Phew! Actually, the "untried kid" in goal was one of the star performers. He was completely comfortable playing out from the back, and his passing almost faultless. No need for my stats this season; you'll find the crucial ones on Experimental 3-6-1.
The quality was decent two seasons ago. Occasionally they had audio problems. Not worth £10 to me; I can't afford that. £5 was just right.
I thought Cromer was lamenting the demise of Vrancic (along, I imagine, with Leitner)? Judging by DF's previous comments, McLean is going to be the first name on his team sheets. If McLean is going to occupy that position on the left of central midfield, there's no place for Vrancic in the starting XI.
This ^^ was exactly my point. DF appears to have a 'downer on Vrancic', not moi. And despite the absence of Trybull and Leitner, he now has Sorensen, Skipp and Dowell ahead of him in DF's pecking order.
This is DF's view: “We got the feeling we were lacking some physicality and power and speed at that level. But Kenny provided this. He is aggressive, he can win headers, he wins duels and regains possession, and he has good passing quality. He is also experienced and a homegrown player at the right age. In the dressing room he is one of the big leaders and a great influence on the younger players." For me, Vrančić is more of a CAM than a CM which may be why he is still around while Trybull and Leitner are moving on. Like Mario, McLean is left-footed which is an advantage on the left side of midfield. They're also the same height, so the physicality and ability to win duels seems to be the main difference. Kenny isn't the prettiest player, but he is more versatile in that he can drop back to cover for the LB when needed or move forward to support the attack. I'm not sure how this will work out over the season, with Rupp and Sorenson also contending, though Jakob may be more of a DM option.
Just because DF believes he has better options than to play Vrancic, does not mean he has a downer on Vrancic. DF needs to put out what he thinks is his best team for any given game. If Vrancic is not part of what DF thinks is his strongest team then Vrancic needs to either accept this, change DF's view through his performances in training / games or ask to leave. DF clearly sees something in Vrancic, otherwise he wouldn't play him at all. It's in Vrancic hands, to make an undeniable case through his performances to be included in the starting 11.
Another big question for Huddersfield is what DF will do if Quintilla hasn't recovered from the injury which kept him out of the cup game. With Jamal gone, McCallum is the only other LB available. Aarons could switch over with Mumba playing at RB. McClean and Placheta have both played at LB when needed, so they would seem the other options available.
Who knows what Placheta is like defending but it would be exciting seeing the overlaps and attacking side of his game from LB
That had occurred to me as well. Also, his pace would allow him to recover his ground quickly when we lose the ball. LB is shown as his second position in Transfermarkt.
There was an interview with a Polish scout shortly after Placheta signed, in which they stated that they saw him as capable of playing LWB, and that's potentially what he could develop into. I doubt he has the defensive knowledge yet to play LB, and it would certainly be a risk vs playing a specialist. Press conference today?
Not sure there's any surprises there. Appreciate we've been short on CBs during pre-season, but I can't see Farke springing a 3-5-2 on us now without any practice.
That's pretty much my 11 too , maybe Skipp in place of Rupp and if the Godfrey Zimmermann partnership still leaks goals put Gibson on the left side of central defence being a lefty
I would probably favour Cantwell to Hernandez assuming he's rested and raring to go. If he cn kick on again, he could be immense this season. Bah!
From the presser: "Xavi Quintilla is back and looks set to be available following an injury that ruled him out of last weekend's game. Onel Hernandez is also now fully fit. All the international players came back ok. There are no major injuries and they are all available." Absentees include Josh Martin who is out with a calf problem and Grant Hanley and Sam Byram continue their rehabilitation. https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2020/september/team-news-martin-to-miss-huddersfield-trip/
Buendia is suspended, so it's likely Cantwell and Hernandez will start but the rest of MB's line-up looks likely. We should have a strong bench though. My guess: McGovern, Gibson, Mumba, Tettey, Rupp, Placheta, Hugill.
