Anel and JLT partnership

[HermitageBlade]

It's much more about the loss of Soutar than it is about Robinson coming back. I think there's definitely an argument regarding who's better between Anel and Robinson. Anel is painfully week, and very poor in the air.

I agree Anel’s main strengths are not in the air however that’s why he needs a defender next to him who gives that…Soutter was perfect Robbo isn’t.

 

[Addison]

Souttar and Anel worked well because each knew their role and played to their strengths. Souttar was the organiser commanding in the air, positionally sound and would take out the oppos big forward. That enabled Anel to use his pace to sweep up behind Souttar and cover any breakaways. At 6 foot 5 Anel is weak in the air when challenged but did have the ability to head the ball away because of his height. Both were good at bringing the ball out of defence a big plus in breaking down the oppos high press.

Fast forward to Souttar and Robinson in the key Burnley and Sunderland games and there was a stark difference. Souttar was uncomfortable against Sunderland pace and pressing such that he took his man out and got sent off as he knew in Anels absence there was no pace behind him. Burnleys first JLT is out of position and gets under the cross for the goal. Unfortunately Souttar is then injured and out for the season. Its fair to say Anel is a poorer player without Souttar but equally Anels absence also affected Souttar.

We all know Anel/JLT doesn't work. The Souttar/ Anel partnership came about by accident rather than design with JLT's injury against QPR. I believe CW's preferred option at the start of the season was to pair JLT with Souttar but as subsequently shown it was devoid of pace. CW has a blind spot with JLT preferring his pashun. I don't see him dropping JLT and we may have to endure a Holding/ JLT partnership for a while but that would be a backward step imo. Going to a 5 in certain games is an option but as recent formation changes have shown the players have difficulty in adapting to it.

We wilted yesterday under Pompeys hoofwaffen assault. Expect much the same from Luton, Millwall and the Pigs and you do question why we didn't offer more up front for Dunne than mess up the loanee allocation in going for Holding at the last minute.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

A bold suggestion to change the manager, his assistant and coaching staff two-thirds of the way through a season and sat second place in the Champonship.

Obviously no such suggestion was intended but sorry if it reads that way to you .

 

[Stretch]

Despite his limitations I've generally been a fan of Robbo.

However, if what I've been told about the Disabled Club do at the Lane is true, he's not fit to hold the club captain role that people like Billy and Morgs did.

What's all this?

 

[Davalon]

What's all this?

Players not attending without being paid

 

[Slim Man]

Despite his limitations I've generally been a fan of Robbo.

However, if what I've been told about the Disabled Club do at the Lane is true, he's not fit to hold the club captain role that people like Billy and Morgs did.

What's that? I hate him anyway, so it won't change my opinion

Sorry ignore, just seen above

 

[Pollingtonblade]

Players not attending without being paid

Allegedly needs adding does it not?

 

[Slim Man]

JLT is wank. Puts everyone around him in trouble.

 

[Ndiayewillalwaysloveyou]

Robinson needs to be replaced but thought Anel was awful yesterday.

Can't believe we still have that dreadful PL CB partnership.

 

[ancientblade]

one thing i think for certain is that holding will be in against boro its a toss up who plays alongside him but suspect it will be anel jst is right we cant go on playing those 2 together and if they both stay in we have to revert to 343 imo

 

[SGBlade]

I’m hoping we go with Holding and Anel for the next few games and allow them to build some understanding. Anel and Souttar were excellent together - I do think Souttar was the dominant one in the pair but both have to play their role well to end up that excellent defensive record. Anel is a quality championship player if he’s in a settled role with an Egan or Souttar next to him.

Small detail but his little run to break the lines in the first half showed good leadership. iIRC it was just before our goal and was one of the only times in the first half we gave them anything to think about.

 

[ancientblade]

Robinson needs to be replaced but thought Anel was awful yesterday.

Can't believe we still have that dreadful PL CB partnership.

well weve good competition for places now both centre backs were poor yesterday im sure holding will be in on wednesday so one of them are losing their place unless we go back to a back 3 im sure there will be improvement against boro there has to be otherwise were gonna get hammered

 

[Aston max]

I played centre half for years and at a reasonable level atm I'd rather have JLT at the side of me than Anel
I've watched as I see JLT getting pulled out of position to cover Anel
The problem is we're starting with 2 holding midfielders neither of whom drop in to cover when one of the ch,s get pulled out to cover behind the full backs

 

[GymClassHero]

Without doubt it should be Anel and Holding. Anel seems to lose confidence playing alongside JLT. Anel has proven beyond doubt (I'll concede his performances have been poor of late) previously that he is a capable, quality player. I do honestly believe his poor form is down to the pair being simply incompatible.

Feeling uncomfortable playing as seems to be the case atm is probably draining and this makes performance suffer.

 

[BrisBlade]

I just hope Holding is a natural leader/organiser. Souttar was great at this.

 

[ancientblade]

its strange really because anel looked more comfortable on the left with souttar than he does now on his natural side i think he has to go back there with holding coming in for robinson dont think we can play the season out with these 2 as our centre back pairing