[Albion] Joel Veltman.

[Swansman]

are the defenders picket better than him?

Arguably Dumfries and Timber are better RBs and De Ligt, van Dijk and arguably de Vrij and Ake are better or similar level of CBs.

But that the uncapped Bundesliga defender trio Bakker, Frimpong and van der Ven would all be better than Veltman? Not seen a lot of them but I just doubt it.

 

[We're the Stripes]

I could maybe get it if he was miles the wrong side of 30, but he is only 30 - no age for a centre-back, especially a wily one who's never relied on pace or athleticism anyway.

 

[Swansman]

I could maybe get it if he was miles the wrong side of 30, but he is only 30 - no age for a centre-back, especially a wily one who's never relied on pace or athleticism anyway.

Yup. Could not have many complaints if he's not in the final 26 but not to be part of this 39 man provisional squad is a joke.

However, it is King Louie style. When he takes over a club and both times when taking charge of the Netherlands, he throws out most of the veterans, pick players no one has heard of and then perform equal to or above expectations. The omission of Veltman is met with a shrug in the Netherlands.

 

[aolstudios]

are the defenders picked
better than him?

Dumfries, Van Dijk & de Ligt are very, very good. Would've thought JV's versatility would've got him in though.
Shame for Joel but good for Albion, I guess

 

[The Wookiee]

Has he had a falling out with Van Gaal at some point in the past ??

 

[Popeye]

Veltman is not the first by any means, and won't be the last, to not get picked for his country when he deserves too. I hate it for Joel as he has been playing well enough to be involved, but he is a consummate professional and I am sure he will not let this distract him when he puts on the blue and white.

 

[Swansman]

Frank de Boer fuming in Dutch media over Veltman not being in the squad. But I still think he is a good defender.

 

[b.w.2.]

certainly a brilliant defender.

 

[Billy in Bristol]

Big shame for Joel personally but collectively a bonus he also gets a rest for a few weeks.

 

[Swansman]

Big shame for Joel personally but collectively a bonus he also gets a rest for a few weeks.

Less FIFA money though. Boo.
Not that the £200k or so does anything at all.

 

[B-right-on]

I love Veltman.

But he frustrates the hell out of us when he doesn't release Solly but plays it inside to Mac Argie or Caicedo or backwards to Dunk.

Marked difference on Saturday with Gross letting the Solly loose with balls allowing him to run at Cucu and which caused no end of problems for Chelsea.

Sped up our whole attack. No idea if it's JVs idea to not do this or RDZ coaching but from our seats, this is right infront of us and seen it time and time again.

 

[BRIGHT ON Q]

I love Veltman.

But he frustrates the hell out of us when he doesn't release Solly but plays it inside to Mac Argie or Caicedo or backwards to Dunk.

Marked difference on Saturday with Gross letting the Solly loose with balls allowing him to run at Cucu and which caused no end of problems for Chelsea.

Sped up our whole attack. No idea if it's JVs idea to not do this or RDZ coaching but from our seats, this is right infront of us and seen it time and time again.

Thought we looked a bit vulnerable down that side first half especially, good job Sterling was so shit.
Veltman can't come back quick enough for me.

 

[jcdenton08]

Thought we looked a bit vulnerable down that side first half especially, good job Sterling was so shit.
Veltman can't come back quick enough for me.

This, Veltman (and now Mitoma) are my favourite players. Love Joel - novelty of the bargain we got aside. He has been one of our best and most consistent players since he signed. Class act

 

[Weststander]

Veltman’s a brilliant RB, or RCB in a 3. The best defensive qualities RB I’ve seen in The Stripes and that goes back to 1976. Going forward, a 7/10, but that’s secondary in his role …. simply passing it to creative players. A master of the dark defensive arts, a crafty wind-up artist, with exemplary football intelligence to sniff out danger across the back.

Plus he saves wildlife.

My POTS last two seasons.

 

[aolstudios]

Veltman’s a brilliant RB, or RCB in a 3. The best defensive qualities RB I’ve seen in The Stripes and that goes back to 1976. Going forward, a 7/10, but that’s secondary in his role …. simply passing it to creative players. A master of the dark defensive arts, a crafty wind-up artist, with exemplary football intelligence to sniff out danger across the back.

Plus he saves wildlife.

My POTS last two seasons.

Mine too

 

[dejavuatbtn]

I love Veltman.

But he frustrates the hell out of us when he doesn't release Solly but plays it inside to Mac Argie or Caicedo or backwards to Dunk.

Marked difference on Saturday with Gross letting the Solly loose with balls allowing him to run at Cucu and which caused no end of problems for Chelsea.

Sped up our whole attack. No idea if it's JVs idea to not do this or RDZ coaching but from our seats, this is right infront of us and seen it time and time again.

And there’s the rub. Speed apart, Gross is probably better than most of our players in a lot of positions. Shame we can’t clone him!

 

[schmunk]

And there’s the rub. Speed apart, Gross is probably better than most of our players in a lot of positions. Shame we can’t clone him!

Perhaps some kind of breeding programme...

 

[dejavuatbtn]

Perhaps some kind of breeding programme...

that would have been the next step on Ashworth’s radar. Perhaps we can get one up on him.

 

[GT49er]

Perhaps some kind of breeding programme...

.......... next step on Ashworth’s radar. Perhaps we can get one up on him.

I believe the Saudis have ways of providing 100 virgins to facilitate this..........

 

[Swansman]

Veltman is a great defender but anyone who thinks he's going to have the same impact on the attacking play as Gross... I'd label them delusional. Veltman is a very poor crosser of the ball, can't beat anyone in an attacking 1on1 and does not have the same vision or touch on the ball as Gross. He play safely because he is well aware of what he can and cannot do.

I'm sure he'll keep playing most games but there are occasions - like if the opponents are leaving a load of space on their half - where someone like Gross could be more useful.