Sahin's role...

[doctor_mac]

There seems to be a fair bit of disagreement on this site as to the role that Sahin, has, can and will play. I have been corrected for suggesting he might fill my wild aspirations for an Ozil style player- my optimism fuled by this Bundesliga journo:

"Sahin exploded during 2010/11," German football journalist Ben Gladwell told The Independent. "So much so that the main question asked after his sale was how Dortmund would be able to defend their title without their key player, similar to questions now about Shinji Kagawa [who has recently joined Manchester United]."

Unfortunately at Madrid Sahin's route has been blocked by many assured midfielders – not least Mesut Ozil, of similar approach, heritage and age. "His style is like Ozil and, ironically, it is probably him keeping him out at Real," added Gladwell. "He's very technically gifted and plays the same position just behind the strikers or out wide, liking the ball at his feet and with a perpetual engine. He goes to get the ball rather than waiting for it to arrive. His goalscoring record is similar to Ozil's too and he probably should be getting more than he does, but creating goals is his real forte."

Some posters here say he's an Alonso type player, but as I pointed out in the other thread, his pass completion stats (76%) suggest a more adventurous player than Alonso. So- what is the truth- who has watched him loads? What can we expect from Sahin?

 

[Glen C]

Well Wenger said he sees him as a midfielder playing slightly further forward as well. From what little i've seen of him he would be where gerrard plays.

 

[Ryan]

I'm told he's like Petit.

That about right?

 

[dantes]

I expect him to call adam an amcık, shove him to the floor and take his place.

 

[Mamma Mia]

I've seen a fair bit of him, but nothing to suggest that he is limited to a particular type.

He's a bit like Allen in that regard, and his role here will be: "Fucking good midfielder"

 

[dmishra]

The best comparison I can probably think of is the role that Pirlo does for Italy. Not as deep lying as Alonso, but definitely a deeper central midfielder as opposed to a classical trequartista. His style of play isn't one that involves quick, and immediately penetrative passing. He has a more controlled, languid style, which is designed to dictate the play from a slightly deeper position. That said, he's definitely got more attacking verve than Alonso - is better at carrying the ball, and plays in the second (i.e. the slightly higher) central midfield position as opposed to the proper holding position Alonso used to play. However, you will see him drop deep (right up to the defence or the keeper at times) to collect the ball and spray it around.

I don't think the Ozil comparison is valid as Ozil is an out-an-out attacking midfielder. If you look closely at the stats, you'll see Ozil creates and scores more. Also, Sahin's goalscoring stats are probably inflated because I understand he was the designated set-piece and penalty specialist for Dortmund (he hits a mean free-kick btw).

 

[doctor_mac]

I've seen a fair bit of him, but nothing to suggest that he is limited to a particular type.

He's a bit like Allen in that regard, and his role here will be: "Fucking good midfielder"

Sorry Mamma- need more than that dude.

 

[Glen C]

The best comparison I can probably think of is the role that Pirlo does for Italy. Not as deep lying as Alonso, but definitely a deeper central midfielder as opposed to a classical trequartista. His style of play isn't one that involves quick, and immediately penetrative passing. He has a more controlled, languid style, which is designed to dictate the play from a slightly deeper position. That said, he's definitely got more attacking verve than Alonso - is better at carrying the ball, and plays in the second (i.e. the slightly higher) central midfield position as opposed to the proper holding position Alonso used to play. However, you will see him drop deep (right up to the defence or the keeper at times) to collect the ball and spray it around.

I don't think the Ozil comparison is valid as Ozil is an out-an-out attacking midfielder. If you look closely at the stats, you'll see Ozil creates and scores more. Also, Sahin's goalscoring stats are probably inflated because I understand he was the designated set-piece and penalty specialist for Dortmund (he hits a mean free-kick btw).

So more the role Allen started off in before lucas went off injured you mean.

 

[dmishra]

Yes.

 

[Delinquent]

Well Wenger said he sees him as a midfielder playing slightly further forward as well. From what little i've seen of him he would be where gerrard plays.

Wenger said "I see Sahin as not a deep, deep midfielder, but a little bit higher", which presumably is a more traditional centre midfield role. I think he and Allen will play pretty much alongside each other, with Stevie ahead. Sahin will just replace Lucas/Shelvey from yesterday.

 

[dmishra]

Here are some clips dedicated to his performances in specific games (a lot better to judge a player by than a compilation of passes and goals). You'll see he rarely ventures into the final third, doing most of his passing from the first and second thirds of the pitch:

 

[redhorizon2]

Well Wenger said he sees him as a midfielder playing slightly further forward as well. From what little i've seen of him he would be where gerrard plays.

Youtube clips tend to indicate a player of the ilke of Zidane. Can get pass players but will not run with the ball over long distances.

 

[dmishra]

Wenger said "I see Sahin as not a deep, deep midfielder, but a little bit higher", which presumably is a more traditional centre midfield role. I think he and Allen will play pretty much alongside each other, with Stevie ahead. Sahin will just replace Lucas/Shelvey from yesterday.

I would think so too. I also get the feeling that when Lucas is back we might see Lucas and Sahin in midfield, with Allen a little further ahead, and Gerrard as the false nine, flanked by Suarez and Assaidi/Sterling.

 

[mark1975]

That ball to Ronaldo in the last clip, round about 4:20.

 

[Fabio]

That ball to Ronaldo in the last clip, round about 4:20.

The long pass to callejon?

 

[mark1975]

The long pass to callejon?

Yeah that's the one, he looked foreign with dark hair.

 

[dmishra]

To be fair, the way he sprinted was extremely reminiscent of twinkle toes! I was wondering when Ronaldo started wearing #21 myself.

 

[Mamma Mia]

Sorry Mamma- need more than that dude.

Well, in that case, the only answer is "I don't know where Rodgers sees him".

He is capable of playing a variety of roles.

 

[iseered]

So to summarize, Sahin is not a river deep midfielder, nor a mountain high.

 

[iseered]

More like halfway up a normal sized tree I reckon.

 

[doctor_mac]

Those clips are great Dmishra- I've got a much better sense of him now. He'll fit BR's philosophy nicely- he definitely does like the odd Hollywood ball though- and I know they can be overdone (admittedly a fault of Adam), I do think someone needs to have that in the locker to mix things up. It explains his relatively poor pass completion stat.

 

[Squiggles]

I've seen a fair bit of him, but nothing to suggest that he is limited to a particular type.

He's a bit like Allen in that regard, and his role here will be: "Fucking good midfielder"

Yeah, he's an all round CM. People seem to have forgotten this position exists in recent years.