Leander Dendoncker

[SoccerHQ]

I have been very harsh on this man in the past, today I thought he played his role brilliantly. Took everything off them when required and got play moving time after time.

The Stevenage error didn't help but I'm always confused with these posts. What other games has he looked poor? He was mostly sub under you know who and then he started the Brentford and and Man. United games where we were excellent.

He obviously isn't UE's type of midfielder but masterstroke starting him today to nullify their physicality in midfield and off set pieces.

I have no issue with him being kept around as squad player next season as he was a regular for Wolves when they played in that a few years ago and we can't just cull everyone on the fringes of first 11 given it will hopefully be 3 games in a week from September 2023.

[ChicagoLion]

I liked the fact that he was prepared to take some physical challenges without complaints and with composure.
He had a very good game today.

[PeterWithesShin]

A nice birthday present for him today.

[Beard82]

TBF - other than against Stevenage - he’s always looked composed and secure. 

I like him - in the I don’t care if he leaves - kind of way

[brontebilly]

Delighted for him. Have been calling for weeks to drop Bailey and play the Donk. Thought it was clear Emery didn't rate him but he got an opportunity today and delivered. He's a bit ungainly but is tidy on the ball and he is a fair old presence without it.

[Olof's Beard]

He has been great when called upon all season as others have said. The Stevenage error just sticks in people's minds but he is a solid pro and offers the sort of physicality we don't have among our other midfielders while still being decent on the ball. Keep!

[RamboandBruno]

Joelinton did not  get a look in today, mainly down to Bog Donk strutting his bamby stuff.

Brilliant today.

[paul_e]

I think where he came from and how late he joined int he summer has worked against him all season but I always thought he was a decent signing to add a bit of depth whilst Kamara settled in, you don't get into the current Belgian squad without being a decent player.

[LeeB]

I think where he came from and how late he joined int he summer has worked against him all season but I always thought he was a decent signing to add a bit of depth whilst Kamara settled in, you don't get into the current Belgian squad without being a decent player.

I used to see him at Wulvz and think we could do with a player like that, gives us a bit of height in the box too which is handy against a team half filled with basketball players.

[Clampy]

Didn't he play in the game against Brentford and we all over them as well?

[eamonn]

Really interesting that he came in cold for today's game and against Brentford in October. Both times, the opposition wouldn't have expected him to play and would likely have made other plans (ie for dozy Bailey in today's case).

We end up bossing the midfield in both games and I'm doubtful we would have won today had we played a winger instead of him. Unspectacular compared to the stylish Kamara but he breaks up play, tracks his runners and can pass a ball.

I'd definitely be wanting to keep him around next season. Hopefully we get Europe and there are some assurances over game-time. He is still a Belgian international after all so he'll want to be starting a lot more frequently.

[algy]

Delighted for him. Have been calling for weeks to drop Bailey and play the Donk. Thought it was clear Emery didn't rate him but he got an opportunity today and delivered. He's a bit ungainly but is tidy on the ball and he is a fair old presence without it.

I don't think Bailey will be around after the summer, whereas I could see Donk still being in the squad. He's a useful player to have for cover, and adds something to the team when called upon.

Think Tim I might end up on loan again. It sounds like he's done well at QPR, but he's still only 19 and has had 1 season of regular football in him. Could see him going to a club chasing for promotion next season - a bit like Cam Archer has. At this stage he doesn't need to be sat on the bench & IMO hasn't made a clear case for using him over signing a new player.

Whereas say Cam Archer has been showing the kind of form which, if he wasn't our players already, we'd be throwing £20m-£30m down to try to sign him.

[dicedlam]

I thought he was superb yesterday. Very much the type of player we needed for that game.

No frills, just does what is says on the tin.

[exigo]

Excellent yesterday. His performance summed up with his set-up that led to the third goal. In the right place, steps in, blocks the Newcastle pass in a high press, feeds it off to McGinn, two touches later it's in their net. Quality.

[Percy McCarthy]

Reminds me of John Cazale.

JC: 3 films - The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, The Deer Hunter.

LD: 3 starts - Brentford, Man Utd, Newcastle.*

*ignore Newcastle away.