My biggest Critique is Smallbone... Literally standing ahead of the midfielders and offering no service for the Cbs. Definitely not a 6.
This. Hope to see Charles in the second half (presuming that even if Lavia plays, he's off to Liverpool).
Yeah this is my concern about Martin. Possession was the one thing it felt like we weren’t absolutely useless at last year (in terms of having it, not what we did with it). Will take a big shift in mentality for the players to start being more positive with the ball, especially when we are likely going to be favourites in most games this year and we’ve always struggled when teams let us have the ball and say “go on then, break us down” Of course far too early to make any calls and especially not because of a pre season game I’m not even watching. But it is my main concern for the season. Especially as reading about Martins style of play “possession for possessions sake” sprung to mind, and not positive play with possession
How can you be sure? We haven’t tested him It feels like everyone at the club collectively forgot how to play football after the villa game last year
Warm-up training match and all, I understand - but the goal conceded was Sunday Morning football. It has concerned me that this whole squad is just used to losing, losing, losing and even if it is just a friendly that mindset will just be reinforced won't it? Especially as this lot are not Benfica - so you haven't even got an excuse.
Can someone please buy Lyanco? Lavia is so many levels better than anyone else, even 7 minutes in to the second half.