Sandro Tonali

[The Prophet]

He uses the space around him well and always looks to progress the ball. I think it might take a bit of time for him to adjust to the physicality of the league and the way we play though.

[Ronson333]

Watching the game last night he looked a lot better as a 6 rather than a 8. First half he struggled to get involved, second half was much better from deeper.

 

Also can we at least try him on corners?!?

 

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Ronson333

[The Prophet]

 

[McCormick]

Few times in the match where he could have taken a turn and then looked up. Seems married to releasing the ball as quickly as possible in the direction he’s facing; need to see more from him if he’s being touted as a box-to-box option for us. Were some promising signs there as well though.

 

 

[AyeDubbleYoo]

I think he’ll be class soon. These games in the heat with experimental lineups and unfamiliar teammates are tricky, hopefully will just help him get fitter and more ready for the PL. 

 

He’ll get more confident as well, driving past people with the ball was a big part of his game before. 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by AyeDubbleYoo

[ponsaelius]

I still think he's probably better suited as the deepest midfielder than as one of the number 8s, and that will end up being where he plays with Bruno further forward.

[Gallowgate Toon]

Have a feeling we'll see his class in the CL faster this season than the PL. You can tell he's working things out a bit on the fly. Feels like he's playing it safe while scanning others' movements.

[Shays Given Tim Flowers]

The pace has been pretty relentless against villa and Chelsea. He will be fine once he’s up and running. 

[STM]

I want to see him at home, in front of a full house, white hot atmosphere, playing with our strongest 11. He will be a killer.

[Lazarus]

6 hours ago, The Prophet said:

 

 

Quote

Everyone is different,” Howe said. “(Miguel Almiron) is always smiling. From what I’ve seen of Sandro and what I know of him, he’s happy inside

 

[Guest]

Reminds me of a young Hugo Vianna, he's gonna be a worldie. 

[MrRaspberryJam]

Just now, OCK said:

Reminds me of a young Hugo Vianna, he's gonna be a worldie. 

this feels like a paradox. 

[OptimusSlime]

When did this patter of referring to a defensive midfielder as a 6 come from?  Like is it a particular country that traditionally structure 1 to 11 with the number 6 as a midfielder?

 

A 6 was always a left sided centre back, - or Roberto Carlos for Brazil, when I was a lad.

[Andy84]

He will be class in the Sela cup 

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, OptimusSlime said:

When did this patter of referring to a defensive midfielder as a 6 come from?  Like is it a particular country that traditionally structure 1 to 11 with the number 6 as a midfielder?

 

A 6 was always a left sided centre back, - or Roberto Carlos for Brazil, when I was a lad.

 

Those traditional numbers were when it was predominantly 4-4-2 though wasn't it? No-one plays that anymore. 

[GideonShandy]

4 minutes ago, OptimusSlime said:

When did this patter of referring to a defensive midfielder as a 6 come from?  Like is it a particular country that traditionally structure 1 to 11 with the number 6 as a midfielder?

 

A 6 was always a left sided centre back, - or Roberto Carlos for Brazil, when I was a lad.

As I recall it, all teams played 4-2-4, the #5 was always the clogger centre-back (e.g. John McNamee) and the #6 was the more cultured centre-back or sweeper (e.g. Bob Moncur aka Concur.)

[OptimusSlime]

59 minutes ago, Optimistic Nut said:

 

Those traditional numbers were when it was predominantly 4-4-2 though wasn't it? No-one plays that anymore. 

Aye I get that, but what is the origin of 6 being a midfielder?  Traditionally this was always the 4.

[OptimusSlime]

3 minutes ago, OptimusSlime said:

Aye I get that, but what is the origin of 6 being a midfielder?  Traditionally this was always the 4.

I’ve just thought was it Xavi?

[huss9]

                       1

   2         5          6       3

   7         8          4         11

              9          10

 

When we were growing up in the 70s and 80s. 4 being the more defensive midfielder  

[buzza]

Makes more sense to swap around the 4 and 6 in the above formation otherwise it seems illogical

[huss9]

1 minute ago, buzza said:

Makes more sense to swap around the 4 and 6 in the above formation otherwise it seems illogical

Just the way it was back then

[RS]

The 80’s pub league midfield number 4 was alway a little snappy bastard. 

[morpeth mag]

In my day;

                      1

               2           3

         4           5           6

   7         8       9     10        11

 

Numbers were more logical then

 

[Yorkie]

I think Botman is only one of two CBs to wear a 4 in my lifetime. The other being Rozehnal who played about six times. Not sure we've had any 6s in CM.*

 

*Edit: just Acuna, alongside Howey, Boumsong, Williamson and Lascelles - all CBs.

[STM]

90s:

 

            1

2     5      6      3

 

7      8      4    11

 

        9      10

 

00s:

 

             1

2     4       5      3

       6       8

7         10         11

            9

 

10s:

 

             1

2     4        5      3

             6

       8        10

7                      11

             9

      

 

Seems to have been the evolution in my mind.