Mangala's not been so bad?

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Mangala had a super game yesterday, and his combination with Otter was within an ace of producing another clean sheet. He also hasn't looked quite such a club foot on the ball. Considering that the oppo was the much lauded Kane, it was a decent effort. He didn't frighten me much at all.
Whisper it, but he might just be a better partner to Otamendi than Kompany (when fit) in Stone's absence.
Discuss.

[PeterParker]

I was always convinced the critics around him were harsh, but he still has some issues like the fact he really seems scared when the ball is around him or someone is searching him with the pass, like a deer in the headlights.

Pep decided to give him game time and he is growing. I hope he can play a part this season like Demi played in our last title run.

[john@staustell]

Let's not get too carried away

[nottsblue]

He hasn't disgraced himself by any means and has handled the pressure well. Sometimes you can judge a player by how well his opponent has played. Well, you would be forgiven for thinking Harry Kane didn't play yesterday. Plus, centre halves are NOT individual players, they are a partnership, where often the sum is greater than the parts.

But having said all that would you rather Mangala on the teamsheet or say, VVD or Laporte or Bonucci?

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

All true. But we don't have them at the club.
He does deal with big strong lads well eg Costa, Big Nose, Lukaku.
I've always thought he has the defensive qualities necessary, some pace, aerial ability and strength, but it's never come together properly. Largely due to his frightened rabbit impression and that he suddenly does a passable impersonation of somebody wearing clown's boots.

[Mase]

All true. But we don't have them at the club.
He does deal with big strong lads well eg Costa, Big Nose, Lukaku.
I've always thought he has the defensive qualities necessary, some pace, aerial ability and strength, but it's never come together properly. Largely due to his frightened rabbit impression and that he suddenly does a passable impersonation of somebody wearing clown's boots.

You beat me to it. He’s always good against the big lads. Put him against a shitty Vardy and that’s when he struggles.

Apart from the backing off for their goal he had an alright game yesterday.

[carl_feedthegoat]

He has been given instructions to hoof the ball upfield IMO - out of all the players in defence , he hoofed it upfield more than anyone else as he's nowhere near good enough to fuck around with it like the others can.

[nottsblue]

All true. But we don't have them at the club.
He does deal with big strong lads well eg Costa, Big Nose, Lukaku.
I've always thought he has the defensive qualities necessary, some pace, aerial ability and strength, but it's never come together properly. Largely due to his frightened rabbit impression and that he suddenly does a passable impersonation of somebody wearing clown's boots.

No we don't have the lads I mentioned at the club. They were just examples of players who would probably fit into our system better. There is a window coming up and my point was that though Mangala has performed OK, he is not a long term solution and together with Kompany being on the treatment table more often than not, would we rather go out and buy a replacement in January?

[Beefymcfc]

Not doing too bad, not bad at all.

[City64]

Best game in a city shirt yesterday was excellent , stepping up to the plate .

[london blue 2]

The way I see it is if demichalis can play himself into form then mangala has a chance. Noticed he has decided not to take risks at certain points, choosing instead to go to row z.

I think he still has a howler in him though..

[patrickblue]

I think I'm his biggest critic, I've been quite Carlesque in my criticism of him.
That said, he's been sound the last couple of games, infact very impressive.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Not doing too bad, not bad at all.

Agreed. He has been good so the header doesn't quite read right to me.

[Nigels Tackle]

did ok yesterday but i don't think he's good a footballer as ederson

[Wooders]

He’s aleight when we have 85% posession

[sheblue]

Some of the critisism he got in the not too distant past was way OTT. For a man who hardly had a game.
He is what he has always has been and that's a good 3rd 4th choice CB.
Yes he make a mistakes but do do all the others.

[Mase]

Some of the critisism he got in the not too distant past was way OTT. For a man who hardly had a game.
He is what he has always has been and that's a good 3rd 4th choice CB.
Yes he make a mistakes but do do all the others.

Watch on youtube.com

[Foreverinbluedreams]

Good player, great attitude, not the best fit for us but he leaves it all out there everytime he plays.

[aristation]

I think there is a place for Mangala in the squad as the fourth CB and unfortunately if we buy a new CB it is Vinnie that I would move to the coaching staff as he wont play enough games

[Saul Goodman]

Gotta say he did well again today. I still get nervous when he has to pass.

Hopefully this good form will increase the fee we can get for him in the summer