Ruslan Malinovskyi

[Timberwolf]

Always thought he was very underrated because of his insane technical ability when striking a ball. He’s a very talented player, all be it a niche one. That being said, I’m not sure how he would fair in the pl. I guess for me I was hoping we would be adding players with better ball carrying ability and passing range. Dribbling isn’t much of a forte for him because he’s not the fastest (not that he’s got bad control) also while he’s a good passer I wouldn’t say I’ve ever seen him excel as a playmaker. I guess in general tho I would be worried he’d struggle with the pace of the PL. Incredible long shots as has been mentioned several times and that would be fun to see, but I think he’d be another bench option rather then someone pushing for a starting spot. Although he has played IF I certainly wouldn’t want to see him out on the wing in our set up leaving him to a more central roll in a cm 3. All together a potential astute signing considering his likely low price and an interesting addition who will hopefully contribute some wonder goals but Im not sure he would be my choice as much as I do like him.

He averages around 1500-1800 league minutes at Atalanta so seems to be regularly rotated there too.

Strikes me as more of an affordable yet premium squad player who can rotate and cover for Kulusevksi. In terms of squad building, I think it actually makes quite a lot of sense.

 

[Monty2]

He has some left foot with great technique. Be great to have a great free kick specialist as we really lack that. From the youtube highlights he can even strike really well with his right foot. Looks like a player who could give really good options. Sounds like a no brainer

 

[Mr Pink]

He seems to only average around 1500-1800 league minutes at Atalanta so seems to be regularly rotated there too.

Strikes me as more of an affordable yet premium squad player who can rotate and cover for Kulusevksi. In terms of squad building, I think it actually makes quite a lot of sense.

Agreed. We need an addition who can offer us quality when required but also happy to accept the main role as an impact sub.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

He seems to only average around 1500-1800 league minutes at Atalanta so seems to be regularly rotated there too.

Strikes me as more of an affordable yet premium squad player who can rotate and cover for Kulusevksi. In terms of squad building, I think it actually makes quite a lot of sense.

If we were taking Kulu off and rotating to a 3 man midfield then certainly. But I wouldn’t put him RWF, he doesn’t have the pace or dribbling ability for that role imo. But that could be why we are keeping Gil.

 

[Clockspur]

Thinking of the fans who never managed to master Eriksen’s name (Ericcson, Ericsen etc.) right now as well. Good luck with Malinovskyi.

Or as Pleat will call him - Russell Malinski

 

[talbot64]

This is the option instead of Zaniolo I assume? If so would rather stick with Gil and Moura

 

[djhotspur]

This is the option instead of Zaniolo I assume? If so would rather stick with Gil and Moura

Really hope he’s not. But dragon did say we want a midfielder, a forward and a cb so he could be a super cheap option (did I read loan with an option) so maybe it frees up the money for zaniolo etc

 

[Teemu]

Given that most people on here had never heard of him before today I’m surprised at the positivity in this thread! Sounds like the sort of player West Ham would buy and we wouldn’t bat an eyelid.

That said, I’m convinced he’s the greatest player of all time.

 

[arunspurs]

I've watched a ton of Atalanta in the past 4 years, they were the most enjoyable team in Europe to follow as a neutral just because of Gasperini. Malinovskyi is a quality player and he has an absolute cannon of a shot (I don't think many strike a ball harder in world football), but he isn't the type of player that runs the game from midfield. He's a CM but ends up playing further forward because he doesn't operate in a box to box role like Freuler/De Roon/Koopmeiers, really he just doesn't do much on the defensive side of the field and Atalanta are so attacking that they can't afford to have that in CM. So he ends up playing more of a free role, behind Zapata and sometimes Muriel.

He is good technically, rocket of a shot, decent passing range. Vision is average, work rate is good (he presses, just not a defense first minded player and not a true 2 way CM in that sense). I think he'd probably play in a fluid front three for us, or give us an option to play 3-5-2 with one CM that can actually attack and to a lesser extent, create.

Should also note he is a Ukrainian international, and while Zinchenko runs the show from midfield, Malinovskyi is generally the attacking outlet for them in the middle.

I agree for Atalanta - but for Ukraine he does run the midfield - not in the sense of setting the tempo (which is Zinchenko job) - but as a midfield engine, along with Stepanenko , he does the job. In Atlanta, his role has been more forward.

IMO, he has lot more to his game, than what Atalanta uses him as. I can see Conte using him in games like Chelsea when we need that extra man in midfield or as a relief player for Kulu.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Really hope he’s not. But dragon did say we want a midfielder, a forward and a cb so he could be a super cheap option (did I read loan with an option) so maybe it frees up the money for zaniolo etc

I really don’t see how he’d be an alternative to Zaniolo, different players with very different skill sets.

 

[lobob8]

?

 

[Dazza71]

With Højbjerg and Bentancur going to the World Cup it will be good to have Bissouma, Skipp and this guy rotating in midfield while the other two recover post World Cup.

 

[arunspurs]

This is the option instead of Zaniolo I assume? If so would rather stick with Gil and Moura

Really ??? Malinovskyi isnt a talent like Zaniolo...but Gil & Moura arent Malinovskyi either. Moura magic is dimnishing - thats why he is ok to be reinvented in RWB role. Gil - may be great talent but he isnt ready yet.
Malinovsyi can be on bench coming weekend and come on , he wouldnt look out of place and would contribute in positive manner

 

[EQP]

We could do with a player like this.

 

[Guntz]

Would rather Zaha if we want a Zaniolo alternative.

HG too.

 

[Aphex]

Given that most people on here had never heard of him before today I’m surprised at the positivity in this thread! Sounds like the sort of player West Ham would buy and we wouldn’t bat an eyelid.

That said, I’m convinced he’s the greatest player of all time.

Right, linked to a player 99% of people hadn't heard of before 6pm and now everyone is collectively jizzing over his youtube clips.

To me this is underwhelming, to go from being linked with Maddison / Paqueta and Zaniolo to this guy....

That said, if he's who Conte wants then fine, but it seems another budget deal. I was hoping we would be in for more elite level exciting players this window and it's just not materialised for one reason or another.

Are we really shopping in the same market as Notts Forest?

That said if we sign him, full support etc etc

 

[Joshua]

This is the option instead of Zaniolo I assume? If so would rather stick with Gil and Moura

Conte doesn’t rate Gil as physically ready and appears to view Moura as utility on the right hand side as a forward or wing-back. Definitely not rotation for Deki. Malinovskyi is straight competition/cover for that right forward role. Also far more productive than Gil or Moura.

 

[luRRka]

Right, linked to a player 99% of people hadn't heard of before 6pm and now everyone is collectively jizzing over his youtube clips.

To me this is underwhelming, to go from being linked with Maddison / Paqueta and Zaniolo to this guy....

That said, if he's who Conte wants then fine, but it seems another budget deal. I was hoping we would be in for more elite level exciting players this window and it's just not materialised for one reason or another.

Are we really shopping in the same market as Notts Forest?

That said if we sign him, full support etc etc

Makes a change from being linked to a player 99% of people haven't ever seen and just repeating how shit he is, how disappointing it is and how little they want him

 

[BorjeSpurs]

He averages around 1500-1800 league minutes at Atalanta so seems to be regularly rotated there too.

Strikes me as more of an affordable yet premium squad player who can rotate and cover for Kulusevksi. In terms of squad building, I think it actually makes quite a lot of sense.

He has completed five 90 min games in the last two seasons in the league. Anyone know if this is more than rotation, i.e. some sort of fitness issue á la Dembele?

 

[King of the Lane]

Always been a massive fan of his ever since I heard about him for the first time 5 minutes ago.