Norwood

[Maidenhead]

Norwood is a good player and has served us very well and will contuinue to do so .

My point is that so many people seem to be so very quick to jump on anything less than a 100% fantastic performance, each and every time

Imagine being held up to such unrealistic expectations in your own life.

Completely agree.

Don't think I said anything different, just that his position is where Berge will eventually slot into the team.

 

[Keef Chedwyn]

So many threads like this ....

Norwood is crap as he had a less than perfect game ..... Berge has had a less than perferct game so is shit .... McBurnie has had a less than perfect game so lets call him McShitty... etc etc etc........

I am so glad that I don`t have to be in a relationship with any of you. It must be hell to have to be perfect every second of every day.

I support Sheffield United not Karen United. Whiny fuckers....

Fans moaning about other fans moaning.

The most boring scenario in football.

 

[BritishSteel]

Completely agree.

Don't think I said anything different, just that his position is where Berge will eventually slot into the team.

I think it`s nice that we have options. Berge and Norwood will be used depending on who we are playing. All part of our evolution. Think we look more solid with Norwood sitting in but Berge is more willing to get forward when required.

 

[robbiez666]

Thought he was much better but still not quite on it those lazy backward passes when he's in acres of space frustrate me but then maybe he's not getting a shout or is under instruction.not to turn and face

this.

He just need to lose more hair. Give him a skinhead and he'll be world class.

 

[JohnDenver]

Norwood is a good player and has served us very well and will contuinue to do so .

My point is that so many people seem to be so very quick to jump on anything less than a 100% fantastic performance, each and every time

Imagine being held up to such unrealistic expectations in your own life.

If the club are to succeed it has to give players the space and time to grow into Premier League performers. We can't buy success like other clubs.

The fans need to be part of that.

 

[BritishSteel]

Fans moaning about other fans moaning.

The most boring scenario in football.

But not as boring as fans moaning about other fans moaning whilst moaning themselves

 

[BritishSteel]

If the club are to succeed it has to give players the space and time to grow into Premier League performers. We can't buy success like other clubs.

The fans need to be part of that.

We have premier league performers.

All that is missing is consistency. It`s part of the step up from Championship to Premier League.

Our players don`t look out of place in this league if you take the "Big Six " out of the equation.

 

[Iceybabey]

Teams now set up to stop Norwood being able to look up and pick a long pass. Every time they lost the ball on Thursday, Spurs had Bergwijn find Norwood.

He needs to figure out how to have more influence on the game now he is the centre of opposition attention. I'm confident he will

I think this is why Berge was signed. Berge has the size and ability to escape a man or two when pressed.

 

[8lade]

I am so glad that I don`t have to be in a relationship with any of you. It must be hell to have to be perfect every second of every day.

Unless you're a female generous billionaire, with a 10 figure, beautiful, athletic and let me do what I want it's not going to happen anyway.

 

[FTPE]

In my unprofessional opinion Norwood is too concerned with the whip and the angle on the cross.
When they come off they are pinpoint, and they whip nicely away from their keeper directly onto our on rushing players head.

When they don't come off they go harmlessly over the top of everyone, usually going out for a goal kick, losing all momentum. That's because whip and curly needs a certain amount of power and when your gauge is off then its just waste after waste.

Osborn's Cross from our short corner wasn't great, and it was only kept alive due to the hard work and perseverance of Billy but that kind of ball keeps the pressure on on and the ball in the opponents box.

I know 'playing the percentages' is a bit stone age and I don't want to just 'get it in the mixer' but if the perfect cross or pass isn't on, play it into the right area at least.

 

[blade67]

I think it`s nice that we have options. Berge and Norwood will be used depending on who we are playing. All part of our evolution. Think we look more solid with Norwood sitting in but Berge is more willing to get forward when required.

One thing for sure is that we will probably change it up more next season. either by neccesity or by choice . Having both won't be a problem

Norwood has been terrific and I'm sad he's taking stick off our fans

 

[RossingtonBlade]

Norwood has been very good for us since we signed him but our expectations have now exceeded his ability. For me to be in this position again next year he cannot have as much of a pivotal role he has played this season as when we’re on the back foot he might as well sit in the dug out. He just simply cannot defend and when we’re on the front foot, he will occasionally play a very good ball to get an attack going but a lot of the time he will play a wayward pass and then we’ll have to stop a counter attack. This happens numerous times in a game. His set piece delivery/accuracy is beyond a joke. Wolves assist aside, he just cannot beat the first man on a corner which at this level is shocking.

 

[jono_t2000]

he just cannot beat the first man on a corner which at this level is shocking.

Strange. I always thought the opposite, that he overhits his corners way too often.

 

[CentralQuay]

He's one of those players whose strengths are negated somewhat when you're not a side which dominates possession.

Berge has to start in that position against Saints.

I wonder if Wilder actually does want to play Berge there, but with his reluctance to play Lundstram recently, probably because of the contract situation, he feels forced to play Berge at RCM because he's not got many options there?

 

[Cerberus Blade]

He's one of those players whose strengths are negated somewhat when you're not a side which dominates possession.

Berge has to start in that position against Saints.

I wonder if Wilder actually does want to play Berge there, but with his reluctance to play Lundstram recently, probably because of the contract situation, he feels forced to play Berge at RCM because he's not got many options there?

Berge was bought to play as a holding central midfield player. I must have said this a dozen times now on here, ever since we signed him. About 3 weeks ago, Wilder came out publicly and said the same. Wilder has inserted Berge into the team in the most obvious available slot he has for him at present - that's right hand side of midfield - a slot that he's had to contest with the enigma that is John Lundstram.

I don't think Lundstram will be here next season. I won't miss him tbh. I think he's a good player in flashes but too inconsistent and too easily disappears in games for long periods. It's been a great season for him in many ways because some of his early season performances were very good and he's massively increased his value. I suspect he knows, and I certainly feel, there will be no better time for him to make that big career move than now. It may never come round again. I cannot get it out of my head that he'll be going back to Merseyside, but it won't be the red half. Anyhow, he will go with my best wishes and leave us some great memories, but it will be a good thing for Sheffield United Football Club to cash in on him now I think.

As for the Norwood thing, I cannot help thinking that the criticism of Norwood thread wouldn't have been bumped up if we had won last night. It's pathetic tbh that some fans are just desperate to find someone to blame, someone to lash out at. I think Norwood is the beating heart of this team and he's had a fantastic season. He is so involved in just about everything we do, collecting the ball in defence and distributing it all over the park, short and long. I totally agree that he's had a few poor games, where he's given the ball away cheaply, or suffered from what seems like a lack of concentration. But that's exactly what we've bought Berge for, to replace him when he's having one of those days. But it's not how Berge has been used so far, in the main, because Berge is also learning to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

Next season will be a different matter and I expect to see the Norwood/Berge thing become more of an either/or choice. The bigger question is refreshing those around them so that we have a team that has got some genuine firepower in it - because we have been pretty toothless all season in that respect.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Berge was bought to play as a holding central midfield player. I must have said this a dozen times now on here, ever since we signed him. About 3 weeks ago, Wilder came out publicly and said the same. Wilder has inserted Berge into the team in the most obvious available slot he has for him at present - that's right hand side of midfield - a slot that he's had to contest with the enigma that is John Lundstram.

I don't think Lundstram will be here next season. I won't miss him tbh. I think he's a good player in flashes but too inconsistent and too easily disappears in games for long periods. It's been a great season for him in many ways because some of his early season performances were very good and he's massively increased his value. I suspect he knows, and I certainly feel, there will be no better time for him to make that big career move than now. It may never come round again. I cannot get it out of my head that he'll be going back to Merseyside, but it won't be the red half. Anyhow, he will go with my best wishes and leave us some great memories, but it will be a good thing for Sheffield United Football Club to cash in on him now I think.

As for the Norwood thing, I cannot help thinking that the criticism of Norwood thread wouldn't have been bumped up if we had won last night. It's pathetic tbh that some fans are just desperate to find someone to blame, someone to lash out at. I think Norwood is the beating heart of this team and he's had a fantastic season. He is so involved in just about everything we do, collecting the ball in defence and distributing it all over the park, short and long. I totally agree that he's had a few poor games, where he's given the ball away cheaply, or suffered from what seems like a lack of concentration. But that's exactly what we've bought Berge for, to replace him when he's having one of those days. But it's not how Berge has been used so far, in the main, because Berge is also learning to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.

Next season will be a different matter and I expect to see the Norwood/Berge thing become more of an either/or choice. The bigger question is refreshing those around them so that we have a team that has got some genuine firepower in it - because we have been pretty toothless all season in that respect.

Post of the week/month! Absolutely spot on.

Don't forget, there's a reason two other sides ditched Norwood once he's gotten them out of the Championship!

As you say, when we're dominating possession and dictating the pace, he really does look like a northern Pirlo! However, when we're out of possession and getting pulled all over the place a la Leicester last week, he looks like a fish on a bicycle.

Tough decision for Tufty but as you quite rightly say he's bought Berge to play there medium term. If only Osborn was right footed - he could play the 'Lundstram role'....

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Post of the week/month! Absolutely spot on.

Don't forget, there's a reason two other sides ditched Norwood once he's gotten them out of the Championship!

As you say, when we're dominating possession and dictating the pace, he really does look like a northern Pirlo! However, when we're out of possession and getting pulled all over the place a la Leicester last week, he looks like a fish on a bicycle.

Tough decision for Tufty but as you quite rightly say he's bought Berge to play there medium term. If only Osborn was right footed - he could play the 'Lundstram role'....

Osborn, for me, has been absolutely great. I'd see him more as direct competition for Enda, but he's such a versatile player and has done really well since he came in. I love the energy and effort that he puts into every game, every tackle. He's a young lad with a very bright future.

I think that midfield is going to look very different next season. Knowing Wilder, I don't think any one of those players is guaranteed to be a fixture in the side. I think the best thing Wilder can do is give himself more options by signing different types of player - including (and I know this will go against Wilder's philosophy to some extent) players with individual flair, not necessarily strong "team" players. But players who are maverick, unpredictable, can do the unexpected, selfish, a showman, temperamental, but bags and bags of skill. There are games when you need to throw a wildcard like that into the mix to shake things up a bit. Probably wouldn't be a regular starter, because Wilder likes his players to all fit into the slick, machine-like, system. But when that's not working it's really handy to have a complete maverick up your sleeve.

 

[CoatesyBlade]

I just feel he’s had a slight dip in form since lockdown and has lacked a wee bit of confidence as a result.
Pre lockdown he was pinging balls all over the park... our quarterback!!
Having no crowd might be the reason. He’ll be back he’s a quality player.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

Osborn, for me, has been absolutely great. I'd see him more as direct competition for Enda, but he's such a versatile player and has done really well since he came in. I love the energy and effort that he puts into every game, every tackle. He's a young lad with a very bright future.

I think that midfield is going to look very different next season. Knowing Wilder, I don't think any one of those players is guaranteed to be a fixture in the side. I think the best thing Wilder can do is give himself more options by signing different types of player - including (and I know this will go against Wilder's philosophy to some extent) players with individual flair, not necessarily strong "team" players. But players who are maverick, unpredictable, can do the unexpected, selfish, a showman, temperamental, but bags and bags of skill. There are games when you need to throw a wildcard like that into the mix to shake things up a bit. Probably wouldn't be a regular starter, because Wilder likes his players to all fit into the slick, machine-like, system. But when that's not working it's really handy to have a complete maverick up your sleeve.

In his defence Tufty has always tried to incorporate a player like that. From Duffy, to Morrison via Carruthers and Holmes!

I guess the big issue will be: where does he find one. From the above list: it seems his eye for one of the type of players isn't his strength! Plus, keeping them engaged and motivated isn't going to be easy if they're not starting every week.

Wilder identified we needed pace up top and bought Mousset and Robinson - neither of whom have delivered. I personally think he'll go back down that route and look at bringing in one of two strikers with the pace to change games. Certainty when Mousset was fit, motivated and starting - we looked a different proposition.

One thing Ferguson did very well was having one set of players for when they played the top sides and another when they played bottom half/traditional PL teams. I feel that's where we need to evolve. Against teams where we know we'll be pulled all over and not have much possession the likes of Norwood and McBurnie look awful. However, against the lower teams (especially at home) they look great! Maybe that's the evolution Chris is hinting at?

 

[Bladezz]

I think some players handled the lockdown better than others. It took some a little longer to get up to speed. Also some tired quicker through this period. I do think it’s hard to judge and really analyse too much. I think it’s better to go on form etc pre lockdown.

At the end of the day if Berge is good enough to kick Ollie out of the side then that shows progression. CW will let them battle it out and the best player will win. It will bring on both their games.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I just feel he’s had a slight dip in form since lockdown and has lacked a wee bit of confidence as a result.
Pre lockdown he was pinging balls all over the park... our quarterback!!
Having no crowd might be the reason. He’ll be back he’s a quality player.

Haven't most?

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I don't for one second get the criticism of Norwood. I'm not suggesting anyone should be immune to scrutiny but the bloke is a class act.

One of the best passers of a ball in the division, controls the tempo of our game, is a genuine set piece taker that you feel will always give you a chance, and a recognised leader - all to the best calibre we could hope for within our budget and all for £2m!

We're very lucky to have him.

 

[CoatesyBlade]

Haven't most?

That point could be argued. I personally feel a couple of players have been really poor since lockdown but I’m not gonna drop names at this point. I also believe that they’re showing signs of fatigue now as a collective. I would also point out that a few players have impressed we can’t forget that.
Norwood for me though just seems to be lacking a touch of confidence that before lockdown he had in abundance. He’s a great player and for me can be forgiven a slight deep in form during these circumstances.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

That point could be argued. I personally feel a couple of players have been really poor since lockdown but I’m not gonna drop names at this point. I also believe that they’re showing signs of fatigue now as a collective. I would also point out that a few players have impressed we can’t forget that.
Norwood for me though just seems to be lacking a touch of confidence that before lockdown he had in abundance. He’s a great player and for me can be forgiven a slight deep in form during these circumstances.

100% agree mate.

 

[metalblade]

I'm not sure Berge is ready to play the Norwood role just yet he must be the only 6'5" bloke who changes to 5'6" when he jumps for a header with his eyes shut. He is hopeless in the air partly at fault for Evertons goal and beaten on the far stick when they hit the post, me thinks he needs some intensive coaching on how to jump and head a ball. Strong as hell on the deck with the ball at his feet but I would like to see him make more forward runs and cause a bit of bollocks in the oppositions penalty area he is more than capable.

 

[hidesbehindapseudonym]

Norwood is our playmaker, we have nobody else like him. Lunny has had a good start to the season but was poor today.

Agreed. Lundstram had 4 or 5 good games and then developed wanderlust.

 

[1889]

Lundstrum was arguably our best player at the start of the season. He clearly put a lot of work in during the break and pre season.

He was rightly lauded for his performances, but I think those levels have dropped noticeably since the restart. I’m sure he’s looking for a move away and I think it would probably suit all parties if it happened sooner rather than later, while his stock is high

 

[blademan31]

Suprised me, this. Shows he gets round a bit as he's often criticised for his lack of pace/the Prem being too fast for him when we're out of possession

 

[FTPE]

Suprised me, this. Shows he gets round a bit as he's often criticised for his lack of pace/the Prem being too fast for him when we're out of possession

Some of his tackling for a holding midfielder is woeful but I've seen a few stats that say he's a lot better defensively than people like me give him credit for.

 

[Eza Blade]

He is fucking rate good.......av heard a song somewhere about it.

I think he gets turned to often which is due to how quick he can move his feet. And he is wearing Nike treacle. But for less than 2 million a brilliant player to have in team