I was right above Malen, there was about a dozen occasions where he made a run, Cash ignored him and just passed to McGinn or Konsa. In those circumstances, moving inside to try and get a pass from somebody else is really all he can do given Cash's refusal (or inability) to pass to him.
Cash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.
Quote from: Ian. on September 01, 2025, 04:00:03 PMCash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.
What is Malens best role?
Quote from: villadelph on September 01, 2025, 04:04:21 PMQuote from: Ian. on September 01, 2025, 04:00:03 PMCash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.Malen just seemed unsure of his role. Same when he came on v Brentford in the same position. Either too narrow or when wide very reluctant to take on his man. Elliot will be a lot better there cutting in and giving Cash/Garcia an option on overlap.
Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2025, 05:21:20 PMQuote from: villadelph on September 01, 2025, 04:04:21 PMQuote from: Ian. on September 01, 2025, 04:00:03 PMCash and Malen wasn't a great combo last night, it was quite shocking. Malen isnt going to track back and when Cash gives the ball away like he so often does we're quite screwed.There were a few times when we were right outside the final third and Malen refused to get wide for Cash. I remember Matty pointing to the line asking for him to show and Malen never did. Then there were two instances where they were crashing into eachother in the corner.. lost the ball and neither made themselves available after winning it back.Malen just seemed unsure of his role. Same when he came on v Brentford in the same position. Either too narrow or when wide very reluctant to take on his man. Elliot will be a lot better there cutting in and giving Cash/Garcia an option on overlap.Overlap? For what, Cash struggles to cross his legs. Cash was reluctant to cross the half way line. Instructions? Probably but 98% of his passes last night were backwards.
Malen should be back-up for Ollie now and if he has anything about him, champing at the bit to be picked ahead of Watkins.