I like the player.
He seems to have made big steps in a short space of time, from Brighton under two managers, between two positions and then at international level.
Started coming in the team as more of a #10 in the beginning, but has then been more the other double pivot alongside Caicedo.
I remember Lijnders praising him when he was talking about Argentina’s World Cup. His understanding what needs to be done in different phases of the game, in relation to Messi. For Argentina in last years, it was often the case that Messi needed both protection off the ball, but players who could combine with him.
First thing that catches my eye is his general calmness and very natural touches on the ball. Able to make certain things look very easy, which is difficult. I have a feeling that deep down, he knows he belongs at the top level and is just doing his thing patiently. Noticed a few days ago that his English is very solid, no problems at all.
Seems to be someone who handles the ball very well, very natural in small spaces. Able to shield it, turn, shrug off opponents with his body, beat people with some very subtle moves. Look to pass forward. But then he also has that burst in him, when there’s an opportunity to smell and arrive in the box. He reminds me of Gundogan in some moves. Some very convincing penalties as well.
The club this summer is going so far in a direction which I like, at least stylistically. I wanted two dynamic players, but one more who you could call “working-qualities” and the other more “playmaking-qualities”. It’s evident that we need fresh legs, but it’s also evident that we need quality as well. I do have to say that I absolutely don’t see why we would also need Mount, if we get Mac.
Whatever happens with Thiago this summer, we still need those qualities in our team. It goes together, we cannot just run all day, but then lose balls and chase it back all the time. The better you keep the ball, the more effective you can win it back and in higher areas. The better you chase and win back, you defend better and have even more of the ball.
Obviously the price will be very interesting. I’ve read in Joyce’s “breaking” piece a few days ago that it’s still unsure if there’s really a clause or not. Maybe, if the deal is possible so early in the summer, it could be also time related. Brighton were probably well prepared for this, doing what they can to prolong with him, knowing that post-WC, there could be a chance to make big money on him.
Also, we’ll see how he is in transitions, especially defensive or better to say, how can he defend bigger spaces and opponent’s counter attacks. But generally, that’s much more of a Liverpool transfer. Players who often don’t have big club experience. Stylistical fit I think is right. But then the finance part and if he can really do it at a top club, help the team go back to competing and winning titles, that will remain.
