Florentino Luis

Socrates · Post by **Socrates** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:03 pm

Different class this lad.

Snapping into tackles, decent on the ball, great energy.

I think we may see him playing slightly further forward when Ugochokwu returns and have him leading the press.

Great first start.

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:05 pm

Socrates wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:03 pm
Different class this lad.

Snapping into tackles, decent on the ball, great energy.

I think we may see him playing slightly further forward when Ugochokwu returns and have him leading the press.

Great first start.

Great debut against a good midfield

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:09 pm

Was never a yellow on 15 minutes either. So to perform like he did for the remainder in his first full 90 is very promising. Clearly suits what we are about this season.

JimmyRobbo · Post by **JimmyRobbo** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:11 pm

Somebody likened him to Kante at Leicester (then Chelski) and I can see it.

We look like finally having a decent midfield inc subs. Even JL is looking OK.

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:13 pm

Parker says he's been following him for a while and wanted him at Fulham. I can see why. He looks a player who isn't easy to get past.

Lu-tze · Post by **Lu-tze** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:14 pm

Very impressive to stay so disciplined all game after an absurd yellow from a naff ref.

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:20 pm

JimmyRobbo wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:11 pm
Somebody likened him to Kante at Leicester (then Chelski) and I can see it.

We look like finally having a decent midfield inc subs. Even JL is looking OK.

If JL could pass he’d be an excellent player.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:21 pm

Best midfield debut I can recall since Defour Vs Liverpoo in 2016.

Very exciting prospect.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:21 pm

Something something John Deary

Dark Cloud · Post by **Dark Cloud** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:25 pm

Harsh yellow card which he managed really well throughout the rest of the game and it looked even more harsh when the ref refused to card Forest players for similar.

CoolClaret · Post by **CoolClaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 6:35 pm

I have wanted/we have been crying out for a player with his profile for 10+ years.

Very happy with him - be interesting to see how SP plans to use him alongside Cullen and Big Les going forward...

BobbyBoucher · Post by **BobbyBoucher** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:17 pm

JimmyRobbo wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 5:11 pm
Somebody likened him to Kante at Leicester (then Chelski) and I can see it.

We look like finally having a decent midfield inc subs. Even JL is looking OK.

That was me , that thought he could be our Kante. Obviously Im not saying he's as good (well not yet anyway

), but Im really impressed with what we have seen up to now.
I think he may end up a clarets legend and I would like to propose Dino (Tino) by Dexys Midnight runners as his official song

. Its very easy to sing for the males amongst us and is a very catchy tune

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:19 pm

Superb player. Very promising start.

Joy to watch today.

turfytopper · Post by **turfytopper** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:39 pm

He looks like the complete midfield player. Excellent today and given it was his first start....very impressive!

ClaretLoup · Post by **ClaretLoup** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:42 pm

Only four goals in circa 120 appearances for Benfica we are going to be heavily reliant on the front three for goals as Cullen,
Hannibal and Big Les are in the same bracket in terms of hitting the net.

GetIntoEm · Post by **GetIntoEm** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:44 pm

Going to be a legend this guy. Looks class

Stevie2112 · Post by **Stevie2112** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:44 pm

BobbyBoucher wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:17 pm
That was me , that thought he could be our Kante. Obviously Im not saying he's as good (well not yet anyway ), but Im really impressed with what we have seen up to now.
I think he may end up a clarets legend and I would like to propose Dino (Tino) by Dexys Midnight runners as his official song . Its very easy to sing for the males amongst us and is a very catchy tune

Would that be to the tune of Geno?

BobbyBoucher · Post by **BobbyBoucher** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 7:48 pm

haha, I can't even say Ive been drinking, yes, Geno , many thanks

THEWELLERNUT70 · Post by **THEWELLERNUT70** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 8:23 pm

One of the greatest 3 minutes ever committed to vinyl imo!

https://youtu.be/Z5KgMUgvtig?si=x3h2kjhxDX44kWHg

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 8:31 pm

Thought was excellent. Protected the defence effectively, got about the park, and showed a greater range of passing than expected. All in all he looks well suited the Premier League.

The booking was fair enough, bur he managed it well.

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 8:48 pm

He was outstanding and I really enjoyed watching him. A fantastic signing so praise for the recruitment team.

claretlegend · Post by **claretlegend** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 8:52 pm

I can see why he's nicknamed The Octopus, his legs are everywhere cutting out passes. I really like the look of him.

beeholeclaret · Post by **beeholeclaret** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:28 pm

He had a tremendous game against a strong Forest team.

Swizzlestick · Post by **Swizzlestick** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 9:41 pm

Was fantastic, especially considering the early yellow and the conditions.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 10:46 pm

Danny Murphy is talking on Match of the Day about there being too much space between Everton's defence and midfield.

One of the things I noticed and Florentino today was how hé was constantly checking his surroundings.

It's only one game so it'd be daft to get too excited but I think this lad is the real deal.

Goody1975 · Post by **Goody1975** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 10:57 pm

You'd assume our best central midfield three is Luis, Ugochukwu and Cullen. It's just fitting everything in around them.

Does that mean we'll revert to four at the back? Otherwise keeping the back line as it is will probably see Tchaouna sacrificed?

Saying that, it wouldn't surprise me if we lined up like that next weekend.

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sat Sep 20, 2025 11:30 pm

Goody1975 wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 20, 2025 10:57 pm
You'd assume our best central midfield three is Luis, Ugochukwu and Cullen. It's just fitting everything in around them.

Depends on the opposition. I prefer us with 4 at the back and if 5 in mid, that's fine.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 3:48 am

Good to see a big lad mixing it, breaking up play, tackling and passing.

Garnerssoap · Post by **Garnerssoap** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 6:27 am

Looked a proper footballer. Felt lucky to have him. Like when we saw Barton and Defour for the first time. Hope it lasts. I have a slight belief now that Scott and the team might just be able to stay up so that’s real progress from where I was at on promotion day.

helmclaret · Post by **helmclaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:27 am

I’ve been impressed by all the signings this summer. Some real though gone into the recruitment and the profile of player we needed after going up. None of them look out of place in the PL and have potential to get better.

Steve-Harpers-perm · Post by **Steve-Harpers-perm** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:33 am

Excellent performance. As above we look to have made some excellent signings.

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:38 am

What i noticed about him yesterday is how two footed he was. Quite a few times he received the ball with one foot and then turned into space with the other. Sounds easy in principle, but it is a sign of a class midfielder.

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:43 am

Definitely a regular starter. I think that's probably our best team apart from Les replacing Laurent.

JohnMcGreal · Post by **JohnMcGreal** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:45 am

He was excellent.

The calibre of the players we signed this summer is seriously impressive and better than anything we've done previously.

This group has a really good chance, I think.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:52 am

Firthy wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:43 am
Definitely a regular starter. I think that's probably our best team apart from Les replacing Laurent.

Which makes it curious, in the sense, does Ugochukwu do the right central back role when defending deep like Laurent has been doing? I do wonder what Parker’s plan is to utilise all 3 of Cullen, Lesley and Florentino, particularly given his willingness to adopt a back 5 out of possession (will 100% be the same next week at City, and probably at Villa too).

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 10:59 am

The week we signed him I was in Lisbon and the guy who owned our airbnb was a Benfica fan. He said he’s a really good player if you need someone who just breaks up play and gives it simple. Underselling him a touch on what I’ve seen so far and he’ll only get better when fully settled into this league.

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 11:13 am

RVclaret wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:52 am
Which makes it curious, in the sense, does Ugochukwu do the right central back role when defending deep like Laurent has been doing? I do wonder what Parker’s plan is to utilise all 3 of Cullen, Lesley and Florentino, particularly given his willingness to adopt a back 5 out of possession (will 100% be the same next week at City, and probably at Villa too).

I certainly wouldn't have Les at the back, as I think he's at his best carrying the ball forward. If both Cullen and Florentino are holding midfielders then surely that's enough to cover the defence?

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 11:38 am

Also where does Tuanzebe fit into the mix when fit? Not really seen much of him, but is a big lad apparently.

Dubravka
Tuanzebe Ekdal Esteve
Walker Hartman
Florentino Cullen
Lesley

That's a formidable barrier if we are playing deep against the top sides

Culmclaret · Post by **Culmclaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 11:38 am

Would see us playing 4-2-3-1 against all but the top sides with Luis providing the cover for Walker and Hartmann to go forward.

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:27 pm

Ric_C wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 11:38 am
Also where does Tuanzebe fit into the mix when fit? Not really seen much of him, but is a big lad apparently.

Between him and Ekdal I think.

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:31 pm

RVclaret wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 8:52 am
Which makes it curious, in the sense, does Ugochukwu do the right central back role when defending deep like Laurent has been doing? I do wonder what Parker’s plan is to utilise all 3 of Cullen, Lesley and Florentino, particularly given his willingness to adopt a back 5 out of possession (will 100% be the same next week at City, and probably at Villa too).

Those 3 for me are our starters if all are fit. Laurent will provide excellent cover and Hannibal is flexible as he can also cover as the attacking member of the three or he can go on the wing which he did well yesterday

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 12:38 pm

Ric_C wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 11:38 am
Also where does Tuanzebe fit into the mix when fit? Not really seen much of him, but is a big lad apparently.

Dubravka
Tuanzebe Ekdal Esteve
Walker Hartman
Florentino Cullen
Lesley

That's a formidable barrier if we are playing deep against the top sides

Other than against the top sides, I'd like to see:

Dubravka
Walker Tuanzebe Esteve Hartman
Florentino Cullen
Tchaouna Lesley Anthony
Foster

Edwards doesn't track back so not sure I can see him starting any games this season other than the cups.

ClaretOfMancunia · Post by **ClaretOfMancunia** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:03 pm

He was all over the place yesterday. Very, very impressed.

BurnleyFC · Post by **BurnleyFC** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:35 pm

He was terrific and showed lots of class yesterday.

Hedontplayforyou · Post by **Hedontplayforyou** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:47 pm

If we can play Big Les , Cullen and Luis in a 3 this might allow our attackers a bit more freedom. I for one am excited to see them play together .

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:48 pm

Really good yesterday, i suspect that we may struggle to keep him.

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:58 pm

Cirrus_Minor wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:48 pm
Really good yesterday, i suspect that we may struggle to keep him.

Let's worry about this season first before you have him sold already

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 5:19 pm

Cirrus_Minor wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:48 pm
Really good yesterday, i suspect that we may struggle to keep him.

Is he just on loan for the season or do we have the option to buy him at the end?

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 7:30 pm

Spijed wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 21, 2025 5:19 pm
Is he just on loan for the season or do we have the option to buy him at the end?

I think we have him with an obligation to buy, probably depending on Premier league survival.

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Sun Sep 21, 2025 9:05 pm

Someone asked Kieran McKenna of Ipswich what the was the biggest lesson he learned from the ONE season in the PL. His reply was the importance of "athleticism"in your team. I feel for the first time we now possess a degree of this quality with Walker, Luis, Ukuchukwu, to some degree Foster, and also Esteve