Anyone else excited to see Berge play in that midfield?

[SUFC Handsworth]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

It could be the other two young 'uns might inspire Burge to better and more consistent performances, which is all well and good for United, but he has to earn that right to get in the team. He's not looked like a player who's been chomping at the bit in anyway this season (I call it going through the motions), until he does he can wait for his turn.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

It could be the other two young 'uns might inspire Burge to better and more consistent performances, which is all well and good for United, but he has to earn that right to get in the team. He's not looked like a player who's been chomping at the bit in anyway this season (I call it going through the motions), until he does he can wait for his turn.

Agree with all of that. My only counterpoint would be, what have the incumbents done (Norwood in particular) to warrant their shirt. On that basis only, I'd be more inclined to pick Berge

 

[A Storm of Blades]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

It could be the other two young 'uns might inspire Burge to better and more consistent performances, which is all well and good for United, but he has to earn that right to get in the team. He's not looked like a player who's been chomping at the bit in anyway this season (I call it going through the motions), until he does he can wait for his turn.

Some reasonable points. However, i don’t think it’s about blaming others, or making excuses. We’ve had zero creativity in the middle since Duffy was shipped out (Didsy aside). That entire midfield has been woeful, I think yesterday was the first game in about 50 since any midfielder scored from open play. Berge is talented, and hasn’t yet played in this formation with some creativity in the team. Maybe (hopefully) that will see him flourish. Everyone’s saying Fleck is back, Osborn was class etc etc, giving Berge the same chance to thrive and prove himself in a similar set up is fair enough, no?

On another point, I really don’t see where this narrative has emerged suggesting his attitude and work rate are poor. I think it’s a bit of cheap shot to be honest. He has a languid style about him, but I honestly haven’t seen a lack of effort any more or less than anyone else. When all else fails, accuse a player you don’t like of not working hard, seems to be a popular tactic.

 

[ReeceofBDTBL]

Berge was very good against Hudds and Brum, even playing in a poor side.
If Fleck drops off I’d move MGW over to the left and bring in Berge.
I’d say the same for Osborn re: Jayden Bogle, who is a top class attacker for this level, excellent footballer.

 

[Charlieblade]

If the fans, or the club want to sell Berge and get some money back, the las has to earn his place in the team, and make other clubs bid for him, (if he is still determined to leave).
If he doesn’t play, we will never know if he’s a good fit in the side as it stands now, but if he rips it up, we will lose a quality player in January.
No one on here has convinced me that Berge is worthless, and he hasn’t had a chance to prove that he isn’t.
Either way, we end up with an unhappy player, or we lose him to a bigger club.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I wouldn't say I'm excited, more interested to see where and how he'll fit. My only reservation would be that his style might slow down yesterday's dynamicity. On the other hand his driving runs might add yet another option.

 

[Whitby-Blade]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

It could be the other two young 'uns might inspire Burge to better and more consistent performances, which is all well and good for United, but he has to earn that right to get in the team. He's not looked like a player who's been chomping at the bit in anyway this season (I call it going through the motions), until he does he can wait for his turn.

Understand where you are coming from, and it’s true of certain positions on the pitch… goalkeeper, defence perhaps but strikers don’t score if there is no service. Berge likes to sit deep and dictate the play, for this he needs options and movement in front of him and this hasn’t happened while he’s been with us neither by tactics or personnel.

It reminds me of the Leon Britton signing to an extent, the Swansea set up was perfect for him, the dross he came to at the Lane made him look conference standard. With the right set up I’m sure Berge can shine.

 

[Houston_Blade]

It’s not a Berge v Norwood debate really. It’s the best player for the job of holding midfielder.

If Fleck manages to string a few performances together then we’ve got the driving midfielder we need. We then need whoever can sit and stop them playing for the other position. That might be this Algerian bloke if he comes in. None of Berge/Norwood/Hourihane seem to be ideal for that role for me. Berge can’t tackle and is better suited as the driving player (although not if Fleck is on form), Norwood gets bypassed due to his pace and lack of tackling ability, Hourihane I’ve not seen but as I understand it he’s a ball player like Norwood and not a tackler.

They were shit yesterday so didn’t bother us in midfield, but against better teams we’ll need someone who can break up play properly.

 

[Bennyand the Blades]

I suppose it's all about if the tactics fit his style of play, just because he's not really impressed playing one style doesn't mean he can't be a world beater in another.
But really, if he doesn't fit into the style our manager wants to play then he's just an expensive pointless luxury....

 

[ComedyClub]

But not the 14 who won yesterday eh ?

Yep. I can think of three you could use that answer for.

 

[Frank the tank]

Berge will come into the team and do well as will brewster and mcburnie perhaps even Bogle

Slavs a good coach and knows how to work with good players, some will take longer to adjust to the intricacies of championship football than others but we will be there or thereabouts come January

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

Perfectly sums up why Berge is coming in for justified criticism. He has physical and technical attributes that most players can only dream of but his poor attitude & application means we have only seen glimpses of just how amazing he can become.

Ndiaye and Gibbs-White yesterday matched their technical ability with a willingness and aggression to impose themselves on the game, case in point when Ndiaye made up about 40 yards to intercept a cross. Berge shrinks when he goes in for a header, and looks to the ref for help when he gets bullied off the ball. Our fans castigated Lun

I wouldn't trust him as CDM and with the emergence of Ndiaye and MGW I can't see an attacking role for him neither.

 

[Sheffsteel]

I'm always very sceptical of players that aren't playing well because it's other player's fault. I call it making excuses or hiding.

Those two lads that came into the team yesterday and made it happen because they wanted to take it by the scruff of the neck. Berge's had the same opportunity to do just that and has only done it fleetingly (mostly in his early days at the Lane). This season he has looked totally disinterested.

It could be the other two young 'uns might inspire Burge to better and more consistent performances, which is all well and good for United, but he has to earn that right to get in the team. He's not looked like a player who's been chomping at the bit in anyway this season (I call it going through the motions), until he does he can wait for his turn.

Don’t totally agree.
Don‘t think a single player can have that much effect on a game.
Football is about team work and partnerships. Ndiaye impressed yesterday mainly because he had another player MGW playing next to him on the same wavelength. Regards Berge when he goes forward (2nd half against Brum and against Huddersfield) he’s our only outlet for creating something.

I’m keeping an open mind.
If our danger men (Duffy types) become Ndiaye and MGW, they will start to receive special attention (maybe man to man marking)
giving more time and space for a Fleck or Berge to show what they’ve got.

 

[FinBlade]

Yesterday there were couple of players stealing all attention and that might be the challenge for Berge. Even as he is skilled and good player and now maybe surrounded by type of the players he can get his game to new level he must still do lot of work if MGW, Ndiaye and others will keep their form high.

For example; I waited to see Hourihane as he was praised in forum, but other players had so much more to show that his debut was bit flat, solid but flat.
I also think Berge will be double edged sword as better he will perform for us, we are closer are losing him to another PL/bigger team. How much good games Berge must play to someone make offer that we can't decline and how much Blades fans will love him at that point?

Edit: Yes, I am exited to see Berge play (that was the original question)

 

[Stevo]

I know I am! He hasn’t lived up to his potential thus far, but the lad clearly has talent. Stick him in with MGW next to him and Ndiaye in front and he could take off.

I think, with the exception of Robinson and foderingham that team starts on Tuesday, berg has no god given right to play, just because of his reputation and price, he hasn't justified it for me, therefore he waits for his time, then when it comes he grabs it with both hands and shows us all what he's about

 

[Drunk blade]

If Brewster, berge and mcburnie had came through our youth team, instead of being big money signings on massive wages, I doubt they would play 10 games between them all season

 

[Colombia Blade]

If the change in formation and addition of MGW and Ndiaye to the team brought out the best in Fleck and Norwood, why shouldn't it be the same for Berge? I'm pretty sure Berge built up his reputation playing in that same deeper midfield position for Genk in the same formation we played yesterday. So would I be excited to see him in that position in the team that played yesterday, instead of in an unnatural position for him with nobody in front of him to pass to? Absolutely! If some team meets his release clause (or offers a high bid) in January knowing that Norwood seems to excel in this formation with these players around him, would I sell? That's a bit more difficult to answer

 

[Beighton Bob]

I know I am! He hasn’t lived up to his potential thus far, but the lad clearly has talent. Stick him in with MGW next to him and Ndiaye in front and he could take off.

To me Berge to replace Norwood on Tuesday against Preston, he charges forward much more than Norwood and with MGW and Ndiayi finding space Berge will shine

 

[Alan Birchenall's hair]

Berge is crap. Let's just admit it and move on. £20m down the drain? Yeah and we'll just have to suck it up. Gibbs-White and Ndiaye showed how to move the ball at pace with skill, and even dragged Fleck up to their speed. And Osborne had a far better 90 mins than Berge has even begun to show in 2 seasons of 'midfield talent'. He's crap. Just to be sure, I'll think about it again. ............................... Yep, still crap.

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

Berge is crap. Let's just admit it and move on. £20m down the drain? Yeah and we'll just have to suck it up. Gibbs-White and Ndiaye showed how to move the ball at pace with skill, and even dragged Fleck up to their speed. And Osborne had a far better 90 mins than Berge has even begun to show in 2 seasons of 'midfield talent'. He's crap. Just to be sure, I'll think about it again. ............................... Yep, still crap.

Nonsense still the best midfielder at the club

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

Nonsense still the best Norwegian midfielder at the club

Corrected for you

 

[Alan Birchenall's hair]

Corrected for you

Is he even that? Maybe some 16 year old kid in the academy has dual nationality.....

 

[Nade]

Is Berge back for Tuesday?

 

[gordoncharles]

I'll return to the OP's original question now that I've almost got a full house in Berge bingo. The answer is No.

The reason is, for all the excuses (and they are just that, excuses) for his lame performances since January 2020, he hasn't shown us anything that could get us excited, apart from maybe 10 minutes against Birmingham City.

It cheers me up, in laugh out loud fashion, to hear some of our fans say he looks "a class above". Someone said that MGW does too. And there's the point, he immediately looked like he was making a difference. Any class player will in this division, no matter which position they're playing. If his teammates are shite then it will be all the more obvious.

Some fans have the most ridiculous crush on Berge and it's blinding them to the reality.

If he gets in the side and makes a noticeable difference, wonderful. Maybe he can then be sold in January. To which team, I really don't know, the only clubs who will pay anything like the fee we would want are in England, so the market for his services is extremely limited.

Do I want him to finally, eventually, come good? Of course I do.

Am I excited to see his return to the side. No.

 

[Beighton Bob]

If norwood and fleck continue to play like we all know they’re capable of, where does he fit in. Norwood and fleck much better defensively and each bring something unique. Fleck is exceptional driving with the ball and norwood is a great passer (when he turns up)

No one seems to have mentioned it’s a squad game, all three midfielders will not go season without injuries or suspensions or drop in form. It bodes well that some of you are saying Berge to start on bench, what we could have a game with between £50-100m on bench.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

Berge is crap. Let's just admit it and move on. £20m down the drain? Yeah and we'll just have to suck it up. Gibbs-White and Ndiaye showed how to move the ball at pace with skill, and even dragged Fleck up to their speed. And Osborne had a far better 90 mins than Berge has even begun to show in 2 seasons of 'midfield talent'. He's crap. Just to be sure, I'll think about it again. ............................... Yep, still crap.

Wow

 

[A Storm of Blades]

I'll return to the OP's original question now that I've almost got a full house in Berge bingo. The answer is No.

The reason is, for all the excuses (and they are just that, excuses) for his lame performances since January 2020, he hasn't shown us anything that could get us excited, apart from maybe 10 minutes against Birmingham City.

It cheers me up, in laugh out loud fashion, to hear some of our fans say he looks "a class above". Someone said that MGW does too. And there's the point, he immediately looked like he was making a difference. Any class player will in this division, no matter which position they're playing. If his teammates are shite then it will be all the more obvious.

Some fans have the most ridiculous crush on Berge and it's blinding them to the reality.

If he gets in the side and makes a noticeable difference, wonderful. Maybe he can then be sold in January. To which team, I really don't know, the only clubs who will pay anything like the fee we would want are in England, so the market for his services is extremely limited.

Do I want him to finally, eventually, come good? Of course I do.

Am I excited to see his return to the side. No.

Well, with the greatest of respect I hope you’re wrong

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

After much deliberation, I have decided that Sander Berge is a misunderstood, midfield maestro.

All we need to do is play him with 10 other excellent players, have the Club Chef change the menu to strictly Scandinavian cuisine and put a roof on Bramall Lane so that on matchdays we can climate control the stadium to replicate the temperature in Oslo.

 

[Danblade]

Yes.
Just hope his heart is in it and he wants to play for the Blades and isn't just cruising through until the January transfer window.

Agree though surely it’s in his best interests (& ours) to give it a good go - can’t imagine there being many suitors in January if he continues in the same fashion.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

After much deliberation, I have decided that Sander Berge is a misunderstood, midfield maestro.

All we need to do is play him with 10 other excellent players, have the Club Chef change the menu to strictly Scandinavian cuisine and put a roof on Bramall Lane so that on matchdays we can climate control the stadium to replicate the temperature in Oslo.

Agreed