In form Ba vs In form Cisse?

Before we start, if you're just gonna say "this is a pointless debate", then firstly - Yeah I agree, but secondly - don't bother telling me. Just offer something to the debate or don't bother.

So who do we think is the better player when in form.

It would be too easy for people to compare the two now and pick Cisse, because Cisse is scoring some amazing goals. Ba is still playing well in most of his games, and has been so close, so many times, but there's no doubt he's lacking confidence and his touch is off, and we can safely say he's not on form. But if we really think about it, who's better?

When Ba is in form, his touch is a lot better than it is now. On form, he still makes some **** touches at times, but a lot of them are world class. I remember that goal we scored vs Norwich away, the first goal, brilliant pass from Cabaye, and the ball control from Demba was immense before he slotted it home.

Ba has greater pace and is much more of a devastating physical presence. He's better in the air than Cisse, no doubt.

I think Ba is also more versatile. I couldn't see Cisse really playing in the wing position. I know Cisse has moved to the wing a few times to let Ba have a turn at CF position, and despite putting in a good defensive shift, and working hard, he's not really good in that position and doesn't have the same effect Ba can have from there. Ba can play well on the wing, and his presence has played a vital role recently. Ba could also play the knock down, target man role, or the supporting striker. Cisse couldn't really do that. Even though Cisse can pass well and cross well. I couldn't see him being relied upon for competing physically with the opposition and knocking balls down, and having the physical presence to create space for another one of our strikers to score.

Cisse's definetely a better finisher, no question. Ba is a great finisher on form, and he's come close so many times recently with brilliant efforts, But there's no doubt Cisse is the better finisher. Cisse is also better at positioning himself, and making an intelligent run, and is a great poacher. He's also got a more consistent touch and stops balls better than Ba with his feet.

Ba, though, when he's not scoring, can provide that physical presence and offer something different.

My verdict -

If you're looking for goals, Cisse would be the better option. But Ba is the greater player all round IMO when he's on form.

I also think Ba can do more when he's not getting much service and we're getting beat. Cisse can score goals that none of us see coming, but Ba, I think, is better at making chances for himself, and remains a threat without proper service. Cisse's finishes are amazing and his own quality is the reason he scores such fantastic goals, but he does require service, where as Ba, when he's on form, will find a way to score even when we're not playing well and he's not getting great service.

For example - The games vs WBA and Norwich, he scored two goals in each. His two vs WBA were just two immense goals purely from his own locker, all his own work. His 2nd goal vs Norwich, he took the ball forward, skinned players and slotted with his weaker foot into the net.

I'm not saying Cisse's goals don't require personal quality and work, but Cisse needs balls played direct too him and he'll do the rest, Ba can go forward and make something for himself, better than Cisse can. Cisse needs service, other wise he's not really effective, Ba can still be effective without it.

 

So what you're saying is, Ba is better on one hand and Cisse is better on the other.

 

No, I think Cisse is the better goal scorer, Ba is the better all round player and can offer more.

 

I think in form Cisse is the better player. He scored a bag full of goals for a piss-poor Freiburg side, in a strong Bundesliga.

 

I think Cisse is a better goal scorer and better all round player. Certainly works a lot harder than Ba. I think they both have great attitudes though. Cisse has bought straight into the team ethic, and Ba has selflessly sacrificed his own instincts for the good of the team.

 

I would have accepted Cisse working hard, even though I think they're both equal in terms of work effort, but a lot better? Totally disagree.

But then again it depends on how the game is going and where we're playing them. If we need Cisse to stay up in the ST position and poach a goal, he'll obviously not come back and work. If we play a more flowing system, Cisse and Ba will both move around, try and make space and work hard.

Recently, I'd give the tag of worker to Ba, because he's had to play mostly on the wing and take on the responsibility of a winger, and also had to use his physical presence to make space for others and play a part in a goal. Cisse has also worked hard, but a lot of the time, he's just waiting up top for a ball to come so he can finish it off. Not that he's lazy or unwilling to work but that's what he's been told to do.

They both work hard, I don't think you can split them for work effort, but recently I'd say Ba has had to work harder, giving his new role.

 

I'm mainly talking about when they are playing a striking role. Cisse closes down a lot better than Ba who can be quite sleepy at times. I'm not saying he is lazy either, but Cisse has real fire in his belly when shutting down full backs.

 

This is a pointless debate

 

Cisse scores chances that shouldn't even be chances (ala Martins) and still gets in the right places at the right times (ala Nolan). I would worry about playing 4,5,1 with Cisse though as I don't think he's physical enough!

Tough questions, but purely 'cause I've got a **** memory and I'm fickle, Cisse!

 

The wonderful question we have on our hands is;

In form Ba + In form Cisse?

If next season they can strike up a partnership then it'd be arguably the most fearsome in the league!

 

Its a shame neither holds the ball up particularly well. Still ,thats why god invented Shola...

 

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Ba and Cisse are both fantastic at holding the ball up!

And God didn't invent Shola, Shola invented God...

 

Why?

 

They are two fantastic strikers, but can they play together as a front two? The international stats aren't all that great, but I don't know the system/players that support them etc, excuse my naivety. Get them both going and you'll be golden.

And to answer the question, Cisse seems to score the spectacular goals where as Ba seems to make more of a nuisance of himself, if that makes sense. So I'm sitting on the fence really.