Player Watch Player Watch: Giovani Lo Celso

[Riandor]

I was so excited for Ndombele, but can't see the huge potential (admittedly on limited viewing) that others are getting excited about in regards Lo Celso and him being a player to take us to the next level. That's not to say that I think he is poor by any stretch!

If he is just being added to the squad then fine, it will improve quality in depth - but if it is Eriksen out and Celso in, i'm not sure that takes us forward.

From someone that has seen full matches etc, what am i missing?

Well we have a player on a longer contract for a start

But no, it's not as if losing Eriksen (IF that happens) and gaining GLC improves us. It just doesn't leave us with a massive hole if we go with the assumption for now that CE is definitely leaving.

GLC is also not a direct replacement. He perhaps reminds me more of a Lamella or Ross Barkley mould, in that he is more teneacious and aggressive than Eriksen and looks to tick things over more quickly, rather than look for dreamy passes.

 

[EZSpur]

I was so excited for Ndombele, but can't see the huge potential (admittedly on limited viewing) that others are getting excited about in regards Lo Celso and him being a player to take us to the next level. That's not to say that I think he is poor by any stretch!

If he is just being added to the squad then fine, it will improve quality in depth - but if it is Eriksen out and Celso in, i'm not sure that takes us forward.

From someone that has seen full matches etc, what am i missing?

Absolutely this!!

Admittedly i haven't seen him play either and can only really go on what i've read, what others have said and video snippets.
He certainly looks capable and looks exciting - but he's somewhat still raw.

My concern isn't if he can replace Eriksen outright - but whether he can still perform on wet and cold winters mid-week evening in Burnley. ....A feeling i don't have with Ndombele.

If Eriksen is going, then i can only think that creative duties will perhaps be shared between a number of players - including, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Winks......maybe Lamela. Perhaps GLC gives us an option to play more varied formations, rather than just seeing him as a like-for-like replacement for Eriksen?

Anyway - don't shoot me down, i'm not dissing GLC or anyone who thinks he'd be great purchase, all i'm saying is i just don't know enough about him.
And if we do buy him i hope he becomes an absolute superstar!

 

[14/04/91]

Absolutely this!!

Admittedly i haven't seen him play either and can only really go on what i've read, what others have said and video snippets.
He certainly looks capable and looks exciting - but he's somewhat still raw.

My concern isn't if he can replace Eriksen outright - but whether he can still perform on wet and cold winters mid-week evening in Burnley. ....A feeling i don't have with Ndombele.

If Eriksen is going, then i can only think that creative duties will perhaps be shared between a number of players - including, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Winks......maybe Lamela. Perhaps GLC gives us an option to play more varied formations, rather than just seeing him as a like-for-like replacement for Eriksen?

Anyway - don't shoot me down, i'm not dissing GLC or anyone who thinks he'd be great purchase, all i'm saying is i just don't know enough about him.
And if we do buy him i hope he becomes an absolute superstar!

It’s ok, we’ve got Burnley away on a Saturday in early March

 

[SpartanSpur]

I was so excited for Ndombele, but can't see the huge potential (admittedly on limited viewing) that others are getting excited about in regards Lo Celso and him being a player to take us to the next level. That's not to say that I think he is poor by any stretch!

If he is just being added to the squad then fine, it will improve quality in depth - but if it is Eriksen out and Celso in, i'm not sure that takes us forward.

From someone that has seen full matches etc, what am i missing?

It depends how you look at the Eriksen situation. Currently we have a player with a year left that wants a 'new challenge'.

Replace that guy with a young and committed Lo Celso and you may well be better off. GLC played a pressing game last year and had a great G&A output at Real Betis in a more advanced role. He has also played deeper at PSG.

The key for me is at the end of the window the squad has on the whole been refreshed, refocused and of course improved (and Poch is happy).

IMHO if Eriksen goes but GLC and Ndombele come in we will be in a net stronger position, undoubtedly so if we get Ceballos included in an Eriksen deal.

 

[BC87X]

I was so excited for Ndombele, but can't see the huge potential (admittedly on limited viewing) that others are getting excited about in regards Lo Celso and him being a player to take us to the next level. That's not to say that I think he is poor by any stretch!

If he is just being added to the squad then fine, it will improve quality in depth - but if it is Eriksen out and Celso in, i'm not sure that takes us forward.

From someone that has seen full matches etc, what am i missing?

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

 

[SpartanSpur]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Great post, exactly what I've been thinking but actually backed up with evidence!

 

[danfeen]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Great post. I totally agree and I think it could be comparable to Coutinho leaving Liverpool, there was no direct replacement so they adapted their style of play and ultimately improved significantly. I think we'll look quite different in how we play if/when Eriksen goes.

 

[Typical Spurs]

Absolutely this!!

Admittedly i haven't seen him play either and can only really go on what i've read, what others have said and video snippets.
He certainly looks capable and looks exciting - but he's somewhat still raw.

My concern isn't if he can replace Eriksen outright - but whether he can still perform on wet and cold winters mid-week evening in Burnley. ....A feeling i don't have with Ndombele.

If Eriksen is going, then i can only think that creative duties will perhaps be shared between a number of players - including, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Winks......maybe Lamela. Perhaps GLC gives us an option to play more varied formations, rather than just seeing him as a like-for-like replacement for Eriksen?

Anyway - don't shoot me down, i'm not dissing GLC or anyone who thinks he'd be great purchase, all i'm saying is i just don't know enough about him.
And if we do buy him i hope he becomes an absolute superstar!

I like Eriksen. He's quality. But I've seen him go missing umpteen times in nicer climates and environments than Burnley on a wet and cold winters mid week game.

 

[SlotBadger]

Great post, exactly what I've been thinking but actually backed up with evidence!

Agree, other than the 'Very Strong' at taking set-pieces.

 

[ebzrascal]

Absolutely this!!

Admittedly i haven't seen him play either and can only really go on what i've read, what others have said and video snippets.
He certainly looks capable and looks exciting - but he's somewhat still raw.

My concern isn't if he can replace Eriksen outright - but whether he can still perform on wet and cold winters mid-week evening in Burnley. ....A feeling i don't have with Ndombele.

If Eriksen is going, then i can only think that creative duties will perhaps be shared between a number of players - including, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Winks......maybe Lamela. Perhaps GLC gives us an option to play more varied formations, rather than just seeing him as a like-for-like replacement for Eriksen?

Anyway - don't shoot me down, i'm not dissing GLC or anyone who thinks he'd be great purchase, all i'm saying is i just don't know enough about him.
And if we do buy him i hope he becomes an absolute superstar!

I think we will change the way we play and become more mobile team with more energy in the midfield area...

 

[spursfan77]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Trouble with who scored is they have Eriksen down as "very strong" for set pieces. I'm not sure how accurate their descriptions of players strengths actually is!

 

[dagraham]

Trouble with who scored is they have Eriksen down as "very strong" for set pieces. I'm not sure how accurate their descriptions of players strengths actually is!

Well he was in his first few seasons with us. Then he got hit by the mysterious Spurs set piece syndrome.

 

[BC87X]

Trouble with who scored is they have Eriksen down as "very strong" for set pieces. I'm not sure how accurate their descriptions of players strengths actually is!

This is more due to the fact that he gets a good chunk of his key passes through set-pieces even if we don't score from them.

 

[dagraham]

If this is true then I can only think we’re going to move forward with two dynamic mobile pressers and ditch the dedicated DM options.

So we would have

Sissoko/NDombeke + Winks/Cellabos

For the deep midfield positions and

Eriksen or Alli/Lo Celso as the 10 just ahead.

Yeah agree. Which makes it all the more crucial we keep Toby or replace him with a quality CB, not just another one for the future. Same goes for upgrading RB. Our defence wasn't great last season and although I like being more adventurous and expansive in midfield, it will mean needing quality defenders.

 

[Tarnished]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Good analysis.

Another thought is that we have not fared well against teams that press effectively. We rely on quick passing to break a press or the ball goes all the way back to Hugo and he hoofs it.

The thing that stands out for me from the Ndombele and Lo Celso YT clips (and less so from Ceballos) is the quick, tricky feet with the ability to break the pressure by taking on and beating their player. The uncertainty that creates in the minds of the opposition will affect their commitment to the press. - no one likes to be skinned.

 

[WiganSpur]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Exactly, if you watch Lo Celso he is probably not as capable of subtly dictating a game like Eriksen but he is more dynamic, can beat players more easily and run forward at pace. With him and Ndombele we will be lethal with quick counters. It will help us against teams parking the bus when they cough up the ball. The idea being to get straight at the back 4 before the defensive shape is set.

In possession and build up another thing you notice about Lo Celso and Ndombele is a superb first touch. If you combine this with agility and strength any opposition press becomes much more difficult. Dier, for example is severely lacking in 2 of these 3 components and that's why he is simply not suited to being a modern day midfield player.

 

[Ronwol196061]

Take a look at Dani Olmo talk about quickness and going forward dribbling passing and shooting

 

[Japhet]

I think people will need to look at the larger picture of how we intend to evolve our team and tactics as a unit this transfer window. Thus far with the signing of Ndombele and our targets it is quite clear we are moving away from a positional system that suits Eriksen very similarly to De Bruyne who too had to adjust.

The classical #10 that dictates what is in front and stays behind the play is dying out. The game is now much more about transitions, line breaking, and counters at pace. If you look at our squad you will see we are painfully lacking in two of those categories, as we basically have very little pace in our squad and our line breaking has been non-existent since Dembele left.

Both Ndombele and Lo Celso fix those shortcomings, the two of them also have a sort of balance to them. With Ndombele being more of a provider, where as Lo Celso is more of a finisher. The two of them combined would make up for Eriksen's goals and assist, but would provide us the most crucial aspect to keep the teams tempo running and breaking through unleashing our attackers.

So don't look at Lo Celso as being a replacement for Eriksen, but the 2nd key along Ndombele that will allow us to unlock a new play style that is more dynamic and dangerous.

EDIT. I attached a player characteristic comparision of what Eriksen has sort of specialized in compared to Ndombele and Lo Celso, so you can see what we sort of lose with Eriksen and what we gain with Ndombele and Lo Celso. There is overlap and additions that are much needed.

Excellent post. Both Ndombele and LoCelso have the skill set to receive the ball in a deep position and bring it forward quickly. We haven't had that sort of option for a very long time now and even Dembele lacked a final ball when he was drawing opponents in. Being so reliant on Eriksen has been quite a weakness for us, leading to the oft quoted 'When Eriksen doesn't play, Spurs don't play'. After Dembele went, Eriksen's game suffered because our other midfielders didn't force the opposition to commit to any tackling, but GLC and TN will certainly do that and hopefully cause a whole load of problems in the process. Fingers crossed we can land GLC.

 

[Led's Zeppelin]

One thing we'll miss without Eriksen is his incredible reading of the game which makes his defensive positioning so effective. He's not a great tackler as we know, but he's often in the right place at the right time to prevent a pass being made into a dangerous position against us, or just to slow down an attack against us while our other defenders get back into position.

It's this positional intelligence and speed of thought that makes him such an important player going forwards, but I sometimes think people undervalue how important it has been to us defensively too.

So I certainly agree that replacing him will have implications for the whole team shape, not just the attacking midfield positions.

 

[yanno]

One thing we'll miss without Eriksen is his incredible reading of the game which makes his defensive positioning so effective. He's not a great tackler as we know, but he's often in the right place at the right time to prevent a pass being made into a dangerous position against us, or just to slow down an attack against us while our other defenders get back into position.

It's this positional intelligence and speed of thought that makes him such an important player going forwards, but I sometimes think people undervalue how important it has been to us defensively too.

So I certainly agree that replacing him will have implications for the whole team shape, not just the attacking midfield positions.

I agree.

But teaching defensive positioning & body shape to block opposition passes is also one of Poch's fortes.

We first read about this when Morgan Schneiderlin spoke of how Poch had massively improved this aspect of his game at SCBC, and you can see it in Winks' game.

I'm confident Poch can coach this ability & awareness into the likes of Tanguy, and prospective midfield signings such as GLC and Ceballos.

That's not to say I want to lose Eriksen and his world class vision...