SwissBlade
Well-Known Member
Hear me out on this one...
I've watched Higdon in the last two games and I think we're starting to see something with him
V Preston
We started with a 3-5-2, but changed this to 4-4-2 when we realised that the two wing backs weren't up to the high intensity that's required for that position. The key though was through central midfield and up front. Higdon played the traditional target man with Diego off him. First half we were slow to get going, Higdon and Diego didn't get much dropping for them.
Second half was a different story, it was ideal for Higdon, the balls were coming direct, but also to feet, the midfield using Higdon frequently to hold the ball, play one-twos or to let Higdon lay the ball off to Diego.
Higdon and Diego looked a natural partnership once they settled and with Murphy out left and Baxter spraying the ball about as he wished, we constantly looked dangerous
Pros - hold up play, receiving the ball to feet, playing with his back to goal, bringing the second striker into play
Cons - shooting, he had an effort from just inside the box which he ballooned! And oddly in the air on crosses he looked too heavy. He seems to jump early and is always on the way down by the time he heads it
V Spurs
Coming in late and with us going more direct, he could put the centre halves under pressure, often with both centre halves clambering over him to head it, he looked strong and frightened them, our goals came from Che being free as Walker left him - twice. Why? Because he'd been dragged across to help with Higdon.
The way we play with 3 up front on the counter and players like Scoogs and Reed breaking forward means that the centre halves will be occupied with Higdon, a more powerful and frightening prospect than McNulty as he's more physical and much more of a handful. He gets involved and gives them a different challenge. It also allows the wingers to break into the box late and unmarked
Pros - hold up play, physical presence, target man
Cons - slow and lumbering at times
Higdon v McNulty
McNulty is most definitely first choice, his movement and touch are fantastic, but his finishing is what really wins it. However, there is certainly a place for a Higdon type player, perhaps as the impact player or in games, like Preston where they have two big lumps at the back. McNulty also doesn't like to play with his back to goal, great most of the time, but he wants to turn all the time,rather than looking to hold the ball and play simple one twos, he's always on the look out to turn, this sometimes means he gets pushed out of position, runs down a blind alley or plays the ball back anyway, often taking pace out of an attack. Higdon and Diego at Preston maintained the pace in the attack and quick passes got Diego through on more than one occasion.
The problem that we have is that we need Higdon to have more spark about him, he needs to have that striker instinct and the finish to go with it. Compared to O'Grady, Higdon just doesn't seem to have enough, yet. I personally don't think we have time this season to allow Higdon to get both his fitness, form and to find that spark. Next season maybe, but we need O'Grady by Saturday.
I've watched Higdon in the last two games and I think we're starting to see something with him
V Preston
We started with a 3-5-2, but changed this to 4-4-2 when we realised that the two wing backs weren't up to the high intensity that's required for that position. The key though was through central midfield and up front. Higdon played the traditional target man with Diego off him. First half we were slow to get going, Higdon and Diego didn't get much dropping for them.
Second half was a different story, it was ideal for Higdon, the balls were coming direct, but also to feet, the midfield using Higdon frequently to hold the ball, play one-twos or to let Higdon lay the ball off to Diego.
Higdon and Diego looked a natural partnership once they settled and with Murphy out left and Baxter spraying the ball about as he wished, we constantly looked dangerous
Pros - hold up play, receiving the ball to feet, playing with his back to goal, bringing the second striker into play
Cons - shooting, he had an effort from just inside the box which he ballooned! And oddly in the air on crosses he looked too heavy. He seems to jump early and is always on the way down by the time he heads it
V Spurs
Coming in late and with us going more direct, he could put the centre halves under pressure, often with both centre halves clambering over him to head it, he looked strong and frightened them, our goals came from Che being free as Walker left him - twice. Why? Because he'd been dragged across to help with Higdon.
The way we play with 3 up front on the counter and players like Scoogs and Reed breaking forward means that the centre halves will be occupied with Higdon, a more powerful and frightening prospect than McNulty as he's more physical and much more of a handful. He gets involved and gives them a different challenge. It also allows the wingers to break into the box late and unmarked
Pros - hold up play, physical presence, target man
Cons - slow and lumbering at times
Higdon v McNulty
McNulty is most definitely first choice, his movement and touch are fantastic, but his finishing is what really wins it. However, there is certainly a place for a Higdon type player, perhaps as the impact player or in games, like Preston where they have two big lumps at the back. McNulty also doesn't like to play with his back to goal, great most of the time, but he wants to turn all the time,rather than looking to hold the ball and play simple one twos, he's always on the look out to turn, this sometimes means he gets pushed out of position, runs down a blind alley or plays the ball back anyway, often taking pace out of an attack. Higdon and Diego at Preston maintained the pace in the attack and quick passes got Diego through on more than one occasion.
The problem that we have is that we need Higdon to have more spark about him, he needs to have that striker instinct and the finish to go with it. Compared to O'Grady, Higdon just doesn't seem to have enough, yet. I personally don't think we have time this season to allow Higdon to get both his fitness, form and to find that spark. Next season maybe, but we need O'Grady by Saturday.