Player Watch: Gedson Fernandes

[BigVic]

That is an absolutely crazy statement. I can think of at least 30 games I was at that Modric totally controlled and would have had more touches than any player on the pitch. Modric was truly outstanding.

Exactly, Modric used to absolutely run games.

 

[theShiznit]

Exactly, Modric used to absolutely run games.

Modric has that ability to do simple things, like give the ball to someone in a better position than him, and because of that, people see it as passing the buck, but it's part of being a great player, seeing the bigger picture, having all facets of team play and individual brilliance available to you.
As much as Dembele was a beast, he would often drop a shoulder, roll or spin two or three players then make a simple 10 yard pass that other players like Modric could have made without the theatrics, but because it looks nice and gets people off their seats that's all that they remember.

First time or quick passing is a dying art, and one that should be cherished, if you watch youth team football from grass roots to the highest level, the amount of unnecessary dribbling is a massive cause of frustration for me as someone that likes quick one or two touch passing and moving.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Modric has that ability to do simple things, like give the ball to someone in a better position than him, and because of that, people see it as passing the buck, but it's part of being a great player, seeing the bigger picture, having all facets of team play and individual brilliance available to you.
As much as Dembele was a beast, he would often drop a shoulder, roll or spin two or three players then make a simple 10 yard pass that other players like Modric could have made without the theatrics, but because it looks nice and gets people off their seats that's all that they remember.

First time or quick passing is a dying art, and one that should be cherished, if you watch youth team football from grass roots to the highest level, the amount of unnecessary dribbling is a massive cause of frustration for me as someone that likes quick one or two touch passing and moving.

You just know that if Xavi had played in England, everyone would have said "what exactly does he do though?"

 

[freeeki]

You just know that if Xavi had played in England, everyone would have said "what exactly does he do though?"

Absolutely, and I think Gedson will be one of those kinds of players

 

[swarvsta]

Not at first. He was quiet but effective for his first couple of seasons before he really began standing out.

For you, maybe. Not for me. I was instantly impressed by him and just loved watching his magic from the very start. It was the small things you notice right away in a special player. His awareness of what’s around him, constant availability for a pass and speed of thought. He was my favourite player to watch, and could only be truly appreciated watching live. Rooney was a player you had to be watching live to appreciate also. Can’t even really explain why - I think it is just because you get to watch their movement the entire game.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

Modric really came into his own when Redknapp had no choice but to put him at CM with Bale and Kranjcar both having emerged on the left wing, Defoe and Crouch being a good partnership up front and Jenas getting injured. Until then he’d played there a bit but was often used out on the left or as an AMC, both of which put him at the periphery of the match. Once he went dead centre his ascent to best midfielder in the league was rapid, and a huge part of how we qualified for the champions league for the first time.

 

[degoose]

I thought he was bought as a cm but Jose seems to be using him on the right which it seems like he's just doing a job but not his position. Think yesterday maybe he was there to help stop Grealish.

yeah is a box to box CM, he was being played out of position on the right wing at benfica as well and did a good job but way better in the middle. I figure though because there is no sissoko he can kind of fill that role when needed.

 

[yido_number1]

Not at first. He was quiet but effective for his first couple of seasons before he really began standing out.

Redknapp played him left midfield but he still got on the ball a lot. To describe Modric as the type of player who "appear out of nowhere, do something eye catching and then disappear again." is just plain wrong. He was literally the ticking heart beat of our team. I would be surprised if after his first 10 games he didn't have the most touches in at least 90% of the games he played for us. In fact he rarely was at the end of any moves for goals and assists and others have said he tended to play the pass before the assist more often than not.

 

[freeeki]

Redknapp played him left midfield but he still got on the ball a lot. To describe Modric as the type of player who "appear out of nowhere, do something eye catching and then disappear again." is just plain wrong. He was literally the ticking heart beat of our team. I would be surprised if after his first 10 games he didn't have the most touches in at least 90% of the games he played for us. In fact he rarely was at the end of any moves for goals and assists and others have said he tended to play the pass before the assist more often than not.

Have you actually read what I said, or?

Nowhere have I denied he became the most essential player in our squad, I'm saying the extent of what he did was often unrecognised, and that Gedson is probably a similar player in that regard.

It's not hard to comprehend, unless you're going out of your way to pretend I said something I didn't.

 

[C0YS]

Absolutely, and I think Gedson will be one of those kinds of players

I hope your right, but am I missing something? I just don't see him as a similar kind of player. What I see is a player with good movement who can break from deep but isn't particularly blessed with great technique. But there you go.

I think some people are going overboard with him, has had promising moments and not so promising moments. But the jury is definitely still out and he will need to do exceptionally well to justify his permanent buy option.

 

[Ossie85]

He looks good and is showing a lot of promise.
But I don't think he's worth the 50m of the buy option yet. Even if he progresses in the next 18 months, it looks a bit expensive.

 

[Hakkz]

Have you actually read what I said, or?

Nowhere have I denied he became the most essential player in our squad, I'm saying the extent of what he did was often unrecognised, and that Gedson is probably a similar player in that regard.

It's not hard to comprehend, unless you're going out of your way to pretend I said something I didn't.

Funny that the two interpretations of what you wrote are "Gedson is the new Luka Modric" or "Luka Modric was invisible for us".

 

[he is you know!]

He looks good and is showing a lot of promise.
But I don't think he's worth the 50m of the buy option yet. Even if he progresses in the next 18 months, it looks a bit expensive.

The buy option is early 40's, £42m I think, not 50. I thought that looked expensive to be honest, but as many said at the time, where will prices be in 18 months.

 

[Ossie85]

The buy option is early 40's, £42m I think, not 50. I thought that looked expensive to be honest, but as many said at the time, where will prices be in 18 months.

50m euros

 

[cider spurs]

Hasn't done anything wrong. Had a few glimpses of decent play, had very few minutes so too hard to judge for me.

Time will tell.

 

[Gassin's finest]

He'll probably need a season or two before he's up to speed...

 

[allatsea]

Modric's greatest gift was always being available for a teammate who was in trouble. He could receive and control a ball no matter how poorly it was passed to him. A wonderful talent and a joy to watch.

 

[cider spurs]

He'll probably need a season or two before he's up to speed...

Yeah, far better of sticking to the weed.

Just say no kids.

#doinitforzammo

 

[razzmaster]

Looks to be another one of our midfielders who would thrive in a 433 in one of the more advanced roles.

 

[he is you know!]

50m euros

Coincidentally, or maybe not, Herc has kindly clarified that it's only that if we win PL/CL etc. See Transfer daily thread.