Quote from: Chris Smith on October 24, 2010, 09:58:20 AMTo my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.That's bollocks Chris, as we'll soon see when we go 442 or 433. The difference is he's been told to play a vital role, focus on breaking up play and deliver the ball to our more creative players. You can do that and need it with any formation. Don't you think it's a bit strange since we've finally "switched to a different style of play" and decided to pass the ball, NRC has been our best player? The same NRC that couldn't pass to save his life.Gary Mac and Sid Cowans deserve medals for what they've done with him, not to mention the money we'll probably save.
To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
Quote from: Mark Kelly on October 24, 2010, 02:35:46 PMQuote from: Chris Smith on October 24, 2010, 09:58:20 AMTo my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.That's bollocks Chris, as we'll soon see when we go 442 or 433. The difference is he's been told to play a vital role, focus on breaking up play and deliver the ball to our more creative players. You can do that and need it with any formation. Don't you think it's a bit strange since we've finally "switched to a different style of play" and decided to pass the ball, NRC has been our best player? The same NRC that couldn't pass to save his life.Gary Mac and Sid Cowans deserve medals for what they've done with him, not to mention the money we'll probably save.He hasn't been our best player, you daft sod. He's done an effective job because he's done as he's told for a change and not tried to pretend he's better than he is. He creates zero, he'll never score but he does break up the play. In a 442 he'd be expected to contribute more and he just isn't up to the job.
In your consistent attempts to prove to the world that you're the great lost footballing coach you're obliged to try to over play his part and make out that somehow our management team have now cottoned on to something that only you were privy to. Problem is, it's bollocks.
In a 442 his limitations are glaringly obvious but as long as we continue to play in this way then he'll do a fine job until we can upgrade to someone better who can do the donkey work that he does but also contribute a bit more when we're in possession.
If you are going to argue that he creates then can you give a few examples of his assists? Downing is a better player this season because he's had a full pre season, just as most people predicted, and he's been our best player since Houllier arrived, closely followed by Heskey and Young (when played in the middle).
My guess is you just don't like NRC and no matter what he does, you'll just never forgive him.
I'd be interested to know who you would play today in the middle of a 442. Sidwell? Bannan? Downing?
Well that "average player" by your own admittance, is doing "a fine job" and long may it continue.I'm not sure about "the sale of Barry and the failure to replace him". When we had Barry alongside Petrov, the opposition would waltz through the centre of the park at will, it was also an area that we never used, what with everything going out to Ashley on the wing. Teams can no longer do that, thanks mainly to NRC and we've certainly been using all areas of the pitch to attack, which is encouraging. The other thing is we are no longer 'bullied' in midfield, a term I recall you also using earlier this season. All this in part thanks to our "average player".My concern now is with the loss of Petrov and the added responsibility for NRC. He really needs to stick to the plan, keep on doing what he's been doing so well and not decide to take on too much. Houllier has a major headache in reshaping the side without Stan and with those dirty bastards from down the road heading to Villa Park on Sunday, I for one will at least be happy we have NRC in the side.
If his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player.
QuoteIf his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player.KG, his passing has greatly improved as you can see below. The other interesting fact is the vast majority of his passes are forward, rather than sideways or back.What he does, he does very well:Sunderland game: 23 passes...20 successfulChelsea game: 24 passes...22 successfulSpurs game: 45 passes...39 successfulWolves game: 23 passes...19 successful
How can anyone confuse "the sale of Barry" for "the sale of Milner"? Unless they are A) insane, B) under the influence of multiple illegal substancesorC) have a bizarre form of dyslexia?In jest, sirs, in jest.
How can anyone confuse "the sale of Barry" for "the sale of Milner"? Unless they are A) insane, B) under the influence of multiple illegal substancesC) have a bizarre form of dyslexia?