For most of the game Koren played in the "2" alongside McKenna in a 4231 system. Deeper than most of us would have suggested - we usually call for him to be just behind the strikers (the position that Aluko was in today). What do you think of him playing there? Personally, I thought he was fantastic. He seemed to keep in mind his more defensive duties all the time, but also got involved in the game much more often. Koren was great for us last season, but I often felt that he was great for 20 minutes per match, the rest of the time he was nowhere. However today he seemed constantly involved, getting on the ball, spreading it around, finding the wings as well as Aluko and Proschwitz. I want to say that we should play the same again - mainly because it seemed to make Koren even better, and also because it made for a very strong midfield. Brighton at times had spells where they kept the ball for a long time, but they very rarely (especially in the first half) broke past our midfield, they just had to pass it around the defence and the halfway line. However, does that not leave us with the same problem as last season, the problem of actually getting the ball in to the box and scoring. I feel that it can work, but we need to cross more often, and have more men in the box when we do so. If Stewart has the ball on the wing, then Proschwitz, Aluko and Mclean all need to be in there. At the moment, it seems to be only Proschwitz - and no matter how good you are, it is going to be difficult when you are the only worry for two centre halves. I'm not too worried about Proschwitz, he needs time to adapt, and at the moment he is mainly getting the ball with his back to the goal and two men down his back. Once we see balls being crossed in to him, or slipped through on goal, then we can really get an idea of what he can do. Anyway, i'm interested to see what Bruce does when Fryatt is available - as well as Simpson now offering a serious challenge.
I thought at times McKenna should have dropped deeper, giving Koren some license to go forward a bit more. But I thought he looked very good as usually, he's just so confortable on the ball, it's great to watch.
I thought we played 4.4.2 but yes I agree Koren played well. He is alot better than Cairney in the same role. But I wouldn't be surprized to see him out wide in the next game. I think modern day managers like 2 hard working midfielders in the middle. We do have 2 great midfielders, Mckenna and Evans. Koren will be out wide and I expect Simpson to start on Wednesday with Stewart and Maclean dropping out. I don't expect Fryatt to walk into the team, it all depends on how we are doing.
This is a big thing to say but me and my dad (who started watching City in the mid 70s) agree about this. Robert Koren IS one of if not THE BEST player Hull City have had in the last 40 years. The way he almost looks not bothered about pulling off a world class pass like it's just another thing; and the way he strings the team together is absolutely mesmorising. I'm DELIGHTED RoKo wants to stay at Hull City and help us earn promotion; as he is vital to the club. Also in case anyone thinks I don't know City history; I'm related to Garreth Roberts (yes, the one who made 400+ appearences) and have supported City since 1999; with my dad supporting them since 75. It's a bold statement to make saying about Koren being the best, but there is no doubt in my eyes
I still think we will play best in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, with Koren behind the two strikers, Evans defensive and Stewart and Aluko on the wings
I agree with the OP in general but not on the Proschwitz bit. They were obviously told to get the ball in early today because we were lobbing it in there from deep positions quite a lot, the problem was that Proschwitz was nowhere near as single bloody one of them. It doesn't help only having 1 player in the box, but it's worrying that he can't seem to get on the end of all these crosses.
Haha, I was only joking to be fair, I never saw him but my Grandad tells me he was by far City's greatest player and reckons Barmby is second.
Your numbering makes it sound like a diamond formation, in which case, it rarely uses wingers and is an incredibly narrow formation and difficult to make work.
He was very good. I'm gueesing the team on Wed will be: Amos Rosenior(McShane if tired) Chester Bruce Dudge Stewart McKenna Koren Aluko Prosch Simmo Subs: Oxley McShane(Rosenior) Oli Mclean Evans Faye Cairney
Its basically a 4-4-2 with one defensive midfielder who drops off allowing an attacking one to go forward
Christ...Give the lad a break!! He's played one league game and one cup game?! He just needs some time to understand how he fits into the team. I agree he had to drop deep to get in the play but he'd probably be better off sitting on the shoulder of the last man like CMS did all day and drag the defence about. He'll come good, he's got skill, pace and height...what we've been asking for no???
I agree mate and I am a lot older than you, I couldn't believe it on here when a few people were saying we might be better off without him. You can't replace class like Roko!
Who were the strikers in this 442 that we was playing? Mclean was on the wing, and Aluko was well behind Proschwitz.
Can't believe the doom and gloom merchants are out already. It was the first league match of the season and against one of the quality teams of the league FFS. Brighton dominated the match most of the time but couldn't break us down and we managed to get a goal against the run of play and scored by Jay Simpson a player most of you muppets wrote off
Oh look 4-2-3-1 worked. I think we should go back to it, until Fryatt is fit anyway. Theres only two things we could tweak. Does Big Nick or Simmo start. I like what I've seen of Big Nick but he aint the big CF we were after to win headers ect. We should play to his strengths which are his feet. He's got a great touch and plays the ball into some nice areas which our players aren't ready as yet. However Simpson deserve a chance and I'd love to see this coem Wednesday... Rosenior - Chezzy - Faye - Dudgeon Mckenna - Evans Aluko - Koren - Stewart Simpson (or Proschwitz) UTT
