[Archived] Nzonzi

[den]

Key difference he was passing forward and moving forward, work on the training ground?

Won the player of the year under Sam. A midfielder winning player of the year under Allardyce was really strange, as we only ever hoofed it.

[Mattyblue]

Key difference he was passing forward and moving forward, work on the training ground?

I would say so, we have a well regarded coach at Brockhall every day...

[Amo]

I always thought Grella & Nzonzi were a good pair, too. Gave us that solidity in midfield, except now we've got Jones, who's a different class and not crippled.

[imy9]

Won the player of the year under Sam. A midfielder winning player of the year under Allardyce was really strange, as we only ever hoofed it.

Not disputing what you said, have merely commented that his game seems to have changed considerably, wondered what was the cause, did not mention Sam.

[47er]

Not disputing what you said, have merely commented that his game seems to have changed considerably, wondered what was the cause, did not mention Sam.

Hasn't changed at all. Simply regained his old form after an interrupted season.

[chris]

he makes it look very easy, I thought he was a little sloppy towards the end but excellent first half.

[imy9]

Hasn't changed at all. Simply regained his old form after an interrupted season.

Well IMO Nzonzi has started to pass forward more than he used to and his position is further forward. I seem to remember the first thing that he used to do last season was pass sideways/backwards...beauty of football, differing opinions.

[Amo]

Hasn't changed at all. Simply regained his old form after an interrupted season.

Really?

Even when he broke onto the scene, he still suffered with 'Barry Ferguson' syndrome. It was his athleticism and defensive play which stamped himself on the side.

[herbergeehh]

Glad to find this thread immediately when I logged on to brfcs, seems like others saw what I saw yesterday. Thought N'Zonzi did really well on the ball, and as always he was hard-working off it. Having J.Jones there helps, and I would think that those two + Dunn could be the way to go vs Manure - with Olsson and Hoilett on the wings and Santa or Roberts up front.

[Neil Weaver]

I always thought Grella & Nzonzi were a good pair, too. Gave us that solidity in midfield, except now we've got Jones, who's a different class and not crippled.

Hmmm, that made me wonder how often they've played together (cos I thought it wasn't often). In almost 2 full seasons, a grand total of 3 times (and 9 games where one or the other were subs and a grand total of 257 mins). That gives a good base for evidence for you. Well done.

[Amo]

Hmmm, that made me wonder how often they've played together (cos I thought it wasn't often). In almost 2 full seasons, a grand total of 3 times (and 9 games where one or the other were subs and a grand total of 257 mins). That gives a good base for evidence for you. Well done.

With Grella's constitution, that was a given.

They looked decent in the few apps they did make together. I remember one being the draw with Liverpool where we were particularly rugged in midfield.

[herbergeehh]

N'Zonzi and Jones' physical nature has helped us immensely, and time will tell whether they are good enough overall to become a real midfield force for us... In the meantime, our relegation battle becomes a lot easier with these two on form and helping our defence.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

Not disputing what you said, have merely commented that his game seems to have changed considerably, wondered what was the cause, did not mention Sam.

You caught one Imy.

[47er]

Really?

Even when he broke onto the scene, he still suffered with 'Barry Ferguson' syndrome. It was his athleticism and defensive play which stamped himself on the side.

Remember the goal against Arsenal?

[Amo]

Remember the goal against Arsenal?

Don't you mean against Everton?

Good strike, but even Mokoena scored a belter.

[joey_big_nose]

Quality performance for the first hour against West Ham. As others have said he seems to be gettng more confident and driving forward. Also hit a couple of pingers and moved the ball well both in passing and dribbling.

Getting seriously excited about next season which is ridiculously premature I know. Hoilett, Olsson, Jones and Nzonzi all established and quality first team players. Rochina also looks decent if rough. Formica is an unknown. And then we have Hanley, Morris, Lowe and Ramm all knocking on the door.

Unprecedented quality of youth in the time I have followed Rovers. Just need a few key experienced signings to help bring it through.

Staying up this year is so important.

[allanncd]

Probably wont hold onto Hoilett or Jones (and certainly not if relegated). Can't get excited about players who have never been tested at this level.

[Tom]

I think we missed Nzonzi more than expected, we have looked a much better team since Nzonzi came back alongside Jones. 2 real players in CM without having to carry Dunn.

[Amo]

I think we missed Nzonzi more than expected, we have looked a much better team since Nzonzi came back alongside Jones. 2 real players in CM without having to carry Dunn.

We've got a strong core in midfield now, we just need that quality in the final third. Hopefully, next year will see either Rochina or Formica playing off the front man - and of course JJ signed up permanently.

[Tom]

We've got a strong core in midfield now, we just need that quality in the final third. Hopefully, next year will see either Rochina or Formica playing off the front man - and of course JJ signed up permanently.

That would be pretty much ideal I think, Rochina could become the younger, fitter and better Dunny of old. With Hoilett and Olsson either side that would be deadly.

It's painful that we are in touching distance of a great team but we may never realise it's potential should Sunday go wrong

This team looks great IMO

Robbo

Salgado Samba Jones Givet / New LB

Hoilett Jones Nzonzi Olsson

Rochina

New Striker

[Torgeir]

That would be pretty much ideal I think, Rochina could become the younger, fitter and better Dunny of old. With Hoilett and Olsson either side that would be deadly.

It's painful that we are in touching distance of a great team but we may never realise it's potential should Sunday go wrong

This team looks great IMO

Robbo

Salgado Samba Jones Givet / New LB

Hoilett Jones Nzonzi Olsson

Rochina

New Striker

Would be great, but do you think it's realistic that both Samba and Jones stays? I also feel that if we want to compete for Europe we need a specialist left back in place of Givet, with him being covers for CB along with Nelsen. Salgado can play most opponents but needs to be replaced in games against very pacy wingers ala Bale.

[bennyboyt11]

Perhaps the break due to poor form followed by injury has done him some good? Seems the N'Zonzi that first appeared for us, but a bit more polished and comfortable looking.

[philipl]

Nzonzi is one heck of a find. This kid is becoming a class act for us.

[joey_big_nose]

I think we can hold onto everyone this summer, provided we stay up and show a bit of ambition in the transfer market. Maybe a deal could be struck with Samba for him to stay till Jan and then leave if he wants - but I think he will be curious to see what this young Rovers side can achieve.

Nzonzi has continued to impress. I really thought last year that the POTY award was unjustified even with the paucity of decent performances, he was static in defence and a poor passer. His main asset was his height. However in the last four or five games he has passed the ball excellently, shown great technique, driven forward, competed very well physically. The transformation in my eyes has been huge, and there is the chance he could become as crucial to side as Hoilett, Jones or Olsson.

[PAFELL]

Nzonzi is one heck of a find. This kid is becoming a class act for us.

Lets hope we keep him. We have some good players at Rovers when you really look at the squad. Phil Jones, Olsson, Hoilett, Nzonzi, Robinson, Samba, hope a deal can be struck for Jermaine Jones. Pederson is still ok, but not consistant enough these days. but that could have something to do with the style of play he has been asked to play.

Replace Nelsen, Dunn, Andrews, Salgado (though maybe keep for one more season)Roberts, RSC, Benjani, Kalinic needs an extended run in the team, so we could do better, both dioufs.

Too early to judge Rochina and Formica - but both seem to be doing ok in the reserves - but can they step up.

A couple of decent strikers and full backs, plus a few other additions to back up the squad.

But most of all a decent manager who can get the best out of the players.

But all this costs money - do Venkys have it? I doubt it.