VillaBO Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Welcome Leandro! Not the most exciting signing today but I have faith in Lambert's judgement. I think he will be a squad player initially.
dont_do_it_doug. Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Link FC Groningen is not the most noteworthy club, but still one that produces talents. Luis Suarez, one of the better strikers walking around on European pitches enjoyed part of his youthful years at FC Groningen. Aston Villa have reportedly sign 21-year old midfielder Leandro Bacuna, it’s time to take a closer look at the prospect. Dutch Football Profile Name: Leandro Bacuna Date of birth: 12-09-1991 Club: FC Groningen / Aston Villa Position: Midfield / Attack Bacuna started playing football for amateur club GVAV Rapiditas, he was known as a talented player, and in 2002 FC Groningen picked up the youngster. Bacuna went through all the FC Groningen youth teams and on 2009, 30 August made his Eredivisie debut against PSV. It would be a good season for the young midfielder, as he would feature in 20 league appearances, scoring two goals. After his breakthrough season, Bacuna remained at FC Groningen and his importance would grow in the squad. The upcoming seasons, Leandro would conquer a regular place in the starting eleven. In total, he has played in 121 league matches, scoring 17 goals. Leandro also featured for Holland under 19 (6caps) and Holland under 21 (9). The midfielder is left out of the current Netherlands under 21 squad because of heavy competition on the midfield. Style Leandro Bacuna is a very versatile player; different coaches have lined him up on every midfield/attacking position. He has even been forced to play as a right back. Despite is versatility; Leandro prefers playing as a centre midfielder, at the same time it is also his best position. Bacuna excels when playing as a box-to-box midfielder. His pace allows him to making searing runs from midfield towards the enemy box. Bacuna’s work ethic is second to none, although a game only lasts for 90 minutes; the midfielder always seems up for another round. Tireless is a good way to describe him. In my opinion, Bacuna is very comparable to Ramires, although slightly less on technical terms, his work-rate; drive forward and strength are very similar to the Brazilian midfielder. Leandro is decent in most footballing aspects, not excelling at them, but his passing, finishing, dribbling and defensive capabilities are somewhat average. However there’s one thing he’s very good at: long range shots and free kicks. Bacuna has a thunderous right foot, and he’s not afraid to use it. Below’s video depicts this feat very well: His mentality is fine, many young players would not like it if they were switched around position. Complaining is not a part of Bacuna, when he was told he had to line-up as a right-back, he said: “ Although it is not my favorable position, I still believe it’s fun to play there, and we’ll see what it brings.” Bacuna is very talented and still only 21 years of age. The switching of position has advantages and disadvantages. Despite learning a great deal of both offensive and defensive skills, it is time for Bacuna to focus on one position and develop into a formidable player. In complete contrast to what Feyenoord has said, especially the bit about his attitude. Make of the opinions what you will.
villaglint Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 To be fair Feyenoord also rhapsodised over KEA who has yet to show it in Prem. sounds like. Bacuna has raw talent that was the best anyone could say about Benteke. No lose on this for money and adds to our options. Welcome
Houlston Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Love the route we are taking but unlike the other players we have signed I know absolutely nothing about this lad. Anyone (not you Con) know what his stand out attributes are?
Houlston Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Ignore that just read a few pages.Takes a good pen.
Popular Post SublimeFCG Posted June 13, 2013 Popular Post Posted June 13, 2013 Hi guys, I created an account to give you my humble opinion on your new signing. When I read the threads on our own forum I always get the feeling most of my team's players, are terrible, not worthy of wearing our jersey and should be sold off/replaced as soon as humanly possible. It's part of a football fan's nature and definitely also part of the region I live in. And to some extent it only makes sense a football supporter scrutinizes his own team the most. They are the guys the reason we come to the stadium. We want to see dedication, determination and some decent football. Groningen is a good club; we're financially healthy, generally play watchable football, especially at home (although it's always not been of that standard these last 2 years), our youth does well, we get some decent signings every season and always finish top half of the table. As the news came today that Bacuna was going to move to Villa I checked the forums. The consensus is that it's great we got some money for him. People were surprised he's moving to a mch bigger club (which you are). The forum largely considers him a mediocre player. A hard worker, but lacking in cunning. I feel that's a bit shallow. Let's not forget he's only 21 and has already played over a 100 games at senior level in a decent league. If it weren't for all the A-internationals that were called up for our U21-squad, he might have been in Israel now as well. In other words, there's enough people out there that have seen the potential in him. These last 2 seasons he's been trying to get rid of the stamp 'talent', but I feel he hasn't always been used in the positions that fit him best. A few other people have talked about this: he ís versatile and he has played as RB, DM, CM, RM and RW just this year. What young guys like this need is some consistency to better understand what is required of them at this level. Didn't happen with Bacuna. He was lost and even spoke up against the head coach. In my opinion Bacuna could be well-suited for RB, but he'd have to learn how to play that position properly as he's naturally a more offensive player; he'll want to venture forward. RW might be a bit too much as he only one way of getting past the other guy: kick the ball forward and run faster. Midfield positions suit him better. He is a real box-to-box player with a decent pass and a good shot in his legs, especially when he's built up some confidence (which he has been lacking this year). His free kicks are powerful. He'll also convert all your penalties without hesitation. I think he's actually better suited for a team like Villa in the PL (and English football in general) than Groningen in our Dutch league. Give the kid some time and I'm sure he'll show you his worth! Kind regards, Sublime 24
Rob182 Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Thanks for the info Sublime! And welcome to the site
8pints Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 (edited) There was a time where I hoped for this being sang or at least referenced But like Stevo985 pointed out, there isn't enough syllables for it to work, I was depleted, but now, surely, surely http://qkme.me/3uuahx Edited June 13, 2013 by 8pints 1
SikhInTrinity Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Thanks Sublime, from the way he is speaking in his interviews, he will be adopted in his favoured role as a CM, people saying he's not as good as Holman, he is 21 years old so the comparison is unfair. The last player we purchased who was labelled versatile was Milner, when given confidence and played in his real role he excelled. I am excited by this kid, because just as Sylla was written off by not being good enough, and look how he turned out. Welcome Leandro.
BOF Posted June 13, 2013 Moderator Posted June 13, 2013 Oh wow! Welcome Leandro! What a fantastic day. "Campaigning for the removal of The Mirror as a valid source of anything" Think you'll find the Mirror was the first English paper to mention Leandro as a Villa target.If you throw enough shit at the wall some of it is bound to stick. They can't claim credit for that given the twenty twelve hundred other links that have conveniently been forgotten about. Bacuna is not a very good signing. I don't want to bring you guys down but he's very average and certainly not better than Holman. Bacuna has been criticised quite a few times this season because of his mentality towards the team and manager. He's quite full of himself and arrogant and can go over the top with tackles sometimes. He prefers to play as a number 10 behind the strikers but can operate in right midfield as well.Mid-table Championship player at best. 2009/10 FC Groningen 20 2 Eredivisie 2010/11 FC Groningen 24 0 Eredivisie 2011/12 FC Groningen 32 7 Eredivisie 2012/13 FC Groningen 33 5 Eredivisie Totalen: 109 14There is a very important difference between Bacuna and Holman. One is 21. The other was 28. The attitude can be taken care of now that he's in a bigger pond. And there's room for improvement on the age basis alone.
CVByrne Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Yeàh theres a few of their fans saying hes not that good and their surprised. Could be the karim of this Window Madrid fans said the same thing when they let Makelele go. Zidane on the other hand said what is the point of adding new paint to the Bentley when you've sold the engine. Players, managers, scouts etc.. are the proper judges. I'm sure Lambert thinks he has potential. Must be his energy would suit the premiership. Some all action players can't shine in slower leagues. Less space available.
BOF Posted June 13, 2013 Moderator Posted June 13, 2013 He could be the Karim or he could be the Bowery. We do need Bowerys too and given he cost £1m(?) I see no risk.
CVByrne Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 Can anyone complain really? It's a young player who cost what Bent gets paid in 3 months. If he developes into the player Lambert hopes then great. If not then little lost. To be honest given Lamberts record so far I'm hopeful for our new crop. He surely has had far more time to scout this summer's signings.
packoman Posted June 13, 2013 Posted June 13, 2013 I like this quote. "I'm fully focused to show myself at my new club. My mentality is that you start at the bottom and you show yourself. This is what I intend to do."
Recommended Posts