Ben Arfa

The Everton game last year. Everyone praises (Including me) how he tore them a new one on his debut. However, after watching it again just now, I've noticed how, even back then, he was ball greedy.

[video=youtube;sLB5oz88umE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sLB5oz88umE#![/video]

A few times in that video, he decides to go alone instead of passing. The only difference I can see from then is that he's oozing confidence. I'm not going to pick up on the hesitation or the body strength as they will come in time, but even back then, he was doing what he was doing now without being criticised for it.

 

because he scored he wouldn't have got criticized.

 

Yeah, it's less noticable when he is up to his full quality though I suppose. I never particularly thought that any greediness was a side effect of his time out of action, but it's more apparent when he isn't pulling off moments of magic too.

 

I think ball greediness was a bit harsh of me to say, I think it's excitement/trying to impress more than anything, but even when you take the tinted glasses off and it's in a positive situation like in the video, it's apparent he could possibly pass more than he actually does.

Edit: Tash, I see you down there, no rants or going off the point!

 

You're absolutely right. Pardews hint at him being a little tough to manage might explain why he is over eager to show himself off a bit too.

 

I'm not really that concerned that he seems ball greedy against Everton last season as don’t forget the lack of pace we had in that starting XI. Sure, he could have laid the ball off a few times when in the opposition area but he’s very comfortable with the ball at his feet and managed to force the opposition defence to man mark him with 2/3 players at times.

He kept the ball and charged forward with it most of the time, he still managed to get the ball away to players in dangerous positions and he was also very eager to impress as we’d been waiting a while to see what he could do.

When fully fit and full of confidence I can’t wait to see what he can do with the likes of Jonas, Obertan, Marveaux, Cabaye and Ba in attack.

 

Oh for **** sake I guess he hasn't just come back for a broken leg and he's **** then.

 

He's got great ball skills and want's to show them off, but it's no good beating three or four players and then have the move break down. We need to capitalise on our possession and have a greater end product. Goals win games, not fancy footwork.

 

You're missing the point of the thread, CouilleGauche isn't having a go at him.

 

I think that's more down to Benny knocking on the door for a start. Apparently he's been exceptional in training, but from what I've seen so far, he needs a few cup games to get his sharpness back before we can consider starting him.

 

Totally agree, want to see him tomorrow.

 

You're missing the point of this thread.

 

I've been getting negative vibes from people expecting him to come back and be like Ronaldo straight away. I'm sorry If I got the wrong end of the stick.

 

But nobody in this thread has expressed such thoughts, so your comment is misplaced here.

 

I see what you mean, but I was pointing out how at times he could have passed and we could have kept possession instead. My point is he was doing similar things back then but it never got picked up on. However I fully agree with your last point.

100% agree.

 

Too fast I'd added more.

 

He's ****, I wish we had never signed him.

 

Cool . All this coffee has me in hyperactive reply mode I think.

 

I was pointing out the fact that, people may complain about his 'greediness' on the ball, but he was like it for us when he came to, no matter if it was negative or positive for the team.