Everton boss David Moyes had been emphatic in his praise of Leighton Baines in his team's 2-2 draw at Wigan before the international break. The England left-back produced yet another influential performance and capped it with the equalising penalty late on. "Leighton was extraordinary for us," said the Everton manager. "At times he was unstoppable - he was that good. Leighton has been a big asset for us for a long time." Moyes added: "His performance was up there as good as anything. We needed it and he drove us on." "He has always been able to identify and execute the roles we give to him. He has tremendous ability to tackle, which is strange for a forward." Using the word 'unstoppable' is always a risk. Queens Park Rangers Mark Hughes would have been well aware that Baines is indeed a player that drives Everton on. And it was evident that he had given some thought to combating the threat at Loftus Road on Sunday. The QPR boss brought in Junior Hoilett for Shaun Wright-Phillips in a change to the team that had lost 3-2 at West Brom in their previous Premier League game. But the switch saw Park Ji-sung move to the right flank - up against Baines. The phrase 'defending from the front' may seem trite but Park personifies it. "Ji plays always for the team, never for himself," said former boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's never been an individual and he's always been able to identify and execute the roles we give to him. He has tremendous ability to tackle, which is strange for a forward. Ji's a fantastic tackler." Ferguson was often keen to use Park in the biggest games for Manchester United and it was clear that Hughes had earmarked his captain for a key role in stifling Baines. And while the 31-year-old may not have the energy that was once a hallmark of his game, he achieved that feat better than any other. Baines pass/crosses Date Opponent Successful Passes, Final third 20/08/12 Manchester United 10 25/08/12 Aston Villa 26 01/09/12 West Bromwich Albion 15 17/09/12 Newcastle United 18 22/09/12 Swansea City 25 29/09/12 Southampton 15 06/10/12 Wigan Athletic 25 21/10/12 Queens Park Rangers 9
Looks like he'll be unavailable tomorrow which is ironic, as he usually scores when he plays against them.
Absolute nothing article. Because Baines made 6 less passes then he did against Southampton in a game when they were down to 10 men for a third of the game doesn’t mean anything at all. If anything this is another nail in Park's coffin as a Ranger player. As he is now officially in the SWP category as fans desperate to defend him say 'oh while he might be completely ineffective going forward he works hard and stops the opposition' We've had worse players than Park yes but with people like Faurlin sitting on the bench it is ridiculous that we have Park in our first 11
So you want Faurlin to play RW? Youd have to drop Diakite or Granero to fit Faurlin in. SWP isnt even good defensively, he cost us a point at Arsenal last year and should have cost us a point against the scum. Id love to know what mistakes Park has done to cost us points.
Like the man said, Park's a useful cog in the engine. Not captain material but certainly a hard working and effective team player.
Quite possibly none, but he's offered very, very little and frankly it's a relief when he just manages to not lose it. If Park is out, or even if he isn't, I desperately hope to see a 4-2-3-1 with Faurlin and Diakite deep behind Taarabt, Granero and Hoilett. But we all know it will be the re-emergence of SWP.
Thats what Id do but Hughes would play 4411, I dont think SWP will play, when we had a winger down in the last game, Mackie warmed up ahead of SWP so it looks like hes above him in the pecking order.
I hope to **** he doesn't play 4-4-1-1. We need 5 in midfield against their passers in a 4-2-3-1. Diakite and Faurlin holding, with Granero in the centre of the 3 with Taarabt and Hoilett either side. Hoilett doesn't do the "dropping in the hole" part when he plays off the forward!
Col's post above is exactly what I would do formation wise. Park has cost us points by generally being ineffective. I fhe had a big impact on a game in his general pay or made an assist or scored a goal (like chances missed against Everton. A better player would have done one or all of these things.
Youre blaming Park for missing when he had a goal bound shot that was going in but a great block stopped it? I could understand if it was a SWP special into the upper loft. A "better player" would have probably meant Baines and Pienaar would have run riot down that flank.
He has never done that, its always 442, 4141 or 4411. I know it does my head in too, he so old fashioned. Id play the same team as you but would try Park on the left to nullify Walcott or AOC. Id hate to see Hoilett or Taarabt up against them. It might be worth playing Hoilett/Taarabt on the right if Santos plays LB.
Agree that we should put Hoilett or Taarabt up against Santos...he looks well dodgy. I think Walcott is still injured. As for Park, I thought he had his best game against Everton and that was the first time he had been played in his correct position!! He wouldn't get in my first choice 11 for home games, but he could be important in away games imo.
I would definitely say Park has cost us points for sure. His lack of pace has prevented us attacking quickly and he has missed a couple of great chances to score in recent games. That costs us points.
Im not a Park basher but he does seem to have been incredibly invisable for the majority of games. i was hoping for more. Maybe its just our coverage over here or maybe Gran & co have stollen the limelight. He obviously puts the effort in, Im just not sure if thats enough anymore given our current squad. Maybe thats why Jamie isnt getting a run-out?
Park has really only playe badly when played out of position. To pin dropped points on one player anyway is daft. Give the geezer a break lads!
