Is it just me that doesn't want him to sign an extension?? I know he has scored important goals for us, but... we carry him in so many games. He is a great leader, but is only effective in a 4-4-1-1 with him as the supporting striker. Thoughts????????
I definitely want him to stay, terrible today or not, we'd be in the relegation zone without him IMO.
Really not fussed either way to be honest! I want him on the bench next year. We need a new RM with Barton and Tiote in the Centre and HBA playing behind a new striker!
we're really lacking some creativity and movement etc , tiote is a necessity , and tbh we get more from barton/jonas than nolan in a 4-4-2 , so unless we're playing with a 4-5-1 with benarfa / nolan supporting a decent striker , i wouldnt be disappointed if he left/dropped to bench , hes done well for us though some important goals
I'm defo not doubting he was pivitol in our promotion campaigns and has scored vital goals this season, but he is only useful in a 4-4-1-1 and in a 4-4-2 we stuggle when he is in the centre of midfield. I am not just basing this on today tho.... I have thought this for a long time.
I disagree, I think he's actually better in CM because his experience makes up for a lack of pace, whereas he's not able to play as a supporting striker, he's got the instinct but for me, it is of paramount importance that a player of that position is very pacy.
Nolan is key! He's our top goalscorer by a long way... from midfield. When we play teams that play 4-5-1 and we have him in a 4-4-2 we do get overrun as he doesn't have the fitness and speed to get forward and cover. If we're playing a team using 4-4-2 then he thrives (e.g. versus Wolves)
Cant see what impact he'd offer as a sub though? His pace wouldnt exactly cause tired oppostion many problems.
You can't fault Nolan's achievements this season. My only reservations are over his age, he's not getting any younger and he isn't the most mobile. I think he'll do a job next season but if he's still a first team regular in two seasons time I think we'll be struggling.
He doesn't work at CM in a 4-4-2 against a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1. He needs the freedom to attack, but can't get that when the midfield is already outnumbered.
