Zirkzee mixes some of the qualities of Havertz (outlet to play over + involved in lots of duels), Firmino (linking play as a false #9 + pressing), and Cunha (ball-carrying) & rolls them into one player.
However, he needs specific conditions to succeed in his current iteration 🔴
However, he needs specific conditions to succeed in his current iteration 🔴
Zirkzee prefers to drop to link play, so he needs players in and around him that are willing to stretch the pitch.
Rashford, McTominay, Bruno, and Mount will all work well off of him.
However, for the team to function, most of the end-product must come from those around him.
Rashford, McTominay, Bruno, and Mount will all work well off of him.
However, for the team to function, most of the end-product must come from those around him.
As it stands, Zirkzee is closer to a Firmino than a Benzema-type with regards to his mentality.
He has the unique qualities to develop into a goalscoring #9, but for now he's closer to a creative player.
He prefers to drop and create for others as opposed to being the finisher.
He has the unique qualities to develop into a goalscoring #9, but for now he's closer to a creative player.
He prefers to drop and create for others as opposed to being the finisher.
Tactically, Zirkzee provides lots of great solutions in the modern game.
He's an option to overload man-to-man presses as he drops deep into midfield (centre backs won't be willing to follow him as he drops so deep).
& an option to hit via long balls against man-to-man presses.
He's an option to overload man-to-man presses as he drops deep into midfield (centre backs won't be willing to follow him as he drops so deep).
& an option to hit via long balls against man-to-man presses.
He's also a top presser - he covers ground with relentless intensity, aggression, work ethic & speed.
Surround him with goals (Rashford), use him in the right situations (against man-to-man presses for example) and a cohesive system (ten Hag's responsibility), and he'll succeed.
Surround him with goals (Rashford), use him in the right situations (against man-to-man presses for example) and a cohesive system (ten Hag's responsibility), and he'll succeed.
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