Benji

[TheVoiceofReason]

Sorry if there's already a thread for him, but I just wanted to voice how pleased I am with his performances recently, and how he has proved me and many other earlier doubters wrong.

Does anybody else feel like if this guy can keep his trajectory going he could be a very good player for us?

 

[eViL]

I like him, he's coming to terms with the speed and physicality of the English game pretty quickly.

I think he'll see a couple of reds along the way but he's good player.

 

[gushayes11]

He's looked sharper in the last few games, good skill in tight areas and passing improved. Not going to be a world beater but I've changed my opinion on him and he has a good attitude.

 

[yido_number1]

was very tidy tonight and didn't go much wrong... More than just a busy **** and shows some nice passing

 

[punkisback]

I think Sandro had the potential to be a better player, looks to have decent offensive capabilities but I don't feel he has the positioning and tackling ability you want in a DM for a team Challenging for the top 4.

 

[Rout-Ledge]

I like him. Happy to see him starting in midfield.

For me the running order is now Bentaleb>Stambouli>Mason>Dembele>Paulinho>Capoue

 

[StartingPrice]

Pochettino has a preference for midfielders who can transition the play forward quickly. Tonight, Stambouli got the assist for the assist by passing the ball immediately forward to Kane. Kane then slotted the ball through for Eriksen in a way reminiscent of Southampton under Poch, last season -fast and incisive. Most of the Sheffield team were in their own half, but even so we were able to turn their attack on its head in a split second and carve them open. All that depends on transitioning the play immediately rather than stopping, looking around, playing back/sideways and allowing the oppos defence to get back into position and shape. Good to see Stambouli doing it as it is a vital ingredient in what Poch wants from his midfield.

 

[Larryjanta]

Does his job (defensive screen) better than anyone else on our books. Took time to settle but looks an absolute steal

 

[balalasaurus]

Definite improvement on his part. I was on the fence before but I can honestly say that I'm warming up to him. One more CM and we'll have a team engine that should serve us well for years to come.

 

[Sweech]

Really pleased with his last few games. Maybe doesn't end up as more than just a squad player, but I'll take one of those any day especially when we didn't pay through the nose for him.

 

[fortworthspur]

I liked the comparison to Sandro above until Stambouli's defensive ability was written off. Too early to tell, but he's a big, athletic lad with box-to-box potential.

 

[kd2000]

i like the guy, he's not exactly quick which is my only criticism really but he does take up decent positions and breaks play up well. His passing is efficient yet not extravagant and his shot is decent. Really he is just an average joe and goes unnoticed unless you are checking on him.
Quietly effective isnt so bad is it??

 

[Donki]

I think Sandro had the potential to be a better player, looks to have decent offensive capabilities but I don't feel he has the positioning and tackling ability you want in a DM for a team Challenging for the top 4.

Last night he showed he did on a few occasions he saw Davies or Walker were out of position and covered well IMO. Certainly improving.

 

[Sanj]

he's deffo improving and getting to the pace of the game. looks calm and tries to play the ball out.
tho - i think he should have done better on Sheff U's 2nd goal. When the player brought it down he stood off and watched rather than closing down to get a block in.

 

[dude573]

He is the best average player I have seen for a long time, if that even makes any sense!

He is good with the ball in tight situations, and looks to stay back more than get forward, which quite the opposite of what Sandro did. I think he was a smart buy, and for £5 million he represents quite good value for money.

 

[eViL]

Where's Stambo at the moment? Thought he was great while Bentaleb was away, surely earned his place as 3rd choice and much needed when we're involved in battles like today..

 

[Strikeb4ck]

Where's Stambo at the moment? Thought he was great while Bentaleb was away, surely earned his place as 3rd choice and much needed when we're involved in battles like today..

Must be something behind the scenes, has been nothing but impressive this year. Can't believe Paulinho got a start over him.