Marcos Lopes

[BoltFromTheBlue]

Really cannot understand how this lad hasn't had a run in the first team yet! He would definitely give his all to impress, just hope Pellegrini gives him a chance in the league some time soon!

Anyone else feel the same?

[Goaters 103]

Really cannot understand how this lad hasn't had a run in the first team yet! He would definitely give his all to impress, just hope Pellegrini gives him a chance in the league some time soon!

Anyone else feel the same?

I think he's on the verge tbh, and prob will see some time in the Newcastle Cap One Cup tie. If he impresses again he will soon be part of the squad.

Its just a pity hes not a commanding centre-half as that is the one area we are desperately deficient in our squad.

[dazby]

Who's place is he taking?

[Beefymcfc]

Maybe we can unleash him at Sunderland next month and when he scores a couple of scuffers near the end we can proclaim him as the new, younger saviour of English football.

Or would it just be waved away?

Lopes is playing well and should soon be a regular on, and then off the bench. Hopefully sooner than later for me as his showing in the UEFA Youth League has proved he can put it together, not just against our league, but up against those around Europe.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Who's place is he taking?

That's the question.He isn't a dominating midfield player but more of an attacking wide player in a 4.3.3 which we don't currently play.But realistically he would have to play instead of Silva or Nasri or Jovetic if and when he gets in.

So it's not an easy transition for him to get into the first team but there again he isn't 18 yet so there shouldn't be a panic yet either.Even getting him on the bench isn't as easy as it sounds as it would mean leaving out a player like the ones mentioned already or Milner or Rodwell.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

He should be on the bench most games atm.
It would have been fantastic for the lad to have given him half an hour vs the Rags when we were 4-0 up or even last week at Everton when we'd got the 3rd.
I never really saw that much of Vladimir Weiss but I feel he should have been given first team opportunities sooner rather than rot in the reserves/ out on loan. Hope this lad gets a chance.

[Slim]

Who's place is he taking?

Well, is he a short or a tall?

[Nigels Tackle]

Who's place is he taking?

Well, is he a short or a tall?

he's spanish speaking

[dazby]

Well, is he a short or a tall?

I get the feeling he'd play as a short going off Doug's comments.

[twosips]

In Italy you can name 12 subs... I really, really think that should happen over here too. If it was done on the principal that a couple of youth team players had to be placed on the bench then i fail to see how it wouldn't benefit the league in general? Players like Lopes would be given run outs at the end of the game then if it was comfortable.

[Dameerto]

In Italy you can name 12 subs... I really, really think that should happen over here too. If it was done on the principal that a couple of youth team players had to be placed on the bench then i fail to see how it wouldn't benefit the league in general? Players like Lopes would be given run outs at the end of the game then if it was comfortable.

I think they should adopt a system of 7 squad subs plus two under 21's subs for FA matches. If they really want to see more youngsters (and more English players) developed this would be one way of helping.

[nottsblue]

The idea of extra subs is a no brainer. If we have to name a 25 man squad then why cant they all be part of a matchday squad. Manager can then give game time to more people depending on how game goes.
I would like to see more substitutions personally like Rugby. Maybe 5. I know some games might have the feel of an England friendly after a raft of subs where the game goes flat, but if we are winning i dont give a toss & if we are losing it gives us more options. Doubt this will happen but there you go.
If we dont give Lopez a bit of 1st team experience he will regress & not improve his game. By playing at a higher level he will improve. Look at Sturridge or Pogba. Both improved after playing regularly at a level better than reserves & both now full internationals

[ashton287]

He showed his age against Wigan in the second half. But I'd expect to see him once or twice between now and January, we've got 17 games between next weekend and January with 9 away games.