Bergen Blade
Well-Known Member
It is true that he's struggled to get going this season. I would also have given him a low rating after yesterday's match, but I think people are far too quick to write him off. It's hard to say if it's best to stick with him, in the hope that his form improves, or if he needs to be a bench player for a while.
I would just like to point out something though. It is not true that he didn't do anything yesterday. It is often said that some fans don't notice all the work defensive midfielders put in. But the same goes for attacking midfielders, especially those whose role it is to get into the box and try to get on the end of things. This season both Basham and Scougall have been given this task.
As they both have significant defensive responsibilities as well it takes great stamina and work rate to make all these runs off the ball, and it does mean their touch is going to suffer. It is also by no means certain that their runs are going to pay off. Sometimes the ball just won't fall for you. Basham has had a lot of efforts this season, but has lacked a bit composure and some heading technique to convert. Scougall's main problem yesterday was that he didn't get the ball when he found good positions in the box.
Some examples:
1. Flynn's early cross that Baxter ran onto and fired wide, Scougall is just too late to reach it.
2. Another Flynn cross that Scougall wanted
3. Scougall hoped for a knock down in this situation, but Baxter flicked it towards goal.
4. Scougall screaming for the ball, but Murphy chose to have a go himself.
These would have been four goal scoring chances (similar to the goal he scored at Wembley) if his teammates had found him.
I would just like to point out something though. It is not true that he didn't do anything yesterday. It is often said that some fans don't notice all the work defensive midfielders put in. But the same goes for attacking midfielders, especially those whose role it is to get into the box and try to get on the end of things. This season both Basham and Scougall have been given this task.
As they both have significant defensive responsibilities as well it takes great stamina and work rate to make all these runs off the ball, and it does mean their touch is going to suffer. It is also by no means certain that their runs are going to pay off. Sometimes the ball just won't fall for you. Basham has had a lot of efforts this season, but has lacked a bit composure and some heading technique to convert. Scougall's main problem yesterday was that he didn't get the ball when he found good positions in the box.
Some examples:
1. Flynn's early cross that Baxter ran onto and fired wide, Scougall is just too late to reach it.
2. Another Flynn cross that Scougall wanted
3. Scougall hoped for a knock down in this situation, but Baxter flicked it towards goal.
4. Scougall screaming for the ball, but Murphy chose to have a go himself.
These would have been four goal scoring chances (similar to the goal he scored at Wembley) if his teammates had found him.