Player Watch: Nabil Bentaleb

[chinaman]

I'd love to pick up some of his Algerian teammates as well. Slimani and Feghouli could sign right up. Mahrez in a squad role as well (plus could be available if Leicester are sent down).

So in another 2 years half the squad will be away for the African Cup.

 

[Sweech]

So in another 2 years half the squad will be away for the African Cup.

And for the other 23 months our squad could be really good.

Or it could be like now where half the squad are not at the African Cup, but it makes little difference as they're still invisible anyway.

 

[Mr Pink]

The couple of games I have watched, I haven't been that impressed with Algeria though. I definitely preferred watching them at the World Cup compared to their games so far.

Me neither really, just think Ivory Coast have been even worse.

That said, they have the bigger stars to produce match winning moments, don't resemble much of a team though.

 

[Japhet]

I've said it before and will keep saying it until everyone agrees, we MUST stick with Mason and Bentaleb. That they are so good with c.30 prem starts between them and a combined age of 43 is so promising for the future. They will make mistakes and have poor games but, once they've played 100 games between them, together, theY could become our Petit and Viera. They have everything Poch needs and more. Our fans need to get behind them 100% and not look for the wayward passes or missed tackles or lack of tracking runners. These will all happen with young players learning their trade in The toughest league in the world for CMs. So exiting.

Sure, I wouldn't be against adding someone like Schneiderlin as we play so many games and he would complement them both but these two HAVE to be permanent fixtures in our side.

Opinion or fact? Many, many players do not develop those attributes. What makes Bentaleb different?

 

[double0]

I'm on the side that says we should stick by with Bentaleb and Mason. Bentaleb and Mason are our foundation pairing for years to come in midfield and will only get better with games and experience. I can't believe its only 1/4 of the season with these two amazing really. I like Stambouli he can be rotated in CM.

 

[Larryjanta]

Opinion or fact? Many, many players do not develop those attributes. What makes Bentaleb different?

Eh? You seriously telling me that those elements are not more prevalent in young players than experienced players?

 

[Shadydan]

Opinion or fact? Many, many players do not develop those attributes. What makes Bentaleb different?

Because some players do actually develop those traits?

 

[walworthyid]

I'd love to pick up some of his Algerian teammates as well. Slimani and Feghouli could sign right up. Mahrez in a squad role as well (plus could be available if Leicester are sent down).

Slimani was impressive in the world cup.

 

[Larryjanta]

Because some players do actually develop those traits?

I didn't really understand it either

 

[Shadydan]

I didn't really understand it either

They're hardly difficult traits to pick up on anyway, I mean it's hardly as if you're asking him to redefine his role and become a tricky winger

 

[Larryjanta]

They're hardly difficult traits to pick up on anyway, I mean it's hardly as if you're asking him to redefine his role and become a tricky winger

Exactly. And every youngster gives the ball away more, lacks positional sense and forgets to track runners more at the start of their career than at the end. They're like the most easily learnt things on a football field and only passing relies on any skill which you won't lose as you get older. Sure, they may never become amazing at them (I think they will) and that's up for discussion but to say they won't be better at all 3 in two years than they are now is really not even contestable IMO.

 

[Japhet]

I didn't really understand it either

You said 'These will all happen' as if it is a cast iron fact. I'm suggesting that it is far from guaranteed and that what you said was your opinion. You also said we 'MUST stick with Mason and Bentaleb. They are so good.......'. I'm all for seeing how they shape up but that's a pretty strong statement IMO.

 

[Larryjanta]

You said 'These will all happen' as if it is a cast iron fact. I'm suggesting that it is far from guaranteed and that what you said was your opinion. You also said we 'MUST stick with Mason and Bentaleb. They are so good.......'. I'm all for seeing how they shape up but that's a pretty strong statement IMO.

As I've said, it is unarguable, for me, that Mason & Bentaleb will give the ball away less, have better positioning and track runners more once they have 50+ prem games under their belts than now.

On us sticking with Mason and Bentaleb, that is my opinion and one I stick with.

 

[Romulus]

Bentaleb is playing now on eurosport against ivory coast

 

[Chris12]

Algeria down 1-0

 

[neptunes]

Very selfish of me but hops he will be available come ext Sat. Apologies Nabil.

 

[pamrit]

algeria now 2-1 down Bonny again

 

[spurs9]

How is he doing?

 

[kishman]

Do you think he will be ready if they get knocked out. He'll need a few days to recover, fly back. Don't see him back in training til Thursday at the earliest.

 

[thinktank]

Do you think he will be ready if they get knocked out. He'll need a few days to recover, fly back. Don't see him back in training til Thursday at the earliest.

He'll want to play for sure.

Poch will have a job on his hands stopping him.