Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Eigentor on August 31, 2010, 01:33:30 PM

Title: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Eigentor on August 31, 2010, 01:33:30 PM
Am I the only one thinking that Reo-Coker's passing against Everton was surprisingly good? One of my biggest reservations against him is that he seems more likely to give the ball away than passing it to a team mate. However, against Everton this didn't seem to be the case. Ok, he's not Zidane, but it made me think that he could work as a first team regular after all.

EDIT: Title of topic has been changed from "Reo's passing" because this was deemed an unsuitable title.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 31, 2010, 01:37:30 PM
It probably was a bit better than his norm, although one instance in the second half he had the opportunity to put Ash in on goal and fluffed it badly.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: Simon Ward on August 31, 2010, 01:37:50 PM
I didn't know he had passed away!
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: pmk1981 on August 31, 2010, 01:39:19 PM
i always though that reo should be a 1st team regular in place of petrov but he was oniels love child and could never be dropped....

hang on ..........
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: Irreverent ad on August 31, 2010, 01:42:33 PM
RIP...
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: jembob on August 31, 2010, 01:42:38 PM
He needs to improve his game in 2 areas:

1. Chose simple passes. To be fair to him, his team mates have to be available for him to do this.
2. Do the above promptly. He does tend to hold on to the ball for too long and can't cope with being put under pressure. Again, his team mates have to make themselves available for the easy pass.

If we can get that organised, he would make a great defensive midfielder. We need his aggression in midfield and I think that Ireland's injury before the Everton game was a blessing in disguise. NRC should be on instead of Downing for more physical games like that. He should probably be on for Downing in any game.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: bob on August 31, 2010, 01:43:12 PM
I don't understand how a man can make it so far in professional football and be so, so terrible at passing.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: Concrete John on August 31, 2010, 01:44:43 PM
Always been a fan of NRC and agree he had a good game on Sunday.  He's the best defensive midfielder we have so should be used more.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: supertom on August 31, 2010, 01:54:41 PM
To be honest our midfield as it stands, should be built around Nigel. He's the only one I can see being a lynchpin, and offering the bite, and energy in the middle, now that Milney's gone. We look more solid with him in the side. It also takes the pressure off Petrovs legs and means he can last better in games.

I think his passing has improved in the last year, in as much as his decision making is better. He keeps it simple far more often. In the attacking third when you need that bit of extra precision, he's still shite, but that's not what he's here for.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: olaftab on August 31, 2010, 02:01:02 PM
How did he die?
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: pmk1981 on August 31, 2010, 02:06:23 PM
please stop talking about people dying
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: TimTheVillain on August 31, 2010, 02:06:47 PM
That eff up in the Everton penalty area was hilarious.

I think he shoudk be played as a combative midfielder and not even allowed near the oppositions' penalty area !

A better signing than Sidwell, but not the real deal.

I think it may be too late to teach him new, alien skills.
Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: villajk on August 31, 2010, 02:09:10 PM
May be the title could be changed.

Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: PeterWithe on August 31, 2010, 02:11:06 PM
I wished he would hurry up and pass it, half the problem is that he takes so long to decide what to do with the ball, someone has nearly always tackled him by the time he's made his mind up. He could be a cracking player but he's a bit old to be considered 'promising' now.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: villajk on August 31, 2010, 02:23:27 PM
Thank you whoever changed the title.  Now I don't have to think 'OMG' when I read it.

I like NCR but do think his passing of the ball can be dreadful.

Title: Re: Reo's passing
Post by: TheSandman on August 31, 2010, 02:36:46 PM
I think that he should play next to Stan in central midfield with Ireland in front. I've been saying that for eons.

He did better on Sunday that is true but he still made basic errors such as that hilarious situation in the box. Too many times he either manages to fail to complete the pass or makes a hospital pass to a man who is being marked. He just seems to lack the vision or footballing brain to do it which is the one thing Petrov is particularly good at it. Any old clown can make the simple pass like Petrov some say. Reo Coker is most definitely not that clown. Sometimes he is but 99 times out of 100 he doesn't either see that pass or he makes the wrong one.

I genuinely see that he is a player we need to use. That doesn't mean that he is not without doubt the most frustrating player on our books. He can do so much right but his passing and often his lack of discipline are frustrating.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Chris Smith on August 31, 2010, 02:39:00 PM
His passing when under pressure is poor and he appears to lack the self awareness to realise this so doesn't play a simple game to compensate for his shortcomings.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 31, 2010, 02:40:38 PM
He needs to improve his game in 2 areas:


We've been saying this for as long as he's been with us.  I don't think he can improve to the standard we would like.  So, we just have to accept that Rio isn't that good at passing in critical areas, isn't any good at hitting the target but is very good at breaking up the play, supporting attacks and good at getting back to help out the defence.  I'm quite looking forward to seeing Ireland in that midfield with Rio giving him the ball...... just short passes mind.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: PaulTheVillan on August 31, 2010, 02:43:36 PM
He looks as if he's shitting himself when he's got the ball at his feet.

He should get the ball back (which he does well) and then Ireland/Petrov etc should make space and get the ball off him asap.

The sooner Ireland and Delph get fit and play in the middle, the better.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: nick harper on August 31, 2010, 02:50:16 PM
I think he gives us great energy in the middle and thought he had a great game on Sunday, often without the ball, but the amount of covering and tracking he did was one of the cornerstones of the win.

I accept he is not the best on the ball but we have plenty of talent around him to enable him to concentrate on winning it and passing it simply.

He needs a run of games which he hasn't had for a long while. I would hope we would then see the best of Ireland and Petrov higher up the pitch.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Concrete John on August 31, 2010, 02:55:33 PM
The sooner Ireland and Delph get fit and play in the middle, the better.

Obviously I'd like them both back aswell, but I also think NRC and Ireland could work well in a 4-4-2.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on August 31, 2010, 03:03:59 PM
Reo had half a decent game sunday. But i cant believe i am saying this but i would rather Sidwell in there .... He will win more in the aerial battle. And his passing is better. (thats not hard to beat) plus he is more likely to score. The real answer as we are not gonna buy anyone is Delph ..........
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 31, 2010, 03:07:51 PM
The sooner Ireland and Delph get fit and play in the middle, the better.

Obviously I'd like them both back as well, but I also think NRC and Ireland could work well in a 4-4-2.

I think NRC and Delph can work in a midfield together ....Delph playing outside with NRC and Ireland in the middle and Albrighton on the other side.

We then should have that missing bite and three engines with NRC having capable outlets across the middle to allow for greater creativity.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Concrete John on August 31, 2010, 03:16:10 PM
Without a new striker coming in, I'd like to see the 4-5-1/4-3-3 with a central trio of NRC, Petrov sitting and Ireland pushing forward.  Young and Albrighton wide and Gabby up top.  I'd then imagine Delph taking the place of either NRC or Petrov.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: peter w on August 31, 2010, 03:20:13 PM
Reo-Coker back in the team, next we'll get Luke Moore in and play him on the left of a front 3 with Gabby on the right, get Berger back in for the odd game and we're right back where we started. Just like it all never happened.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Chris Smith on August 31, 2010, 03:23:07 PM
Quote
I accept he is not the best on the ball but we have plenty of talent around him to enable him to concentrate on winning it and passing it simply.

Thats's half the problem though, he doesn't seem to realise that is his job.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: john e on August 31, 2010, 03:30:21 PM
would be a great player in the championship, which is his level, or maybe a struggling prem team,
for a team with ambitions of top 6 or better he's no where near good enough.

although i do agree his game on sunday was somwhat better, and he looks like Gordon Cowans compared to Downing
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: nick harper on August 31, 2010, 03:39:24 PM
Quote
I accept he is not the best on the ball but we have plenty of talent around him to enable him to concentrate on winning it and passing it simply.

Thats's half the problem though, he doesn't seem to realise that is his job.

Well let's see what a run of games does for him. Maybe he will settle down and relax and do what  he does best rather than thinking he has to over-achieve and prove himself again every time he steps on to the pitch.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on August 31, 2010, 03:41:09 PM
NRC can easily pass the ball like Petrov does, i.e. sideways, backwards. However, often, he choose not to and can have a real good burst of pace to break forward, something alien to Petrov.

A first-teamer at the moment in my opinion.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: DrGonzo on August 31, 2010, 03:56:17 PM
I think that he should play next to Stan in central midfield with Ireland in front. I've been saying that for eons.

Is that the aeons since we signed Ireland?

And as for him playing in a 442 haven't we all been saying that 442 is dead? Didn't everyone flog MoN for his inability to see beyond that rigid structure? Ireland, Albrighton and Ash should be given free reign behind Gabby with Petrov and Reo Coker holding the midfield and Young (L) and Warnock allowed to get forward, but obviously only 1 at a time.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Bosco81 on August 31, 2010, 04:00:47 PM
NRC can easily pass the ball like Petrov does, i.e. sideways, backwards. However, often, he choose not to and can have a real good burst of pace to break forward, something alien to Petrov.

A first-teamer at the moment in my opinion.

Presumably then any idiot can pass a ball sideways or backwards, Petrov keeps possession of the ball which is a very useful skill in football, and is why he is ten times the players NRC will ever be.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: TheSandman on August 31, 2010, 04:09:51 PM
I think that he should play next to Stan in central midfield with Ireland in front. I've been saying that for eons.

Is that the aeons since we signed Ireland?

And as for him playing in a 442 haven't we all been saying that 442 is dead? Didn't everyone flog MoN for his inability to see beyond that rigid structure? Ireland, Albrighton and Ash should be given free reign behind Gabby with Petrov and Reo Coker holding the midfield and Young (L) and Warnock allowed to get forward, but obviously only 1 at a time.

No. I said the same thing but with Milner rather than Ireland though. I mean 4-2-3-1 rather than 4-4-2 as well.

Coker and Stan would work well... If Coker does the tackling then Stan could do the passing. If he was less focussed on tackling and blocking Stan might be able to chance his luck with a few longer passes too. Ultimately, I see young Delph taking over from Petrov and Reo being replaced with better.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: DrGonzo on August 31, 2010, 04:13:32 PM
Sorry the 442 comment was posted a couple later couldn't be arsed to quote it as well... and I was only being a pedant.  Just taking my disappointment out on an innocent target.  NRC and Petrov are our best options in the middle, and I want Ireland to be looking forward not back all the time.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: DaveK on August 31, 2010, 04:49:26 PM
NRC's passing isn't that bad at all, he is technically very good I think - it's his decision making that drives me bonkers!

For example, in the second half on Sunday, after a great run, he unselfishly tried to pass the ball for Gabby when he should have just leathered it at the goal. He seems to get confused a lot.

He's incredibly good at winning the ball, dribbling to the edge of the opponents' area and then making the wrong choice. How many times have you seen Ashley or Gabby jumping up and down flapping their arms because he played the wrong ball?

I like him, I just wish he could be a bit more attack minded or think quicker or something - he'd have everything a midfielder needed then IMO.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: sfx412 on August 31, 2010, 05:36:10 PM
He passes well enough and at least its forward. I see several have made ridicule to his missed pass having broken forward into the penalty area. How many of our midfield pre Ireland have broken forward as well and as effectively as he did then?
He has assists a plenty over the short time he's played and given more time on the pitch his confidence will improve and so will his pass completion which when compared to most of his fellow team mates isn't that poor anyway.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 31, 2010, 05:48:43 PM
Quote
I accept he is not the best on the ball but we have plenty of talent around him to enable him to concentrate on winning it and passing it simply.

Thats's half the problem though, he doesn't seem to realise that is his job.

Well let's see what a run of games does for him. Maybe he will settle down and relax and do what  he does best rather than thinking he has to over-achieve and prove himself again every time he steps on to the pitch.

Very good point, Nick.
If he'd been on the bench on Sunday I'm pretty sure we would have lost. It's a shame we didn't have him against Newcastle.
He's never going to be world class but he can certainly do a very important job for us. As Chris said, he needs to be sat down and explained his role. I would even put him in the next Reserve game and tell him you are only going to do the following things.. get him used to the new role. If he sees himself as a Makélélé, type player, we'll be laughing. Hopefully now that we have a coach, Kevin MacDonald can spend some time with him.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Chris Smith on August 31, 2010, 05:55:19 PM
Quote
I accept he is not the best on the ball but we have plenty of talent around him to enable him to concentrate on winning it and passing it simply.

Thats's half the problem though, he doesn't seem to realise that is his job.

Well let's see what a run of games does for him. Maybe he will settle down and relax and do what  he does best rather than thinking he has to over-achieve and prove himself again every time he steps on to the pitch.

Very good point, Nick.
If he'd been on the bench on Sunday I'm pretty sure we would have lost. It's a shame we didn't have him against Newcastle.
He's never going to be world class but he can certainly do a very important job for us. As Chris said, he needs to be sat down and explained his role. I would even put him in the next Reserve game and tell him you are only going to do the following things.. get him used to the new role. If he sees himself as a Makélélé, type player, we'll be laughing. Hopefully now that we have a coach, Kevin MacDonald can spend some time with him.

He's certainly got it in him, but as I said in the match thread that one incident where he won the ball just outside our area, fed Young than absolutely bust a gut to get onto the return only to cock it up when he needed some composure after the defender slipped is him in a nutshell. He'd be less eye-catching without that run but perhaps more effective for the team.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: darren woolley on August 31, 2010, 07:34:00 PM
I would have him in the team as dm i  think he has'nt played to bad since kmac brought him back into the team.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: Shrek on August 31, 2010, 07:39:27 PM
NRC has too start for me,

I was late to my seat on sunday and the first thing I said to tge lads around me was we are too lightweight, we should have started 4231 with NRC.

Then they said Ireland had pulled up, I was instantly more confident we wouldn't lose.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: BILL DE VALL on August 31, 2010, 08:11:53 PM
NRC is vital to the team at the moment
we need his fire and fight-hard graft winning the ball back
All the other midfielders are very good passers of the ball-so he can leave that to them!
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: UK Redsox on August 31, 2010, 08:23:49 PM
NRC is vital to the team at the moment
we need his fire and fight-hard graft winning the ball back
All the other midfielders are very good passers of the ball-so he can leave that to them!

However, in a one-on-one or two-on-one with the keeper, there's no one I'd less want to see than NRC
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: old man villa fan on September 01, 2010, 12:16:43 AM
As a few others have commented, he needs a run of games.

I thought on Sunday that he looked a yard off the pace of the game and certainly slower than when he first came to us.  Has the last year and a half not being in the team had an effect on him.

I always remember when he played for West Ham against us in MON's first season and he ran our midfield ragged.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: adrenachrome on September 01, 2010, 12:29:25 AM
Some good points made in this thread.

Very talented footballer, no doubt.  Very much adrenalin fuelled, so he appears to have a rush of blood to the head after a great tackle or run.

I thought this was why teams employed sports psychologists. Do we have any, by the way?
 
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: ROBBO on September 01, 2010, 07:31:36 AM
He was running on empty the last fifteen, thought he should have been subbed, he does try his best though.
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: jembob on September 01, 2010, 10:49:27 AM
NRC is the sort of player who should be starting or at least used as a sub to add a bit of steel to the midfield. Often in a game, if a team is under pressure, all it takes is a bit of inspiration such as a crunching tackle or an ambitious surge from midfield to stem the tide. NRC is capable of doing this through sheer graft and we don't have that elsewhere in the team. A top quality coach will spot his strengths and use him accordingly, probably as a holding midfielder which if he had the discipline, would be the making of him as a player.

Besides which, NRC isn't the worst passer in the squad. Step forward King Carlos!
Title: Re: Reo-Coker's ability to pass the ball to a team mate rather than an opponent
Post by: BILL DE VALL on September 02, 2010, 02:54:31 PM
NRC is vital to the team at the moment
we need his fire and fight-hard graft winning the ball back
All the other midfielders are very good passers of the ball-so he can leave that to them!

However, in a one-on-one or two-on-one with the keeper, there's no one I'd less want to see than NRC

Heskey?
bosko balaban??
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal