Baxter as a midfield runner

[super_pig]

had to read this. it said baxter and runner in the same sentence.. wtf??

 

[TheBeard]

Baxter is used as the scapegoat on many occasions by the fans, I agree he can't run as fast as Murphy or Done and perhaps most of the team, but as someone mentioned that quality is not in his makeup, the quality he possesses is in his passing ability and vision, he looks like he is carrying timber but if he lost it, it still wouldn't make him run any faster but he would get knocked off the ball easier. You only have to look at players like Molby or McCall to see what an impact a player who can play quality balls into the forwards. NC has not played him in a regular position all season, the team has been switched nearly every game, only one striker to put that killer ball to, up until Done played on Tuesday whoever played up front was dropping back to collect the ball, where Done sat on the back four ready for a quality through ball where Baxter will prove his worth, but this still leaves only one output, we need two forwards and Baxter playing behind them to get the best out of him with options for him to play it forward or left or right. A lot of the times I see him play, he plays great balls into good areas but the other players aren't as clever as him and don't make the runs into the spaces and it makes it look like it was a poor pass.

 

[super_pig]

apologies.. i wasn't criticising baxter.. he is a really good player but at this level it is difficult to fit him in the team. if we go up a level he will be worth his weight in gold. (groan ..here come the mars bar jokes)

 

[Bergen Blade]

Baxter is used as the scapegoat on many occasions by the fans, I agree he can't run as fast as Murphy or Done and perhaps most of the team, but as someone mentioned that quality is not in his makeup, the quality he possesses is in his passing ability and vision, he looks like he is carrying timber but if he lost it, it still wouldn't make him run any faster but he would get knocked off the ball easier. You only have to look at players like Molby or McCall to see what an impact a player who can play quality balls into the forwards. NC has not played him in a regular position all season, the team has been switched nearly every game, only one striker to put that killer ball to, up until Done played on Tuesday whoever played up front was dropping back to collect the ball, where Done sat on the back four ready for a quality through ball where Baxter will prove his worth, but this still leaves only one output, we need two forwards and Baxter playing behind them to get the best out of him with options for him to play it forward or left or right. A lot of the times I see him play, he plays great balls into good areas but the other players aren't as clever as him and don't make the runs into the spaces and it makes it look like it was a poor pass.

Many good points there, and I think the formation change from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-1-1 like we played vs Colchester enables Baxter to play in a role that he is a lot more suited to. For the time being I think it's worth persevering with this set up.

To make it more attacking, Clough can consider replacing Doyle with someone who offers a bit more offensively, for example Reed. Against Bristol City Ryan Flynn for JCR may be a tweak that would give us more defensive solidity. Picking Davies for JCR would, however, reduce our tempo and mobility too much in my opinion.

Regarding Baxter playing in the hole between TWO strikers, then you have to accept losing the wingers as it implies a diamond formation.

 

[TheBeard]

Many good points there, and I think the formation change from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-1-1 like we played vs Colchester enables Baxter to play in a role that he is a lot more suited to. For the time being I think it's worth persevering with this set up.

To make it more attacking, Clough can consider replacing Doyle with someone who offers a bit more offensively, for example Reed. Against Bristol City Ryan Flynn for JCR may be a tweak that would give us more defensive solidity. Picking Davies for JCR would, however, reduce our tempo and mobility too much in my opinion.

Regarding Baxter playing in the hole between TWO strikers, then you have to accept losing the wingers as it implies a diamond formation.

Not necessarily, 3-5-2 ?

 

[Bergen Blade]

Not necessarily, 3-5-2 ?

There are no out and out wingers in a 3-5-2 system either. The wide players will have to serve as wing backs with considerable defensive work load.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

That was Spurs; the tackle was on Mason. He was on from the start but had a mare in the first half as, to be fair, did most of the United players but that was down to Spurs outclassing us. He improved dramatically after half time and particularly when Doyle went off and we started forcing the game.

His first half invisibility is probably why I thought he had been a sub.

 

[moDtheGod]

Not necessarily, 3-5-2 ?

I don't understand why you want to put our best attacking full back at centre half, a left back on the wing and our best winger in centre mid!

 

[Woodwardfan]

His first half invisibility is probably why I thought he had been a sub.

And which other players did you notice first half? !! Bit unfair.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Many good points there, and I think the formation change from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-1-1 like we played vs Colchester enables Baxter to play in a role that he is a lot more suited to. For the time being I think it's worth persevering with this set up.

To make it more attacking, Clough can consider replacing Doyle with someone who offers a bit more offensively, for example Reed. Against Bristol City Ryan Flynn for JCR may be a tweak that would give us more defensive solidity. Picking Davies for JCR would, however, reduce our tempo and mobility too much in my opinion.

Regarding Baxter playing in the hole between TWO strikers, then you have to accept losing the wingers as it implies a diamond formation.

Halleleuihia.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

And which other players did you notice first half? !! Bit unfair.

Not unfair, his performance 2nd half against Spurs and Preston away in the cup were both outstanding.

Spurs game I couldn't remember if he'd been a sub that's all.