something i came across whilst looking on a hammers site. I personally think Gus should read this out to all of the players prior to the game "We certainly do not have the pace and mobility in midfield. Noble likes time on the ball, as does Collison and out wide we only have Faubert with any "legs".
When you dont have the movement, it restricts any ability to open up the opposition via a passing game. It also makes it hard for your own midfield to get the ball back once its lost as the opposition will simply need to keep it moving with 1 and 2 touch football.
Sam seems to have recruited players without pace and athletism thus making the direct or long ball game inevitable. We need Collison to grow some balls and start competing. He has decent technique and ability on the ball but is not helping the team enough when he is not in possession. Looks like he is still struggling with the pace of the game and lacking stamina. Needs to be told that to make it at the top in midfield that you have to start tackling and being more aggressive.
I am hoping this Guy Demel geezer eventually gets fit enough to play a game at RB. We can then move O'Bolton into the midfield, He competes although again is not blessed with exceptional pace but at least more than Noble, Diop and Collison. Still leaves wide positions vacant. We only have Faubert at the moment who can play wide. No one for the left flank when Taylor is injured other than Collison filling in (poorly for the most part),
Nolan, looked decent against Blackpool but just not involved enough. In a one paced midfield he cannot be effective, He looked a different player in a strong Newcastle midfield.
BFS has a real challenge on his hands. The injuries are not helping but perhaps showing we did not have the strength and depth in midfield that we thought we had?"
i hope what they have put is correct!!!
When you dont have the movement, it restricts any ability to open up the opposition via a passing game. It also makes it hard for your own midfield to get the ball back once its lost as the opposition will simply need to keep it moving with 1 and 2 touch football.
Sam seems to have recruited players without pace and athletism thus making the direct or long ball game inevitable. We need Collison to grow some balls and start competing. He has decent technique and ability on the ball but is not helping the team enough when he is not in possession. Looks like he is still struggling with the pace of the game and lacking stamina. Needs to be told that to make it at the top in midfield that you have to start tackling and being more aggressive.
I am hoping this Guy Demel geezer eventually gets fit enough to play a game at RB. We can then move O'Bolton into the midfield, He competes although again is not blessed with exceptional pace but at least more than Noble, Diop and Collison. Still leaves wide positions vacant. We only have Faubert at the moment who can play wide. No one for the left flank when Taylor is injured other than Collison filling in (poorly for the most part),
Nolan, looked decent against Blackpool but just not involved enough. In a one paced midfield he cannot be effective, He looked a different player in a strong Newcastle midfield.
BFS has a real challenge on his hands. The injuries are not helping but perhaps showing we did not have the strength and depth in midfield that we thought we had?"
i hope what they have put is correct!!!
