That's a shrewd point about Jack's ball-carrying Drummond. The idea that we replace him with three attackers missed the mark a bit, as he was also our most important defensive player for his ability to hold onto the thing, drag it upfield with him or get kicked in the attempt. All of which suggests that perhaps Dean and Johan didn't quite understand him as a player even while in the team, let alone how to compensate for his departure.
The obsession with him being 'lightweight', do you think someone like Bruno Fernandes is winning many arm wrestles against defensive mids and centre backs?Against West Ham, Bailey and Buendia would constantly receive the ball racing their own goal, because there's absolutely no coordination in midfield and no plan for building from the back. It's as unfair to judge wide attackers on that as it is to judge Watkins getting the ball gently chipped to his hair all evening.
Sure, but my point is that thinking of replacing him just in the final third was a mistake. We're so clearly lacking stickability in midfield, especially without Doug.
Against West Ham, Bailey and Buendia would constantly receive the ball racing their own goal, because there's absolutely no coordination in midfield and no plan for building from the back. It's as unfair to judge wide attackers on that as it is to judge Watkins getting the ball gently chipped to his hair all evening.
That’s a fair comparison Drummond. Main difference is that Buendia has been in English football for three years now.
Quote from: Risso on November 03, 2021, 02:56:52 PMThat’s a fair comparison Drummond. Main difference is that Buendia has been in English football for three years now.And his record with Norwich was what prompted us to sign him which suggests that if he can get the right relationship with his teammates he could prosper.
Quote from: Chris Smith on November 03, 2021, 03:07:17 PMQuote from: Risso on November 03, 2021, 02:56:52 PMThat’s a fair comparison Drummond. Main difference is that Buendia has been in English football for three years now.And his record with Norwich was what prompted us to sign him which suggests that if he can get the right relationship with his teammates he could prosper.Absolutely. I think we've seen glimpses of it, I just hope we click as a unit (i.e. midfield) and he can prosper. That assist on Sunday was great, his turn and finish v Brentford was clever, it's not often you see a player turn away from goal rather than to it to take a shot. I'm convinced he'll do well.