Pienaar

[Kendall]

As many know, I was critical about the purchase of Pienaar. I didn't feel he was a better player than Kranjcar and believe that his ability to cover all midfield positions is wildly overstated. Perhaps I let my man-crush on Niko cloud my judgement on that a little.

That said, as I've been so critical I feel I should give praise when warranted, and Pienaar was fantastic tonight. His defensive work in particular was top class and Benny hardly seemed to come under much pressure at all. Not just that, but he kept the ball well and moved it intelligently going forward.

The decision to leave Niko out could have backfired and I would've been more vocal than anyone else about that (what? Kendall? vocal?) but it was a great decision.

 

[TwoSaintsComeMarching]

Good man!

 

[buttons]

He really was excellent helping BAE out. Who knows whether Kranks would have done the same, but the decision paid off.

 

[mitch34]

Wonder if Pienaar misses Everton at all? :razz:

 

[StartingPrice]

As many know, I was critical about the purchase of Pienaar. I didn't feel he was a better player than Kranjcar and believe that his ability to cover all midfield positions is wildly overstated. Perhaps I let my man-crush on Niko cloud my judgement on that a little.

That said, as I've been so critical I feel I should give praise when warranted, and Pienaar was fantastic tonight. His defensive work in particular was top class and Benny hardly seemed to come under much pressure at all. Not just that, but he kept the ball well and moved it intelligently going forward.

The decision to leave Niko out could have backfired and I would've been more vocal than anyone else about that (what? Kendall? vocal?) but it was a great decision.

:clap::clap::clap:

One day you will learn to trust Ol' SP:grin:

 

[bubble07]

I said at the time and I'll say it again Pienaar will be a class signing. He is not a MOTD player ie looks good to non spurs fans but what he does is works extremely hard, has great control, movement and short passes and one-twos

He can play left, right, central and even play the VDV role if required. I was even thinking playing him left mid and Bale left back

Having 2 wingers modric and VDV can be a bit too attacking. having Bale at left back will allow us a more solid midfield. Pienaar and Baines were excellent down Evertons left flank

 

[t79boy]

I thought he was good today but I am not convinced if niko started we would have fared worse. Sandro and Wilson were outstanding and I think they would have mopped up allowing a bit more creativity. This sounds negative . I am not trying to be

 

[Maske2g]

Not great in the final third with the ball, but he ghosts into good areas, and gives it to players who can do damage.

And he is quick, skillful and a grafter.

Bargain.

 

[Kalim]

I said at the time and I'll say it again Pienaar will be a class signing. He is not a MOTD player ie looks good to non spurs fans but what he does is works extremely hard, has great control, movement and short passes and one-twos

He can play left, right, central and even play the VDV role if required. I was even thinking playing him left mid and Bale left back

Having 2 wingers modric and VDV can be a bit too attacking. having Bale at left back will allow us a more solid midfield. Pienaar and Baines were excellent down Evertons left flank

know I'll get a lot of stick for this, but I can see it happening, with him moving a little infield and then laying off the ball for Bale to charge onto. And also giving Bale the extra defensive help to cover that side effectively.

 

[guate]

Kendall, brownie points my friend, you've just earnt yourself a lot of respect for admitting you were wrong.

 

[yusrisafri]

If not for his ugly orange boots, I wouldve mistook him for BAE. Both were playing on the left, both attacked and defended throughout, same built and almost same hairstyle.

 

[LukaMotion]

Pienaar is the sort of player that wont take the plaudits for a good performance, but he actually plays an important part in the team in matches like this.

Similar to the way Modric doesn't often get the recognition he deserves from other fans and pundits, but us spurs fans can see just how important he can be to us, i believe pienaar is similar in being understatedly good.

 

[Goldman]

Yup he was great, composed on the ball, and helped calm the lads alot in the first half.

 

[StartingPrice]

I thought he was good today but I am not convinced if niko started we would have fared worse. Sandro and Wilson were outstanding and I think they would have mopped up allowing a bit more creativity. This sounds negative . I am not trying to be

You are right, there is no way of knowing, but folk are praising the performance of Pienaar, not criticising the performance of Kranks, or saying he would have been disastrous if played.

Do you still not get it? Krankjar is a wonderfully gifted player, but he is slow, questionable, at best, defensively, and suited to slowing the game down so that his silky skills can have an impact, he is also limited in regard to which positions he can play. Our system more suits a player who can move the ball on quickly, as we saw frequently, tonight, in small triangles of passing - quickly, if not spectacularly. Pienaar offers us this, he is also gritty, determined and totally committed to getting back and defending for the team. He can play right across the midfield, and has a tremendous work-rate off the ball.

Liking Kranks shouldn't blind you to the qualities Pienaar possesses...he is a great addition to the squad and, at that price, an absolute steal.

know I'll get a lot of stick for this, but I can see it happening, with him moving a little infield and then laying off the ball for Bale to charge onto. And also giving Bale the extra defensive help to cover that side effectively.

Why should anyone give you stick for that, my friend...Eek...just remembered:silenced:

 

[yawa]

Do you still not get it? Krankjar is a wonderfully gifted player, but he is slow, questionable, at best, defensively, and suited to slowing the game down so that his silky skills can have an impact, he is also limited in regard to which positions he can play. Our system more suits a player who can move the ball on quickly, as we saw frequently, tonight, in small triangles of passing - quickly, if not spectacularly. Pienaar offers us this, he is also gritty, determined and totally committed to getting back and defending for the team. He can play right across the midfield, and has a tremendous work-rate off the ball.

Liking Kranks shouldn't blind you to the qualities Pienaar possesses...he is a great addition to the squad and, at that price, an absolute steal.

Well said. Shame a lot of the people on this forum seem to miss this.

 

[dontcallme]

I thought Pienaar was excellent tonight. It's amazing how little pressure you find your team under when there are players like Pienaar in the side.

While Lennon was causing problems on one wing their wingers didn't get much of a look-in.

I love players like Krancjar and hope we can find a role for him but players with ability and the spirit of Pienaar are vital.

 

[brett.spurs]

Apart from where he nearly gifted Milan a goal ofcourse.

 

[StartingPrice]

Apart from where he nearly gifted Milan a goal ofcourse.

:hump:

 

[NEVILLEB]

Top Player

 

[Son_Of]

is best game so far. in fact his only game IMO that has really made it look a worthwhile buy. but well played in a famous win.