He would never play CM for us. AM/SS or even a winger of some sorts might work.
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Statistics mean $#@! without context. James mostly played against easier low level teams as a CM. James as a mezzala is lightyears behind Pogba and most Madrid fans think James sucks as a CM.
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Mandragora and Sensi are both DM's. Actually Mandragora played in defense before his injury and Sensi is your traditional regista type of player who has played as a CM for Sassuolo because their captain Magnanelli has the DM position as his own.
Under Ancelotti he was excellent as a central midfielder. Not only were statistics incredibly strong:
James as a Mezzala (CM) (per 90 minutes, all starts)
2014/2015 (15GP) - Tackles: 1.5, Interceptions:1.3, Blocked Passes: 1.3, Goals: 0.4, Shots: 1.6, Assists 0.7, Key Pass 3.2, Dispossessed: 1.1, Total Passes: 66
2015/2016 - (8GP) - Tackles: 2.2, Interceptions: 0.8, Blocked Passes: 0.7, Goals: 0.3, Shots: 1.8, Assists 0.7, Key Pass 4.2, Dispossessed: 1.1, Total Passes: 67
Pogba as a Mezzala (CM) (per 90 minutes, all starts)
2014/2015 (25GP) - Tackles: 2.4, Interceptions:0.8, Blocked Passes: 1.1, Goals: 0.3, Shots: 2.4, Assists 0.1, Key Pass 1.6, Dispossessed: 2.9, Total Passes: 51
2015/2016 - (31GP) - Tackles: 2.3, Interceptions: 1.3, Blocked Passes: 1.1, Goals: 0.3, Shots: 3.7, Assists 0.4, Key Pass 1.6, Dispossessed: 2.4, Total Passes: 51
I'll add some context.
-15 starts at CM is a lot. That is not a small sample. He was consistently played there under Ancelotti. His statistics are objectively good. I'm a huge fan of the player, and I'm not saying it is his best position, but he is still a very good player in that position.
This is from 2014-2015, his best year where he played either wide in a 4-4-2 or centrally in a 4-3-3...
"James is awesome. Doesn't look incredible doing anything, but he can do everything. Defends well, shoots well, passes well, has a great cross, plays almost everywhere on the pitch, and he even scored headers."
"I actually thought it was the opposite. His offensive play was ok but his defensive plays were great. Really refreshing to see him work hard off the ball. If we are going to succeed with Kroos, Modric, and Kroos there needs to be dedication in making sure everyone is working when the ball isn't in our possession and James showed that today.
With an already offensive lineup, goals and assists shouldn't just be his main target as of now. He also had the second most tackles behind Marcelo so whatever Carlo is doing, keep it up because its working."
"With BBC being our main scoring outlet, I think James is finally realizing he can contribute to the team in other ways. Goals are nice but right now we have the front 3 to give us that. Creating scoring opportunities and helping off the ball should be James main concern which he has done well. Bale is just 25, CR is 29, and Benz 26. Jese is also waiting in the wings. There isn't a need for a scoring player to be replaced. I think James transition into the midfield is going great. A goal once in a while is great but that isn't the end all be all for this team and the way we play"
"Lol you're the one who is rushing to diss/downplay our former players for a guy who just joined 3 months ago. No one is saying James isn't adapting or playing well. In fact I've said he is playing very well as someone who has changed positions and now playing a different role. You're just upset someone called you out on your bias and erratic opinions trying to push them as facts.
James is good yes but sh*tting on DiMaria and Ozil is ridiculous."
"Yeah, I saw that, but unlike the world he now plays a bit deeper. I don't know if he ever has payed this deep but he is doing fantasticly. I suppose we'll see him back in a more attacking position once Ronaldo" retires.
btw, Real or La Real is the nickname for Real Sociadad. Real Madrid are just refereed to as Madrid."
So under Ancelotti he was a pretty good Mezzala. Not his first role, but he was good. Things fell apart after Ancelotti was let go.
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