So, I thought that us here at BF might help the Danish national coach doing his job. In your opinion, who should be Jonas Rasmussen's new partner? A successful doubles partnership has many aspects. The most obvious is how compatible the players are as badminton players. Another important aspect is compatibility on a social level -- but I think that, for reasons of simplicity, we should leave that behind and focus on the playing style/abilities. I have a few dream candidates -- I'll name three: 1) Carsten Mogensen 2) Thomas Laybourn 3) Jens Eriksen Comments: After Jonas, Carsten is the most talented MD player I've seen for a long time. He's got the speed, flair and intelligence, but, in my opinion, he hasn't yet found the right partner. I think Jonas and Carsten would be a lethal pairing. Carsten reminds me a lot of Michael Søgaard, another player that I think would have made a great combination with Jonas. Thomas and Jonas is another pairing that I think would have great potential. Thomas has the speed and dexterity and the grit needed to compliment Jonas' creativity. Jens Eriksen... well, I know it won't happen, and if it did it would be a short-lived partnership due to Jens' age, but that would be an incredible combination (perhaps less so off court, what do I know?). In my opinion Jens and Jonas are the two greatest Danish MD players in recent years, so why haven't they ever played together? Or perhaps they are too alike? Both are very creative and unorthodox, a bit "unruly" almost... maybe it's like pairing Sigit with Sigit? Well, I guess we'll never know, but I think that Jens and Jonas could create quite some havoc! Opinions, anybody? (Or perhaps Jonas dares to comment?)
Jens and Jonas? nahh. I think they too alike. Just can't see it. Thomas Laybourn - now that is a suggestion TL's desire to win is really high. Can you imagine how pumped up the two of them would be on court? it would be like "WOW". Carsten - I'm just surprised how he has not gone further in tournaments. I've only managed to see one match in recent times. Just can't give an opinion based on one match. He's still young-ish(!) and has a fantastic stroke preparation. I think the coaching staff won't pair him up with Jonas as Carsten doesn't have a track record of getting to the latter stages of torunaments consistently enough.
Nice views Hi Guys!! Nice thread!! There is a lot to consider when choosing a partner. For now I won´t state who I´ll like to play with as it´s not official yet who I´m going to play with. It´s nice to hear what you think and who you think could fit me in a new constellation!! I know that the national coaches are thinking very hard about what to do and are very much in doubt. Maybe they should see this thread! Hehe!! Keep posting folks!! JR
Mathias Boe.. I think that would be the obvious choice.. He could have the supporting role while Jonas could be the "creative" one..
Interesting. I don't mean to sound blunt, but do you think Mattias has the same potential as Carsten or Thomas as a doubles player? If so, I guess I have yet to discover it. Then again, two great players doesn't necessarily make a great pair. Look at what happened to Lars Paaske and his former partner Martin Lundgaard after they split and formed new partnerships...
Difficult exercise for me as I don't know the playing styles of all the Danes... Jonas being a rather creative player, he probably needs a more steady partner to complete him... That's why I'm not so sure Carsten Mogensen would be a good choice, though he is a very good player! (also his lack of sportsmanship might not match Jonas's sportsmanship very well ) Anyway, I think I'll leave this to the coaches!
Might work, but as with Jens/Jonas, I don't think we're going to see that happen for two main reasons: 1) Why split Jens/Martin now? They've never been better. 2) Martin has already announced his retirement in the near future. (Jens too) My guess/hope is that Jonas will be teamed up with a younger player, for a more long-term partnership.
Potential is exactly the word I would use about Mathias Boe.. So far, it seems that it is a bit hard for him to find his role with Mogensen.. and I think it might be because they find it a difficult to each take the "right" role in the constallation.. they both try both to work.. and be creative.. but it seems to me that there is only room for one "creative" and a worker in a pairing.. or maybe that is a bit too simplistic.. but someone needs to be the controlling one.. Mathias with Jonas would make it obvious that Mathias should not be the one trying to be creative.. that he would have to accept the role as "working horse" (pardon the expression).. allowing Jonas to be in control.. And when Mathias just "works".. he is extremely consistent.. and fast.. but when he tries to be creative.. his consistency falls apart.. well.. compared to other world class players I should of course add.. so.. yes.. I do seriously think this could be an interesting combination.. Someone else suggested Martin Lundgaard.. I don't think that stands a chance even though it would of course also be interesting.. but Martin is in his 30'es.. did already many years ago start a professional career besides playing badminton.. and with a wife and 2 kids.. I seriously doubt that he will find the strength to start over with someone when Jens and him have played their last match together.. But time will tell...
