HeCanDoMagic
Well-Known Member
I know it's only 1 game, but Saturday felt exactly what I had hoped the opener against Birmingham would be. The atmosphere, the football, the enjoyment, the outpour of 18 months worth of frustration. It was just great.
The system we deployed was obviously based on a 4 man defence, and 2 central midfielders. MGW played predominantly on the right, however it wasn't as a natural winger, but slightly in field, Osborne on the left played with a bit more natural width and as a winger. Sharp and Ndiaye floated, interchanged and roamed around, the type of forward movement we've been crying out for. RND and particularly Baldock offing width and attacking presence out wide (Baldock no doubt compensating for MGWs role slightly more central).
4-4-2 ish, 4-3-3 at times, in the second half it was visibly 4-2-4 for much of the time. Whatever it was it worked.
The bench on the face of it was very strong, and together with unavailable players (Berge, McG, Olsen), we had a lot of quality watching from the side-lines. Its a long season, we know that, and much of the squad will be utilised, however you get the feeling that some of the missing players will benefit from the system/style, and some will struggle to fit in. So who are the winners and losers;
Robert Olsen - WF was shaky at times and looked reluctant to stamp authority and really command his box. Olsen obvious number 1. Verdict: WINNER
Ben Davies - think we'd all agree he fits seamlessly into the back for in place of Robinson. Verdict: WINNER
Chris Basham - the strength in depth at centre mid means he's unlikely to compete there, a flat back 4 doesn't suit him. Verdict: LOSER
Sander Berge - financially wise, our prized asset, and has shown glimpses of what we thought he'd be at this level. Central midfield will be very competitive, what was noticeable on Saturday was the fluidity we were able to transition from defensive to attacking thirds. Is Berge quick enough to do this, has he the passing range. Does he come in for Norwood? Verdict: UNDECIDED
Oliver Burke - Not even in the squad and I cant see how he can get himself in that starting 11 based on what we have seen of him. Verdict: LOSER
Rhian Brewster - I think I am now in the minority when I say I am still optimistic with RB. I still think he'll thrive in a team that put as many balls into the box and created as many chances as they did on Saturday. It'll be hard for him to get in the 11 but I think with the vibrancy Ndiaye and MGW bring, he could buzz off that. Verdict: WINNER
David McGoldrick - A key performer over recent seasons, however he has missed some guilt edged chances this year and hasn't looked at all clinical. The formation we played, he could fit in where Ndiaye played - but does he have the legs and the sharpness - I think the performance by Ndiaye/MGW really highlighted the shortcomings in McG's game. Verdict: LOSER
Luke Freeman - I saw him smile on Saturday, a small thing but its the first time he's looked like he wanted it and wanted to enjoy it. I know were winning comfortable but the freshness the signings brought made this feel like a new team. He can be a huge winner in my eyes. Verdict: WINNER
Agree, disagree? What of Some of the others ie Bogle, McBurnie?
The system we deployed was obviously based on a 4 man defence, and 2 central midfielders. MGW played predominantly on the right, however it wasn't as a natural winger, but slightly in field, Osborne on the left played with a bit more natural width and as a winger. Sharp and Ndiaye floated, interchanged and roamed around, the type of forward movement we've been crying out for. RND and particularly Baldock offing width and attacking presence out wide (Baldock no doubt compensating for MGWs role slightly more central).
4-4-2 ish, 4-3-3 at times, in the second half it was visibly 4-2-4 for much of the time. Whatever it was it worked.
The bench on the face of it was very strong, and together with unavailable players (Berge, McG, Olsen), we had a lot of quality watching from the side-lines. Its a long season, we know that, and much of the squad will be utilised, however you get the feeling that some of the missing players will benefit from the system/style, and some will struggle to fit in. So who are the winners and losers;
Robert Olsen - WF was shaky at times and looked reluctant to stamp authority and really command his box. Olsen obvious number 1. Verdict: WINNER
Ben Davies - think we'd all agree he fits seamlessly into the back for in place of Robinson. Verdict: WINNER
Chris Basham - the strength in depth at centre mid means he's unlikely to compete there, a flat back 4 doesn't suit him. Verdict: LOSER
Sander Berge - financially wise, our prized asset, and has shown glimpses of what we thought he'd be at this level. Central midfield will be very competitive, what was noticeable on Saturday was the fluidity we were able to transition from defensive to attacking thirds. Is Berge quick enough to do this, has he the passing range. Does he come in for Norwood? Verdict: UNDECIDED
Oliver Burke - Not even in the squad and I cant see how he can get himself in that starting 11 based on what we have seen of him. Verdict: LOSER
Rhian Brewster - I think I am now in the minority when I say I am still optimistic with RB. I still think he'll thrive in a team that put as many balls into the box and created as many chances as they did on Saturday. It'll be hard for him to get in the 11 but I think with the vibrancy Ndiaye and MGW bring, he could buzz off that. Verdict: WINNER
David McGoldrick - A key performer over recent seasons, however he has missed some guilt edged chances this year and hasn't looked at all clinical. The formation we played, he could fit in where Ndiaye played - but does he have the legs and the sharpness - I think the performance by Ndiaye/MGW really highlighted the shortcomings in McG's game. Verdict: LOSER
Luke Freeman - I saw him smile on Saturday, a small thing but its the first time he's looked like he wanted it and wanted to enjoy it. I know were winning comfortable but the freshness the signings brought made this feel like a new team. He can be a huge winner in my eyes. Verdict: WINNER
Agree, disagree? What of Some of the others ie Bogle, McBurnie?
