Is this accounting for any effect the way the respective teams play may have? It’s rather interesting to me that Fabinho, Rodri, and Partey are grouped relatively closely to each other.
It is not, they are just raw numbers.
I think ILLOK made a good point about Rodri - that he has some of the same flaws as Fabinho and leaves Man City really open to the counter attack. He is a far better in possession player than Fab however. Partey I haven’t watched very often but I have seen a few Arsenal fans are really underwhelmed by him.
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That makes it fascinating. I wonder if the relative positions are similar for past seasons as well, but I can’t shake the feeling that in general, teams that play like us don’t actually end up relying on their defensive midfielders for a lot of these actions.
Re the form of Fabinho not being as previous seasons… but not seen any recent posts from his wife for a while on social media… just wondering if he might have something outside of football that may be troubling him… I hope not though
Bolosarno lost 
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She might be lost for words at the constant beratement from Illok.
Could be…
Last I heard she was having a baby
Yeah…they both announced it on facebook…
Still pretty weak. Salah’s improved in recent weeks, but the likes of Fabinho and Trent are still suffering. Playing more due to need rather than merit. Late in a lot of duels when he goes to press, although had a few good clearances in and around our box. If Hendo’s fit for Sunday, I’d possibly bench Fabinho.
I wonder if he will make it to the Q22. Also, if he is dropped will it ignite a fire or will it wreck him.
Course he will, Brazil aren’t blessed in the CM position.
Since Fernandinho’s retired it’s only really been Casemiro Fred and Fab…and Fred hasn’t really got a look in under Ten Haag.
Nah, he will almost surely go. But not play much. Be there literally as backup if anything happens to Casemiro or to come in late alongside him if they’re defending a lead.
And Fred doesnt really play that role. When he plays for Brazil it is with a dedicated holding player behind him.
I thought Fab had a pretty decent game yesterday. #6 is one of the most overwhelming positions on the pitch. need eyes in the back of your head and a swivel for a neck. in our midfield structure he’s often left trying to cover multiple angles of attack and has been missing Henderson/Gini’s legs on the one side who were MUCH better defensively than Elliot.
I like Elliot’s fire but he’s just not as able to track and defend like his predecessors and it hurts us down that side, especially when Trent goes galloping off on runs up the wing.
If there’s one player whose responsiblities I don’t envy, it’s Fab. Our current personnel are much more suited to a 4-2-3-1. would love to see this:
Allison
TAA/Ramsay Ibou/Matip VvD/Gomez Robbo/Tsimi
Fab/Hendo Thiago/Naby/Milly
Salah/Elliot Bobby/Carvalho Diaz/Jones
Nunez/Jota
Elliot, as you say has all the fire, effort and attitude he just needs more coaching on his defensive side and positioning. For me he seems to over commit to the challenge in his eagerness and needs better body poistioning to show his opposition where he and the team want them to go. Hopefully he can adjust, as the attitude is right.
when defending, this is everthing. where’s your feet, which way is your chest facing. show him the way you want to go. Rondo are all fine and dandy for when you want to work yourself out of a corner (which may be the best I’ve seen in a while around the 85th minute. Trent, Elliot and I think Fab in our RB corner when they worked their way out of trouble instead of hoofing it up the pitch).
But when you’re stuck in a 2v1 and they’re running at you, how do you angle the ball carrier so allow your other midfielders to catch up or to minimize the risk if the pass is played?
people give Fab shit all the time, but one thing his is VERY good at doing is slowing their play down on a counter by cutting a passing lane or forcing the carrier wide.
Fabinho 98 mins Tackles:0/2
Ground duels won:3/10.
Bajcetic: 11 mins Tackles:2/2
Ground duels won:2/3.
Tô be fair Fabinho usually plays for Brazil.
Firmino out of the three is likely to see fewest minutes.
Bobby is more questionable to go, but if he goes, then he might possibly play more than Fabinho. There is nothing usual about Fabinho and Brazil. He’s a clear backup, plays only when Casemiro needs a rest, Brazil have an easier game and Tite gives other players a game.