Lol, it s like Neymar opened an (poor) acting school back in Brazil..
Malcom
- Thread starter Jair Ventura
- Start date
Lol, it s like Neymar opened an (poor) acting school back in Brazil..
Bulgroz
Senior Member
Bordeaux fan here. I think I might have missed 2 or 3 of his games with Bordeaux, so I think I can say quite a lot about him.
His style:
Great pace with the ball, great control, very nice shot. And good on set pieces. But one think that's barely been mentioned here is the fact that he's a really clever player. That's something that became very obvious in very little time for most Bordeaux fans. Yes, last season he sometimes tried to overdo it, keeping the ball a bit too much, dribbling instead of passing. But keep in mind that our season was utterly awful (we went more than 10 games without a win, with something like 9 defeats in a row), and Malcom was our only talented offensive player. The team played really bad, and that probably lead him to play alone. I highly doubt he'd do the same with great players around him, especially in a team in which he's not the main attraction. So besides those few months, he overall played really smart, linking well with everyone else. He can be a playmaker if needs be (though he's a better winger), and that's one of the main difference between him and Dembele. By the way, I couldn't disagree more with Maxim4 when he says Malcom creates less chances than Dembouz. Statistics prove him wrong, as somebody already mentioned, but apart from that, Malcom created TONS of opportunities for our strikers throughout the season. But our strikers suck. He could have ended last season with 10 or 15 more assists easily, had we signed a decent 9 in august 2017. And even though he's less likely to dribble 4 players in a row, he's also more likely to deliver a perfect cross, or to find a key pass.
When it comes to defending, he can definitely do is part. He used to do it more with Bordeaux when he was a bit younger, but as he started to be our best offensive player, he began doing less. From what I heard though, it's mainly due to his coaches (Gourvennec and then Poyet), who thought it'd be better to let him stick to attacking. Can't be sure, but I'd say it's possible.
His potential:
Whoever tried to compare him to Mbappe is out of his mind: Mbappe was only 17 yo when he brought Monaco to a semi-final in CL the previous season, almost single handedly eliminating Man City. And then he was one of the best player with a national team that won the world cup (being probably the main difference with the team that lost a Euro final in 2016). Malcom is 21, and he isn't even playing for Brazil (yet). Mbappe is something else.
I'd say Dembele also has a bigger potential than Malcom. They're very different players, as I already mentioned, but yeah, Dembele was already very impressive when he started playing for Rennes, he's already playing for France national team (he's not a starter though, agreed), he can become a monster.
Malcom is way more mature than Dembele on the pitch. If the latter end up getting smarter, he'll be in another dimension. But that might also never happen.
To me Malcom will probably never win the Ballon d'Or, while the two frenchies might one day (it's very likely for Mbappe, less for Dembele but the potential is here). That doesn't mean he won't become an impressive offensive weapon. I'm actually pretty sure he will be.
His mentality:
He's been criticized here a couple time. The most notable "incident" was after a 6-2 loss against Paris. At the end of the game, he went to see Neymar (still on the pitch), and the two of them took a selfie, Malcom was smiling and laughing, which annoyed our fans A LOT. I didn't really mind, honestly. Saw this as a kid meeting one of his idols. Plus, he was (as often) one of the only Bordeaux played who played decently during that game. He scored the week after that, and celebrated by faking a selfie (that's my avatar). I thought it was actually pretty fun. Anyway, I highly doubt he'd do something like that in Barcelona. Once again, he's a smart kid. And as I mentionned, even though I can definitely see him becoming one of the best wingers in the world, I doubt he'll even be as good as Messi for example. So he's unlikely to ever think he's too good for Barca. He might have think he was too good for Bordeaux at some point, but I really can't blame him.
Another thing we heard a lot is that his games were uneven. True. Might be, once again, because he outgrew Bordeaux (I can see how he could end up being tired of playing with Gaetan Laborde and François Kamano). Might also simply be because he's... young. Not many 21 year old kids playing awesome games every week.
One important thing to keep in mind here is that he often played very well against good teams. He scored against Paris (away), had a really good game against them a few months ago too even though he didn't score, and scored 3 goals in 2 games against Lyon. He also played very well against Marseille. Honestly, I think the only top 5 team against which he had a bad game was Monaco (he only played them once, was suspended when we played them at home). To me, it means that he performs well under pressure. And he'll have way more pressure in Barcelona than in Bordeaux, which can probably lead to good surprises.
Finally, it's already been said, but the guy has a lot of charisma, and he's a leader. Which is always a plus.
There, hope that will help, feel free to ask any question you want.
His style:
Great pace with the ball, great control, very nice shot. And good on set pieces. But one think that's barely been mentioned here is the fact that he's a really clever player. That's something that became very obvious in very little time for most Bordeaux fans. Yes, last season he sometimes tried to overdo it, keeping the ball a bit too much, dribbling instead of passing. But keep in mind that our season was utterly awful (we went more than 10 games without a win, with something like 9 defeats in a row), and Malcom was our only talented offensive player. The team played really bad, and that probably lead him to play alone. I highly doubt he'd do the same with great players around him, especially in a team in which he's not the main attraction. So besides those few months, he overall played really smart, linking well with everyone else. He can be a playmaker if needs be (though he's a better winger), and that's one of the main difference between him and Dembele. By the way, I couldn't disagree more with Maxim4 when he says Malcom creates less chances than Dembouz. Statistics prove him wrong, as somebody already mentioned, but apart from that, Malcom created TONS of opportunities for our strikers throughout the season. But our strikers suck. He could have ended last season with 10 or 15 more assists easily, had we signed a decent 9 in august 2017. And even though he's less likely to dribble 4 players in a row, he's also more likely to deliver a perfect cross, or to find a key pass.
When it comes to defending, he can definitely do is part. He used to do it more with Bordeaux when he was a bit younger, but as he started to be our best offensive player, he began doing less. From what I heard though, it's mainly due to his coaches (Gourvennec and then Poyet), who thought it'd be better to let him stick to attacking. Can't be sure, but I'd say it's possible.
His potential:
Whoever tried to compare him to Mbappe is out of his mind: Mbappe was only 17 yo when he brought Monaco to a semi-final in CL the previous season, almost single handedly eliminating Man City. And then he was one of the best player with a national team that won the world cup (being probably the main difference with the team that lost a Euro final in 2016). Malcom is 21, and he isn't even playing for Brazil (yet). Mbappe is something else.
I'd say Dembele also has a bigger potential than Malcom. They're very different players, as I already mentioned, but yeah, Dembele was already very impressive when he started playing for Rennes, he's already playing for France national team (he's not a starter though, agreed), he can become a monster.
Malcom is way more mature than Dembele on the pitch. If the latter end up getting smarter, he'll be in another dimension. But that might also never happen.
To me Malcom will probably never win the Ballon d'Or, while the two frenchies might one day (it's very likely for Mbappe, less for Dembele but the potential is here). That doesn't mean he won't become an impressive offensive weapon. I'm actually pretty sure he will be.
His mentality:
He's been criticized here a couple time. The most notable "incident" was after a 6-2 loss against Paris. At the end of the game, he went to see Neymar (still on the pitch), and the two of them took a selfie, Malcom was smiling and laughing, which annoyed our fans A LOT. I didn't really mind, honestly. Saw this as a kid meeting one of his idols. Plus, he was (as often) one of the only Bordeaux played who played decently during that game. He scored the week after that, and celebrated by faking a selfie (that's my avatar). I thought it was actually pretty fun. Anyway, I highly doubt he'd do something like that in Barcelona. Once again, he's a smart kid. And as I mentionned, even though I can definitely see him becoming one of the best wingers in the world, I doubt he'll even be as good as Messi for example. So he's unlikely to ever think he's too good for Barca. He might have think he was too good for Bordeaux at some point, but I really can't blame him.
Another thing we heard a lot is that his games were uneven. True. Might be, once again, because he outgrew Bordeaux (I can see how he could end up being tired of playing with Gaetan Laborde and François Kamano). Might also simply be because he's... young. Not many 21 year old kids playing awesome games every week.
One important thing to keep in mind here is that he often played very well against good teams. He scored against Paris (away), had a really good game against them a few months ago too even though he didn't score, and scored 3 goals in 2 games against Lyon. He also played very well against Marseille. Honestly, I think the only top 5 team against which he had a bad game was Monaco (he only played them once, was suspended when we played them at home). To me, it means that he performs well under pressure. And he'll have way more pressure in Barcelona than in Bordeaux, which can probably lead to good surprises.
Finally, it's already been said, but the guy has a lot of charisma, and he's a leader. Which is always a plus.
There, hope that will help, feel free to ask any question you want.
Thanx man. That's a positive review, glad to hear good stuff about Malcom
Can he play on left flank and do you think he will start over Demebele for Barca?
Bulgroz
Senior Member
As far as I can remember, he never played as a LW with Bordeaux. He was RW most of the time, and played a few games as a playmaker (or more precisely a trequartista). He probably CAN play on the left, but I'd say we'll more likely see Dembele than him on the left flank.
For your second question, I honestly don't have a clue. To me, Malcom is right now a slightly safer bet, because he's smarter than Dembele and he defends more (Messi already hardly defends, two players in that case can be dangerous against some teams). It'll probably depends on the opponent, and on the rest of the lineup. So I really can't say, sorry.
For your second question, I honestly don't have a clue. To me, Malcom is right now a slightly safer bet, because he's smarter than Dembele and he defends more (Messi already hardly defends, two players in that case can be dangerous against some teams). It'll probably depends on the opponent, and on the rest of the lineup. So I really can't say, sorry.
Total-Football
Senior Member
more goal threatening than dembele would ever be.. he got some shots on that left foot and he doesnt seem to hesitate the slightest before firing them. i am 100% percent malcom is going to be a starter (even more about his starter status than arthurs). he fit exactly what valverde has been looking for. better shooting than dembele (check) better stamina (check) more aggression (check) more runs behind opponents lines (check). Unless dembele finds a way to use his otherwise raw talent he is going to be another forgettable story. i hope not. i am sure of one thing 100% that most cules would like to deny. one of the two at least is destined for not making it here. there is no way in hell both would thrive under valverde.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UtIRSgAb67U&t=236s
Malcolm vs. dembele even if it's not necessary and they are all different player. so both of them will bring a lot to the club.
Malcolm vs. dembele even if it's not necessary and they are all different player. so both of them will bring a lot to the club.
KingMessi
SiempreBlaugrana
No way to tell yet. What with Dembele not joining the squad until later.
BarcaMessi
Banned
Suarez does not belong.
Messi needs to accept that
Messi needs to accept that
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