Whenever I watch games or highlights from different leagues, I naturally try to follow any player who's been linked with us. This week I watched the recording of Bayer-Schalke game from the previous week and highlights of all Bundesliga games from the week. Here's what caught my attention:
- Matip looks great, I think he would be an instant improvement over any CB we currently have. Physically dominant and looks like a leader/proactive type of defender.
- Leroy Sane had an uncharacteristically poor game against Bayer, you could see flashes of quality and his pace over both short and long distance is frightening, but on that day Bayer did a great job of isolating him against 2 defenders and nothing was coming off for him. His defensive contribution was lacking, looks very raw in that department.
- Xhaka got a really stupid sending-off this week – just deliberately kicked an opponent right in front of a referee. This is a major concern; he looks like one of those players who will never really learn to control their temper.
- Calhanoglu is great at free-kicks, but surprisingly shite at corners. Nothing positive to report about his general play.
- Jonathan Tah looked good, but a lot more raw than Matip (as he should be, being 5 years younger).
- Subotic was not in the squad for Dortmund vs Cologne.
- We were not recently linked with him, but once again, I really like the look of Schalke's Max Meyer. A playmaker who always chooses the simple and correct option, such a pleasant contrast after watching Lallana play.
- Timo Horn looked good against Dortmund once again and overall had a great first half of the season – but somehow I don't feel completely convinced by him yet.
- Augsburg, who is our next opponent in the Europa league, have won once again, I think it's 3 or 4 games on the trot now. They are the German Watford, they play with discipline and without fear – don't underestimate them!
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