Youri Tielemans

[Dave]

On topic Tielemans has been superb, he was a good distributor in there last season but he seemed to struggle with the more physical aspects, I don't know what's changed this season but he seems much more at ease with being pressed.

I can't think of any team in the league that has so many players comfortable at collecting the ball facing their own goal and just turning away from one or two players and then running 15-20 yards with it, taking those players out of the game.

Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins, Ramsey, Barkley - it nearly always seems to be the thing that moves us from defence to attack and it works so well.

[eamonn]

Very true. Makes a difference from the days of Dicky Dunne and Reo-Choker having the turning circle of a tank.

[eye digress]

As I've said a few times now I think the midfield is better balanced and has more depth despite losing a very good player in there. Barkley is the only surprise for me, he's a far more mature player now than he was with us last time and by not feeling the need to be the main man in there all the time he's much more effective. He also seems to have accepted that he's not going to start all that often, which was my biggest worry.

He’s not starting right now, but then only Onana of the newbies has started much from the get-go. It seems that Barkley has been tasked with learning the role for now, although I think that depending on the situation with injuries and fatigue, he’ll be starting more regularly in the second half of the season - much like Tielemans last year.

[brontebilly]

have to say my pre season worries and predictions are looking woeful at the moment

I thought Tielamans and Barkley would be the weak links and not step up to fill Dougs shoes and they both have when called on
I also though Philogene would offer more than Diaby and be a standout for us this season and so far he’s not

The squad is the strongest we’ve ever had since the time where football became a squad game and not just relying on 14 players

I'm the same, I really didn't think Tielemans would be able to play consistently in a 2 for us. Been our best player so far this season and is back showing his best form since his peak days at Leicester. I thought we would miss Luiz hugely but no evidence so far.

[darren woolley]

I agree he's been brilliant for us this season he's a very important player for us.

[Dave]

have to say my pre season worries and predictions are looking woeful at the moment

I thought Tielamans and Barkley would be the weak links and not step up to fill Dougs shoes and they both have when called on
I also though Philogene would offer more than Diaby and be a standout for us this season and so far he’s not

The squad is the strongest we’ve ever had since the time where football became a squad game and not just relying on 14 players

I'm the same, I really didn't think Tielemans would be able to play consistently in a 2 for us. Been our best player so far this season and is back showing his best form since his peak days at Leicester. I thought we would miss Luiz hugely but no evidence so far.

I think the making of him in his current role was that win against Arsenal last April.

I'd have always been relatively confident of him holding his own with a Kamara / Onana next to him to hold his hand, but going there with a midfield two of McGinn and Tielemans and bossing it is very impressive.

[Brend'Watkins]

Player of the season so far for me. What he does and what I really like is his ability to pick out a the quick pass, one that splits the opposition defence with such precision in most instances.   

[Rigadon]

As I've said a few times now I think the midfield is better balanced and has more depth despite losing a very good player in there. Barkley is the only surprise for me, he's a far more mature player now than he was with us last time and by not feeling the need to be the main man in there all the time he's much more effective. He also seems to have accepted that he's not going to start all that often, which was my biggest worry.

On topic Tielemans has been superb, he was a good distributor in there last season but he seemed to struggle with the more physical aspects, I don't know what's changed this season but he seems much more at ease with being pressed.

Agree with all of that.  I've really enjoyed watching Tielemans this season - his forward passing in particular has been outrageously good, which negates not having Luiz, whose use of the ball to slip forward runners in was probably his main attribute (and a fine one at that).  That and scoring direct from Corners!

[Hookeysmith]

He has become an intrinsically important facet to our style of play. A lovely footballer with a superb eye for a pass. He looks equally as comfortable with Onana, Barclay or McGinn next to him as well.

A superb player 

[Ger Regan]

As good as he's been, if I'm being selfish I'd like a few more goals from him

[Flamingo Lane]

As good as he's been, if I'm being selfish I'd like a few more goals from him

That's what my dad used to say about Dennis Mortimer.

[Percy McCarthy]

As good as he's been, if I'm being selfish I'd like a few more goals from him

That's what my dad used to say about Dennis Mortimer.

If you didn’t see Dennis play, or can’t remember how great he was, the full game of the 1977 League Cup Final 2nd replay is on YouTube now. I watched it the other day and it was a great reminder of how brilliant a player DM was.

[Chap]

And sadly not recognised at international level.🥲

[Percy McCarthy]

And sadly not recognised at international level.🥲

Watching that game back really brings home what a ridiculous load of bollocks that was.

Great to see Cropley and Cowans in the same team as well. Even with the pair of them put together, I’ve seen more fat on a butcher’s apron.

The 81/82 boys were a better team (just), but my God that ‘77 team were magic to watch.

[Sexual Ealing]

He looks like a choirboy and sort of plays like one too, floating around ethereally in silken robes of claret. I've had a bifta.