Author Topic: Claudio Yacob (Left, now at Nottm Forest)  (Read 325753 times)

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zippyandbungle

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #75 on: July 15, 2012, 07:21:06 PM »
How far have we come , when people are quite ready to allow mulumbu to leave ?
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #76 on: July 15, 2012, 08:15:25 PM »
Think your losing the plot a bit here KP with respect. A player that breaks up and instigates?...Mulumbu has been doing that for the last three years! Cant see that there would be that much difference between Jacob and Morrison/Dorrans other than the position they are asked to adopt. they are all Midfielders who pass the ball. Jacob is of interest because of that, he is well drilled in that position and the club want someone who can come in and do that job straight away.
Fact still remains that we lack a real powerhouse player with the legs to get all over the pitch and dominate games by imposing himself. Arguably the most influential player in the PL last season? Ya Ya Toure.........................I rest my case
Mulumbu is not an instigator of attacks, more a terminator of them before they've even started. Even the head of the Official Mulumbu Fan Club would struggle to call Mulumbu a creative player whilst keeping a straight face. Mulumbu is a great player - fantastic work-rate, very aggressive, very physical, very strong, great tackler etc. but on the ball he's poor. Once he wins the ball he has a very bad habit of either running into trouble and losing it or misplacing a simple pass. Scharner was virtually the same. Mulumbu and Scharner both did a good job of getting forward supporting and sometimes even finishing attacks in the 2010/11 season, but it was mainly Thomas, Brunt, Odemwingie and whoever played attacking midfield who did the creating.

By 'instigating attacks' (which was probably not the best description I admit) I mean someone with a steady head who has creativity and vision to dictate the game from a deep position and who can make things happen by playing telling passes long and short, not just someone who can pass it 5 yards. Dare I say it, a 'Pirlo' type player. We're missing a player like that I feel, and the fact that he is apparently a very good destroyer also means we won't lose much defensively by having him in the team. Win win. It's possible Dorrans or Morrison could play that position since they're both very good passers and good defensively, but their talents generally lie in going forwards so they'd arguably be 'wasted' playing there, and there's no guarantee they'll adapt to/learn the role quickly enough. Brunt and Dorrans have both played the deeper role before and neither of them looked particularly impressive there. Attempting to fit square pegs into round roles rarely works in football, if you want a player to fill a certain position/role then you should buy a player who specialises in that position/role rather than trying to make a player who doesn't specialise in it work there.

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #77 on: July 15, 2012, 08:46:30 PM »
I haven't read all of this thread but most of it and enough I think to say that I would welcome the signing of Yacob and Doumbia but I really think that we are going to need Mulumbu.

I very much doubt that after all of the signings we will have a better DM than Mulumbu and more to the point he is now proven in the team and the Premier League. He is also still improving-so for me it's going to be a big year for him and I hope it is with us!
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #78 on: July 15, 2012, 09:38:42 PM »
Mulumbu is not an instigator of attacks, more a terminator of them before they've even started. Even the head of the Official Mulumbu Fan Club would struggle to call Mulumbu a creative player whilst keeping a straight face. Mulumbu is a great player - fantastic work-rate, very aggressive, very physical, very strong, great tackler etc. but on the ball he's poor. Once he wins the ball he has a very bad habit of either running into trouble and losing it or misplacing a simple pass. Scharner was virtually the same. Mulumbu and Scharner both did a good job of getting forward supporting and sometimes even finishing attacks in the 2010/11 season, but it was mainly Thomas, Brunt, Odemwingie and whoever played attacking midfield who did the creating.

By 'instigating attacks' (which was probably not the best description I admit) I mean someone with a steady head who has creativity and vision to dictate the game from a deep position and who can make things happen by playing telling passes long and short, not just someone who can pass it 5 yards. Dare I say it, a 'Pirlo' type player. We're missing a player like that I feel, and the fact that he is apparently a very good destroyer also means we won't lose much defensively by having him in the team. Win win. It's possible Dorrans or Morrison could play that position since they're both very good passers and good defensively, but their talents generally lie in going forwards so they'd arguably be 'wasted' playing there, and there's no guarantee they'll adapt to/learn the role quickly enough. Brunt and Dorrans have both played the deeper role before and neither of them looked particularly impressive there. Attempting to fit square pegs into round roles rarely works in football, if you want a player to fill a certain position/role then you should buy a player who specialises in that position/role rather than trying to make a player who doesn't specialise in it work there.

Ok now your making more sense to me KP. I still slightly disagree with you about Mulumbu though. I have never described him as a creative passing player but (and I havnt gone looking for any stats) I think people have a slightly skewd view because of the amount of times he touches the ball. As a result it appears he gives the ball away more than others but in % terms Im not so sure. In any event "instigate" means to begin or start off. Mulumbu generally does this pretty well in my view. He wins the ball and generally makes a successful short pass to instigate our possession.
But I agree completely with you about the need for a deep lying creative ball playing DM who can come in and do the job to a high standard right away. I would just like a really powerful physically imposing DM with some ability to play alongside.
I watched some extended you tube highlights of Jacob and while you cant read too much in to that he does look very accomplished on the ball.

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #79 on: July 15, 2012, 10:01:32 PM »
Although Mulumbu is primarily a defensive midfielder he has improved other aspects of his game and as we found out during Roberto Di Matteo's reign he was a very useful midfielder going forward popping up with numerous goals. Even under Roy Hodgson towards the end of our first season he grabbed a couple then. I remember after our game with the Villa, Roy called him an all round midfielder or certainly words to that effect. Last season he was much more disciplined in his play, and often when partnered alongside Paul Scharner we missed having that ball playing midfielder. It was much easier in a midfield three when he had James Morrison alongside him who is a much more accomplished footballer.

If Mulumbu and Yacob can form a decent partnership then that should give us a solid platform to build from, as pointed out above, it's also the biggest indication that we're set to switch to a five man midfield.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #80 on: July 15, 2012, 10:18:35 PM »
Although Mulumbu is primarily a defensive midfielder he has improved other aspects of his game and as we found out during Roberto Di Matteo's reign he was a very useful midfielder going forward popping up with numerous goals. Even under Roy Hodgson towards the end of our first season he grabbed a couple then. I remember after our game with the Villa, Roy called him an all round midfielder or certainly words to that effect. Last season he was much more disciplined in his play, and often when partnered alongside Paul Scharner we missed having that ball playing midfielder. It was much easier in a midfield three when he had James Morrison alongside him who is a much more accomplished footballer.

If Mulumbu and Yacob can form a decent partnership then that should give us a solid platform to build from, as pointed out above, it's also the biggest indication that we're set to switch to a five man midfield.

Yep sort get that feeling too Liam. If he does go that route which has by far been our most successful formation in recent times then will it be five strung across the middle 451 or would he adopt more of a 4231 with the two wide men in the three getting to the touchline on the attack. Was and still am a fan of Roy because he got us some superb results but secretly Im hoping SC can bring a bit of the flair and fancy football back.

suffolk baggie

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #81 on: July 15, 2012, 10:24:23 PM »
i think everybody is getting ahead of them selves yacob has not signed yet ? lets have the discusion when he has put pen to paper

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #82 on: July 15, 2012, 10:24:49 PM »
Yep sort get that feeling too Liam. If he does go that route which has by far been our most successful formation in recent times then will it be five strung across the middle 451 or would he adopt more of a 4231 with the two wide men in the three getting to the touchline on the attack. Was and still am a fan of Roy because he got us some superb results but secretly Im hoping SC can bring a bit of the flair and fancy football back.

It'll be interesting to see what we do over the pre-season fixtures to be honest. That'll help us get an understanding of how Clarke wants us to set up. The opening signals, however, appear to be promising. I thought last season we were often predictable and played our much better football with the five man midfield. I haven't seen Yacob in action, but what I would presume is that, either he or Mulumbu will sit deep whilst the other one pushes forward to help join in the attacks.

If I was to have a bet. I could see Yacob sitting deepest to be honest using his technical skills to move the ball forward which is an area where Mulumbu is weak. Mulumbu from what I've gathered through reading on here and twitter is certainly the more agile out of the two. It should be a nice blend between the two and hopefully they can compliment each other like Scharner and Mulumbu did in our first season in the Premier League under RDM.
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LiamTheBaggie

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #83 on: July 15, 2012, 10:33:59 PM »
i think everybody is getting ahead of them selves yacob has not signed yet ? lets have the discusion when he has put pen to paper

We're having the dicussion about where he will fit into the squad, Suffolk. Nobody from what I can see is getting ahead of themselves. If we left it till he actually signed then we'd have bugger all to talk about!  :D
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #84 on: July 15, 2012, 10:35:06 PM »
i think everybody is getting ahead of them selves yacob has not signed yet ? lets have the discusion when he has put pen to paper

Talking football Suffolk...part of the game, its all about opinions?. Same principles would apply whether he signs or not?

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #85 on: July 15, 2012, 11:25:42 PM »
i think everybody is getting ahead of them selves yacob has not signed yet ? lets have the discusion when he has put pen to paper

No, that's when it gets moved and has 'SIGNED OFFICIAL' after his name. This section of the forum is for transfer speculation.

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #86 on: July 15, 2012, 11:43:03 PM »
CL - Latest on Yacob pursuit in Monday's Birmingham Mail.... and why Doumbia won't be moving to #wba


dammm I wanted  both :'(
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #87 on: July 16, 2012, 08:05:35 AM »
Chris Lepkowski ?@chrislepkowski

#wba? close in on Yacob deal. Doumbia won't be joining following talks with WBA. A mutual decision. Story to follow at http://birminghammail.net
When do we begin to give up on Chuck Norris and start to use Youssuf Mulumbu as the basis?

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #88 on: July 16, 2012, 09:06:23 AM »
West Brom hope to complete the signing of Argentinian midfielder Claudio Yacob this week - but the Baggies have called time on their pursuit of Tongo Doumbia.

The Baggies held provisional talks with the highly-rated Yacob last week, with the out-of-contract midfielder being given a tour of the club’s facilities.

He is due to hold further discussions with the club early this week, potentially even today.

If all goes to plan Albion aim to finalise his move in the coming days, barring any unforseen red tape issues.

Ideally, Albion would like him to play some part in the club’s two-game visit to Sweden and Denmark.

Yacob, who has been capped three times by Argentina, is out of contract having spent the last six years at Avellaneda-based Racing Club.

The 24-year-old is described as a tenacious defensive midfielder and was captain of Racing for the last four years.

Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2012/07/16/west-brom-doumbia-deal-off-but-clarke-remains-hopeful-of-signing-yacob-97319-31403248/#ixzz20lqYaxvl
When do we begin to give up on Chuck Norris and start to use Youssuf Mulumbu as the basis?

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #89 on: July 16, 2012, 09:57:00 AM »
Having read your response on this one Nocky Im not sure that in actual fact we are that far away in our thinking rather that wwe are looking at the same problem through slightly differently tinted glasses! But to pick up on some of the points you make.
We both think Mulumbu is an excellent midfielder. I didnt actually say he instigates attacking play I merely responded to KPs quote "A player that breaks up and instigates" in simple terms he wins the ball and makes the first pass. In actual fact under RDM he was quite a bit more than that, I think he scored 8 times and actually was allowed to attack far more than under Roy. At no time have I said I would want to replace creative quality with just physical presence or say a Doumbia for a Jacob. The point I really made was we lack IMO a really strong presence in CM. So yes Jacob looks like a great signing but for me so would a Doumbia type to sit alongside. I dont see much difference in the basic skills that Jacob has v a Dorrans for instance. Indeed Roy had him sitting in a very deep sitting role for some games earlier in the season. But I think we agree that it is a role for a specialist if you like.
As for Ya Ya Toure I am a realist like you but the point Im making is that Man City the PL champions see a principal need for a player of that physical nature within their side.
I think we should learn from that.

But overall I think were not far away in terms of how we see things. From my point of view I just felt there were a number of games last season that were crying out for us to have a bit more of a presence in CM. Maybe Mulumbu has taken us as far as he is able in that sort of role?

I agree that it would probably be unfair to label Mulumbu purely as a DM as he has shown that the can be a very dynamic box to box midfielder when given the opportunity. However, this doesn’t disguise the fact that although he often makes the first pass (obvious in a way given that he is our main ball winner) his passing isn’t particularly progressive. Even worse than that, he can be very sloppy in possession at times. If we are to allow Mulumbu the freedom to get forward once again an intelligent, ball winning DM sweeping up behind him would seemingly be ideal.

I think the main point of our disagreement centres around the need for physicality in the middle of the park. You say we were ‘crying out for it at times last season’ but IMO that was generally not the case. I can’t think of too many times when were physically bossed in the midfield area last season but I can think of quite a few times when we were out passed, out manoeuvred and out thought.  Sure this was partly due to RH’s tactics but if we can maintain some of the organisation he instilled whilst adding a bit more ball playing quality into the middle of the park I think we can address this issue.

I think in reality every team would love to have a Ya Ya Toure as he has physicality and ability in abundance. However I maintain that in the market we are in, if we were to bring in a player with a physical presence then there would likely be some sort of trade of with regards to his ability on the ball. I understand this isn’t what you are suggesting but it is the reality of the situation.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #90 on: July 16, 2012, 12:56:49 PM »
You don't need to be built like a heavyweight boxer to be a good midfield destroyer. Work-rate, positional sense, anticipation, stamina and tackling ability is much more important in that position than being built like a poohouse.

The obsession of fans and managers for players to be big is what's holding English football up.
Totally agree 100%, reading of the game is way more important than physical atttibutes, Yacob is certainly the kind of player i feel we have been missing in the middle of the park, Mulumbu and Scharner were good at the destructive side of the game but we are lacking some creativity in the centre of midfield.

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #91 on: July 16, 2012, 01:01:32 PM »
Playing Scarner and Mulumbu was too rigid and starved us of creation at times, having someone to drop deep and take the ball off Mulumbu/The DM and look to create is exactly what we need.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #92 on: July 16, 2012, 01:18:42 PM »
Does show the level of planning that goes on at the Albion these days, when Scharner was being restricted in game time to prevent activation of a contract extension, it had already been decided to upgrade that position, the search was on, pretty impressive really.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #93 on: July 16, 2012, 01:31:05 PM »
Totally agree 100%, reading of the game is way more important than physical atttibutes, Yacob is certainly the kind of player i feel we have been missing in the middle of the park, Mulumbu and Scharner were good at the destructive side of the game but we are lacking some creativity in the centre of midfield.

Agree for the most part but there are some games (Stoke for instance) where some extra height and strength would be useful. That said stick one of the centre backs in midfield if that is required to counter a specific threat. In any event at 5ft 11 Yacob id hardly a dwarf.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #94 on: July 16, 2012, 04:05:16 PM »
Agree for the most part but there are some games (Stoke for instance) where some extra height and strength would be useful. That said stick one of the centre backs in midfield if that is required to counter a specific threat. In any event at 5ft 11 Yacob id hardly a dwarf.
Plus watching the youtube clips, which i know arent always the best guideline, he looks pretty useful in the air and can def put his foot in

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #95 on: July 16, 2012, 06:18:49 PM »
Agree for the most part but there are some games (Stoke for instance) where some extra height and strength would be useful. That said stick one of the centre backs in midfield if that is required to counter a specific threat. In any event at 5ft 11 Yacob id hardly a dwarf.
I see the point but for our rare win at Stoke we had Mulumbu, Morrison and Dorrans as our middle three. I'm not sure it's worth sacrificing quality to play an out of position centre back.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #96 on: July 16, 2012, 07:17:04 PM »
Site was down for a bit there so I was convinced he was signed, gutted!
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #97 on: July 16, 2012, 07:57:16 PM »
Site was down for a bit there so I was convinced he was signed, gutted!

Like Lewisant I keep logging on hoping to see that Yacob has signed. Fingers crossed that this rumour will have a positive outcome ;)

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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #98 on: July 17, 2012, 12:03:56 PM »
James Nursey ?@JamesNursey
#WBA closing in on Argentinian midfielder Claudio Yacob. Gather Ashworth been monitoring him since signing Juan Carlos Mensequez.
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Re: Claudio Yacob
« Reply #99 on: July 17, 2012, 01:05:28 PM »
I think a midfield 5 of  Yacob & Mulumbu with Morrison, Brunt and El Ghanassay is something to get excited about.
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