Anyone still deluded over Berge?

[Alan Birchenall's hair]

Been a lump since his home debut when he gave the ball away on the edge of our area and gifted Bournemouth a goal. 6' 5" but jumps 5' 2". (Witness his pathetic attempts to deal with dopey Kyle Bartley at throw-ins. His attempted marking for the 4th goal was laughable). 6' 5" but gets pushed around like a bag of washing. Athletic? Manages to patrol the 5yds either side of the touchline with ease (irony intended).
To think we backheeled Duffy and bought this complete liability for £20m. His value now must be zero, so can't see us getting shut. Wilder made some terrible signings in the Prem, but I think this is at the top of the tree, along with Brewster....

 

[AnstonBlade1]

I said at the time of signing him, we didn’t need him we were playing well, when he arrived Wilder tried to shoe horn him in and it’s never worked since.
Does anyone actually know HIS preferred position?

 

[JPBrods]

Why can't we just get good players for our money.
Other teams, they seem to do this amazing thing where they spend their money and they get good players proportional to the value they've spent or in some cases, even more. But we spend our money and we get bad ones. What gives? What do you call this phenomenon? What is this strategy?

 

[SBSP]

If he was half the player he's supposed to be, he'd have completely controlled our 3 league games and we'd have won them all.

Think he might have found Dean Hammond's invisibility cloak in an old locker somewhere.

 

[alcoblade]

Does anyone actually know HIS preferred position?

Apparently, the opposite one to wherever we play him.

 

[S40BLADE]

Why can't we just get good players for our money.
Other teams, they seem to do this amazing thing where they spend their money and they get good players proportional to the value they've spent or in some cases, even more. But we spend our money and we get bad ones. What gives? What do you call this phenomenon? What is this strategy?

Its called the Mitchell and his staff are Frauds strategy.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

He doesn't fancy it which is the most disappointing thing. He's a big lad but he doesn't want to mix it physically. I get that he's wide right, but if he's the player he is supposed to be he should be coming in field searching for the ball and driving us up the field. Its like he thinks a lot of things should be done for him. He's at this level for a reason and if he wants to progress he needs to stand out here.

Nobody is coming in with a big offer with the way he's going about his business.

 

[Guesty]

The amount of fans who thought he'd dominate this division, based on his time here so far, was genuinely staggering.

Sometimes, you just don't see it with players - a friend of mine was convinced Mark Duffy was garbage every week despite evidence to the contrary. I myself have thought players aren't very good, but results were better with them in the team.

With Berge though, whatever people see in him manifestly isn't there. How many times has he positively influenced the game to give us a good result since he got here? Twice?

 

[Guesty]

Apparently, the opposite one to wherever we play him.

It's so true, every time he plays you'll get half his apologists swearing he's an attacking midfielder, why can't everyone see it? and another faction saying he should be sat in front of the defence, or he's a deep lying playmaker or he should be in the middle of the park mixing it up.

It's almost like on his performances so far he hasn't demonstrated enough attributes for anyone to be sure what he's good at.

 

[Bladesman]

It's so true, every time he plays you'll get half his apologists swearing he's an attacking midfielder, why can't everyone see it? and another faction saying he should be sat in front of the defence, or he's a deep lying playmaker or he should be in the middle of the park mixing it up.

It's almost like on his performances so far he hasn't demonstrated enough attributes for anyone to be sure what he's good at.

I would say he is more of an attacking midfielder if you go on what he did before he joined us.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Gamla vis Hruga uskit'r.

 

[Edgar Allan Poo]

If he was half the player he's supposed to be, he'd have completely controlled our 3 league games and we'd have won them all.

Think he might have found Dean Hammond's invisibility cloak in an old locker somewhere.

Team that up with Jose Baxter's suspended animation pills and you have the worst superhero ever.

 

[DronnieBlade]

My take !!!

We have genuine individual quality at this level. Sander perhaps being the best example.

They are not gelling as a collective.

My speculation as to why is that there is now clear evidence of divisions in the camp. Very clear tbh. The lack of communication (talking) ALL OVER THE PITCH as was evident last night is the sure fire indicator that all is not well.

Money will most likely be the culprit. Consequently, several (maybe more) are likely to want out.

UTB

 

[Houston_Blade]

It's not Berge, it's the blades fans who are all too stupid (one notable exception) to see how good he is. None of us know about football and we'd all prefer Monty to Berge because we're that uncultured we wouldn't know a footballer if they smacked us in the face. Berge is the best player in the world and he's also mates with Haaland so that proves it beyond doubt. If we don't hold out for £35m then it's because the fans are idiots, not because he's shit and not worth £3.50.

That's just what I've heard, don't shoot the messenger.

 

[guancheblade]

I'm sure he'd be able to take games by the scruff of the neck if he wasn't being clattered by 2/3 opposition players every time he receives the ball. And even then there were one or two moments when he's able to wiggle away and create a chance. There was a sublime piece of skill he did first half last night when he received the ball and then three West Brom lumps all put hands on him and he somehow managed to play an outside of the foot ball out to Baldock on the other flank.

I think he'll get stronger with more games, remember he had a long injury and then another broken pre season. Plus his best position is currently being occupied by Norwood, weak in the tackle and petrified to move the ball forward. I'd suggest looking at that issue first before pointing arrows at Sander.

 

[alcoblade]

It's so true, every time he plays you'll get half his apologists swearing he's an attacking midfielder, why can't everyone see it? and another faction saying he should be sat in front of the defence, or he's a deep lying playmaker or he should be in the middle of the park mixing it up.

It's almost like on his performances so far he hasn't demonstrated enough attributes for anyone to be sure what he's good at.

A positive appraisal by Klopp has delivered Berge. And still some people mention it.

I can’t remember any player who’s been given the luxury of dining out on a past reputation for so long. The excuses offered fir him are staggering.

 

[alcoblade]

I'm sure he'd be able to take games by the scruff of the neck if he wasn't being clattered by 2/3 opposition players every time he receives the ball. And even then there were one or two moments when he's able to wiggle away and create a chance. There was a sublime piece of skill he did first half last night when he received the ball and then three West Brom lumps all put hands on him and he somehow managed to play an outside of the foot ball out to Baldock on the other flank.

I think he'll get stronger with more games, remember he had a long injury and then another broken pre season. Plus his best position is currently being occupied by Norwood, weak in the tackle and petrified to move the ball forward. I'd suggest looking at that issue first before pointing arrows at Sander.

Sorry fella;

Players dare to tackle him - tick
Not enough games - tick
Long injury - tick
Short pre season - tick
Wrong position - tick

As Berge bingo goes, you’re nearly at the full house. If you edit it quickly, you can add “those around him not good enough”. BINGO!

 

[Badger Blade]

He's as soft as shit. For all Lundstram's failings (and there were many) he had his nose pushed out of joint by being benched to accommodate Berge who simply doesn't show his attributes often enough.

I've said it before and will say it again. Aggression.

If he had an ounce of this in his body, he should be bullying people like West Brom did to us. I'd love him to hack someone down and give them some verbals, kick off a bit with someone and bloody well grow a pair. He has the potential to be the most dominant midfielder in the division but isn't because he doesn't have the mentality to do it. I'm not advocating him being sent off and running around like Vinnie Jones did kicking everything that moved but just to show a bit of energy and willing and not to shirk like he is at the moment.

Oh and some heading practice wouldn't go amiss.

 

[GV Blade]

Been a lump since his home debut when he gave the ball away on the edge of our area and gifted Bournemouth a goal. 6' 5" but jumps 5' 2". (Witness his pathetic attempts to deal with dopey Kyle Bartley at throw-ins. His attempted marking for the 4th goal was laughable). 6' 5" but gets pushed around like a bag of washing. Athletic? Manages to patrol the 5yds either side of the touchline with ease (irony intended).
To think we backheeled Duffy and bought this complete liability for £20m. His value now must be zero, so can't see us getting shut. Wilder made some terrible signings in the Prem, but I think this is at the top of the tree, along with Brewster....

He is our best player.
He is the most comfortable on the ball.
The problem IS - he needs playing higher up the pitch, feeding the forwards.
Why he is hanging around our defensive midfield is a complete mystery to me. Wilder played him there too !
Totally wasted position for a man of his ability on the ball. He could create openings for himself and forwards if he was given a more attacking role.

 

[Houston_Blade]

He is our best player.
He is the most comfortable on the ball.
The problem IS - he needs playing higher up the pitch, feeding the forwards.
Why he is hanging around our defensive midfield is a complete mystery to me. Wilder played him there too !
Totally wasted position for a man of his ability on the ball. He could create openings for himself and forwards if he was given a more attacking role.

It's not you Sander, it's us. What a load of bollocks.

 

[Bladesman]

He is our best player.
He is the most comfortable on the ball.
The problem IS - he needs playing higher up the pitch, feeding the forwards.
Why he is hanging around our defensive midfield is a complete mystery to me. Wilder played him there too !
Totally wasted position for a man of his ability on the ball. He could create openings for himself and forwards if he was given a more attacking role.

Some of our best attacking moments during the first lockdown matches were when he got forward against Chelsea and Spurs.

 

[alcoblade]

He is our best player.
He is the most comfortable on the ball.
The problem IS - he needs playing higher up the pitch, feeding the forwards.
Why he is hanging around our defensive midfield is a complete mystery to me. Wilder played him there too !
Totally wasted position for a man of his ability on the ball. He could create openings for himself and forwards if he was given a more attacking role.

But isn’t “Norwood taking up his favoured position”

 

[SouthportBlade]

Potentially a great player, showed fleeting glimpses for us. Most recently 2nd half against Birmingham he was unplayable at times.

However remains an appalling signing and fit for the Blades / our style of play, and never really got going or showed consistency. He'll be gone either this window or in January

Call me an apologist, I'd still like to see him alongside a new midfielders. It's a big if and may never see it, but if we caan get him performing to his ability he's a huge asset.

It's easy to forget he's played over 80% of his career games at other clubs - where he clearly hasn't been underwhelming.

Still think he'll end up playing in the top half of one of Europe's big leagues.

 

[Deleted member 1486]

We have genuine individual quality at this level. Sander perhaps being the best example.

I don't get this, and never have. Half of our fan base talk about him like he's Zidane. What are you seeing that the rest of us aren't?

To me, he looks lost in most games. Like the game is just passing him by. The most frustrating thing is that you can't gauge his quality at all because he's rarely involved in anything.

Basham looked more creative in 5 seconds last night than Berge has in the entire time he's been here.

 

[Deadly_D'Jaffo]

Been a lump since his home debut when he gave the ball away on the edge of our area and gifted Bournemouth a goal. 6' 5" but jumps 5' 2". (Witness his pathetic attempts to deal with dopey Kyle Bartley at throw-ins. His attempted marking for the 4th goal was laughable). 6' 5" but gets pushed around like a bag of washing. Athletic? Manages to patrol the 5yds either side of the touchline with ease (irony intended).
To think we backheeled Duffy and bought this complete liability for £20m. His value now must be zero, so can't see us getting shut. Wilder made some terrible signings in the Prem, but I think this is at the top of the tree, along with Brewster....

I can't argue with any of that. I said on another thread that I can't stomach another pedestrian performance because he's got clear, abundant talent that is being stifled. Osborn is the contrast, brilliant attitude but very limited ability.

It boils down to attitude. Berge has a very bad attitude. Yes, he seems a smiley, nice lad that appears to be popular amongst the players but he flat out refuses to impose himself on games that he should be dominating. He's going to be a good player, but at the moment I can't see him being a good player in England.

If we can claw back our money and reinvest, I'd do it immediately.

 

[AWetFlannel]

All the scouts and coaches are wrong. All the professional football people are wrong.

Sander iz crap coz I saw him in't game not trying ard enuf.

 

[Alan Birchenall's hair]

I don't get this, and never have. Half of our fan base talk about him like he's Zidane. What are you seeing that the rest of us aren't?

To me, he looks lost in most games. Like the game is just passing him by. The most frustrating thing is that you can't gauge his quality at all because he's rarely involved in anything.

Basham looked more creative in 5 seconds last night than Berge has in the entire time he's been here.

Exactly. He's certainly much closer to Dean Hammond than to Zidane. His cheerleaders are usually the same people who say of Brewster 'We all know what a good player he can be' (No we don't), and 'He's not become a bad player overnight' (Hmmm - seems to be the case....)

 

[FMBlade1]

I just think he doesn't want to get himself injured before the transfer window closes.

 

[Hagansbootlaces]

Players can have all the skill in the world, and do bugger all with it, Ravel Morrison,,Players can have more fight and less skill and drive a team, win titles and have a long career, Vinnie Jones.
Last season highlighted it, this season its in technicolour 40ft high letters, the team isn't just low on confidence, it has no leaders, no fight to earn the right to play football.
Not only that there is no nous, no professional thinking, if your not going toe to toe then you have to counter their physicality with professionalism, the guy went through on Didsy, who stuck a finger in his face, result got booked, I guarantee every other side in the Championship would have stayed down, made the tackle look worse, while 3/4 of his team mates would surround the ref and shout and scream he had been elbowed.
No sign of that last night, no team spirit, no unity.

 

[guancheblade]

Sorry fella;

Players dare to tackle him - tick
Not enough games - tick
Long injury - tick
Short pre season - tick
Wrong position - tick

As Berge bingo goes, you’re nearly at the full house. If you edit it quickly, you can add “those around him not good enough”. BINGO!

He's being fouled not tackled. And Townsend could have broken his ankle with a very late challenge 2nd half. Didn't even get a free kick.