Plessis

[kev776]

would he get into the Arsenal team that beat Sheff U, that is the standard he should be compared to ?

[Reece]

would he get into the Arsenal team that beat Sheff U, that is the standard he should be compared to ?

Why should it be? What have they won exactly?

[Woobus]

would he get into the Arsenal team that beat Sheff U, that is the standard he should be compared to ?

The reseves team he was in last year were far better than that Arsenal team last year. So I would think he could.

[kev776]

The reseves team he was in last year were far better than that Arsenal team last year. So I would think he could.

team maybe, but as an individual, is he at the same standard. Im not saying he is or isnt, Im asking the question

[Woobus]

team maybe, but as an individual, is he at the same standard. Im not saying he is or isnt, Im asking the question

Dont have Setanta but by all accounts he was one of the key players for the reserves, I am guessing thats why he has been moved up to the first team.

[Shaggy]

Plessis was outstanding in that reserve side last season. Saw most of their games on LFCTV and also went to watch them a couple of times.

[Kenneth]

I'd agree with that but I actually think he has put in some good performances and been let down by senior players around him a lot. From the little I have seen of him in the first team his game seems to be all about breaking things down and retaining possession. I actually think he has done this quite neatly and tends to give the ball to people in space when he can.

The trouble is his positioning is not yet at the Makelele/Mascher level and he gets caught out and he has often had a static midfield to pass too or the likes of Gerrard looking to bomb on. I think if he had a player like Scholes or Lampard who love to give short options to players but then move the ball forward rapidly he would shine. IMO Lucas is the right sort of player for him to play with but he too currently lacks authority and to ask them to progress together in odd matches here and there seems unfair.

That's an understatement. A DM who can't pass more than 5 yards, can't pass forwards, can't boss people physically, and as you said, doesn't take up great positions doesn't have the obvious makings of a top player imo. I have seen him in some reserve games and he looked better than he does in the first team, but that's because he's playing a lower level of opponent. I think the Diao comparrison is pretty fair at the moment. That's not intended to be insulting, Salif is a decent Championship level player, and I suspect that's what Plessis may end up as.

[lfc1394]

He may or may not make it but the lack of patience shown to a youngster by some is just shocking.

[calvoboy]

Yes - I thought he had a touch of class about him when he played his first few games last year. The potential is there, and it will be interesting to see how he develops. He's still young and very inexperienced and is playing in a key position in centre midfield, so he's bound to be exposed from time to time while he's learning what it takes. I reckon Rafa is doing the right thing in slowly introducing him to the first team and seeing if he sinks or swims.

Plenty of top class players look a bit iffy when they are first brought into the first team. You've got to give them the chance and have a bit of patience with them though or you'll never know how good they can be.

[Reece]

I think some people nowadays expect a youngster to come in and take the premiership by storm, otherwise they are obviously never gonna make it. Rarely happens.
Glad that approach wasn't take for the likes of Carragher.

[lfc1394]

I think some people nowadays expect a youngster to come in and take the premiership by storm, otherwise they are obviously never gonna make it. Rarely happens.
Glad that approach wasn't take for the likes of Carragher.

I think a lot of people expect Torres like success with every player

[Reece]

I think a lot of people expect Torres like success with every player

He has set the bar pretty high to be fair

[Kenneth]

People shouldn't expect a young player to come in as a ready made all round player, no. Seeing signs of something, glimpses of talents that suggest a player may be special and not just another nearly man. That's what people look for in young players. I don't see anything like this in Plessis. I may be wrong, and he may develop into a great player, but there's no reason to expect it based on his performances to date imo.

[dww]

I actually really like the way he keeps possession and unlike others I thought when he was progressive in his first team appearances his balls were always well judged and accurate. I think we have seen early in this season other more experienced players like Mascher, Alonso and Gerrard all suffer from the lack of movement around them.

For me the big issue with Plessis is that he seems a little cowed/over awed by the players around him. I think if he gains confidence then he will blossom. I'm not sure how likely he is to do that with us though.

[The Birdman]

His job within the team will be to hold a shape, pass the ball to another red shirt and support, he isn't going to spray the ball around ala Alonso (thank god, still to be convinced he deserves to be here) but he's young, physically athletic so when he fills out into his frame he'll be a strong, imposing centre midfielder.
The way he plays for the 1st team is exactly how he plays for the reserves so you can only presume he is doing what he is told and doing it well enough to play for the 1st team.