Athletic and pace

[Chali 2na]

We won’t be able to pen teams in nearly as often as we do now, as we’ll be the ones getting penned in. If we haven’t got 1 or 2 with pace we won’t be able to get out and that’ll be our undoing in most games and will result in relegation. The staff will know this and they will be looking for some pacy attackers without a doubt.

We won’t get caught on the counter apart from against the very best - we’re too well organised.

While I agree that it like to see a bit more pace and athleticism, I disagree that we're a certainty to go down without it: I don't see much pace in that Burnley side and they do ok.

 

[Akinbiyi]

While I agree that it like to see a bit more pace and athleticism, I disagree that we're a certainty to go down without it: I don't see much pace in that Burnley side and they do ok.

Burnley play a completely different brand of football to us. We haven’t got 2 big targetman to knock it up to and build from.

 

[Chali 2na]

Burnley play a completely different brand of football to us. We haven’t got 2 big targetman to knock it up to and build from.

True, but our own style obviously doesn't rely on pace considering we've managed 258 points in three seasons, all without any particularly pacey players to speak of.

Again, like you, I hope we sign some fast players - it will add another option and help relieve pressure when we're on the back foot- I just disagree that we're a certainty to go down without it.

 

[super_pig]

Look at this Palace team, FFS.

Bissaka, Van Aanholt, Townsend, Zaha, Ayew, Batshuayi..... all these great types, and they're just a nothing side at PL level. It does frighten me a bit.

crystal palace? the likes of these, Newcastle, Burnley, Brighton and Bournemouth don't frighten me at all. they're top half championship at best. palace only turn up when Saha turns up they're a one man team. unfortunately for them he turns up one game in four

 

[super_pig]

Agree on Tyrone Mings--big lad, athletic and definitely a stand out for Villa.

In fact having watched the Palace game, seems we need all recruits to be 6ft+ , bloody fast and athletic in whichever position. The speed they (Palace) transitioned play at does give cause for concern with current squad we have

yeah 'cos Man City are all massive lads :/

 

[super_pig]

I think we'll need to maximise what we do from set pieces more than ever, and should seek tall players who can fit into the way we play.

The lack of physicality in midfield and attack is where this current team would fall short at PL level.

ha ha .. utter crap. tell that to David Silva and Raheem Sterling mate

 

[Ricky]

ha ha .. utter crap. tell that to David Silva and Raheem Sterling mate

You're comparing us to Man City you fool.

We can't afford players on the technical level of theirs.

Sterling is also a tremendous athlete by the way.

 

[super_pig]

You're comparing us to Man City you fool.

We can't afford players on the technical level of theirs.

Sterling is also a tremendous athlete by the way.

ah sorry i forgot it's 'Ricky switch the argument'. you said we needed big players to succeed.. we don't.

 

[Ricky]

ah sorry i forgot it's 'Ricky switch the argument'. you said we needed big players to succeed.. we don't.

I'm not the one who's comparing us to Man fucking City.

'Physicality' doesn't just mean tall.

I haven't said that. I've said we should look for taller players who fit into the way we play. Any chance to improve our set piece productivity should be taken.

Always amazes me how many people can't read.

 

[super_pig]

I'm not the one who's comparing us to Man fucking City.

'Physicality' doesn't just mean tall.

I haven't said that. I've said we should look for taller players who fit into the way we play. Any chance to improve our set piece productivity should be taken.

i said that Man City don't rely on physical tall players because they are the ultimate example. Most if not all premier teams aren't massive.. with the notable exception of Burnley. Skilful players will cost a lot of money regardless of their size

 

[Ricky]

i said that Man City don't rely on physical tall players because they are the ultimate example. Most if not all premier teams aren't massive.. with the notable exception of Burnley. Skilful players will cost a lot of money regardless of their size

But physically most of them are on a different level to what we're used to in the Championship. The intensity will take the 'more time on the ball' brigade by surprise.

We need more athleticism, Wilder's said as much.

The main thing is pace. Then strength. Height is a bonus, a potentially valuable one.

I'd like us to recruit players with a good combination of these. If our squad is physically up to PL standard then we'll stay up because our system, management and ability on the ball will carry us the rest of the way.

 

[Akinbiyi]

True, but our own style obviously doesn't rely on pace considering we've managed 258 points in three seasons, all without any particularly pacey players to speak of.

Again, like you, I hope we sign some fast players - it will add another option and help relieve pressure when we're on the back foot- I just disagree that we're a certainty to go down without it.

Totally get what you're saying and I'm not saying you're wrong but that's how I see it going. Our whole game is based on penning opposition in, and it's worked delightfully for 3 seasons. But we're now at the elite level and won't be able to do that nearly as much (maybe against the Brightons and Burnleys at home).

I think pace really is important to survival in the Prem these days, more so for us with our style of play if you ask me.

 

[Akinbiyi]

i said that Man City don't rely on physical tall players because they are the ultimate example. Most if not all premier teams aren't massive.. with the notable exception of Burnley. Skilful players will cost a lot of money regardless of their size

They don't rely on tall players, but their front 3 and full backs are fast as fuck

 

[Chali 2na]

Totally get what you're saying and I'm not saying you're wrong but that's how I see it going. Our whole game is based on penning opposition in, and it's worked delightfully for 3 seasons. But we're now at the elite level and won't be able to do that nearly as much (maybe against the Brightons and Burnleys at home).

I think pace really is important to survival in the Prem these days, more so for us with our style of play if you ask me.

I get where you're coming from. Though I hope we'd attempt to play on the front foot against (most) teams at home.
Against the top 6/7 at home, and in plenty of away games I'm sure we'd benifit from quicker players though, as you point out.

I'm guessing we'll be for several attacking players this summer - hopefully some of those will add an injection of pace.

 

[Akinbiyi]

I get where you're coming from. Though I hope we'd attempt to play on the front foot against (most) teams at home.
Against the top 6/7 at home, and in plenty of away games I'm sure we'd benifit from quicker players though, as you point out.

I'm guessing we'll be for several attacking players this summer - hopefully some of those will add an injection of pace.

I think we will. Wilder and Knill have forgot more about football than I know.
Fortunately most of the better players in the Championship have got pace and I'd assume that's our market.

 

[Chali 2na]

I think we will. Wilder and Knill have forgot more about football than I know.
Fortunately most of the better players in the Championship have got pace and I'd assume that's our market.

Callum Robinson's name has been thrown about and he's like shit off shovel

 

[Ricky]

Callum Robinson's name has been thrown about and he's like shit off shovel

Who is this player? Can you tell me anything about him?

 

[Chali 2na]

Who is this player? Can you tell me anything about him?

Don't play games with me Ricky: I expect you to have a Bielsa-style 15 page dossier on him and any other decent championship player

 

[Ricky]

Don't play games with me Ricky: I expect you to have a Bielsa-style 15 page dossier on him and any other decent championship player

The dossiers are all in my mind, wasting precious space...

 

[Bladeinleeds]

Just seen this posted on Twitter.... Minutes given to players under 23 last year (excluding loanees)

Not a dig by any stretch but not a single minute for the blades. I’m sure wilder will be aware but we certainly need to act to reduce the average age of the team

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

They don't rely on tall players, but their front 3 and full backs are fast as fuck

But they'll be making their runs from much deeper due to Bash and O'Connell pushing them back.

They'll be knackered quicker and earlier therefore I can't see City scoring more than four.

 

[bromtom]

Anyone remember Claude Davis ?

My abiding memory of Claude Davis is him trying to head a ball clear that was rolling along the ground.

I think we might have conceded shortly after.

How we essentially got our money back for him I'll never know.

 

[Mumbo]

What separates the best players from the rest is speed of thought.
We need players that can anticipate and read the game that’s all.

 

[ChipDayFriday]

Just seen this posted on Twitter.... Minutes given to players under 23 last year (excluding loanees)

Not a dig by any stretch but not a single minute for the blades. I’m sure wilder will be aware but we certainly need to act to reduce the average age of the team

Great stat, should be in it's own thread