Spijed wrote:In Belgium, how is he regarded in comparison to the likes of Fellaini or De Bruyne?
Obviously different type of player, but certainly considered on equal par, and part of the same crop of the talented generation we've had over the last 10 years.
For me, De Bruyne is Belgium's best player because of his infiltrating passes (followed very closely by Hazard, who at international level has often disappointed). Fellaini obviously has more physical attributes, but a fit and motivated Defour - when playing at club level on a weekly basis - will return to the national fold very quickly.
I still believe we have a gem of a player who offers us something different and is the only real playmaker we have.
However, continental players like him, who are thrust into the limelight at a very young age sometimes require a little extra attention. I understand the gaffer's mentality to treat all players on equal par, so maybe a little word now and then between four eyes may work wonders. I presume they had a good heart to heart recently, because I'm sure he really wants to succeed at Burnley. He certainly adores the fans support he gets over here.
It's no secret he was unhappy on the bench and told the gaffer so. A shame Defour came in for unjustified criticism on here, going from not wanting to be here to feigning injuries.
SD decided to stick to his framework last season and achieved his goal. I still believe a slight tweak to the system will make us a better team. Add Defour to the experience and nous of Walters and the style of play of Cork, surround them by our trusted soldiers, and lets hope we go from strength to strength.
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