Yun and Traore seem perfect for the role to me! they both love getting forward. Hopefully it was just a fitness issue today
Pre-season friendlies are notoriously difficult to gauge. They are all about getting players up to speed, match-fit and re-acquainting themselves to competitive competition. I haven't felt compelled to comment on previous pre-season threads due to these reasons. However, I feel I need to do so on this one as it was our final game before the season kicks-off proper. First thoughts regarding the OP. SWP was head and shoulders our best player on the pitch. His control of the ball was excellent, as was his motivation to try and make something happen. In tight situations he used his skill and initiative to get into the right areas to make a pass or receive one. On a few occasions he squared the ball to Austin, Mutch and Faurlin. They wasted the chance, not SWP's fault. He had delivered. When this didn't come off he won us a corner. There were a few negatives but the positives outweighed this. The core of the team is right. Green, Ferdinand/Caulker Barton/Faurlin Mutch and Austin. It's the players on the periphery of this that need to up the ante. Having said that, Austin was poor in front of goal today but he was excellent elsewhere on the pitch. Tracking back and winning tackles in midfield and clearing with headers in and around our box from opposition set pieces. Barton and Faurlin. I'm afraid to say that they both do what they do ok. They're solid enough defensively but don't possess the nous to unlock a quality side going forward. PAOK were a good, well drilled slick side. I'd liken them to Southampton. They may have the ability to sort out the teams in and around us but will get eaten alive v the top six. The starting back three were accomplished and relatively comfortable dealing with anything that came their way. Rio looked very nonchalant but then that's his style. Green dealt with everything as you would expect and had no chance with the goal as he was completely exposed. Mutch started the game well but faded after half an hour. I almost forgot that he was on the pitch. He did try and get close to Austin though and feel that he addresses the shortfall in that area that we had last season. He may well be the man to link the midfield and attack. I feel for Simpson, he was shocking today. His touch, positioning and decision making was poor. I don't know if it's the new system or Islas arriving but he is under pressure. He lost the the ball far too often and can't play the wing back role in a 3-5-2. We need to revert to a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1 for him to be effective. Every PAOK chance came via his position on our right, amazingly very little down our left. Another nod to SWP as much as it pains me to say. Hoilett.. a bit indifferent today. He worked hard but was ineffective. When he did create anything he was offside. If the coaching staff can address this he will be great. But he is a bit naive for most of the time. Having said this I think he will be our most valuable attacking force if he can remain fit. In conclusion. The basic spine is good. We need a pacy striker. Faurlin and Barton are too similar. One of them needs to be replaced with a midfielder with more pace and drive than these two possess. The two wing backs need to be more direct and effective. Matty Philips looked good when he came on but quickly tired, he needs to up his fitness. Henry looked good going forward when he came on, and I would rather play him than Barton if no better options are forthcoming in that position. We have a lot of players with potential in this squad as it is, but we need the stars to align to see it all come together. If they do we will have a good Rangers side. But we always appear to fall short in one way or another. Anyway, it was only a friendly and that was my personal take on matters. Whoever wears the hoops, I will be there supporting them. Come what may..... U R'ssss
Excellent balanced review of the match Nines with your player insights - I'm away on vacation and wasn't able to catch the live stream, so your review really helps put everything into perspective for me.
Two quick things..... I was again impressed with Henry when he came on.... He is definitely a player to ALWAYS have on the bench, and sometimes in the team. Came on and did a really good job Re Danny Simpson...the Sunday times had a review of all Prem teams today...QPR: a player to watch (Austin)... a weakness ...Danny Simpson. They state it has been promoted before and always failed at Prem level. I am really worried about Simpson, poor game yesterday, poor preseason...and unlike Phillips and Mutch where you see a bit of skill which faded due to fitness. Simpson looks perfectly fit, but his head isn't in the system, his ability doesn't fit the role. He is like an excellent schoolboy full back, can do a decent job of keeping the winger in check, but no more.
Good report Nines. Dident see the game so appreciate your report, with a bit of balanced, sensible thinking along with it. Looking forward to next Saturday big time!
I didn't see the game either, and really appreciated your report and observations, Nines. I think Phillips will step up to be added to your 7 player team foundation. I still think we'll be short of goals this season - the striker/Remy situation is crucial.
My first thought be fore I read this post. I'm dumb enough to believe that SWP could still come good.
I agree Barton & Ale are Similar, but Ale looks really hungry and fed a defence splitting pass to Hoilett nicely earlier in preseason. That was one of only 2 preseason outfield goals scored with feet from open play. That's why Hoilet is getting my vote to get a regular start, he's also looking keener and leaner than before. Mutch caused problems when in possession but rarely without it. Small Wonky Plonker did have a lively start, much like his game against Swindon at home last year on one of his rare trips into work. The trouble was that his performance was exactly the same. Energy? Yes, available to receive a pass? Yes (when he's tracked back in time) did he really produce anything? No not really, the debate about SWP may rage on until he slithers out the exit but the stats don't really lie do they? Here's what he could do when cared to http://www.statbunker.com/alltimestats/AllTimeCompetitionMostAssists?comp_code=EPL A good player gone bad I'm afraid. More Premier league assist than Carlos Tevez! Hmmm I wonder how many of those came at QPR? Not Many, Make room for someone who cares. Henry is loving his football at the moment and it tells, Expect to see him playing up front if we don't get a couple in soon though.
