Many years ago there was a player for one of the Sheffield clubs I think,who wrote a long thesis about exactly this.One of the central tenets of his analysis was the effect on the psychology of the player that random events have. Take the example of a centre forward who gets clear of the defence with just the keeper to beat.He hits the ball goalwards and it comes back off the woodwork.Now,had he hit it two inches to one side it would have gone in.That two inches isn't measurable in terms of skill because no player,however good,can judge to within that margin of error. But HAD it gone in the effect on his feelings of competency are huge. It explains how players like Torres can go off the boil,and also explains how players like Holt can gain so much confidence and self belief.I don't think that at the moment Holt would be out of place amongst the best.
guru is definitely underestimating how good holt is. he's not the first and won't be the last. he's improved dramatically in the last 6 months and has become the complete centre forward i felt he could become. its a struggle find a weakness in his game at the moment. he does lack a bit of pace but that about it really. what he lacks in pace he makes up for in other areas and his running off the ball is as good as anyones in the top flight. if i was a supporter of a club other than norwich i'd believe he deserves a call up.
Supers, As i have said fair play if he gets a call up it would certainly be deserved and nobody would or could say it wasn't. I'm just saying i feel his using of the strength might be detrimental to the team. What i would say is Ruddy is more deserving of a call up, and i'm a bit surprised that the holt for england argument overshadowing the ruddy for england argument is also a bit dismissive of what your keeper has achieved this year.
In between the chants of 'Thursday nights, channel 5' I could hear alot of Ruddy for England chants too at the Spurs game.
I was having a chat with a couple of Everton fans on the train from Peterborough on Saturday and they were saying that their impression of him had changed after they saw him at Goodison and both of them said he was the best forward they'd seen there this season and the goal he scored against them at Goodison had shown what a skillful player he really is. They also said he was the one player they all feared from our team. Both of them seemed genuine lads (good bunch of fans I thought) so I didn't think they were feeding me bullshit. I think there is an air of respect in the division for him and no-one likes to play against him and that's why I think he would be effective for the national team as he would be a right pain in the ass for any defender from any nation.
I don't agree Guru.I think Holt is the more deserving.I rated Ruddy from the outset when it was being bandied that we need a better keeper in The Premiership.I think Ruddy has proved himself amongst the best six keepers certainly but there have been occasional hiccups as well as marvellous stops like the one at Spurs yesterday. But can anyone recall Holt not putting in a good performance? He has even appeared on the wing like at WHL where he put over that cross for Johnson.And defenders fear him.My honest opinion is that for player of the season there isn't really another serious candidate.Other clubs waste millions on forwards who cant/wont deliver or start fights with other players or the manager.Our four hundred grand Number 9 just gets on with it..and how?
i think thats because the holt for england campaign is a big debate. the fact ruddy can't get in the england squad is the most unbelievably stupid thing imaginable. it makes you wonder if its a conspiracy... i mean, i'm sure its not, but it is so baffling that you can't help but think it! ludicrous situation...
If not Holt leading the line then who? There is no Rooney for the first two games in the Euro's, Darrent Bent - no form this season, tried and failed for Englandand injured a lot, Campbell - hasn't played for two seasons and has scored less goals than Pilks, Wellbeck/Sturridge/Defoe can't get a game for their clubs and cannot lead a line as all are second strikers, Crouch - should be there IMO as proven at Prem level and excellent goalscoring return internartionallly and gives the squad something different. What is the point of friendlies if not to try out different players and formations? If Holty turns up and cannot cut it or gets sent off etc then at least he has been given a shot but I doubt that this would happen as every time Norwich have raied a level we heard the same cliches about Holt being one-dimensionsal and not being able to make the step up and every time he proves the doubters wrong. Ruddy should obviously be in the squad and I reckon he'll get the nod in the next one but I seriously doubt Holty will. Pity as it's England's loss as one form he is better than all of the above with only the suspended Rooney as in form (and to be fair a better all-round player)
and this is yet another reason why he should not be doubted now! honestly, it seems there are more and more people coming around to this idea of holt for england. i think it may take the ipswich fans a little longer to come around...
I've heard every argument in the book for Holt not to Go and Iv'e put forward some reasonable one. I think after watching him for 3 years I know what he's about. He's not the dumb, battering ram people are determined he is. My argument, as it always has been to those who don't think he's good enough, is who else? Whats your master plan?
From a neutral point of view Crouch was sussed by the swans and was ineffective. Holt bullied us and was a total pain in the ar**. Would I have him in my team? I don't like him but I would have to say yes. Is he an International footballer? You don't know until you give him a chance.
The problem is with International footy it seems to be all about the 1 upfront and 3 in midfield at the moment (2 holding, 1 attacking) The other problem is its harder to get in the squad than it is to get dropped. So Holt has to fight his way past established PL & England players like Crouch & Defoe plus the up and coming youngsters like Welbeck & Sturridge to even get a shot at dislodging Rooney & Bent as tye two main strikers. He unfortunately won't do that for a couple of reasons: 1. Not enough time and friendlies between now and the world cup to force his way in. 2. Media image doesn't suit theBarca/Spain football ideal. 3. New manager has to be seen building toward 2014. It ****ing stinks but he's better off not going. he'll just get blamed for the inevitable failure.
imo, after this season, Holt, Graham and Crouch all deserve a proper chance (and I'm not talking one game).
Rooney gives away more than his share of free kicks, but you wouldn't not pick him (as long as he's not suspended)
Slightly off topic but I heard a really interesting stat at the weekend that I couldn't believe - Rooney hasn't received a single yeoow card this season! Unbelievable!!
Yes, I heard that as well. It is unbelievable. From the same chap who likes to kick people up the arse for no reason.
