Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: tomd2103 on September 15, 2016, 11:38:12 PM
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... has been a weak area since Barry and Milner left, and Petrov was the last player with any real leadership or nous in there. Since then there has been very little creativity or defensive solidity in our midfield and apart from a brief spell at the end of Lambert's first season and a brief spell in Sherwood's first season, there has been no real fluency at all in that area of the team.
I just can't see how we expect to win games when we are constantly overrun and outplayed in probably the most important area of the pitch. Last night was another example where the midfield gradually disappeared up to the point where there was hardly any resistance and Brentford were able to gain real momentum. I honestly cannot see how Ashley Westwood constantly makes the starting XI as he looks just as poor in the Championship as he did for the majority of his time in the top flight. I honestly don't know if we will be able to move on if he stays in the side. Early days on the others, but Jedinak looks like he would be better as a defensive midfielder in a three, Tshibola looks promising but his injury record is a concern and Gardner doesn't look good enough. I do think we need to change to a three, but I just don't think we've currently got the options.
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What midfield?
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Yeah good thread Tom although point was raised a few weeks back and I think it was mentioned then how we appoint good midfielders as managers (Lambert, Sherwood and RDM) and yet none of them actually attempt to solve the issue.
I'd personally go back to playing 3 in there...I don't like the two sitting as everyone else just wants to attack infront so we're frequently overrun.
Another problem is Jedinak and one of Westwood/Gardner is very one paced. We really need Tshibola fit as in his brief showings he at least has a bit of energy about him.
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I thought Jedinak looked decent on Wednesday, at least for the first 70 minutes or so, but Westwood was just so anonymous. Ayew provides the only drive we have through the middle.
i would happily take a 35 year old Osman on a free to bolster numbers at least.
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For me, it has to be a three.
We have started the last couple of games with a very attacking line-up and been caught out. With he pace that we can call upon up front, I'd definitely have a MF three, probably of Jedi, Tshibola and Westwood - with Kodjia, Ayew and McCormack ahead of them
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The best midfielder at the club left last week
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This should be a short thread given that we don't have one....
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Stuff on brim mail / Twitter about this. Apparently RDM considering grealish as a number 8. I can't see him doing that in a 2 man midfield surely??! But in a three - could be good. Adomah / kodjia / ayew as a proper front three allowed to stay up the pitch with sufficient protection behind them could be really dangerous
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Gollini
Bacuna. Elphick. Chester. Sissikho
Tshibola. Jedinak
Grealish
Ayew. Kodjia. Adomah
Like this? As long as the wider players, Tshibola and Jedinak work their nuts off and never get injured, this might just work. There is no real backup to this side, that is also a concern as Westwood and Gardner aren't gonna win a physical battle. Baker, Gestede, Steer, Amavi, McCormack and Westwood and Gardner for subs?
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I'd have thought so - I'd think he's better in that sort of position rather than shuttling back and forth in a flatter three
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just like to add , Delph was our last quality midfielder.
is there any one from the youth that could do a job?
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Newby
Your right Westwood and Gardner aren't going to win a physical battle but from what I seen of Lyden I reckon he would. He seems to have that mentality that if it moves kick it something that the two you mentioned don't have.
Still don't know what rdm sees in Westwood
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Lyden doesn't seem anywhere near RDM's thinking so far. I've not seen him anywhere near enough to suggest he could do a job
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Stuff on brim mail / Twitter about this. Apparently RDM considering grealish as a number 8. I can't see him doing that in a 2 man midfield surely??! But in a three - could be good. Adomah / kodjia / ayew as a proper front three allowed to stay up the pitch with sufficient protection behind them could be really dangerous
Think Grealish would be used in a three like below:
Jedinak
Tshibola Grealish
The fact that is even being considered shows just how few options we have in midfield. I keep hoping for us to come out and really dominate games, but if we don't gain the upper hand in midfield, I don't think we will.
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I think we dominated against forest no?
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We missed a trick in not getting another midfielder in. We need someone with athleticism. Tish has it but looks injury prone and Westood, Jed and Gardner are too immobile, especially when we are under the hammer. We're too top heavy and in trying to accommodate them all we are making an already weakened midfeld even weaker.
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I think we dominated against forest no?
I wouldn't say to the point where we totally controlled the tempo of the game and it felt really comfortable. I count myself lucky enough to have seen some Villa sides over the years capable of doing that to teams and there was always that good balance and bit of quality in midfield.
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It's a shame we didn't keep one of Vertout, Gana or Sanchez.
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It's a shame we didn't keep one of Vertout, Gana or Sanchez.
I'd say it's a bigger shame that when we signed Gana we never game him a midfield partner of the quality that he has now grrrr
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Gana would be an ideal solution but let's not cry over spilt milk, we need to get by then loan a player in Jan
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It's a shame we didn't keep one of Vertout, Gana or Sanchez.
The one being Gana. The other two were shite.
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We need to press the ball much higher up the pitch (but I'm not sure that we have the personnel to do it). We allowed Brentford to settle on the ball and play in our half for virtually the whole of the second half. We weren't playing Arsenal! Why are we showing 'respect' to teams who we shouldn't be? We should have been penning them into their half and winning the ball much further up the field. Sitting deep and defending from the 18-yard line is really asking for trouble. We need at least one, if not two combative midfielders in January. A simple 'give and go' should be enough to set up most pf our attacks as long as we can win possession!!
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There is no way any manager should consider playing a midfield 2 if it consists of any combination involving Gardner and Westwood...there needs to be at least one more in there just to make up for them being next to useless. Another experienced dominant midfielder needed to come in but didn't, and this good haunt us for the first half of the season. We've got plenty of attacking options but that is meaningless if we're weak at the back and can't provide the service to the forwards...Grealish, Ayew, Adomah, Gestede and McCormack should be competing for 3 places in the team at most, not trying to accommodate 4 of them.
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I don't get that.
Four strikers. You'd think that two or three would score.
But they have to be over the halfway line to do that, and causing the oppo defence some problems.
Leave the midfield alone, give the strikers some grief! Apart from young Jonathan, they've been going missing, especially in the last match.
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Agree Lou. McCormack looks seriously unfit, Gestede is Gestede namely Ian Ormandroyd in disguise, Ayew continues to deserve the reputation he built in France for having the worst shots to goals ratio in Ligue Un. That leaves Kodjia and that is what you get. One effective striker. Behind our poor, unreinforced midfield you have Elphick and Chester both of whose brains appear to be still on a beach somewhere.
The midfield is rubbish but they are not exactly the sole reason for our shameful ineptitude.
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Perhaps with Adomah in the side we will have more of an 'out' ball which will bring our strikers into play a little more and enable the MF to make up the space between them and the front runners ....
.... Ok, I admit that I'm clutching at straws.
At the moment we are somewhat relying on Jack or Ross to play a dynamic #10 role in front of two decent midfielders.
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And no team needs 4 strikers on the pitch. Play your best two, one out of Kodjia/Gestede and Ayew/McCormack, and make the rest of the team work correctly. It's not rocket science ...
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And no team needs 4 strikers on the pitch. Play your best two, one out of Kodjia/Gestede and Ayew/McCormack, and make the rest of the team work correctly. It's not rocket science ...
as you say it should be straightforward but we have to make things so difficult
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It's a shame we didn't keep one of Vertout, Gana or Sanchez.
The one being Gana. The other two were shite.
They were better than Westwood, though, and might have been okay at this level.
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I am sorry to seem so negative but I think clutching at straws is what do these days. We pin our hopes on players when they come. They fall short of expectations and the same level of poor performances becomes a loop. Elphick is a typical example. We desperately need leadership on the field. He is going to be the man to provide it. Not yet he hasn't. We need a goal poacher. McCormack will fill that role. Not yet he hasn't. We need a goalkeeper who is blunder free and inspires confidence in the defence. Gollini will do that. Not yet he hasn't. Of course we are only seven league games into the season. We assume that we have plenty of time for the "gelling" and the "bedding in" process to take effect. Maybe. But what if it doesn't?
The big picture is that since MON we have sold our best players and replaced them with inferior ones. We have to clutch at straws because we suspect - at least I do - that our midfield and our defence and our attack are, bearing in mind the amounts of money spent, nowhere near as good as they need to be. Again, apologies for the negativity. It is the way our start to the season has made me feel.
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On grealish's role again - the player I think he's most similar to is lallana. I've thought that for a while.
I note that lallana is playing in a midfield three this season, not as a ten but on the side. So maybe he can do it.
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In the midfield three bigness and athleticism is less important as there's enough of you to close down the space - providing that you work hard off the ball. If Jack does more of that it could well come off to play him in the middle.
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I believe the key to sorting our problems is getting the midfield right. It is the engine room of the team and controls the game. You win the battle there and you dominate, lose it and your defence comes under pressure.
I have not seen anything in the opposition this season to warrant two defensive midfield players. If we are going to finish in the top 6, we have to take the game to the opposition. For this, we have to play 3 balanced players in the middle. We have to spread our players over more of the pitch. Too many times we look to have players tripping over their own players because we have similar players getting into the same positions. This is why I favour 3 in the middle.
Of the players we have, Jedinek should be the defensive controlling player, Tshbola the runner when he is fit and that leaves the creativity. I think we should have kept Veretout as he was the only player in my mind that fitted this role. The alternative is to try and convert Grealish to play this position. He has the intelligence to play there, he needs the confidence to do it.
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That is a very wise post OMVF.
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I believe the key to sorting our problems is getting the midfield right. It is the engine room of the team and controls the game. You win the battle there and you dominate, lose it and your defence comes under pressure.
I have not seen anything in the opposition this season to warrant two defensive midfield players. If we are going to finish in the top 6, we have to take the game to the opposition. For this, we have to play 3 balanced players in the middle. We have to spread our players over more of the pitch. Too many times we look to have players tripping over their own players because we have similar players getting into the same positions. This is why I favour 3 in the middle.
Of the players we have, Jedinek should be the defensive controlling player, Tshbola the runner when he is fit and that leaves the creativity. I think we should have kept Veretout as he was the only player in my mind that fitted this role. The alternative is to try and convert Grealish to play this position. He has the intelligence to play there, he needs the confidence to do it.
Jack, or Mccormack perhaps?
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The sooner we jettison the clownshoes that is Ashley Westwood, the better off we'll be. He gets more atrocious by the game.
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If a nuclear bomb exploded outside Villa Park, Ashley Westwood would be the only one to survive it.
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I think we dominated against forest no?
No
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I think we dominated against forest no?
No
We didn't? Wasn't it 26 shots to 2 or something mental like that?
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I think we dominated against forest no?
No
We didn't? Wasn't it 26 shots to 2 or something mental like that?
We conceded 2 terrible goals. The second was as a result of 1 player running through
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It's not just about going forward
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It's also what you do when you don't have the ball
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I believe the key to sorting our problems is getting the midfield right. It is the engine room of the team and controls the game. You win the battle there and you dominate, lose it and your defence comes under pressure.
I have not seen anything in the opposition this season to warrant two defensive midfield players. If we are going to finish in the top 6, we have to take the game to the opposition. For this, we have to play 3 balanced players in the middle. We have to spread our players over more of the pitch. Too many times we look to have players tripping over their own players because we have similar players getting into the same positions. This is why I favour 3 in the middle.
Of the players we have, Jedinek should be the defensive controlling player, Tshbola the runner when he is fit and that leaves the creativity. I think we should have kept Veretout as he was the only player in my mind that fitted this role. The alternative is to try and convert Grealish to play this position. He has the intelligence to play there, he needs the confidence to do it.
Would agree with this, but not sure we have the personnel to have the balance you mention. Jedinak and Tshibola (if and when fit) are fine, but we are missing that third option. Ideally, it would be another athletic player like Tshibola, which would mean we could have two players in there who could really press teams and a defensive player shoring up things behind.
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It's also what you do when you don't have the ball
Of course it is. But in most people's estimations when we dominate possession and shots like we did the conclusion would be that we dominated the game irrespective of the final outcome.
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I stated in the post match thread, that I think one of our main problems is movement of the ball quickly and with purpose, Jedinak, Westwood, Gardner are not going to give you that, Tish we will have to wait and see, Grealish to me ponders on the ball too much and always seems to want a further touch.
Yesterday and I never ever thought I would say this, but how we were lined up, I thought Bacuna was probably one of our better midfield players, he played with purpose, tracked back well and for a change did not give the ball away to often, but as we know is always likely to cock up when you least need him to.
Jedinak as the anchor, Grealish at the top of what I would play as a diamond 4, with Tish and either Bacuna or Adomah left and right, playing to Kodja and McCormack, I think Ayew is a luxury at this level and effects the balance of the team if we are to try and play from the midfield.
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That bloke who plays for Everton would do nicely.
Gareth Barry or Idrissa Gueye is his name.
Let's sign both of them!!!
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I cant help thinking Gil and Veretout shouldn't of been allowed to leave, unless of course they forced moves which may have been the case with the latter.
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I think Veretout wanted out as soon as we were relegated, similar to Gana.
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I think we are being a little guilty of forgetfulness guys. Some, if not all of those players are the reason where we are. Gana might have been of more use to us to be fair but the others are bit part players.
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I'd take a shot at playing Grealish a little deeper in a three-man midfield, especially if he's not going to be shooting all that much. He'd need to release the ball quicker though.
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Tshibola, Jedinak and Grealish to start against Newcastle behind Adomah and Ayew who can tuck into make 5 while Tshibola and Grealish have the legs to press.
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Grealish definitely needs to be more positive with the ball. Tends to hang on to it too long and gives defenders time to group around him and block him out. Needs to do more one touch and go to open up space for the people around him.
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So what you are saying is Grealish needs coaching...now I wonder who can do that?
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Tshibola, Jedinak and Grealish to start against Newcastle behind Adomah and Ayew who can tuck into make 5 while Tshibola and Grealish have the legs to press.
I'm in two minds with Ayew, at times he's the one who's making the chances that we miss and at others he looks lost and like we are playing the wrong formation to fit him in the side. I like him, I just have no idea where he is best suited to us.
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I'd take a shot at playing Grealish a little deeper in a three-man midfield, especially if he's not going to be shooting all that much. He'd need to release the ball quicker though.
My concern about Grealish playing in midfield is the physical and defensive side of his game. I could see him getting outmuscled and overrun in that area in this league. I think he would be more suited playing in front of a midfield three and behind two strikers. Not sure who the third midfielder in that set up would be.
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I agree re grealish. Though it could be that in a three that's ok if the other two are defensively strong enough
I see joey Barton is on the brink of leaving Rangers. What are people's thoughts?
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I agree re grealish. Though it could be that in a three that's ok if the other two are defensively strong enough
I see joey Barton is on the brink of leaving Rangers. What are people's thoughts?
would we be able to sign him? thought it was only out of contract players
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I agree re grealish. Though it could be that in a three that's ok if the other two are defensively strong enough
I see joey Barton is on the brink of leaving Rangers. What are people's thoughts?
Too similar to Jedinak and Westwood, Matt? We need some athleticism and energy in there.
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I agree re grealish. Though it could be that in a three that's ok if the other two are defensively strong enough
I see joey Barton is on the brink of leaving Rangers. What are people's thoughts?
I work with Andre Grays mum and he reckons Barton created a lot of his chances last season. I would do what Burnley did, get him in, use him to get up and then look to replace him.
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I wonder if Rangers will cancel his contract
Hasn't he got more energy than most of us the rest of our midfield?
Has been one of the best players in a promotion winning team three times now I think (Newcastle, burnley and QPR)
Also can play right side midfield or in a three - but add more aggression and movement than we'd otherwise have
Not really thought about it until now, but I'm warming to it
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Even a cock like Barton is a grade up from mr pointy. We need more cover, if he's available get him in. Can't see it happening though.
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Even a cock like Barton is a grade up from mr pointy. We need more cover, if he's available get him in. Can't see it happening though.
Agreed
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I wonder if Rangers will cancel his contract
Hasn't he got more energy than most of us the rest of our midfield?
Has been one of the best players in a promotion winning team three times now I think (Newcastle, burnley and QPR)
Also can play right side midfield or in a three - but add more aggression and movement than we'd otherwise have
Not really thought about it until now, but I'm warming to it
I see him more as the one who would sit in midfield and just keep things ticking over. He probably would be better in that role than our current incumbents, but the fact that the reason Rangers are looking to move him on is he was involved in another training ground altercation means he would be a huge gamble.
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You have to wonder why Rangers are willing to cancel his contract? Do we really need Joey Barton in our dressing room irrespective of what he might offer as a player? Stay well clear as far as I am concerned.
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I'd snap him up right away. He's got the steel and nastiness you sometimes need in this league and our midfield is clearly a weak spot in the team.
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You have to wonder why Rangers are willing to cancel his contract? Do we really need Joey Barton in our dressing room irrespective of what he might offer as a player? Stay well clear as far as I am concerned.
Well he didn't do too badly last season at Burnley.
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A good midfield protects a suspect defence (which ours still is).
If you see enough of the ball, even a moderate forward line should eventually cash in. And at this level, I'd say our forwards are a bit better than moderate.
A weak midfield causes problems for both areas of the pitch.
Tish might have injury concerns (and that shouldn't have been altogether surprising TBH, based on his past record) but with the level of finance available, we should have had better options than playing two in midfield at home to Brentford. Even if it meant utilising the loan market.
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You have to wonder why Rangers are willing to cancel his contract? Do we really need Joey Barton in our dressing room irrespective of what he might offer as a player? Stay well clear as far as I am concerned.
Well he didn't do too badly last season at Burnley.
No he didn't but that was last season. Also, Burnley didn't wait long to boot him even though he played a significant role in their promotion. With Barton the next incident is always around the corner and fair dues to Dyche for squeezing what he needed out of him. Clearly the Rangers boss hasn't been so fortunate.
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You have to wonder why Rangers are willing to cancel his contract? Do we really need Joey Barton in our dressing room irrespective of what he might offer as a player? Stay well clear as far as I am concerned.
He was apparently involved in a training altercation with another player and then had some kind of disagreement with the manager after that.
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You have to wonder why Rangers are willing to cancel his contract? Do we really need Joey Barton in our dressing room irrespective of what he might offer as a player? Stay well clear as far as I am concerned.
He was apparently involved in a training altercation with another player and then had some kind of disagreement with the manager after that.
Right, and altercations happen during the season at clubs. So you have to wonder to what level of disruption this would have to be for them to consider essentially sacking him. He's a bad egg is Joey.
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Even if Rangers cancelled his contract he won't be able to sign for anyone until Jan? Personally I think Leon Osman as part of a midfield 3 would be a way better short term measure
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He can be the baddest egg in the coop for all I care but if he helps us get promotion I don't care.
There's bad eggs who don't don't give a toss and after last season we all know who they are and there's ones who still give there all which I think he does
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I can't see them paying up his contract over what sounds like a bit of a row after taking a tonking from Celtic.
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Also, Burnley didn't wait long to boot him even though he played a significant role in their promotion.
They offered him a new deal, hardly giving him the boot.
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Also, Burnley didn't wait long to boot him even though he played a significant role in their promotion.
They offered him a new deal, hardly giving him the boot.
And how good a deal was it that he turned it down and a chance to return to the PL to end up playing in Scotland?
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Barton told them they were playing in a shit league against shit teams, to which his teammate replied ''well you didn't get a kick at the weekend''.
Hardly Hartson kicking someone in the head territory, Barton is scum, he'd improve us, do we want to sink to employing scum?
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Barton told them they were playing in a shit league against shit teams, to which his teammate replied ''well you didn't get a kick at the weekend''.
Hardly Hartson kicking someone in the head territory, Barton is scum, he'd improve us, do we want to sink to employing scum?
Apparently it is a bit more than that. He had it out with another player Andy Halliday who is a huge fan favourite, and a lifelong Rangers fan. Basically it is Barton being a dick on several levels and something that Warburton wants shot of.
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Barton told them they were playing in a shit league against shit teams, to which his teammate replied ''well you didn't get a kick at the weekend''.
Bit harsh of Joey saying that to Burnley. The Premier League is not completely shit, although Man Utd are pretty bad ;)
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Absolutely we should be in for Barton. Proven experienced midfielder, leader and has recently won promotion at this level. Absolute no brainer.
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Barton told them they were playing in a shit league against shit teams, to which his teammate replied ''well you didn't get a kick at the weekend''.
Hardly Hartson kicking someone in the head territory, Barton is scum, he'd improve us, do we want to sink to employing scum?
If he toughened up our weak as water midfield and helps get us promoted, then it's a big fat yes from me!
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
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I wanted Ravel Morrison in the summer window but everyone said no more bad eggs in the team, Now everyone is happy for Joey Barton to come.
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I wanted Ravel Morrison in the summer window but everyone said no more bad eggs in the team, Now everyone is happy for Joey Barton to come.
Er, what?
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
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Scott Sinclair's a star in the team that will win the league again but it doesn't count because it's only Scotland.
Joey Barton's getting banged out of a mid-table team and he's just what we need.
This world's moving a bit too fast for me.
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Think we could be inventing a new phenomenon on this thread...the panic buy OUTSIDE the transfer window :-)
The fact Barton chose to go to Rangers rather than stay with Burnley or get another championship club shows that he thinks he's on the wain. By going to Rangers he gets that illusion of being at a big club whilst everyone else knows it league 1 standard at best with 4 proper games a year...money for old rope, got a brain on him that Joey.
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Is Jordan Lyden still recovering from his injury at the end of last season or is he fully fit now.
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Scott Sinclair's a star in the team that will win the league again but it doesn't count because it's only Scotland.
Joey Barton's getting banged out of a mid-table team and he's just what we need.
This world's moving a bit too fast for me.
[/quoteScott Sinclair's a star in the team that will win the league again but it doesn't count because it's only Scotland.
Joey Barton's getting banged out of a mid-table team and he's just what we need.
This world's moving a bit too fast for me.
Fair comment Dave but they are different players and Barton won't go missing in games. I really wanted us to go in for Flamini. Better option, same age.
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
When Keane joined Villa I thought that the length of time he stays will indicate how ambitious Aston Villa thinking he won't want to be around a club with a losing mentality. Did it last 3 months?
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
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Absolutely we should be in for Barton. Proven experienced midfielder, leader and has recently won promotion at this level. Absolute no brainer.
And a proven c**t without any doubt.
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
I'm pretty sure he was meant to be part of the cure as opposed to being another quitter getting paid handsomely by the club.
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
I'm pretty sure he was meant to be part of the cure as opposed to being another quitter getting paid handsomely by the club.
I'd say he quit because the club was run like a fuckin joke.
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I am sure he quit because he is a mentalist.
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I am sure he quit because he is a mentalist.
I'm quite sure it fell nicely with the promo work for his book being completed, but then I'm quite cynical and mistrusting like that.
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
I'm pretty sure he was meant to be part of the cure as opposed to being another quitter getting paid handsomely by the club.
I'd say he quit because the club was run like a fuckin joke.
I'd say he quit because it suited Roy Keane.
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With the state of our current midfield does anyone think we should have kept Carlos Sanchez and not sent him out on loan?
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With the state of our current midfield does anyone think we should have kept Carlos Sanchez and not sent him out on loan?
I think the pace of the division would have been a problem for him. I think the enforced changes so far have made it difficult to make a proper assessment, if and when we get a settled side we will have a better idea.
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Nonetheless, leaving ourselves with just Westwood, Jedinak and a mostly injured Tshibola as our entire senior midfield contingent was not smart.
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Nonetheless, leaving ourselves with just Westwood, Jedinak and a mostly injured Tshibola as our entire senior midfield contingent was not smart.
Gardner is experienced at this level (he's not looked anywhere near good enough this season mind). I'd like to see Bacuna play in there some games rather than the combo of Westwood and Gardner which doesn't work.
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Oh yes Gardner too. Still looks flimsy to me.
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I think Veretout should have been the one to keep. He is different from the rest in that he is creative.
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I think Veretout should have been the one to keep. He is different from the rest in that he is creative.
I agree but apparently he was not happy at the club and wanted to go back to France.
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Saunders_heroes
Your post is so near the mark mate on and off the pitch
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
That's my take.
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I'd get him in like a shot. He's a horrible, self righteous wanker but one that won't stand for losing or people not performing to their optimum. We're too nice to play against, and that needs to stop.
Isn't that what people thought when Roy Keane joined the club?
Yeah that's why he walked so early.
That's my take.
Yeah, it's not like stopping the players being too accepting of losing or helping them play to their potential might have been a big part of his job or anything.
The massive arsehole.
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With the state of our current midfield does anyone think we should have kept Carlos Sanchez and not sent him out on loan?
No. I'd rather see Westwood play to be honest. He might be utterly crap, but Sanchez is worse AND continually gives the ball away.
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Sanchez is better without the ball and at least offers some protection to the defence. And doesn't point pointlessly.
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I've not seen the last two games. But from what I've heard they sound like the worst two performances of the season
I'll admit a bias here - I've never been convinced by Jedinak. But I wonder if it's a coincidence that these are the two games he's played in? He's probably the worst passer of our midfield options I think? Could that be contributing to our inability to get up the pitch?
Might be bullocks. As I say I haven't seen the full games
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I've not seen the last two games. But from what I've heard they sound like the worst two performances of the season
I'll admit a bias here - I've never been convinced by Jedinak. But I wonder if it's a coincidence that these are the two games he's played in? He's probably the worst passer of our midfield options I think? Could that be contributing to our inability to get up the pitch?
Might be bullocks. As I say I haven't seen the full games
To be honest Matt, from what I've seen of Jedinak so far, he is the type you just sit in front of the defence and he offers a physical presence. With players like that, you obviously need a bit of mobility and ball playing around to give a bit of balance. I don't think playing him in a midfield two is going to do him any favours really.
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Sanchez is the worst player I've seen play for us in a long time. And I include Harry Redknap's wife in that.
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I've not seen the last two games. But from what I've heard they sound like the worst two performances of the season
I'll admit a bias here - I've never been convinced by Jedinak. But I wonder if it's a coincidence that these are the two games he's played in? He's probably the worst passer of our midfield options I think? Could that be contributing to our inability to get up the pitch?
Might be bullocks. As I say I haven't seen the full games
To be honest Matt, from what I've seen of Jedinak so far, he is the type you just sit in front of the defence and he offers a physical presence. With players like that, you obviously need a bit of mobility and ball playing around to give a bit of balance. I don't think playing him in a midfield two is going to do him any favours really.
That makes a lot of sense to me. Unfortunately we haven't really bought played to suit a 433. We wouldn't have bought McCormack and instead we'd have bought more of a box to box type
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In the Brentford game, Jedinak was seemingly the only midfielder in our side prepared to play a forward pass. Yes, they didn't all come-off but it was his (excellent) pass that lead directly to Kodjia's goal.
Pass-completion is probably the most misleading stat that there is. Westwood is a good passer in the sense that he rarely misplaces one, but that's largely because he rarely takes a risk and therefore rarely makes any telling passes during 90 minutes.
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I've not seen the last two games. But from what I've heard they sound like the worst two performances of the season
I'll admit a bias here - I've never been convinced by Jedinak. But I wonder if it's a coincidence that these are the two games he's played in? He's probably the worst passer of our midfield options I think? Could that be contributing to our inability to get up the pitch?
Might be bullocks. As I say I haven't seen the full games
To be honest Matt, from what I've seen of Jedinak so far, he is the type you just sit in front of the defence and he offers a physical presence. With players like that, you obviously need a bit of mobility and ball playing around to give a bit of balance. I don't think playing him in a midfield two is going to do him any favours really.
That makes a lot of sense to me. Unfortunately we haven't really bought played to suit a 433. We wouldn't have bought McCormack and instead we'd have bought more of a box to box type
Agree with the bit in bold. I still think we probably need the solid base of a midfield three, but as you say we are a player missing to play that formation. Jedinak, Westwood, Gardner and Lyden are all defensive midfielders, which only really leaves Tshibola and at a stretch Bacuna (though I haven't really seen him have a decent game for us in central midfield) as more attacking options. In a diamond formation, we could still have Ayew or Grealish behind two from McCormack, Kodjia, Adomah or Gestede.
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It looks like Bruce is addressing the midfield . Initially he got "legs round Jedinak " players who would do the running so jedinak tidy up and bulldog play could be utilised. Now with window and hopefully addition of forest and Barnsley captains -2 of the best midfielders in this league could prove a more explosive midfield.
I actually think houraine and lansbury could play as a two as they have engine and tackling ability. However what I do hope is this extra competition for places means Gardner Westwood and Tishbola will up their game. Having also linked with winger /wing backs left sided players schlupp and Brady cainey and downing think 3 of 4 or 5 places ' midfield ' up for grabs. If central defender bought could look at a 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-1 formation.
Interesting times but I'm immensly happy that houraine and lansbury are in the offing as will boost energy ,goals and drive from midfield.
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This thread surely has to be the shortest on H&V seeing as we don't have one (a midfield)....
Maybe we should lock it and then only reopen it on 1st Feb if Tone and Brucey have bought one.
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We’re short in the final third,” Bruce said. “We need to improve all over the pitch, we huffed and puffed"
I hope Bruce blows the transfer house down and brings in 2 or 3 attack minded players from the midfield.
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What is this 'midfield' you speak of?
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The midfield has to set the tempo and provide impetus. Ours does none of this.
As ordinary or poor as Wolves are, they had a couple of players capable of shifting through gears to drive the game on or spread the play quickly.
It's not hard to see why we have scored a goal a game when we have such an imbalanced midfield lacking players capable f hitting the box or creating anything of note.
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We don't have a midfield!
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
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Bloody hell footy. A contextual flair player? Nobody says that kinda thing in these here parts.
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Brian, I think he means Benny Carbone........hmmmm.
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I'd expect it to look something like this...
------------------Johnstone---------------
Hutton-------Chester----Baker-----Amavi
--------------Jedinak---Hourahane--------
Adomah----------Lansbury-----------Ayew
--------------------Kodjia-------------------
But I hope we get a better right back and a
Proper left attacker before the end of the window.
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Who scored.com article sums things up -
"Villa, beyond Kodjia, simply lack difference makers in the final third, which is why Lansbury has been signed. The new addition has averaged 1.7 key passes per game this season - only struggling Ross McCormack has averaged more for Villa - and it’s telling that the club’s destroyer in the middle of the park Mile Jedinak has created the most chances from open play (12) of all the central midfielders.
While Lansbury should prove an astute acquisition in that regard, Bruce’s interest in Barnsley captain Conor Hourihane is perhaps the more pertinent. The former Sunderland youth player has registered more assists than any other Championship player this season (11) and while that owes much to his superb ability over a dead ball, his vision in picking out his striker would be a real asset.
His set pieces certainly account for a large amount of his 59 key passes - almost three times as many as any Villa player (20) - but over half have been from open play. Moreover, the energy and tenacity that both he and Lansbury would bring to the midfield would make Villa are far more difficult to dominate in the middle ground, were they to flank Jedinak as would be expected. With a combined average of 7 tackles per game between that trio, Bruce would have a strong blend of brawn and brains in a position that to now has been overrun since his appointment.
Lansbury and Hourihane's arrivals wouldn’t change the fact that Aston Villa’s mission is now looking improbable, if not impossible, but a midfield revamp is just what the Dr ordered as Tony Xia continues to put his money where his mouth is."
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Or perhaps, if you could bring one midfielder back from the last 20 years and slot him straight in to the current side, who would it be?
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Or perhaps, if you could bring one midfielder back from the last 20 years and slot him straight in to the current side, who would it be?
Andy Townsend.
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Or perhaps, if you could bring one midfielder back from the last 20 years and slot him straight in to the current side, who would it be?
Andy Townsend.
Merson instead of Grealish.
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Or perhaps, if you could bring one midfielder back from the last 20 years and slot him straight in to the current side, who would it be?
Andy Townsend.
Merson instead of Grealish.
Taylor would be a close second but Carbone is the source of many happy memories for me. I was there at the Leeds match when he destroyed them. It was all short lived but still good times!
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Barry Milner Petrov
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Or perhaps, if you could bring one midfielder back from the last 20 years and slot him straight in to the current side, who would it be?
Barry
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Fair play to Bruce. looking to fix midfield and certainly give both opportunity to play 2 in there with robust and dynamism as Well as at times a 3. I see new look midfield as being able to sit and hold and one go while other can also makes run from deep.
Hourihane Lansbury and I wouldn't be averse to a contextual flair player from abroad coming too for midfield savvy.
It’s not often a team gets relegated and ends up with a better midfield.
Is this Icelandic player okay for us as the contextual flair player from abroad ??
Yes sir he is.
Trust !
You wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult considering the crap on offer! What do you think the last top quality central midfield partnership we had was?
Barry Milner Petrov
Not so sure on Petrov, but I'd take either of the other two. What are the chances of bringing them back? (Ps. Don't answer)
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Does Cowans scrape into the last 20 years? If not then Townsend or Parker.
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Does Cowans scrape into the last 20 years? If not then Townsend or Parker.
Unfortunately Cowans doesn't scrape in because I never watched him live. My game my rules!
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Cowans' last Villa game was December 1993, in a loss at home to Wimbledon.
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So from being utterly bollocks in midfield Bruce and the Doc have gone, in January and signed the captain of Forest, and are close to nicking the captain of Barnsley and a really good Icelandic player who was playing CL this season. That's pretty fucking good.
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So from being utterly bollocks in midfield Bruce and the Doc have gone, in January and signed the captain of Forest, and are close to nicking the captain of Barnsley and a really good Icelandic player who was playing CL this season. That's pretty fucking good.
Yep, I don't think we can pull any excuses about the squad now, even though it might be a little thin up-front even if Akpom does come in.
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I wonder if hourihane and Lansbury could play together in a two? Too attacking?
Otherwise I'm still not sure if Jedinak plus either of them will cover enough ground
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It was long after I left but can someone remind me why Carbone was let go.
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It was long after I left but can someone remind me why Carbone was let go.
Didn't we only have him on loan? Wasn't he spouting bollocks like he wanted £36k a week?
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It was long after I left but can someone remind me why Carbone was let go.
Didn't we only have him on loan? Wasn't he spouting bollocks like he wanted £36k a week?
I think so then he moved to bradford for 40k
just before they strangely went bust
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Maybe with this new Dynamic midfield we can get a tune out of McCormack.
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That's made me laugh, Tony. Hope springs eternal in the life of a football fan.
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Maybe with this new Dynamic midfield we can get a tune out of McCormack.
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I was thinking more 'Vindaloo' by Fat Les.
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Kebabooshka by Kate Bush
ooooooh. Have to check that video out again.
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"Lady, My Donna" by the Beatles.
-
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I wonder how long would it take to see whole midfield to gel with Jedihak, Hourihane, Thor, Lanbury and Grealish and Albert.
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I wonder if hourihane and Lansbury could play together in a two? Too attacking?
Otherwise I'm still not sure if Jedinak plus either of them will cover enough ground
I'd like to see a three of Jedinak holding with two of the more box-to-box style players i.e. Henri/Hourihane/BB ahead of them. Powerful, dynamic, runs from deep. What that might mean for no. 10s like Grealish is unclear. May have to move wider.
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...yes, but albert doesn't use gel.
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I agree that midfield three seems very strong on paper
But we'd need the wide players to be genuine attacking threats and score goals therwise it's too defensive for home games at least
And as you say not sure what it would mean for grealish
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I wonder if hourihane and Lansbury could play together in a two? Too attacking?
Otherwise I'm still not sure if Jedinak plus either of them will cover enough ground
I'd like to see a three of Jedinak holding with two of the more box-to-box style players i.e. Henri/Hourihane/BB ahead of them. Powerful, dynamic, runs from deep. What that might mean for no. 10s like Grealish is unclear. May have to move wider.
I like this. But will discuss and debate the merits of Jedinak and how less necessary he needed with the 3 coming in. I feel he can be used perhaps in away or tougher matches but these 3 new signings will add all the midfield injection of dynamism, tackling movement and goals needed.
One of main issues I have with Jedinak is his poor passing.
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
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That's Henri Lansbury, not Hooray Henri Lansbury.
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
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That's Henri Lansbury, not Hooray Henri Lansbury.
Very good BG !
Ita quite something that addresses midfield issue on in one window really excited and heaven help Brentford.
People have reasoned and hoped , perhaps the latter, some team will have a heavy defeat inflicted upon them .
I like to see several drubbings ensue and really hope corners and set plays as well as open play be goals and shots occurring. Hooray all round
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I agree that midfield three seems very strong on paper
But we'd need the wide players to be genuine attacking threats and score goals therwise it's too defensive for home games at least
And as you say not sure what it would mean for grealish
I think Grealish is more than capable of playing on the left. I think in this league it'll be easier to fit him there, than as a conventional number 10. I think he's got to work hard to earn his place in the side now. I want Bruce, now he has a midfield to settle on a 4-3-3
I think a midfield 3 is definitely the way to go. Jedinak can come in as and when we require extra steal, but I think there will be some games where we could probably sacrifice him and go with the three newboys.
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
Where would you stand on midfield/outfield positions.
I had toyed with gemma Lucy lansbury as the man off the striker and hourihane left middle bb were adomah is.
Bree Chester Baker Amavi
BB Jedinak Hourihane Grealish
Lansbury
Kodija
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I agree that midfield three seems very strong on paper
But we'd need the wide players to be genuine attacking threats and score goals therwise it's too defensive for home games at least
And as you say not sure what it would mean for grealish
I think Grealish is more than capable of playing on the left. I think in this league it'll be easier to fit him there, than as a conventional number 10. I think he's got to work hard to earn his place in the side now. I want Bruce, now he has a midfield to settle on a 4-3-3
I think a midfield 3 is definitely the way to go. Jedinak can come in as and when we require extra steal, but I think there will be some games where we could probably sacrifice him and go with the three newboys.
Some interesting questions posed by these new signings. Will Lansbury play in the 'number 10' role with the other two new signings a bit deeper? Will all three be incorporated along with Jedinak? Will we see a different formation to fit those players in - a diamond perhaps?
I still think Kodjia looks better when he has a strike partner rather than playing up front on his own.
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
Where would you stand on midfield/outfield positions.
I had toyed with gemma Lucy lansbury as the man off the striker and hourihane left middle bb were adomah is.
Bree Chester Baker Amavi
BB Jedinak Hourihane Grealish
Lansbury
Kodija
From what I saw of him v PNE I'm not sure Lansbury will be mobile enough behind Kodjia to serve him in that role. Would much prefer him making well-timed, occasional runs from slightly deeper as he did a few times in the first half.
Could maybe try a diamond, but would have to see how good Bree is to play that - and I'd honestly be against trying to accommodate ALL of the new signings in one system. Hopefully will be able to rotate out BB/Lansbury/Grealish as needed in a standard 4-2-3-1 depending on standard of team, home/away etc.
I like the back three with Jedi in the centre idea though but may upset the good partnership we've got there at the moment - Bruce did like a 3 at Hull for quite a while.
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I agree that midfield three seems very strong on paper
But we'd need the wide players to be genuine attacking threats and score goals therwise it's too defensive for home games at least
And as you say not sure what it would mean for grealish
I think Grealish is more than capable of playing on the left. I think in this league it'll be easier to fit him there, than as a conventional number 10. I think he's got to work hard to earn his place in the side now. I want Bruce, now he has a midfield to settle on a 4-3-3
I think a midfield 3 is definitely the way to go. Jedinak can come in as and when we require extra steal, but I think there will be some games where we could probably sacrifice him and go with the three newboys.
Some interesting questions posed by these new signings. Will Lansbury play in the 'number 10' role with the other two new signings a bit deeper? Will all three be incorporated along with Jedinak? Will we see a different formation to fit those players in - a diamond perhaps?
I still think Kodjia looks better when he has a strike partner rather than playing up front on his own.
hey tom good questions.
Can I ask what would your formation and outfield 10 be ?
And therefore do you personally feel all 3 new midfielders should start?
Who would you play alongside kodija in a two up front as youre thinking and stating he is best suited to a 2.
Yours intriguingly FS
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
Where would you stand on midfield/outfield positions.
I had toyed with gemma Lucy lansbury as the man off the striker and hourihane left middle bb were adomah is.
Bree Chester Baker Amavi
BB Jedinak Hourihane Grealish
Lansbury
Kodija
From what I saw of him v PNE I'm not sure Lansbury will be mobile enough behind Kodjia to serve him in that role. Would much prefer him making well-timed, occasional runs from slightly deeper as he did a few times in the first half.
Could maybe try a diamond, but would have to see how good Bree is to play that - and I'd honestly be against trying to accommodate ALL of the new signings in one system. Hopefully will be able to rotate out BB/Lansbury/Grealish as needed in a standard 4-2-3-1 depending on standard of team, home/away etc.
I like the back three with Jedi in the centre idea though but may upset the good partnership we've got there at the moment - Bruce did like a 3 at Hull for quite a while.
Think SB has been quoted as a 4-4-2 believer
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
Where would you stand on midfield/outfield positions.
I had toyed with gemma Lucy lansbury as the man off the striker and hourihane left middle bb were adomah is.
Bree Chester Baker Amavi
BB Jedinak Hourihane Grealish
Lansbury
Kodija
From what I saw of him v PNE I'm not sure Lansbury will be mobile enough behind Kodjia to serve him in that role. Would much prefer him making well-timed, occasional runs from slightly deeper as he did a few times in the first half.
Could maybe try a diamond, but would have to see how good Bree is to play that - and I'd honestly be against trying to accommodate ALL of the new signings in one system. Hopefully will be able to rotate out BB/Lansbury/Grealish as needed in a standard 4-2-3-1 depending on standard of team, home/away etc.
I like the back three with Jedi in the centre idea though but may upset the good partnership we've got there at the moment - Bruce did like a 3 at Hull for quite a while.
Jedi envisage more holder behind midfield. Though prefer Gards !
-
Outfield-
Chester. Baker
Jedinak
Hooray Lansbury BB
Adomah. Amavi
Ayew
Kodjia
I mean I would LOVE to see this.. But I think Pep/Poch tactics are a bit beyond Brucie
Where would you stand on midfield/outfield positions.
I had toyed with gemma Lucy lansbury as the man off the striker and hourihane left middle bb were adomah is.
Bree Chester Baker Amavi
BB Jedinak Hourihane Grealish
Lansbury
Kodija
From what I saw of him v PNE I'm not sure Lansbury will be mobile enough behind Kodjia to serve him in that role. Would much prefer him making well-timed, occasional runs from slightly deeper as he did a few times in the first half.
Could maybe try a diamond, but would have to see how good Bree is to play that - and I'd honestly be against trying to accommodate ALL of the new signings in one system. Hopefully will be able to rotate out BB/Lansbury/Grealish as needed in a standard 4-2-3-1 depending on standard of team, home/away etc.
I like the back three with Jedi in the centre idea though but may upset the good partnership we've got there at the moment - Bruce did like a 3 at Hull for quite a while.
Think SB has been quoted as a 4-4-2 believer
Thing is, we've signed so many CMs that I find it hard to see how he'll be able to play that! Maybe a diamond is on the cards then if he trusts in Amavi/Bree/(Hutton?) and fancies Grealish in behind the strikers. Which I'm not sure I'd support
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These are nice problems to have, mind. But the kind of problems I'd prefer to have in pre-season rather than January....
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For me it looks pretty simple and the team picks it self dependant on quality of the opposition.
Away from home or against the better sides in the league we will go with
Jedinek
Adhoma Lansbury Hourihane BB
At home or against lesser opposition or chancing the game we will sacrifice Jedinek for Grealish or Ayew
Adhoma Lansbury Hourihane BB
grealish or ayew
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Personally I think ALL the new signings need to be in the next starting 11, the old guard need to earn their place for the first time in god knows how long.
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As someone said earlier maybe he does see 442 as an option. Though I always thought he liked 5 in midfield.
Kodjia does look better with support. And maybe hourihane can hold with Lansbury playing no 8
Adomah Lansbury hourihane Thor / grealish
Kodjia and new signing / gabby
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We were crying out for a midfield - we have bought one, why would we not play them?
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We have Grealish, the most fouled player in the league. Now we have the best free kick taker - they must be played together
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Basically you would expect Lansbury and Hourihane to be first choice. Then you can either play a holding midfielder and use Jedinak or go more aggressive and have Grealish playing a number 10 role.
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Against the better teams I'd have Jedi sitting behind Lansbury, Hourihane and Thor/Jack with Adoma and Kodjia.
For everyone else, play as diamond with Lansbury, Hourihane, Thor and Jack with Adoma and Kodjia providing the pace up top. If we need to close up shop then bring on Jedi for either Adoma or Jack.
Obviously we need to see what these 3 new signings are capable of before making any judgements.
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Isn't it great that we can have a discussion concerning midfield player options and formations, thanks Doctor Tony.