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Kind of gets to something I've been thinking about - "what's next?"
Last night we played four centre-backs, two holding midfielders, got very little creatively from Smyth, very little creatively from Kone. Very few passages of creativity overall. I like Hayden bursting forward, and one of those runs provided the assist for the goal. But overall we were again reliant on an over-the-top ball for Burrell's pace or a long-throw that isn't long which our oppo always cop and we mostly don't.
The question of whether we'll evolve or not is a valid one, I think. If we were going to change it up, then surely we'd have done it in the two weeks training allowed by the International Break?
There is another international break coming up in November, maybe changes will come after that assuming Chair, Poku, JCS fully fit by then
[Post edited 23 Oct 15:38]
Extra mature cheddar......a simple cheese for a simple man
Kind of gets to something I've been thinking about - "what's next?"
Last night we played four centre-backs, two holding midfielders, got very little creatively from Smyth, very little creatively from Kone. Very few passages of creativity overall. I like Hayden bursting forward, and one of those runs provided the assist for the goal. But overall we were again reliant on an over-the-top ball for Burrell's pace or a long-throw that isn't long which our oppo always cop and we mostly don't.
The question of whether we'll evolve or not is a valid one, I think. If we were going to change it up, then surely we'd have done it in the two weeks training allowed by the International Break?
Having found a system that gets results, I was rather hoping we might keep it but rotate some of the round pegs into rounder holes - for now at least.
I can see Chair starting ahead of Smyth - left or right side. Koki can adapt to both so they can be flexible.
Field shouldn’t be starting at left back when we are paying decent wedge to RND and Esquardinha is in the squad too. I’m also fairly sure that MadBen is a better LB than Sam, if pushed. His pace alone would prevent plenty of attacks and I’m sure he’d love another couple of runs on the wing.
Madsen must have a twin brother because he’s transformed in this deeper role.
Burrell is the big difference up front for me and Kone isn’t the same guy without him so I’d continue with the 442, at least as the starting formation. Can always swap Chair and Koki or sub then for Dembele, Poku and Smyth. Lots a variations - no need to fiddle too much please.
Very pleasantly surprised and happy to be where we are currently. Long may it continue !
Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
Kind of gets to something I've been thinking about - "what's next?"
Last night we played four centre-backs, two holding midfielders, got very little creatively from Smyth, very little creatively from Kone. Very few passages of creativity overall. I like Hayden bursting forward, and one of those runs provided the assist for the goal. But overall we were again reliant on an over-the-top ball for Burrell's pace or a long-throw that isn't long which our oppo always cop and we mostly don't.
The question of whether we'll evolve or not is a valid one, I think. If we were going to change it up, then surely we'd have done it in the two weeks training allowed by the International Break?
Yeah, been thinking the same. I think we will see a team that includes Chair, Poku, Saito and Madsen whenever possible for that linked creativity.
I also think that as solid as RND has been, full-backs are an issue in this lack of creativity too and I would not be surprised if at least one is brought in next window. Dunne's run and shot last night: we need more of that from both FBs, more overlaps, more crosses. Just more variety generally from deep.
Nardi made some great stops again, and stayed on his line too much again, but had a good game generally I think. But watching him I was thinking about how decisive Dieng's distribution was when he was with us. And I did think a goalkeeper with those talents would also be very good in this team, as Nardi slows it all down and never quite looks like he knows what he wants to do with the ball. I wonder what the coaches think...
I love the idea of Saito, Chair and Poku all playing together behind a Kone/Burrell. All smart, good technically, can work in tight spaces, get in the gaps between centre back and full back, play on the line, and can alternate positions...
It'll be on a per game basis that you adjust, but I think it'll cause opposition all sorts of issues, especially at home, and gives you the chance to adjust into a more direct / 2.striker system if you want it.
I think away from home it's working great, but it's games where we have more control and possession that Chair and others will come into their own. Very nice problem to solve!
Kind of gets to something I've been thinking about - "what's next?"
Last night we played four centre-backs, two holding midfielders, got very little creatively from Smyth, very little creatively from Kone. Very few passages of creativity overall. I like Hayden bursting forward, and one of those runs provided the assist for the goal. But overall we were again reliant on an over-the-top ball for Burrell's pace or a long-throw that isn't long which our oppo always cop and we mostly don't.
The question of whether we'll evolve or not is a valid one, I think. If we were going to change it up, then surely we'd have done it in the two weeks training allowed by the International Break?
It’s a very good point, but I think by definition, ‘evolution’ is a slow process over a prolonged period of time. What we have seen since Coventry is a ‘revolution’ borne from JS’s desperation, frustration and no little embarrassment . Revolutions by nature are rudimentary and short-lived as they bring about significant change in a relatively short time-span. One of those rudimentary changes was to hit Burrell early and use his pace which has largely worked (and credit to the lad, he has scored more regularly than I expected) Now with the return of the cultured Chair and imminent return of the pacy Poku, we should see this gradually become more refined and less reliant on ‘direct approach’ - that’s my hope anyway. We have so many potential options and combinations up front, that it make take a while to find the most potent, but the potential is definitely there
I love the idea of Saito, Chair and Poku all playing together behind a Kone/Burrell. All smart, good technically, can work in tight spaces, get in the gaps between centre back and full back, play on the line, and can alternate positions...
It'll be on a per game basis that you adjust, but I think it'll cause opposition all sorts of issues, especially at home, and gives you the chance to adjust into a more direct / 2.striker system if you want it.
I think away from home it's working great, but it's games where we have more control and possession that Chair and others will come into their own. Very nice problem to solve!
Absolutely. The key will be modifying how we play when that's happening.
Against Millwall we didn't adjust how we played nearly enough when it was Big Michi up front rather then Burrell. I'm no Stephen Hawking but I don't think Big Michi would have got to those if he was still running now.
So if it's Kone starting in front of that axis of evil, great stuff, but it'll need to be approached differently*
*Insert comment about professional footballers, £££££, and being able to figure it out Shirley?
Kind of gets to something I've been thinking about - "what's next?"
Last night we played four centre-backs, two holding midfielders, got very little creatively from Smyth, very little creatively from Kone. Very few passages of creativity overall. I like Hayden bursting forward, and one of those runs provided the assist for the goal. But overall we were again reliant on an over-the-top ball for Burrell's pace or a long-throw that isn't long which our oppo always cop and we mostly don't.
The question of whether we'll evolve or not is a valid one, I think. If we were going to change it up, then surely we'd have done it in the two weeks training allowed by the International Break?
Great to have Chair back. This really is a team that is evolving. The old and the new. Ilias has to be considered in the former. We had our best 15 minutes when he came on ( not sure what ff it up for the last 10 ) and he must have felt like being back doing his best stuff. Not sure if I will find agreement but the combo that stood out for me was when him and Dembele got some slick passing moves going. Interested to see if that will flourish. Fingers crossed.
Hopefully another nail in the Frey-Kone partnership as well. If Burrell can't play for whatever reason, Chair can definitely do a version of that role.
Hopefully another nail in the Frey-Kone partnership as well. If Burrell can't play for whatever reason, Chair can definitely do a version of that role.
Let's face it, Frey's never been fast!
Here's some early footage of him as a kid with mane, running for a bus in Camden (1m.03s) arms pumping furiously, but not much progression. Then later (2m. 23s) he's really going for it but again, he ain't moving much.
'Always In Motion' by John Honney available on amazon.co.uk
Oh ya, and passed to Kone for the other shot he took on.
But what a joy to watch. Conducted the game with ease and intelligence.
What I really liked, and I think contributed to how well he did. He didn't hold on to the ball too long. Short little passes, linking up with others. If we get that Chair back in the team then him behind Kone, with Saito and one other would be very interesting. I still think you could maybe have Burrell coming more from the right. He could help start closing down defenders and look to come into the middle and rotate with Chair
Chair was absolutely superb last night. Looked really sharp. Made runs all over the pitch, and played some great early passes (both out wide, and crosses, one of which Kone should eventually scored from).
You obviously want to get him into the side.
All I’d caution is we need to be careful where.
I’m a big believer in systems/shape > best 11 footballers. It should be the best player for each position on the pitch. Our system, a slight variation on 442, is working. A big part of this is the Burrell/Kone partnership. Kone goes short for the ball to feet, back to goal, we hit him early with balls to feet/chest, which he lays off back to Madsen or round the corner for one of the wide players. Burrell plays on the shoulder of last man, making runs for the ball in behind or channel runs to provide an out ball for the team. His pace keeps the defence a little deeper than it would otherwise be, which creates more space for Kone to go short and for Madsen to operate in.
Burrell is playing really well and key to how we play.
Chair is not a natural replacement for either of those players or positions (given how we play).
I could see him working with Burrell and possibly separately with Kone, but it will require the rest of the team to change how we play. The out ball down the channel won’t be on as much if Burrell isn’t there. We’d need to try to work it to Chair’s feet in the hole, rather than up to Kone going short back to goal, as they’ll be no one beyond him.
It’s not impossible, and having a Plan B is great, but I wouldn’t be keen to change a system that is working (yet).
Personally, I’d start Chair wide right. I know it’s not a position he has played much, but he’s right footed, and his delivery from wide with his right foot delivering away swingers in between keeper and back 4 should be meat and drink to Kone. His dribbling and passing is better than Smyth’s so he might be better at slipping in Burrell. Whilst he’s not as good defensively as Smyth, he’s miles better than Dembele, so Dunne will still get protection. And playing him on the right allows you to get Saito into the team too.
This approach also has the added bonus or actually getting your best players into the side.
It’ll be a new role for Chair, but he came on for Smyth last night and got to the byline on the right twice and whipped one superb ball across, so the green shoots of that are there.
And when Poku returns?
Has JS not intimated that Chair has been earmarked for a central position?
Whoever is playing and in whatever position, if we are flexible about the formation it will hopefully make it difficult for the oppo to set up against us.
Excellent return last night, showed his desire, well done to him....shame he didn't beat the keeper when 1on1, it would of capped his night (& ours).
As well as he played I think he will be on the bench again on Saturday and given more game time later in the game if the match gives the Manager an opportunity to give him more minutes.
He is a 'Ranger' like a few of our players & its good to see, Team spirit is massive in a winning team.
Another advantage of picking Chair is that it gives you the option to pair Varane with Field or Hayden in the middle of the park. Playing a basic 4-4-2 with a Kone and Burrell attack means you have to get Madsen in the team, as without him there’s just zero flow and attacking intent and a 2 from Field/Varane/Hayden just doesn’t work. But chair in the 10 means we can be more combative in the middle of the park but still have a 3 behind the striker giving us some decent options. Now I’m not saying drop Madsen as he’s been playing well, but gives options to rest him and can help see out games if we want some workers in the middle of the park.
And as others have said, Chair means we can do away with the Kone/Frey partnership.
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