounce was non existent.

[TrickyTrevLeftPeg]

Jakub

 

Justin

Okoli

Nelson

Ricardo 

 

Choudhury 

BEK

 

Mavididi

Monga

Fatawu

 

Daka 

 

 

 

Id put Bilal in CM so he can dictate a bit deeper but he needs a ball winner next to him so gone for Choudhury simply as he has that aggression 

 

I think Monga can play the 10 and really that front 3 can even rotate positions and cause havoc

 

Alves/McAteer/Ayew can come on second half