Rafa Benitez: Time for young stars to step it up

[fred_plasticine]

The terminology in this case is unimportant. He's not going to be good enough to get into our team anyway.

fair enough. although i wouldn't right him off just yet.

[Pablo]

Rafa is right of course, but Babel and Lucas have both sown encouraging signs over the last few matches, it is time for them to kick on now the settling in process is over. Have afeeling Babel is going to weigh in with soon more goals soon.

[Woobus]

Bit of topic but was Babel picked for the Dutch team this time after his napping last time?

[mersey86]

The terminology in this case is unimportant. He's not going to be good enough to get into our team anyway.

Disagree - if he was a winger his lack of speed would be a big issue. As a left-sided midfield player it is less so. Its still early days. I know a lot of people agree with your opinion but lets not write him off just yet.

[NICKZS]

Not a lot has changed then

[JohnDoe]

Disagree - if he was a winger his lack of speed would be a big issue. As a left-sided midfield player it is less so. Its still early days. I know a lot of people agree with your opinion but lets not write him off just yet.

Why does a winger who plays on the left must have speed but a left midfielder who plays in exactly the same position and is supposed to contribute equal ability doesn't suddenly need speed as much?

In the modern game, the only difference between a "winger" and a "wide midfielder" is that the "winger" is simply a "wide midfielder" who is superior and not as limited as his companion, so he's being regarded as a winger.

[carheex]

I usually avoid making early judgments of players, but I don't see Leto making the step up, ever. He just doesn't have enough in him. In Lucas and Babel, you see the huge potential waiting to explode, their 'weaknesses' are in areas that can be improved at their age and have more to do with the tactical and mental aspects of the game. Leto's problem is that he just isn't quick enough or skillful enough to be a top winger.

Now you tell us! why didn't you share this info with Benitez and his scouts when they were deciding to whether to sign him or not??

[dom9]

I think Leto's decision making is poor, even for the reserves, where he does stand out to a certain extent.

Babel's decision making is also pretty dire. Trouble is, his instinct is to play as a striker rather than a winger, so he shoots at every opportunity, even if there is a pass on. He should hopefully learn in time though.

[mersey86]

Why does a winger who plays on the left must have speed but a left midfielder who plays in exactly the same position and is supposed to contribute equal ability doesn't suddenly need speed as much?

In the modern game, the only difference between a "winger" and a "wide midfielder" is that the "winger" is simply a "wide midfielder" who is superior and not as limited as his companion, so he's being regarded as a winger.

It depends on your definition. I see a winger as an attacking player, somebody who is likely to hug the touchline and try to beat his man to get in crosses for the attackers. I see a left midfielder as somebody who is more integral to the passing game, more skill and less bite than a central midfielder but somebody who can fit more into a pass and move style of play. John Barnes v Ronnie Whelan or Steve Heighway v Ray Houghton. The winger is needed for one style of play, the wide midfielder for another.

[JohnDoe]

Now you tell us! why didn't you share this info with Benitez and his scouts when they were deciding to whether to sign him or not??

Is that a necessary jibe? Go ahead and tell this to every person on this forum who voices an opinion over a player.

[Pacman]

I think Leto is ****ing class.

He's a cut above everyone he plays against in the stiffs. The lad has talent but he must be given time to settle ffs.

[fred_plasticine]

I think Leto's decision making is poor, even for the reserves, where he does stand out to a certain extent.

Babel's decision making is also pretty dire. Trouble is, his instinct is to play as a striker rather than a winger, so he shoots at every opportunity, even if there is a pass on. He should hopefully learn in time though.

pretty much like ronaldo in his first season in that perspective.
lacks a bit experience but he'll learn.

[JohnDoe]

I see a winger as an attacking player, somebody who is likely to hug the touchline and try to beat his man to get in crosses for the attackers.

I see a left midfielder as somebody who is more integral to the passing game, more skill and less bite than a central midfielder but somebody who can fit more into a pass and move style of play.

If a player can't do both, I don't want them in the team, at least that's the ideal. Doing both makes them great. Doing just one thing makes them limited. Ronaldo is damn good because he excels at both, so was Barnes.

[mersey86]

You don't find that many John Barneses. Just give Leto a chance.

[JohnDoe]

Just give Leto a chance.

Who said I wasn't? Merely my impression from him so far. Granted it's pretty damning, but I'm definitely not counting him out nor am I suggesting to get rid at such an early stage.