VVD, Defence and overall shape

  • Please bear with us on the new site integration and fixing any known bugs over the coming days. If you can not log in please try resetting your password and check your spam box. If you have tried these steps and are still struggling email [email protected] with your username/registered email address
  • Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!
My view is it's a mix of better players and changes to the MF layout which have improved our defensive record. Thought last season the impact VVD had was overplayed though i pointed out this was the season we would see if he was the leader we required and whilst only 2 games in the signs are that the answer is yes.
The sale of Coutinho led to a more functional MF which meant the defence got more protection and that added to the arrival of VVD & Robbo led to last seasons improvement imo.
The signs are encouraging this season but we need to see pressure put on the defence before assuming all is now fixed.
 
in fairness the difference between coutinho and kieta is huge.

coutinho is a magician, a dribber, a ball striker.

Keita is like Kante in his work rate and interceptions on the on hand and then on the other his ability to turn in tight areas and make a pass can be mesmerising.

Keita adds something defensively non of the likes of coutinho or ox can.
 
When all midfield are fit my personal choices would be ox - keita - wiji/hendo
 
moreinjuredthanowen said:
in fairness the difference between coutinho and kieta is huge.

coutinho is a magician, a dribber, a ball striker.

Keita is like Kante in his work rate and interceptions on the on hand and then on the other his ability to turn in tight areas and make a pass can be mesmerising.

Keita adds something defensively non of the likes of coutinho or ox can.
Click to expand...

Harsh on Ox - he works incredibly hard off the ball.
 
Zanjinho said:
He works hard, wouldn't say incredibly hard. He's not at the work rate level of a Milner or Lallana!
Click to expand...

You’d be very surprised. Lallana gets praised for his work rate but he’s not as efficient as others. By that, i mean his pressing doesn’t lead to the opposition losing the ball

Vs Lallana, Ox presses more times per 90, has better efficiency, and wins the ball back more often.

This goes back to my other point (on Ings) where he can run around for days but isn’t particularly effective. I rather have players who run slightly less but are more efficient defensively than someone who can run around like a wild dog, chasing the ball
 
Jimmy Squarefoot said:
You’d be very surprised. Lallana gets praised for his work rate but he’s not as efficient as others. By that, i mean his pressing doesn’t lead to the opposition losing the ball

Vs Lallana, Ox presses more times per 90, has better efficiency, and wins the ball back more often.

This goes back to my other point (on Ings) where he can run around for days but isn’t particularly effective. I rather have players who run slightly less but are more efficient defensively than someone who can run around like a wild dog, chasing the ball
Click to expand...

The discussion on Ings was in comparison to Origi. The latter walls about and doesn't give a ****. I'd rather have Ings. In reality, neither are good enough.

As for your stats, I don't need to tell you where you can stick them :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Diego
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back