Ollie Norwood

[Addison]

At the beginning of last season when we were bombing forward with our centre backs and Mousset and Mcg providing outlets for quick delivery Norwood had time on the ball and was an integral part of our success. As the season progressed and just prior to lock down teams began to press us further up the pitch targeting Oli forcing him to go sideways with little space. We were getting by in early 2020 with 1-0 wins but the fluidity of 2019 had disappeared as teams began to give us more respect. That forced us to go long too often to Mcb which was not his game or Norwoods.

At restart the whole team were out of sorts mainly due to over training but the loss of JOC and Fleck to injury affected us badly. Norwood and Stevens seemed to be the most affected by their loss. With JOC coming back we picked up with good results against Wolves and Chelsea but the spark had gone from the whole team and the season petered out at Home to Everton when Ancellotti compressed both wings preventing any forward progress.

CW started the season with Berge in the middle as he looked to get round the press and move us up the pitch quicker. A brief period in the game against Weeds apart it hasn't worked with little or no creativity even allowing for our usual slow start. Our game relies on high intensity and it just hasn't been there so far. We seem to be suffering from the short close season.

If we are to persist with 3-5-1-1 we have to go back to basics and bring Fleck and Norwood back into the team against Fulham. A new LCB would help and Brewster up front provides more of a goal threat but we need to retain control of the ball, dominate possession and have the ability to go past players. On the plus side Mcg looked better for ROI yesterday so we have to hope this early season blip is more fitness than loss of form/confidence.

I actually voted for a change of formation but I doubt this is currently what CW/AK are considering. 3 points never mind the quality is all that matters against Fulham.

 

[Stretch]

He makes us tick, and it's essential he plays.

 

[Ron_Justice]

This may be very controversial, however we have been on a fantastic journey over the last few seasons with a good band of players putting 100% effort in each week proving that they are Premier league players.

Unfortunately one or two of them appear to believe that now they have the salaries and 'trappings' of Premier league players they don't have to push themselves that extra yard, therefore performances are suffering.

It's very difficult to turn it back on as and when required.

I don't think it's anything to do with attitude. Professional Sports people are incredibly driven. It's not enough to love your sport to attain elite status. You have to drive yourself, everyday, to rise, push, eat correctly, train, focus, live, breath that sport. That's not something you can just decide to do or not. It's either in you or it isn't. Sure, there will be exceptions, but the vast majority of elite level, Pro Athletes are at that elite level because they have something intrinsic that the rest of is don't.

However, all of that doesn't factor that we, and they, are human. We have physical limits. Anyone that's done any regular exercise knows that some days, you're just not at it and some days you are and like it or not, the older we get those 'not at it' days become more frequent and the challenge to turn your form around becomes that bit tougher.

I suspect that the likes of Enda, Norwood and Fleck are just in a slump, in terms of physical form and the clubs athletic metrics (it's pretty well known that, as a club, we've embraced the MoneyBall approach to performance stats) have highlighted that and are perhaps guiding team selection.

Just a hunch, but it's the only logical thing l can come up with.

 

[McDonagh Blade]

Thanks. That's a very fair and considered response.

All i want and indeed we require next Saturday v Fulham (because they have strengthened and its far from a given) is our best players in our most productive formation for the available players giving it all.

Stating the obvious 'we need to get cracking'

 

[bonobo]

I think Norwood more than others is affected by the performances around him. He needs the hustle and movement. I actually think on the ball, he has not dropped off, as others have since lockdown. But, his game and options, have become much more limited by the way the rest of the team is playing, he doesn't have the ability to impose himself on a game, which Berge possibly does. There is no doubt he is a premier class player, albeit one with clear limitations, whose set plays are disappointing, but I never understand this this idea he gives the ball away. I think some fans, expect 100% pass completion. Norwood might make 80 in a game, yet 4 or 5 misplaced get people riled up. I see the value in Berge in that role, not just the long term potential, but the tactical shift (which I believe is more the reason Wilder has moved on from Norwood so quickly). But we have 3 premier class CMS, Fleck, Norwood, Berge and they line up naturally in our system in that order. Plus given our attacking limitation, having Berge on the right in crossing positions and running into the box, adds a spark we otherwise lack. Maybe if we get a new RCM, during the January window, otherwise I think we are better off with Old back.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Dandulum whats that hovering over the Kop ?

Enlarged it for you. I think it's the sky and some silhouette of something at the Lane End

 

[BanderSerge]

Agree, quick distribution to either flank allowing either wingback to distribute at pace. Games without Norwood at CDM we’ve won one and lost seven.

I’m amazed that our fans don’t get why CWAK dropped Norwood! Once the opposition twigged the above tactic and dropped a forward onto him, we became a 10 man team because of his inability to move round the pitch, hence Berge moving into his more natural position. The experiment of playing Norwood as a RCM at Burnley proved disastrous. Despite being on of my favourite players, I fear his time is done here, unless we get serious injuries to Berge/Ampadu.

 

[mattbianco1]

I’m amazed that our fans don’t get why CWAK dropped Norwood! Once the opposition twigged the above tactic and dropped a forward onto him, we became a 10 man team because of his inability to move round the pitch, hence Berge moving into his more natural position. The experiment of playing Norwood as a RCM at Burnley proved disastrous. Despite being on of my favourite players, I fear his time is done here, unless we get serious injuries to Berge/Ampadu.

The Norwood role, i.e. spreading it out/switching to wing backs is one of our tactics that has been nullified by other managers, especially when they match us up with 5 at the back.

Someone who can pick a pass and break the lines in and around the box like Duffy used to do is key - a #10.

I love Norwood, but a fit David Brooks would be a game changer

 

[LJBlade]

In the discussion of who should play centrally in the midfield between Berge and Norwood I think many are overlooking what may actually be the best option in Ampadu.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

I’m amazed that our fans don’t get why CWAK dropped Norwood! Once the opposition twigged the above tactic and dropped a forward onto him, we became a 10 man team because of his inability to move round the pitch, hence Berge moving into his more natural position. The experiment of playing Norwood as a RCM at Burnley proved disastrous. Despite being on of my favourite players, I fear his time is done here, unless we get serious injuries to Berge/Ampadu.

Can accept the reasons you've quoted about Norwood being sat on by the opposition.

Osborn and Lundstram is a real problem for some of us.

Who are your 3 central midfield players and if the opposition sit on Norwood, they will equally sit on Berge.

UTB

 

[Fulwood Blade]

In the discussion of who should play centrally in the midfield between Berge and Norwood I think many are overlooking what may actually be the best option in Ampadu.

Yep that's an option. He played there for Wales last night and seems to have more ball skills and more athleticism than Norwood.

I just need to see more ballers in midfield - and it isn't Osborn/lundstram for me - they are just too safe and like an easy pass.

UTB

 

[Blade82]

We need more Norwoods in the team not fewer. Has to start v Fulham.

 

[The Bear]

At the beginning of last season when we were bombing forward with our centre backs and Mousset and Mcg providing outlets for quick delivery Norwood had time on the ball and was an integral part of our success. As the season progressed and just prior to lock down teams began to press us further up the pitch targeting Oli forcing him to go sideways with little space. We were getting by in early 2020 with 1-0 wins but the fluidity of 2019 had disappeared as teams began to give us more respect. That forced us to go long too often to Mcb which was not his game or Norwoods.

At restart the whole team were out of sorts mainly due to over training but the loss of JOC and Fleck to injury affected us badly. Norwood and Stevens seemed to be the most affected by their loss. With JOC coming back we picked up with good results against Wolves and Chelsea but the spark had gone from the whole team and the season petered out at Home to Everton when Ancellotti compressed both wings preventing any forward progress.

CW started the season with Berge in the middle as he looked to get round the press and move us up the pitch quicker. A brief period in the game against Weeds apart it hasn't worked with little or no creativity even allowing for our usual slow start. Our game relies on high intensity and it just hasn't been there so far. We seem to be suffering from the short close season.

If we are to persist with 3-5-1-1 we have to go back to basics and bring Fleck and Norwood back into the team against Fulham. A new LCB would help and Brewster up front provides more of a goal threat but we need to retain control of the ball, dominate possession and have the ability to go past players. On the plus side Mcg looked better for ROI yesterday so we have to hope this early season blip is more fitness than loss of form/confidence.

I actually voted for a change of formation but I doubt this is currently what CW/AK are considering. 3 points never mind the quality is all that matters against Fulham.

Well McG is our leading goalscorer.

 

[guancheblade]

Agree, quick distribution to either flank allowing either wingback to distribute at pace.

You do know that Baldock is first choice right wing back?

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Can accept the reasons you've quoted about Norwood being sat on by the opposition.

Osborn and Lundstram is a real problem for some of us.

Who are your 3 central midfield players and if the opposition sit on Norwood, they will equally sit on Berge.

UTB

Berge has the mobility and physicality to get himself out of trouble. When Norwood is pressed he coughs it up.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Enlarged it for you. I think it's the sky and some silhouette of something at the Lane End

View attachment 94591

I know what it is ChipButtyBlade the silhouettes are of the display they have between the BLUT and the BLLT

 

[LoughboroBlade]

On the Friday Football Social later on this evening on 5Live.

 

[Harry's Game]

Norwood is our best passer and in my opinion is STILL the key man in our system... but Wilder is a stubborn guy and seems to have decided Berge is an upgrade in that role.. don’t see it myself.

 

[Drunk blade]

Get ollie back in the team... 1st name on the sheet... The statistics speak for themselves he plays we do better... Stop trying to accommodate that soft lanky cunt berge cos we've paid 20m for him... Play the team that works

 

[Bergen Blade]

Get ollie back in the team... 1st name on the sheet... The statistics speak for themselves he plays we do better... Stop trying to accommodate that soft lanky cunt berge cos we've paid 20m for him... Play the team that works

He started 37 of 38 games last season. We lost the one without him (Southampton), but that's not a great sample size.

I think there's a fair chance he'll start vs Fulham, hope he'll be back to his best.

 

[bakeblade]

In the discussion of who should play centrally in the midfield between Berge and Norwood I think many are overlooking what may actually be the best option in Ampadu.

After watching him last night I don't think so

 

[Drunk blade]

Berge has the mobility and physicality to get himself out of trouble. When Norwood is pressed he coughs it up.

Physicality.. Berge... You're having a fucking laugh the lad is soft as shit.. My dog could win a header against him... Berge would be ideal in a Chelsea ball retention type team but for the blades.. No thanks.. Norwood every time

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Physicality.. Berge... You're having a fucking laugh the lad is soft as shit.. My dog could win a header against him... Berge would be ideal in a Chelsea ball retention type team but for the blades.. No thanks.. Norwood every time

You seem to be viewing physicality in a headers-only capacity, which is something that isn’t really a core requirement of a deep lying central midfielder compared to the other aspects of the role. Norwood, incidentally, isn’t exactly known for his heading either. There’s a genuine argument to be had about which of the two are better on the ball, but Berge is clearly the tougher to get the ball off and better at driving forward with the ball (something that isn’t part of Norwood’s game).

 

[Drunk blade]

You seem to be viewing physicality in a headers-only capacity, which is something that isn’t really a core requirement of a deep lying central midfielder compared to the other aspects of the role. Norwood, incidentally, isn’t exactly known for his heading either. There’s a genuine argument to be had about which of the two are better on the ball, but Berge is clearly the tougher to get the ball off and better at driving forward with the ball (something that isn’t part of Norwood’s game).
[/QUOTE

Berge plays we usually lose .. Norwood plays we usually win or drawn.. occasional lose.. Look at the results

 

[Dnblade]

It's been difficult for Norwood since the back end of last season when lockdown happened, we had either McB and Sharp up front or one of them paired with McG.. No pace or threat in behind or to stretch teams, often the ball not sticking etc.. I think Mouse hardly played apart from ManU, and out of form/not fit..When he came on v Leeds we were far better when Berge switched to the right.
Got to play for me..keeps things ticking over and better range of passing, keeps the ball moving and speeds us up, and will benefit from having pace up top,which could stretch teams and free up space.

 

[FriethBlade]

Yep that's an option. He played there for Wales last night and seems to have more ball skills and more athleticism than Norwood.

I just need to see more ballers in midfield - and it isn't Osborn/lundstram for me - they are just too safe and like an easy pass.

UTB

Don't know if we watched the same game but all I saw Ampadu do was kick Grealish numerous times...when he could get anywhere near him that is !!

I'd have Norwood back in for Fulham with Berge on the right. Ampadu is a good bench player as he covers a number of.positions

 

[YorkBlade]

I'm far from down with the kids but I thought everyone would have watched his videos. Seems a top fella, I asked the other day if he was on here or not but nobody seems to know.

He's not on this forum but I am his representative on Earth.

 

[hidesbehindapseudonym]

Norwoods finished. Sub that's all from now on.

 

[YorkBlade]

Norwoods finished. Sub that's all from now on.

He's not finished, he's only 28!

 

[Pedro Verde]

It really is.

In an unrelated matter please can you all follow my Blades Twitter account @SheffUnitedWay

Yes but as you say Twatter is shit