Baldock/Freeman debate - Ver:27.2.1

[LoughboroBlade]

Freeman has cost us a lot more points than he has gained this season.

Evidence? I’d argue his assists at QPR and Brentford directly helped turn 2 potential draws in wins, so that’s 4 points to beat straight off from his direct contributions...

 

[loyalblade95]

Baldock is better defensively and has more pace. Freeman is better at attacking and has the awareness for goals.

 

[BigBed]

I like Baldock, he can run and run, but Freeman can score, and has good positional sense, both brilliant in their own way, I'd play Freeman v Wendy though.

 

[dc_blade]

If Cranie hadn't chased down Freeman's woeful pass and somehow created a goal on Saturday we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

I'm usually sceptical of claims that professional footballers are unfit, but Freeman looked genuinely gassed.

Has to be Baldock, if fit.

 

[Grappler]

Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. If anything, I would say Freeman is "gutsier" and will drive into the box more. Baldock has pace and can defend better.

At the end of the day, CW and AK will make the choice.

 

[Liaminho9]

One horse is far better than the other. As I say, I’ve seen them both play. It’s not up for discussion.

Close down the forum. Pinchy says we aren’t allowed to discuss things anymore.

We had a good run everyone.

 

[Pinchy]

Close down the forum. Pinchy says we aren’t allowed to discuss things anymore.

We had a good run everyone.

Yes, now you mention it, it might be for the best. Perhaps give it six months and start again when most of you have undertaken a compulsory Football Appreciation and Understanding Qualification for All [FAUQ ALL] which, by a bizarre coincidence, encapsulates the present state of knowledge in S2.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

If Cranie hadn't chased down Freeman's woeful pass and somehow created a goal on Saturday we wouldn't even be having this conversation.

I thought from the away end at the time it was overhit, but looking back at the highlights, I think as soon as he made it clear he was heading towards the box drawing the defender Freeman had probably expected Cranie to speed up naturally to hit the space (as Basham tends to). I think if Basham’s the runner he reaches that a yard before the line.

What I like about Freeman is that he’s direct and attack-minded. He’s not a bad defender, but can be inconsistent. I like Baldock’s stamina and generally he’s the stronger defender. Ideally we need to be training Baldock to be better in the final third. I also think that’s more likely to be possible than training Freeman to be a better defender.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

There have been numerous debates about which of these two play wing back.

With Baldock stepping into the position when Freeman was struggling a few games ago, the question now is:

Has Freeman now stepped his game up - just as Baldock did before?

Without doubt Baldock has been fantastic, but in the last two games that Freeman has played (Boro & WBA), he also appears to have stepped up his game again.

Opinions. opinion, opinions - Baldock would not have run at the WBA defence like Freeman did on Saturday to put Crainie in for the only and winning goal. Freemans defending seemed better too, but can it be maintained or will he switch off like he is prone to do?

Do we now put a better attacker in the team (Freeman) as against the better defender (Baldock)?

There you are - get keyboard fingers going on a Monday morning.

UTB

Baldock is better going forwards (until he gets in the box). Freeman is more dangerous when he gets in the box. Freeman can switch off when defending. Baldock has more pace. Freeman has better hair and a beard.

I just don’t know anymore!

 

[Pinchy]

Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. If anything, I would say Freeman is "gutsier" and will drive into the box more. Baldock has pace and can defend better.

At the end of the day, CW and AK will make the choice.

I couldn’t agree less. Baldock is far more committed, energetic, alert, quicker. Technically superior. A better footballer in every respect apart from scoring goals in league one.

Freeman is an awful defender. He dozes off, leaves his immediate opponent the run of half the pitch, is easily tricked, can’t pass.

I’m very glad that Tufty prefers George, as we shall see when he’s fully fit.

 

[alcoblade]

Yeah, just in case they have the audacity to step foot in our half.

Imagine their celebrations if they did!

 

[Ricky]

Baldock is more suited to play in the derby, and despite his injury will still be at a much better level of fitness than Freeman.

I would rotate them a bit for the rest of the season though. Freeman can start the next two home games. I think it's important to manage these two carefully because they're both prone to injuries and knocks.

Some games will suit one more than the other and making the right call with things like this could make all the difference.

 

[wizadry]

Before Baldocks minor injury setback he was arguably our best player at the time so don’t be surprised if he were to come straight back in.

 

[Chali 2na]

I couldn’t agree less. Baldock is far more committed, energetic, alert, quicker. Technically superior. A better footballer in every respect apart from scoring goals in league one.

Freeman is an awful defender. He dozes off, leaves his immediate opponent the run of half the pitch, is easily tricked, can’t pass.

I’m very glad that Tufty prefers George, as we shall see when he’s fully fit.

How much do you value assists? As this is one area where Freeman is superior.

 

[BushBlade]

Does it matter? Why set one player against another? They’re both Blades.