Some disturbing opinions on here about CB39 so far this season. Can't say I disagree with the tone myself, it's something that's occurred to a lot of us.
His aggression and passion for the game might not have changed, but that has to be backed up by the ability to do a job. For me he's not shown that blistering burst of speed that leaves defences standing so far this season, and if he's lost that, all the aggression and passion in the world won't compensate.
Let's face it, if Craig has lost that yard of pace that set him apart, he hasn't got the same attributes that say Giggs has got to his game. Giggs can adjust and play a different role, whereas I don't think Bellamy has that in his armoury.
True to say he's been forced to play a different role so far staying back to help out Connolly on the right, though he was inneffective in that role at West Ham and hung Connolly out to dry. He's not up there hanging on the shoulder of their last defender which has been his forte. Staying back and then getting forward is taking a lot out of his legs and it's showing. He's not going to run around the pitch like a player in his mid twenties any more - we've got players like Medel and Gunnar to do that. Is he being asked to do something he's not cut out for at this stage in his career?
Early days I know, but Malky has a tough decision. I fear he should either switch him back to that role or pick someone else in his place in the role that he's playing him. The attacking option would seem to be Noone - the more cautious approach could see Mutch in there instead of him. In fact, Mutch in there instead could easily be the starting set up away from home.
Unless of course we sign someone else today.
His aggression and passion for the game might not have changed, but that has to be backed up by the ability to do a job. For me he's not shown that blistering burst of speed that leaves defences standing so far this season, and if he's lost that, all the aggression and passion in the world won't compensate.
Let's face it, if Craig has lost that yard of pace that set him apart, he hasn't got the same attributes that say Giggs has got to his game. Giggs can adjust and play a different role, whereas I don't think Bellamy has that in his armoury.
True to say he's been forced to play a different role so far staying back to help out Connolly on the right, though he was inneffective in that role at West Ham and hung Connolly out to dry. He's not up there hanging on the shoulder of their last defender which has been his forte. Staying back and then getting forward is taking a lot out of his legs and it's showing. He's not going to run around the pitch like a player in his mid twenties any more - we've got players like Medel and Gunnar to do that. Is he being asked to do something he's not cut out for at this stage in his career?
Early days I know, but Malky has a tough decision. I fear he should either switch him back to that role or pick someone else in his place in the role that he's playing him. The attacking option would seem to be Noone - the more cautious approach could see Mutch in there instead of him. In fact, Mutch in there instead could easily be the starting set up away from home.
Unless of course we sign someone else today.
.....No disrespect to the Don, but it's bad enough bringing him on at home to defend a point let alone start with him!!
