Axel Witsel - AM/CM - Zenit (21 Viewers)
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please tell me he's not actually coming...
http://www.juventuz.com/threads/41060-Axel-Witsel-AM-CM-Zenit?p=5379350#post5379350
Numbers are underwhelming. Ofcourse when his role becomes regista his numbers can change.
Numbers are underwhelming. Ofcourse when his role becomes regista his numbers can change.
People have this strange perception that players who aren't super fast runners and insane work rate types are soft. Intelligent players are soft apparently.
A guy like Khedira doesn't have to run around the pitch like a madman because his positioning both offensively and defensively is exquisite. His football intelligence is off-the-charts. Which is why he doesn't have to play the same frenzied style as Vidal to have a big effect on games. But this doesn't mean he is a soft player who can't physically impose his will when the situation calls for it.
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Slow doesn't equal soft. Khedira is capable of physically imposing when necessary and there are countless examples of him doing so. I wouldn't call him a super "tough" player, but he is strong and physical, only his intelligence on the pitch means this isn't the only trick in the bag for him.
Same deal with Marchisio. Exceptionally intelligent with decent physique and good intelligence.
These types of players often position themselves so as to limit unnecessary attempts at tackles, etc. better at interceptions and being in the right place, forcing players into bad passes, etc.
A player like Vidal more than makes up for his weakness in the above area with his insane work rate and his (somehow calculated) recklessness with tackling.
To be quite honest I wish we still had Vidal. Khedira-Marchisio-Vidal with Pjanic at AM (or even Pjanic at LCM and Vidal at AM) would be such a fantastic midfield. So balanced. One can only hope Lemina can develop into the Vidal type, or Asamoah can provide a semblance of it.
I think the Witsel signing for the price mentioned is just fine, and hope he surprises us by finally fulfilling that potential he showed at Benfica. Perhaps the Juve work ethic will run off on him.
You guys will be oh so surprised. He is a very good midfielder, borderline top quality.
It is surprising to see Juventus fans not appreciating his qualities with Marchisio and Khedira's impact on board to witness. He is a similar player, simply put. Technically sound and tactically intelligent. Also versatile, position wise. Perfect signing.
This obsession a lot of fans have with the midfield needing raw phisicality bugs me out, by the way. Juve is a top team now, so that is a secondary trait to look for in a midfielder and far from a crucial one. Just like it was secondary to Pogba's game and NOT his main asset. He mostly used it offensively anyway, in his dribbling.
Juventus need players capable of not cheaply losing the ball in high pressure games. As simple as that. Khedira, Marchisio, Witsel and Pjanic are all more than good enough for that.
Lastly, what's the problem with Witsel or Khedira being 'slow'? Is Khedira not a VERY dynamic mid, nonetheless?
It is surprising to see Juventus fans not appreciating his qualities with Marchisio and Khedira's impact on board to witness. He is a similar player, simply put. Technically sound and tactically intelligent. Also versatile, position wise. Perfect signing.
This obsession a lot of fans have with the midfield needing raw phisicality bugs me out, by the way. Juve is a top team now, so that is a secondary trait to look for in a midfielder and far from a crucial one. Just like it was secondary to Pogba's game and NOT his main asset. He mostly used it offensively anyway, in his dribbling.
Juventus need players capable of not cheaply losing the ball in high pressure games. As simple as that. Khedira, Marchisio, Witsel and Pjanic are all more than good enough for that.
Lastly, what's the problem with Witsel or Khedira being 'slow'? Is Khedira not a VERY dynamic mid, nonetheless?
Not so long from now you'll be all fapping, he is a great player.
Fantastic post. People are ridiculous about this physicality thing. Intelligence + Technical Ability + Skill all come far ahead of Physicality.
And Khedira is a very dynamic mid. All one has to do is watch his gameplay to see that.
Witsel, not so much, as far as dynamic goes. But calling him mediocre, shit, garbage is absolute nonsense. He's a very solid midfield player, who is technically good, very consistent, and makes very few errors. It's definitely a decent signing as a 4th/5th midfielder in our rotation.
Assuming Khedira-Marchisio-Pjanic will be our top 3... Witsel and Asamoah are likely 4 and 5, on a similar level if Asa stays healthy. Lemina just below them. That's a fantastic set of midfielders when Lemina is your 6th option.
If Marchisio gets back to top form for the CL knockouts, and Khedira stays healthy this year, it's a great purchase of a rotation player.
Those are big "ifs" though. Hopefully the above happens and he's just injury cover to start the season, and then first/second rotation option off the bench. Unless he finally lives up to the promise he showed at Benfica... then things could get exciting
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