Donyell Malen

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I was right above Malen, there was about a dozen occasions where he made a run, Cash ignored him and just passed to McGinn or Konsa.

In those circumstances, moving inside to try and get a pass from somebody else is really all he can do given Cash's refusal (or inability) to pass to him.

Yeah but how long has Malen been at the club, certainly long enough to know that if he's looking to receive the ball he needs to be behind Cash.

[Ian.]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

[VILLA MOLE]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

They were either holding hands or oceans apart , something I tell my under13s team off for

[villadelph]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.

[Demitri_C]

They are veey shit together on the right. Can malen play on left? Surely makes sense to play him with maatsen if he plays leftas well?

[Ian.]

Malen looked brilliant at St Marys last year, but I reckon I would have too.

[brontebilly]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.

Malen just seemed unsure of his role. Same when he came on v Brentford in the same position. Either too narrow or when wide very reluctant to take on his man. Elliot will be a lot better there cutting in and giving Cash/Garcia an option on overlap.

[Ian.]

What is Malens best role?

[Dave]

What is Malens best role?

His one outstanding season was at PSV when he was mainly a centre-forward with Madueke and Gakpo supporting him.

Then he went to Dortmund who saw him as an Haaland replacement, but then kept buying more and more other potential Haaland replacements so he never really got to play there for them and was shunted wide.

[Ian.]

Thanks Dave

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.

Malen just seemed unsure of his role. Same when he came on v Brentford in the same position. Either too narrow or when wide very reluctant to take on his man. Elliot will be a lot better there cutting in and giving Cash/Garcia an option on overlap.

Overlap? For what, Cash struggles to cross his legs. Cash was reluctant to cross the half way line. Instructions? Probably but 98% of his passes last night were backwards.

[brontebilly]

Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.

There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.

Malen just seemed unsure of his role. Same when he came on v Brentford in the same position. Either too narrow or when wide very reluctant to take on his man. Elliot will be a lot better there cutting in and giving Cash/Garcia an option on overlap.

Overlap? For what, Cash struggles to cross his legs. Cash was reluctant to cross the half way line. Instructions? Probably but 98% of his passes last night were backwards.

Agreed on Cash crossing, surprisingly better on his left than right, but it was like two strangers who had just met in a lift on that side. Think an inverted wide player like Elliot or McGinn will suit us better on that side. Let's see what Garcia can bring too.

Not sure where that leaves Malen, out of favour again I suspect. Surprised we didn't move him on yesterday.

[eamonn]

Malen should be back-up for Ollie now and if he has anything about him, champing at the bit to be picked ahead of Watkins.

[brontebilly]

Malen should be back-up for Ollie now and if he has anything about him, champing at the bit to be picked ahead of Watkins.

Maybe Eamonn but he was hardly bought for that role. His back to goal play seemed very average last year but I guess it's not as if Ollie's is any better currently. Is Guessand a similar type of player?

[PaulWinch again]

I worry about Malen for a couple of reasons. Firstly as a player I’m not really sure what he does that is top level, and it certainly isn’t workrate off the ball. Secondly, and it’s linked, but he doesn’t appear particularly suited to what Emery does or wants to do. I get not all signings work out, and he might still, but strategically it feels odd.