QUOTE (X-Offender @ Jul 5 2020, 07:01 PM)
Look, I've been one of Kessie's fiercest critics around here, and he did screw up many attacks when he was played as mezz'ala. But ever since he's been playing in the double pivot he's been less involved in our attacking play, and hence his passing has also improved a bit.
Yesterday he actually made 49 passes, with a 96% pass accuracy.
He still doesn't convince me, and I think we should replace him, but let's not criticise him for things that are not his fault. Ibra, Rebic, Hakan, Paqueta, Bonaventura and Sale-maker made many errors last night, and they're supposed to be our most technically gifted players.
I actually think he just prefers Sale-maker and Bonaventura now. He wants to be cautious.
I'm not disregarding Kessie's other qualities, he's been playing well since the restart, but for as long as he's been with this team, his decision making has been one of his biggest weaknesses. I'm not just talking about that game in particular
As for Pioli, I don't think he prefers Bona and Salemakers, ahead of Ibra and Rebic. Ibra is our driving force while Rebic is stone cold. We need both, but they both have to be rotated due to Ibra's age and Rebic's playing style, which probably takes a lot out of him due to the energy he expands in each game
A side note, what a game against Juve, I was this close to switching off due to the time and having to wake up early the following morning and was pretty sure it was all over as soon a CR7 scored. What a turnaround though.
Quick mentions.
Bennacer, has been imo one of our best signings last summer, what a player he's turned out to be for us.
Hakan has been great as well. Ever since the restart he's been a completely different player to the guy we've had for these past couple of years. I really would have to pin this on the Ibra effect
Kjear as well has been top notch, I hope we sign him. He'd be a great rotation option next season if we manage to finally get Romagnoli a proper partner