Ezri Konsa

[Brazilian Villain]

It could explain why Konsa has improved so much this season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4gp6pmenl0o

Someone should tell Ollie that you're not supposed to wear them during the game.

[nordenvillain]

I think Ezri has had great recent defensive performances. But, the one part that lets him down is his use of the ball at his feet. That is why having Pau alongside him in CD is vital. Ezri's passing of the ball is either sideways or back to Big Emi. I'm surprised that Unai  or his coaches do not appear to have improved his ball distribution to a better level.

[Somniloquism]

It's weird that in some cases he has played out of tight situations really well previously, however having someone with "lesser" distributions could bring teams more on to press and and leave spaces if we can play faster for a long ball (Emi) or cultured ball (Pau, Youri). Bournemouth were trying that second half when they were getting on top.

[Dave]

I've actually been surprised at how well he's dealt with the passing it around the back. He and Cash aren't as good at it as Pau and Digne, but I can't remember any serious screw-ups.

And I don't think I'd really want him trying anything too Pau-style. That's what Pau's for, so I'd take Konsa being completely perfect at drawing their press and passing it to him then letting him do it.

[brontebilly]

I think Ezri has had great recent defensive performances. But, the one part that lets him down is his use of the ball at his feet. That is why having Pau alongside him in CD is vital. Ezri's passing of the ball is either sideways or back to Big Emi. I'm surprised that Unai  or his coaches do not appear to have improved his ball distribution to a better level.

It has improved, granted from a pretty low base. Of late he had started to break out with the ball a bit more like Mings used to. Konsa is a very good athlete and that has created an extra body in midfield at times.

[VILLA MOLE]

He has good feet with the ball just not the Vision of Pau

[eye digress]

He's mastered the walking football stuff for quite some time; he takes up all the right positions and gets his body into the right shape.

This season, I think he's moved up a level with his passing - not Torres level but definitely more progressive - as well as showing a desire to move forward with the ball and occupy space where the opponent's press is incomplete or half hearted. It's what has turned his form from 'very good' to 'imperious' for me.