Carlos Alcaraz

[AjaxAndy]

So Alcaraz runs around a lot

Sound

At least that’s cleared that up

Big difference between running around a lot and pressing really effectively. KDH runs a lot but doesn't press anywhere near as well.

People might not want to see it, but there was a very clear change in how we performed the moment Alcaraz came in to the 10 and KDH dropped back.

[Bumble]

Big difference between running around a lot and pressing really effectively. KDH runs a lot but doesn't press anywhere near as well.

People might not want to see it, but there was a very clear change in how we performed the moment Alcaraz came in to the 10 and KDH dropped back.

Nor do we want KDH flogging himself chasing down centre halves either, we want him on the ball further back. Alcaraz is a willing grafter and is the only player we have with any inclination to carry the ball and drive up the pitch.

We may well get a run of games to see Alcaraz now. After Arsenal the fixture list is a lot kinder, let's see what he can do.

[AjaxAndy]

Nor do we want KDH flogging himself chasing down centre halves either, we want him on the ball further back. Alcaraz is a willing grafter and is the only player we have with any inclination to carry the ball and drive up the pitch.

We may well get a run of games to see Alcaraz now. After Arsenal the fixture list is a lot kinder, let's see what he can do.

Yeah exactly, he's displaying some near Doucoure levels of pressing and it frees up KDH to be more effective too... It's a good balance and I'd happily give him a run (which he's going to get now hopefully) to develop his decision making.

Surprised some don't see we're a better team when he starts than when he doesn't tbh.

[brap2]

Surprised some don't see we're a better team when he starts than when he doesn't tbh.

@davidmoyes

Honestly I actually like him, and he definitely does add a bit of oomf with his running and pressing. He's young and fit and he's not slow, he's keen to get up and support attacks and it's good to have different types of players doing different things.

In terms of actual quality I mean yeah I dunno. But he's keen and he's not a slug, very happy to have him in the squad. If he can show more then great.

[AjaxAndy]

@davidmoyes

Honestly I actually like him, and he definitely does add a bit of oomf with his running and pressing. He's young and fit and he's not slow, he's keen to get up and support attacks and it's good to have different types of players doing different things.

In terms of actual quality I mean yeah I dunno. But he's keen and he's not a slug, very happy to have him in the squad. If he can show more then great.

Yeah I'm not saying he's a top level player by any means, and I agree he needs to show more if he wants to nail down a regular starting role. He's only 23 though and still raw, I feel there's development levels there that we could unlock by taking the rough with the smooth, and I don't particularly rate KDH in the 10 but do further back... So for me it's worth playing him and if he proves he's too much of a liability then fair enough, but with limited options for me he's the best 10 in the squad.

[Toddacelli]

1 goal, 1 assist, 10 shots, xg 0.68, successful passes % 80.5%, accurate long balls 69.2%, successful crosses 40%, successful dribbles 62.5%, Ariel duels won 47.4%

I’ve cherry-picked a bit here, there are some poor stats too, but that’s deliberate to show that I think there’s plenty to work with here.

It’s his second full season (ish) in the Premier League and he’s 23.

Plenty to work with imo.

Stats taken from here if you want to see the full story: https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/11 ... os-alcaraz

[Bluebridge]

1 goal, 1 assist, 10 shots, xg 0.68, successful passes % 80.5%, accurate long balls 69.2%, successful crosses 40%, successful dribbles 62.5%, Ariel duels won 47.4%

I’ve cherry-picked a bit here, there are some poor stats too, but that’s deliberate to show that I think there’s plenty to work with here.

It’s his second full season (ish) in the Premier League and he’s 23.

Plenty to work with imo.

Stats taken from here if you want to see the full story: https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/11 ... os-alcaraz

It’s Brapacelli.

[StirlingBlue]

I think us looking better with him in the tenis more linked to KDH dropping back into midfield rather than Alcaraz being a better ten

More important than giving Alcaraz minutes is giving Dibling minutes as he’s got the higher ceiling. We should be looking at Ndiaye/Grealish/Dibling as the three behind Barry and KDH/Garner as the deeper two.

[AjaxAndy]

I think us looking better with him in the tenis more linked to KDH dropping back into midfield rather than Alcaraz being a better ten

More important than giving Alcaraz minutes is giving Dibling minutes as he’s got the higher ceiling. We should be looking at Ndiaye/Grealish/Dibling as the three behind Barry and KDH/Garner as the deeper two.

It's his pressing that massively makes a difference though, no convinced any of KDH, Grealish, Dibling or Ndaiye can press anywhere near as effectively in the 10.

If any could I'd be all over them starting but none seem to be able to pressure CBs and GKs in to going long the way this lad can.

We'd maybe be better on the ball with one of those filling the spot but I think we lose so much more without him there.

Would be interesting to see if Rohl can do it though, wouldn't be at all surprised if once fit he has a go there.

[Toddacelli]

I think us looking better with him in the tenis

Haha! Brilliant if intentional!