Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Hookeysmith on July 25, 2012, 12:36:08 PM
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Was looking at each of the games starting line ups on the successful USA trip (espedcially when you see how other premier teams have faired against MLS teams)
Anyway based on the starting line ups i have put a small summary together based on no new signings what the possible thinking behind PL's strategy and possible starting team for Wet Spam (i know its still early but it was worth a shot)
Goalkeepers
Of the 3 taken Guzan started in 2/3 although with Given in Euro 2012 and the last game on plastic i would imagine that the #1 will take the spot on opening day.
RB
Lowton started 2/3 so although there are other options it seems PL has possibly found his man.
CB's
Clark started 2/3
Collins 2/3
Baker & Dunne only 1/3 each (although Dunne could be due to Euros or that he is not in right condition)
LB
Warnock 2/3
Baker - 1/3 but looking at the line up i believe this was at CB
Stevens - 0/3 now this is telling i feel and gives the impression he is really not fancied at this level
MF
Although there has a been a mish mash of many different starter configurations there has been some regularity
Ireland - Only player to have 3/3
Bannan - 2/3
El Ahmadi - 2/3
Holman - 2/3
Strikers
Interstingly that on paper he has opted for 442 in each game.
Now assuming the current injuries clear up i think Bent is a cert and Gabby seems to have impressed and scored
So based on this spurious form guide and pick list of PL and assuming we dont buy anyone that walks right into the team i could see this being the line up in 3 weeks time
Given
Lowton
Clark
Collins
Warnock
Ireland - Captain!
Bannan
El Ahmadi
Holman
Gabby
Bent
To be honest i would not be to unhappy with that
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Interesting.
I'd still expect Bent to be captain (not that it really matters).
I'd also expect at least a couple more signings before the end of the summer as well.
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I hope we have a new left back by the time the season get's under way and also hope the Ron Vlaar deal can be done soon but apart from that it don't look too bad.
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I think we learned a lot during this tour. I watched every game in full and even being at one you start to realise that this team really wants to pass the ball and keep possession as much as possible. It amazes me then that they had a manager last year that either could not get them to do this or refused to. The fact that Lambert has come in and in a few weeks got them playing to this standard is amazing. Still, there is a lot of work to do because that team and the current squad won't be able sustain that level for a whole campaign. I still think we need 4 or 5 players, and in that 1 or 2 top players to really get into the current top 8.
I have been very impressed by Lowton, Ireland and Bannan on this tour. Clark looked very at ease at CB and El Ahmadi just keeps things ticking over. Holman works hard and Gabby in the Chicago game until he got hurt looked lively and up for it. We were rarely troubled defensively and even last night we got a little sloppy for the first goal, and unlucky for their second. Otherwise you felt we always had another gear if we needed it.
Overall very happy with the application and the desire to play football at all times. This season will be so much better to watch than last and it won;t be close to the final product.
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If that was to be the team, I don't see a lot of natural width, which would lead me to think we'll play a diamond and give the FBs licence to get forward.
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If that was to be the team, I don't see a lot of natural width, which would lead me to think we'll play a diamond and give the FBs licence to get forward.
= New Left Back to be signed, and a very competitive team.
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I expect a new LB and new CB. If you think about it we know of the Concrete Ron interest and the Bertrand loan bid, so that stands to reason.
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I expect a new LB and new CB. If you think about it we know of the Concrete Ron interest and the Bertrand loan bid, so that stands to reason.
I agree,think there will be at least two more additions before West Ham game,maybe even a forward,with three or four departing.
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LB & CB in with Hutton, Warnock and Collins departing - that's what I'm expecting.
After that I think he'll leave the defence alone and move onto the forward line, where it largely depends on who has impressed him or not so far. Goiing by Hookey's summary above, it may not be good news for N'Zogbia.
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I think we could do with an extra forward as I wouldn't like to be relying heavily on Weimann or the Fonz if anything should happen, especially if we are playing Gabby and Bent.
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Great summary - except it was Marshall, not Guzan in nets for the first game.
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Great summary - except it was Marshall, not Guzan in nets for the first game.
Well i was not actually there so took the info from the match thread
One all singing and dancing thread for pre, match and post discussion.
Team: Guzan, Lowton, Collins, Clark, Warnock, KEA, Holman, Bannan, Ireland, Fonz, Bent
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I agree about the forward line and potential for injury and i do think that the Fonz might get the nod over A.W - but would like an experienced player to come in
MF areas - not sure of the shape he would play with that lot but certainly if the 3/3 starts for Ireland are anything to go by then he might just be building around him. Talk of this passing game being very evident leads me to think Ireland could be the ideal foil along with bannan who also seems to be favoured.
I agree also about fullbacks bombing forward - most attacking teams have good attacking fullbacks - last year we had Hutton - who got a nose bleed everytime he went near half way and Warnock who got into good overlapping positions but fucked it up due to low confidence or low ability.
I dont know much about lowton but if he is a marauding RB then talk of getting a similar LB could be all the width we may need
Intersting times
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It certainly is interesting times.
From what I've heard of Lowton he has a reputatiopn for getting forward and scored a fair few goals last season for a defender. Offensively, our wide players were largely poor last season, so it could well be that Lambert is looking to solve that with FBs rather than new wingers, which means playing narrower in the midfield, which in turn negates the possibility of getting out numbered 2 against 3 if we want to play both Gabby and Bent upfront. Also, you could get Gabby pulling wide of Bent, thereby adding to the width of the team. A diamond means the guy further forward, presumably Ireland, then has the opportunity to get in the box and support Bent from deeper. Lots of interchanging of positions and attacking intent:-
Given
Lowton - Clark - C. Ron - Cresswell
Kea
Holman - Bannan
Ireland
Gabby - Bent
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Most significant thing for me is PL seems to have settled for a midfield diamond of Karim....Bannan....Holman....Ireland.
I haven't seen the game so not sure how it's been set up specifically but barring any injuries I believe we'll start at West Ham with those four.
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It certainly is interesting times.
From what I've heard of Lowton he has a reputatiopn for getting forward and scored a fair few goals last season for a defender. Offensively, our wide players were largely poor last season, so it could well be that Lambert is looking to solve that with FBs rather than new wingers, which means playing narrower in the midfield, which in turn negates the possibility of getting out numbered 2 against 3 if we want to play both Gabby and Bent upfront. Also, you could get Gabby pulling wide of Bent, thereby adding to the width of the team. A diamond means the guy further forward, presumably Ireland, then has the opportunity to get in the box and support Bent from deeper. Lots of interchanging of positions and attacking intent:-
Given
Lowton - Clark - C. Ron - Cresswell
Kea
Holman - Bannan
Ireland
Gabby - Bent
As a rigid formation that looks pretty shit to me, but most of those players have the ability to play in other positions so the team would hopefully have a fluidity to it. Attacking fullbacks, Gabby pulling out wide and a midfield that is almost entirely inter-changeable.
The rigid players, the CBs and probably Bent and KEA, would provide a spine/pivots that the rest could work off.
It could be a huge disaster but I like the ambition of it and it is likely to lead to an exciting/unpredictable brand of football. ...and why not.
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Hasn't Bent(?) said in an interview that PL is setting them up with a back four; two sat in front and then the other 4 have licence to attack?
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One of the most noticeable thing from last season was the lack of over-lapping seen from the full-backs. A flat back 4 still allows for the full-backs to do this and was a huge departure from our attacking under McLeish.
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I've watched all 3 games too (tho only highlights for game 3). I don't think we've been playing a diamond, more a sort of 4-2-2-2, with Ireland and Holman / N'Zogbia in the attacking positions, but plenty of fluidity. Looks good in friendlies, though it will depend highly on good attacking play from the full backs and the ability of at least one of the forwards (eg Gabby) in pulling wide.
I've been really pleased with us in patches, particularly the movement and the passing, and the willingness to accept the ball in tight positions. The midfield 4 all did well, as did Clark and Gabby. I also thought the Fonz looked decent, if not great, but he certainly played better than Weimann.
But I think the things to be cautious about are primarily:
- defence, we looked vulnerable when the ball was thrown forwards. I really like Clark but he needs to play alongside a dominant centre back and I'm not sure Collins / Dunne can perform that role adequately. And while Lowton has done quite well, I'm not convinced any of our full back options are strong enough.
- attack - the final ball and decision taking wasn't the best at times. If Gabby and Bent aren't in form, then we'll really struggle. So we're relying on them coming back from injury. Bent in particular didn't look to be on form yet.
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As posted above, it does seem to be a 4-2-2-2 with a heavy emphasis on pressing high up the pitch, keeping the ball and winning it back as quickly as possible. It sounds very much like a Barcelona-esque (or Spanish) style of play so I think its going to be very interesting. The full-backs are going to be crucial for providing width in that formation with 4 midfielders being condensed into the centre a lot of the time. We have Lowton and I think this strategy will push Warnock out of the door. I can well believe there being something in the Cresswell link.
Based purely on the pre-season tour, my take on how we might line-up at the start of the season -
Guzan - I'm probably on my own but I think Lambert will prefer Guzan over Given
Lowton
Collins - it sounds like he's been playing well and he might have done enough to persuade Lambert to keep him. In which case it might be Dunne that's sold
Clark - his comfort with the ball at his feet really fits into the new style of play. I think Baker might be the better defender though
Warnock - but I suspect he will leave and someone like Cresswell will replace him
Al-Almadi
Bannan - Al-Almadi both sitting in front of the defence, winning the ball back and starting attacks
Ireland
Holman - Ireland and Holman spending a lot of time in centre also but with much more license to get forward
Bent
Agbonlahor - 2 up front
Last season Norwich made use of their full squad and tactics/formations were changed depending on the opponent and match situations so we could see a few different things. It sounds like they've only used the 4-2-2-2 so far though. Albrighton and N'Zogbia will certainly be hoping for some flexibility as they might not get many opportunities otherwise.
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What the hell does Paul Lambert think he's doing the man is a disgrace
http://www.portlandtimbers.com/news/2012/07/match-replay-watch-full-archived-match-timbers-vs-aston-villa-jeld-wen-field
I've just been watching Aston Villa v Portman timbers (see link above if you want to watch the full match) and I am disgusted that Paul Lambert has decided to throw away the legacy that was left in place by Alex McLeish. Paul Lambert has the nerve to try to play football, I'm a Villa fan I'm not used to seeing Villa players passing the ball to each other and as a result I was unnerved to find in the first half of this game that there were passages of play where the villa played the ball to each other with a succession of interlinking passes sometime numbering over 10. I'm not used to seeing passing football, no one has prepared me for it. What has happened to the Alex McLeish brand of football where we launched the ball forward aimlessly giving possession back to our opponents as quickly as possible, what has happened to players attempting to hoof the ball into the mixer before any of our players can get into the box. The hours that Villa players have spent on the training ground with Alex McLeish learning these skills appears to have been wasted now that Paul Lambert has abandoned this approach. The question for me is why is our goalkeeper now rolling the ball out to one of the defenders when he can boot the ball back to the opposition? Why is Collins not attempting to boot the ball over the heads of our wide players? Why has Barry Bannon given up trying to play a killer ball with every pass in favour of retaining possession and building up play? Even Charles “insomnia” appears to have given up running into dead-end and is starting to look up and pass the ball.
Doesn't Paul Lambert understand as a Villa fan I've been brought up on a diet of safety first, we must not lose, boring unadventurous football, where the ball spends more time in the air than on the ground. I'm not sure I can survive on a diet of pass and move football where the fullbacks play like wingbacks and we pack the middle of the park with enough shirts so that we can retain possession of the ball.
A diet of this type of football cannot be good for me as I'm not used to it. Alex McLeish's lasting legacy will be that he gave a number of the Villa youth the opportunity to play in the first-team. Paul Lambert's legacy will be that he gave these youth the opportunity to play football.
Clearly Paul Lambert has not yet found the correct balance between those players who want to pass the ball to death and those players who play a more direct style of football but once he has, I fear the Villa fans will have to put up with entertaining football at Villa Park. It will be just like watching Spain. Who wants that hellish type football at Villa Park when we can play like England, a proud football nation that hasn't won anything since 1966?
As a Villa fan I have no patience with this passing football I'm not used to it and I'm sure that the Villa fans will get on the back of the players when they string together 10 passes and only move forward by 5 yards. How long before fans start moaning because someone has missed places a pass?
Hoofing the ball in the channels on the break as we did under Martin O'Neill or hoofing the ball back to our opponents as quickly as we possibly could as we did under Alex McLeish is what I've been brought up on and I fear that under Paul Lambert we can expect good days and bad days in this coming season, but in the long run if Villa have patience and give him time we are/will be the top 6 team in the making. If this happen what the hell will I have to moan about? As a result, can I say that having watched these preseason games and found that we have taken huge steps forward in terms of delivering a passing game we need to start a campaign to get Lambert out or else he will ruin the proud legacy left to us by Alex McLeish
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here bloody here
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Great summary - except it was Marshall, not Guzan in nets for the first game.
No he wasn't. Guzan was in goal for most of this tour including the first game in Philadelphia.
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I don't think we can really learn a great deal from the earlier pre-season friendlies. Didn't we do pretty well in HK last summer, for example? Well, at least against Blackburn.
For me the most important thing is that I have hope again. I can remember Villa sides worse than last season's, but I can't remember any really matching last season for utter spinelessness. They were the first Villa side to make me actually embarassed of my club, something I didn't think I'd ever feel. I expected last season to be bad the minute we made the still unbelievable decision to appoint McLeish, but I didn't know just how depressing and frustrating it would be.
I hope, and think, that in Lambert we now have a progressive manager, who is looking to build something. McLeish was a relic. Houllier had his own issues and was undone by his health. Even under MON who did well with us, we had a manager who was very much a traditional manager - he knew how he liked to do things, and that's what he did, all the time.
The most encouraging thing about Lambert I heard was shortly after he joined, and it was a Norwich fan saying how the way he'd send them out to play was frequently totally different from one week to the next, to match the opponent they were playing. Halle-fucking-lujah, that's one of the major things that has been missing from the way we play for a very long time now, a bit of tactical nous and flexibility.
So, let's not get carried away with what we've seen so far, it really doesn't mean a great deal, but at the same time, lets be happy that we've seen nothing which makes us question what we see as the main things Lambert is bringing to the table for us.
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Spot on, walnuts. O'Neill and Houllier certainly had qualities but also had significant limitations. And the last guy had nothing but limitations. The Villa job is a significant step up in terms of scale and expectation for Lambert so it's not going to be easy for him, at least early on, but he seems to be a modern, flexible and sophisticated manager which is basically what we've been crying out for for ages. So I'm in the cautiously optimistic group and, more importantly, looking forward to the new season - as walnuts says - with renewed hope.
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Last season Norwich made use of their full squad and tactics/formations were changed depending on the opponent and match situations so we could see a few different things. It sounds like they've only used the 4-2-2-2 so far though. Albrighton and N'Zogbia will certainly be hoping for some flexibility as they might not get many opportunities otherwise.
Playing as one of the two front men might be a better move for him. He didn't look like he wanted to play out wide last season and just might be more effective in a central role. I hadn't seen any of the games until I watched the Portland game on the link in one of the posts above, but thought Weimann and Fonz offered little threat. We are going to need more options up front if we are going to play two up there, especially if Bent and Gabby are struggling to be fit, so it might be worth giving N'Zogbia a chance. We looked fairly solid in the other departments in that game.
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With gabby looking like he may miss the start if the season, I wonder if either n'zogbia or Holman might get the support striker role. Holman played a bit if one game there. N'zogbia hasn't, but it should mean he gets the ball with fewer players boxing him in. His decision making can be bloody terrible though.
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I think a striker must be on the cards although Fonz not only got game time but scored a very decent goal as well - pity Weinmann was not so impressive
I honestly think that if PL cannot get N'Zogbia playing then he is finished with us
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If we're playing the formation we expect, than N'Zogbia could easily slip into the Gabby role of a striker pulling wide of Bent. Although Holman could do it as well, I think Bertie may favour N'Zog as it gets more pace into the side in Gabby's absence.
I haven't seen any of the pre-season games yet, so can't really comment on the 4-2-2-2 formation. However, in essence it does much of what I was suggesting with the diamond, which is have a narrow 4 in midfield and look to get width from the FBs and one of the strikers.
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Great summary - except it was Marshall, not Guzan in nets for the first game.
No he wasn't. Guzan was in goal for most of this tour including the first game in Philadelphia.
Sorry. I'm clearly getting to the age where the pre-season games blur into one. Whichever continent they are on.
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I was thinking that the line-up against Werder Bremen will be closer to that we will see at West Ham.
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Last season Norwich made use of their full squad and tactics/formations were changed depending on the opponent and match situations so we could see a few different things. It sounds like they've only used the 4-2-2-2 so far though. Albrighton and N'Zogbia will certainly be hoping for some flexibility as they might not get many opportunities otherwise.
As will Delph, Carruthers and Gardner.
EDIT: And Daniel Johnson! I hope he gets his chance this season.
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I think Delph and Gardner would fit into the formation quite easily and Carruthers has planned as a central attacking midfielder too. N'Zogbia might be comfortable going more central but I've only ever seen Albrighton out wide.
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I think Delph and Gardner would fit into the formation quite easily and Carruthers has planned as a central attacking midfielder too. N'Zogbia might be comfortable going more central but I've only ever seen Albrighton out wide.
Thought he looked good when he came on against Portland.
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I think the most pleasing news is that Bannan has looked sharp in a central role.
I think he may well be Makouns replacement. He can keep things ticking over with the neat short stuff, but he is more dynamic than Makoun.
It would be great to see wee Barry make the grade.
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For people who have been to the matches how did the fonz do, sounds like he took his goal well and got himself into some good positions for other chances as well. I think his style should be particularly well suited to what Lambert is trying to do so i really want him to step up and deliver on the potential this year, these friendlies might give a glimpse as to whether that may happen.
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For people who have been to the matches how did the fonz do, sounds like he took his goal well and got himself into some good positions for other chances as well.
The Fonz looked very lively against Philapehphia Union as he was against Burton Albion. Sounds like he didn't combine so well with Weimann against Portland. I only saw the highlights against Chicago Fire so not sure about one either.
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I'm not sure Guzan will be vying for our Goalie shirt....
Bleacher Report
On Tuesday, July 23, 2012, while on a tour of the U.S. with Aston Villa (and on the same day he played in a friendly match against the Portland Timbers), it was announced that Brad Guzan had signed a six-month loan deal with Chivas USA. The deal will keep the American keeper with the "goats" through the end of the MLS season.
Interestingly enough, he will now be on the same team as fellow American keeper and one of the top keepers in MLS, Dan Kennedy. It will be interesting to see if there will be an open competition between the two or if one is chosen as starter for the rest of the season. It would be shocking, however, if Guzan were to go on loan just to be a No. 2 behind Kennedy.
Brad will miss the first half of Villa's EPL campaign and was in the middle of a competition for the goalkeeping post with Irish international Shay Given, a race manager Paul Lambert had declared wide open.
All in all, it will be interesting to see how things work out and if Guzan could even end up with the red and white half of Los Angeles permanently.
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Wasn't wide open for long then.
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http://www.portlandtimbers.com/news/2012/07/match-replay-watch-full-archived-match-timbers-vs-aston-villa-jeld-wen-field
Just watching this - Collins is STILL trying to hit those cross field passes that tend to balloon into the left-hand stand.
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I like the fact that Chivas' nickname is "The Goats".
I also liked Portland's thing of having the bloke saw the log when they scored, plus their use of Italian Ultra style crowd leaders getting the atmosphere going.
I think I'd quite like going to MLS games if i lived over there.
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I like the fact that Chivas' nickname is "The Goats".
I also liked Portland's thing of having the bloke saw the log when they scored, plus their use of Italian Ultra style crowd leaders getting the atmosphere going.
I think I'd quite like going to MLS games if i lived over there.
middle class interloper
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I like the fact that Chivas' nickname is "The Goats".
I also liked Portland's thing of having the bloke saw the log when they scored, plus their use of Italian Ultra style crowd leaders getting the atmosphere going.
I think I'd quite like going to MLS games if i lived over there.
middle class interloper
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Ended up watching 10 minutes of Swiss Toni. "Do I find you reading a book, Paul?"
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Wouldn't worry about Weimann, he showed a lot of potential at the end of last season and arguably scored the goal that kept us in the premier league.
If he gets enough minutes I think he'll scored 10 league goals this season.
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Hmmm. Flood-threatened Witton.
“I fell in love with Aston Villa because I thought the name sounded like an island off Sardinia,” Hanks told the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.
Aston Villa actually plays their home matches in Witton, which is an industrial town in England. Heavy rainfall in the area has the River Tame constantly threatening to flood.
http://portlandtribune.com/pt-rss/12-sports/112552-timbers-notes--coach-wilkinson-pleased;-tom-hanks-on-hand;-aston-villa-completes-tiring-trek;-portland-players-stage-dance-competition
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Hmmm. Flood-threatened Witton.
“I fell in love with Aston Villa because I thought the name sounded like an island off Sardinia,” Hanks told the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.
Aston Villa actually plays their home matches in Witton, which is an industrial town in England. Heavy rainfall in the area has the River Tame constantly threatening to flood.
http://portlandtribune.com/pt-rss/12-sports/112552-timbers-notes--coach-wilkinson-pleased;-tom-hanks-on-hand;-aston-villa-completes-tiring-trek;-portland-players-stage-dance-competition
See I never really understood the antipathy towards Tom Hanks from some Villa fans. He's not professing to be a die hard fan, he just said he likes the club and follows them a bit. I can't see any problem in that.
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Hmmm. Flood-threatened Witton.
“I fell in love with Aston Villa because I thought the name sounded like an island off Sardinia,” Hanks told the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.
Aston Villa actually plays their home matches in Witton, which is an industrial town in England. Heavy rainfall in the area has the River Tame constantly threatening to flood.
http://portlandtribune.com/pt-rss/12-sports/112552-timbers-notes--coach-wilkinson-pleased;-tom-hanks-on-hand;-aston-villa-completes-tiring-trek;-portland-players-stage-dance-competition
See I never really understood the antipathy towards Tom Hanks from some Villa fans. He's not professing to be a die hard fan, he just said he likes the club and follows them a bit. I can't see any problem in that.
Neither do I.
I was referring to the stuff about the industrial town of Witton, living in constant fear of the River Tame busting its banks.
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Yeah sorry I wasn't referring to what you highlighted Paulie, just making a general observation. But yeah that quote highlights some good journalism!
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Hanks comes out with bollocks sometimes like lots of celebrities but it is completely harmless. He's a really famous movie star that likes Aston Villa. I really don't see the downside.
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The picture on the Birmingham Mail website of Matt Kendrick and Tom Hanks was funny. Tom did not look amused.
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For people who have been to the matches how did the fonz do, sounds like he took his goal well and got himself into some good positions for other chances as well. I think his style should be particularly well suited to what Lambert is trying to do so i really want him to step up and deliver on the potential this year, these friendlies might give a glimpse as to whether that may happen.
I saw him at Portland. He looked like he was playing for his job. Constant movement lots of tracking back, always trying to find space. I cant fault his effort.
Oh yes he was the last player off the pitch and made sure he walked (alone) over to the Villa fans in the far away end to applaud their support.
I think he believes this is make or break time for his career and he is not going to let it slip by without a fight. I hope he makes it and bangs in a few great performances.
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For people who have been to the matches how did the fonz do, sounds like he took his goal well and got himself into some good positions for other chances as well. I think his style should be particularly well suited to what Lambert is trying to do so i really want him to step up and deliver on the potential this year, these friendlies might give a glimpse as to whether that may happen.
I saw him at Portland. He looked like he was playing for his job. Constant movement lots of tracking back, always trying to find space. I cant fault his effort.
Oh yes he was the last player off the pitch and made sure he walked (alone) over to the Villa fans in the far away end to applaud their support.
I think he believes this is make or break time for his career and he is not going to let it slip by without a fight. I hope he makes it and bangs in a few great performances.
This is exactly what I've heard from other people and is very good to see, I really think there's still a lot of potential there and hopefully Lambert has had a talk with him about making sure he makes the most of it. If he (and Weimann) can make the step up and both become a genuine threat off the bench (to give us a couple of game changers on there) then our striking options are looking good for this year.
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Wouldn't worry about Weimann, he showed a lot of potential at the end of last season and arguably scored the goal that kept us in the premier league.
If he gets enough minutes I think he'll scored 10 league goals this season.
I'm less convinced. He's a really good finisher it seems. But not sure he has enough else to his game. Not fast, tall, great technically or a dribbler. Look at Michael Owen once he lost his pace.
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Wouldn't worry about Weimann, he showed a lot of potential at the end of last season and arguably scored the goal that kept us in the premier league.
If he gets enough minutes I think he'll scored 10 league goals this season.
I'm less convinced. He's a really good finisher it seems. But not sure he has enough else to his game. Not fast, tall, great technically or a dribbler. Look at Michael Owen once he lost his pace.
He's sharp around the box, one of those strikers who always seems to find a yard of space. He let himself down a couple of times last year by getting into those positions and then not having the confidence to have a go. Get that sorted and get him trying his luck more often and he's definitely a good option as cover for Bent.
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To my mind this season is make or break for the likes of Albrighton and Bannan. With the Fonz I think it's more a case of he trying to save/ressurect his Villa career, as few would argue if Bertie had sold him this summer.
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To my mind this season is make or break for the likes of Albrighton and Bannan. With the Fonz I think it's more a case of he trying to save/ressurect his Villa career, as few would argue if Lambert had sold him this summer.
For whatever reason, Fonz has never had a run of a few consecutive starts in the team. I believe there is talent there but he needs a bit of a confidence builder to help him realise his potential. Let's hope PL is the person who can do this as I think that he has the ability and the know how to play off the main striker. He has good movement and anticipation and can put the ball in the net.
PL is apparently trying to get us to play a more fluid game and Fonz could well fit into this system.
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I'm excited by the options in defence. I think Clark looks just excellent; Baker seems to be one cool dude; Lowton and Lichaj can both play centrally as well as at RB. Herd, Delph and Stevens are FB options and we appear to have finally landed Concrete Ron.
One more LB option and we're done, IMHO.
We can then open the exit door for Hutton, Warnock and Collins. Dunne as back-up for Concrete does it.
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I'm excited by the options in defence. I think Clark looks just excellent; Baker seems to be one cool dude; Lowton and Lichaj can both play centrally as well as at RB. Herd, Delph and Stevens are FB options and we appear to have finally landed Concrete Ron.
One more LB option and we're done, IMHO.
We can then open the exit door for Hutton, Warnock and Collins. Dunne as back-up for Concrete does it.
I'd say a left back, a midfielder and possibly a striker too, then we're done. I'd also be tempted to sell N'Zogbia. I wouldn't mind a more reliable winger in given Alby's injury and N'Zogbia's poor form.
However, Delph's form has been promising, so that could mean our midfield options are that bit stronger. Ditto Bannan, he looks up for it.
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I've complained to AVTV
Their Portland highlights must have been interfered with. I don't believe we scored from 2 corners!
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I'm excited by the options in defence. I think Clark looks just excellent; Baker seems to be one cool dude; Lowton and Lichaj can both play centrally as well as at RB. Herd, Delph and Stevens are FB options and we appear to have finally landed Concrete Ron.
One more LB option and we're done, IMHO.
We can then open the exit door for Hutton, Warnock and Collins. Dunne as back-up for Concrete does it.
I'd say a left back, a midfielder and possibly a striker too, then we're done. I'd also be tempted to sell N'Zogbia. I wouldn't mind a more reliable winger in given Alby's injury and N'Zogbia's poor form.
However, Delph's form has been promising, so that could mean our midfield options are that bit stronger. Ditto Bannan, he looks up for it.
I heard a rumour that Aaron Lennon may be on the agenda ... I don't disagree that Charles may be an exit (wasn't a fan even before he joined us).
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Paul Lambert is eager for Karim El Ahmadi to play with a licence to thrill this season.
Lambert insists he won't curtail El Ahmadi's freedom in the centre.
The new Villa boss, who says he's been an admirer of his new signing for quite some time, believes El Ahmadi will quicken up the tempo in the middle of the park with his impressive range of passing skills.
He said: "Karim is someone I have been aware of for a while. I think he will be great for us. He is a very, very good footballer.
"I don't think he's a set player in terms of defensive or offensive. He can do most things and could do both roles if I asked him to do that.
"Certainly I won't curtail him and will let him play with freedom because I think that is the way he plays. He is a very good player.
"It was pleasing to get the deal done early because we needed someone who can put their foot on the ball and move it about a bit quicker. I think he'll do that for us.
"I think your eye as a manager tells you what a player is like in terms of their good habits and bad habits as well as how well they can move the ball.
"I think he can move the ball well and, at 27-years-old, he's an experienced player who has played international football.
"He's played at top club in Feyenoord and played in some big games in Holland as well."
Lambert is confident El Ahmadi will be in tune when the opening match of the season against West Ham rolls around next month.
That's due to the fact El Ahmadi will have enjoyed a full pre-season in his new league and new country.
He continued: "I'm pretty sure coming to the Premier League will be different challenge and also a different culture for Karim.
"What will help Karim is that he is in here from the beginning. He is here right from the off - it is not as if he is coming the day before we play West Ham and it's a culture shock and he's in a situation where he has not trained much.
"He's here right from the start so it should not really be a hindrance to him."
Lambert also hailed the quality of the competition he has joined from.
He added: "Dutch football is still a very strong league. You only have to look at Ajax and the way they played against Manchester United in the Champions League to realise that - they were very good.
"There's some big, big clubs and Karim has come from one of them.
"It won't faze him coming. I think if you give him the confidence he'll go and play."
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I'm excited by the options in defence. I think Clark looks just excellent; Baker seems to be one cool dude; Lowton and Lichaj can both play centrally as well as at RB. Herd, Delph and Stevens are FB options and we appear to have finally landed Concrete Ron.
One more LB option and we're done, IMHO.
We can then open the exit door for Hutton, Warnock and Collins. Dunne as back-up for Concrete does it.
I'd say a left back, a midfielder and possibly a striker too, then we're done. I'd also be tempted to sell N'Zogbia. I wouldn't mind a more reliable winger in given Alby's injury and N'Zogbia's poor form.
However, Delph's form has been promising, so that could mean our midfield options are that bit stronger. Ditto Bannan, he looks up for it.
I heard a rumour that Aaron Lennon may be on the agenda ... I don't disagree that Charles may be an exit (wasn't a fan even before he joined us).
I'd be delighted if we signed Lennon, but can't see it.
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Paul Lambert is eager for Karim El Ahmadi to play with a licence to thrill this season.
Lambert insists he won't curtail El Ahmadi's freedom in the centre.
The new Villa boss, who says he's been an admirer of his new signing for quite some time, believes El Ahmadi will quicken up the tempo in the middle of the park with his impressive range of passing skills.
He said: "Karim is someone I have been aware of for a while. I think he will be great for us. He is a very, very good footballer.
"I don't think he's a set player in terms of defensive or offensive. He can do most things and could do both roles if I asked him to do that.
"Certainly I won't curtail him and will let him play with freedom because I think that is the way he plays. He is a very good player.
"It was pleasing to get the deal done early because we needed someone who can put their foot on the ball and move it about a bit quicker. I think he'll do that for us.
"I think your eye as a manager tells you what a player is like in terms of their good habits and bad habits as well as how well they can move the ball.
"I think he can move the ball well and, at 27-years-old, he's an experienced player who has played international football.
"He's played at top club in Feyenoord and played in some big games in Holland as well."
Lambert is confident El Ahmadi will be in tune when the opening match of the season against West Ham rolls around next month.
That's due to the fact El Ahmadi will have enjoyed a full pre-season in his new league and new country.
He continued: "I'm pretty sure coming to the Premier League will be different challenge and also a different culture for Karim.
"What will help Karim is that he is in here from the beginning. He is here right from the off - it is not as if he is coming the day before we play West Ham and it's a culture shock and he's in a situation where he has not trained much.
"He's here right from the start so it should not really be a hindrance to him."
Lambert also hailed the quality of the competition he has joined from.
He added: "Dutch football is still a very strong league. You only have to look at Ajax and the way they played against Manchester United in the Champions League to realise that - they were very good.
"There's some big, big clubs and Karim has come from one of them.
"It won't faze him coming. I think if you give him the confidence he'll go and play."
Excellent interview and I'm really impressed that Lambert clearly wants us to play good, passing football.
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Tut Tut
Nowhere does he mention his defensive duties and being behind the ball
This manager knows fuck all about football ;)
Cannot wait to our boys start the season
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I'm excited by the options in defence. I think Clark looks just excellent; Baker seems to be one cool dude; Lowton and Lichaj can both play centrally as well as at RB. Herd, Delph and Stevens are FB options and we appear to have finally landed Concrete Ron.
One more LB option and we're done, IMHO.
We can then open the exit door for Hutton, Warnock and Collins. Dunne as back-up for Concrete does it.
I'd say a left back, a midfielder and possibly a striker too, then we're done. I'd also be tempted to sell N'Zogbia. I wouldn't mind a more reliable winger in given Alby's injury and N'Zogbia's poor form.
However, Delph's form has been promising, so that could mean our midfield options are that bit stronger. Ditto Bannan, he looks up for it.
I heard a rumour that Aaron Lennon may be on the agenda ... I don't disagree that Charles may be an exit (wasn't a fan even before he joined us).
I'd be delighted if we signed Lennon, but can't see it.
For the money I'd rather go for Sinclair if anyone. Lennon and Walcott (included in this because his name gets mentioned from time to time) suffer from the fact that they got massive contracts as professional footballers based on their pace. Up front you can get away with that so log as you can finish reasonably well, on the wing you look scarily inconsistent because a smart manager can set his team up to nullify you. They both show glimpses of real talent but not enough to be worth what they'd cost.
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Yeah, I like Lennon, but spurs would want in excess of 10m and he’s not worth that.
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Tut Tut
Nowhere does he mention his defensive duties and being behind the ball
This manager knows fuck all about football ;)
Cannot wait to our boys start the season
Nor is he getting his excuses in early. If that had been TSM it would have been an interview about it taking El Ahmadi until next year to settle etc etc.
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Tut Tut
Nowhere does he mention his defensive duties and being behind the ball
This manager knows fuck all about football ;)
Cannot wait to our boys start the season
Nor is he getting his excuses in early. If that had been TSM it would have been an interview about it taking El Ahmadi until next year to settle etc etc.
The difference in just the words that each manager use make a world of difference to us as fans - imagine what a positive message it gives the players also
I have said it before but i really cannot wait for this season to get started - i really think we are going to surprise a good few this year