Player Watch Player Watch: Pape Sarr

[-Afri-Coy-]

So how well will he screen the back four? How good is he in tight spaces on the half turn under pressure, How disciplined is he to hold his position and not burst forward etc etc. There's a whole lot more to Ange's 6 than breaking up play, and the 6 and 8 is a different role altogether. He's doing very well as the box to box 8, but he doesn't look much like a press resistant 6 to me from what I have seen and certainly not as good as Bissouma(which is what you said). If you want to play those 3 together Bentancur has to play the 6 which he is very capable of, but again isn't better at it than Bissouma is when Biss is on top form.

I understand where you’re coming from, and I’m no expert on how each role needs to be played in Ange’s system, I can only base my opinion of what I’ve seen during matches. And I can definitely see Sarr adapting to that role if necessary.

Bissouma being on form and holding that form for long periods of time hasn’t really materialised either has it? That’s why I would choose Sarr ahead of him, even if it means moving Bentancur into the 6 role and playing Sarr as the 8 which is his natural position.

At the end of the day this is a matter of opinion and ours differs, there’s nothing wrong with that. You probably know a lot more about the position and role than I do, quite clearly in your breakdown of what’s expected in the system and I admire that

 

[mil1lion]

Honestly I’d be surprised if there was any disagrees on this. All those 3 are in their prime currently and Sarr really is still a young guy.

Do I believe that Sarr will become better than them, I think he has all the attributes to be just as good as the 3 and isn’t a million miles away now.

The only thing that matters though is that we have 4 absolutely fantastic options for those 3 places. Then we can add GLC and Kulusevski into the mix aswell.

6 - Bissouma & Bentancur
8 - Sarr & Lo Celso
10 - Maddison & Kulusevski

When you look at that you would struggle to find a better set of players in the league and is why I don’t necessarily think we need Gallagher. If anything we could do with another winger if Kulusevski has to move central.

I really don't see an issue with players playing different positions. I know on paper people like to put down 2 for each position. However it's better to have a squad of say 16 first team quality players who play regularly and the rest for depth. We've seen a good example of this in defence where Emerson covers multiple positions and Davies covers center back. Kulusevski covers central and wide while Son covers left and central same as Richarlison. It just allows that core of players to be involved more and stay sharp. Ange typically likes to just play the best quality he has if in another position rather than a less quality one. So in midfeld it can easily be a mix of whichever 3 best players we have available as a few of them can cover the different roles.

 

[Danny1]

I really don't see an issue with players playing different positions. I know on paper people like to put down 2 for each position. However it's better to have a squad of say 16 first team quality players who play regularly and the rest for depth. We've seen a good example of this in defence where Emerson covers multiple positions and Davies covers center back. Kulusevski covers central and wide while Son covers left and central same as Richarlison. It just allows that core of players to be involved more and stay sharp. Ange typically likes to just play the best quality he has if in another position rather than a less quality one. So in midfeld it can easily be a mix of whichever 3 best players we have available as a few of them can cover the different roles.

Yeah I agree and to be honest when I wrote that I only did it with their favourable positions. However I would have no qualms with Bentancur or Bissouma being played in the '8' role. They are all technically good footballers which I think is the most important part and the bit I struggle with when it comes to Skipp & PEH.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Honestly I’d be surprised if there was any disagrees on this.

For me - Sarr is the best box-to-box CM we have in the squad - and its not that close.


Maddison, Bentancur and Bissouma are probably better overall footballers - but none are better in the 8 role than what Sarr brings to the team.


The 6 and 10 roles require great technical ability - and calmness on the ball, particularly in a crowd - Bentancur, Maddison and Bissouma are all better in those situations than Sarr. But the 8 role - in Ange's tactics - requires much more energy and stamina - which is where Sarr excels. He can be reliably making a run into the attacking box, and can get back to defend in his own box if necessary. With the inverted FBs playing more of a DM role when bringing the ball out, Sarr's role is less about being able to take the ball in a crowd, and more about his ability to find pockets of space, and then run with the ball if required.

Bentancur is probably 2nd best in the 8 role - but, particularly after his injuries, but even before he does not have the same levels of energy and stamina that Sarr has to get up and down the pitch all match. There is no question that Bentancur has much more technical ability, and is a better passer - but that is not the key ingredient to the 8 role in this system. And I trust Sarr a lot more to cover for a FB who gets stuck upfield.

My preference would be to play Bentancur as the 6 - because I think he reads the game very well, and does not need to be as aggressive as Bissouma, and he is a better passer - but I also think we need to go easy on his return, and if he rotates in for Bissouma and Sarr - I think we are a better overall team.

 

[djhotspur]

For me - Sarr is the best box-to-box CM we have in the squad - and its not that close.


Maddison, Bentancur and Bissouma are probably better overall footballers - but none are better in the 8 role than what Sarr brings to the team.


The 6 and 10 roles require great technical ability - and calmness on the ball, particularly in a crowd - Bentancur, Maddison and Bissouma are all better in those situations than Sarr. But the 8 role - in Ange's tactics - requires much more energy and stamina - which is where Sarr excels. He can be reliably making a run into the attacking box, and can get back to defend in his own box if necessary. With the inverted FBs playing more of a DM role when bringing the ball out, Sarr's role is less about being able to take the ball in a crowd, and more about his ability to find pockets of space, and then run with the ball if required.

Bentancur is probably 2nd best in the 8 role - but, particularly after his injuries, but even before he does not have the same levels of energy and stamina that Sarr has to get up and down the pitch all match. There is no question that Bentancur has much more technical ability, and is a better passer - but that is not the key ingredient to the 8 role in this system. And I trust Sarr a lot more to cover for a FB who gets stuck upfield.

My preference would be to play Bentancur as the 6 - because I think he reads the game very well, and does not need to be as aggressive as Bissouma, and he is a better passer - but I also think we need to go easy on his return, and if he rotates in for Bissouma and Sarr - I think we are a better overall team.

Based upon what? A fully fit bentacur is simply a better 8 than sarr. He covers the ground and is defensively just as good as sarr yet stronger, he’s a better dribbler, passer and shooter than sarr, more creative than sarr.

Sarr is excellent and may well turn out to be better than Benta but right now a fit Benta is incredible

 

[Thenewcat]

For me - Sarr is the best box-to-box CM we have in the squad - and its not that close.


Maddison, Bentancur and Bissouma are probably better overall footballers - but none are better in the 8 role than what Sarr brings to the team.


The 6 and 10 roles require great technical ability - and calmness on the ball, particularly in a crowd - Bentancur, Maddison and Bissouma are all better in those situations than Sarr. But the 8 role - in Ange's tactics - requires much more energy and stamina - which is where Sarr excels. He can be reliably making a run into the attacking box, and can get back to defend in his own box if necessary. With the inverted FBs playing more of a DM role when bringing the ball out, Sarr's role is less about being able to take the ball in a crowd, and more about his ability to find pockets of space, and then run with the ball if required.

Bentancur is probably 2nd best in the 8 role - but, particularly after his injuries, but even before he does not have the same levels of energy and stamina that Sarr has to get up and down the pitch all match. There is no question that Bentancur has much more technical ability, and is a better passer - but that is not the key ingredient to the 8 role in this system. And I trust Sarr a lot more to cover for a FB who gets stuck upfield.

My preference would be to play Bentancur as the 6 - because I think he reads the game very well, and does not need to be as aggressive as Bissouma, and he is a better passer - but I also think we need to go easy on his return, and if he rotates in for Bissouma and Sarr - I think we are a better overall team.

You can’t possible assess how his injuries have impacted him yet - he’s played 90 mins across 2 games.

I do agree that Sarr is our best box to box guy, and I agree with Trix that Bentancur can play the 8 or 6 to a very high level. So for me it’s Bentancur, Maddison and one of Sarr and Bissouma if everyone is fit, and that would depend on what you need for a particular opponent (the extra ball security or the all action) and form

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Based upon what? A fully fit bentacur is simply a better 8 than sarr. He covers the ground and is defensively just as good as sarr yet stronger, he’s a better dribbler, passer and shooter than sarr, more creative than sarr.

Sarr is excellent and may well turn out to be better than Benta but right now a fit Benta is incredible

Bentancur passing % (22/23)- 83.9 (880 passes)
Sarr (23/24) - 87.6% (761 passes) Sarr was at 91% last year in limited time.

Long passes
Bentancur (22/23) - 55.7% (70 passes)
Sarr - 71.4% (49 passes)

Shots on Target
Bentancur: 11 in 3008 minutes
Sarr: 11 in 1384 minutes

Take-ons:
Bentancur: 21 successful take-ons in 3008 minutes
Sarr: 15 successful take-ons in 1384 minutes

Carries
Bentancur (3008 minutes): 581, tot distance - 3001, progressive distance 1444
Sarr (1384 minutes): 620, tot distance 3625, prog distance 1443



Sarr is apparently better than you are giving him credit for...

 

[djhotspur]

Bentancur passing % (22/23)- 83.9 (880 passes)
Sarr (23/24) - 87.6% (761 passes) Sarr was at 91% last year in limited time.

Long passes
Bentancur (22/23) - 55.7% (70 passes)
Sarr - 71.4% (49 passes)

Shots on Target
Bentancur: 11 in 3008 minutes
Sarr: 11 in 1384 minutes

Take-ons:
Bentancur: 21 successful take-ons in 3008 minutes
Sarr: 15 successful take-ons in 1384 minutes

Carries
Bentancur (3008 minutes): 581, tot distance - 3001, progressive distance 1444
Sarr (1384 minutes): 620, tot distance 3625, prog distance 1443



Sarr is apparently better than you are giving him credit for...

One was playing in a two in a completely negative side, where the cms were always outnumbered.
I rate sarr highly but bentacur is older and more complete. I’ve watched bentacur single handedly drag us back into games by himself numerous times.
I know he played 6, but against villa he was incredible. People just have forgotten how hood he is

 

[Yiddo100]

 

[allatsea]

Excellent news !

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

One was playing in a two in a completely negative side, where the cms were always outnumbered.
I rate sarr highly but bentacur is older and more complete. I’ve watched bentacur single handedly drag us back into games by himself numerous times.
I know he played 6, but against villa he was incredible. People just have forgotten how hood he is

Don't get me wrong - I think Bentancur is a better footballer than Sarr.

But Sarr is currently our best box-to-box CM.

And Spurs are a better squad for having both available.

 

[Finchyid]

This is unreal news…so happy for him and us!!

 

[djhotspur]

Don't get me wrong - I think Bentancur is a better footballer than Sarr.

But Sarr is currently our best box-to-box CM.

And Spurs are a better squad for having both available.

I agree. There’s no guarantee that Benta gets back to his best.

it’s a great problem to have

 

[Japhet]

Get in!!

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

It really is a sign of how well things are going internally that we locked down our two rising stars to long-term deals. It would not appear that either hesitated to commit to this project.

 

[Finchyid]

Don't get me wrong - I think Bentancur is a better footballer than Sarr.

But Sarr is currently our best box-to-box CM.

And Spurs are a better squad for having both available.

One is 21 the other is 26…both at different points in their career. That’s said Sarr, Bentancur and Maddison is my midfield 3 when all fit and not playing in Africa

 

[Finchyid]

It really is a sign of how well things are going internally that we locked down our two rising stars to long-term deals. It would not appear that either hesitated to commit to this project.

Shhhhh don’t say things like that!!

 

[rossdapep]

Disappointed that they didnt do something similar to the Poch arm around the player photo.

Could have had Ange with them in a playful headlock

 

[Liamyid28]

Great to see both him and udojie sign new deals, both have massive futures.

 

[Gb160]

Well happy with that !