Thoughts on the game.
- Slow encounter. Both teams played it like a friendly, as expected. Would have been a good experience regardless. Alli to play against the likes of Kroos and Modric, even in a friendly environment is a good test. Kane up against a resolute defence consisting of Ramos and Varane would have been a real test too and he had a tough time.
- Delle Alli was outstanding. It's hard not to get excited about him. He isn't some slight kid from the lower leagues who impressed. He's a youngster, who has a real good build for Premier League football but he has a delicate touch, good range of passing and we KNOW he can score. I know the comparison isn't the best but he reminds me of a young Jenas, I just hope he breaks past that ceiling and surpasses his overall talent.
- We need a defensive midfielder. Even though we knew this already. Dier wasn't good enough. I am confident we'll get one but I think people will be disappointed it's not the likes of Bender and Kramer. Bentaleb and Dier would be good but lack defensively, unless both are going to be working ridiculously hard every game and track back. I think they'd both work well in a midfield three, perhaps with Dembele for now.
- I thought we looked fine defensively, until Vertonghen come on. I like Vertonghen but I honestly don't know what's wrong with him. His body positioning and movement for Bales goal was hilarious. Alderweireld looks good, comfortable on both feet and if his direct passing is consistent, he can be a threat with his passes outwide. Wimmer looked solid too, I saw him for Koln last season and I know he can be a rock in our defence, he plays a lot older then he is.
- Lack of pace. We looked better when Chadli come on but he's still not rapid. Eriksen was dreadful, again. It's a shame that Eriksen only ever looks good on the left because that means Chadli would have to miss out, unless we put Chadli on the right. A winger is needed or even a wide forward with pace to threaten. We saw how Walker caused their left side problems, just lack of final product.
- Overall, I enjoyed the game for what it was. A pre-season friendly. Nice to see Bale didn't celebrate. Berbatov and Carrick before him have. I look forward to the AC Milan game tonight, I hope to see an entirely different eleven and see the likes of Onomah, Trippier etc in the line up.
- Slow encounter. Both teams played it like a friendly, as expected. Would have been a good experience regardless. Alli to play against the likes of Kroos and Modric, even in a friendly environment is a good test. Kane up against a resolute defence consisting of Ramos and Varane would have been a real test too and he had a tough time.
- Delle Alli was outstanding. It's hard not to get excited about him. He isn't some slight kid from the lower leagues who impressed. He's a youngster, who has a real good build for Premier League football but he has a delicate touch, good range of passing and we KNOW he can score. I know the comparison isn't the best but he reminds me of a young Jenas, I just hope he breaks past that ceiling and surpasses his overall talent.
- We need a defensive midfielder. Even though we knew this already. Dier wasn't good enough. I am confident we'll get one but I think people will be disappointed it's not the likes of Bender and Kramer. Bentaleb and Dier would be good but lack defensively, unless both are going to be working ridiculously hard every game and track back. I think they'd both work well in a midfield three, perhaps with Dembele for now.
- I thought we looked fine defensively, until Vertonghen come on. I like Vertonghen but I honestly don't know what's wrong with him. His body positioning and movement for Bales goal was hilarious. Alderweireld looks good, comfortable on both feet and if his direct passing is consistent, he can be a threat with his passes outwide. Wimmer looked solid too, I saw him for Koln last season and I know he can be a rock in our defence, he plays a lot older then he is.
- Lack of pace. We looked better when Chadli come on but he's still not rapid. Eriksen was dreadful, again. It's a shame that Eriksen only ever looks good on the left because that means Chadli would have to miss out, unless we put Chadli on the right. A winger is needed or even a wide forward with pace to threaten. We saw how Walker caused their left side problems, just lack of final product.
- Overall, I enjoyed the game for what it was. A pre-season friendly. Nice to see Bale didn't celebrate. Berbatov and Carrick before him have. I look forward to the AC Milan game tonight, I hope to see an entirely different eleven and see the likes of Onomah, Trippier etc in the line up.