Lots of chatter about Anderson in the press and online. He was certainly good, but the hyperbole is a bit much IMO. It reminds me of the apparent revelation that was Angel Gomes. He was the continental regista that we’d been missing - until Carsley left and he wasn’t seen again. Interestingly, amongst all the talk about Anderson’s impressive passing numbers in the press, Gomes achieved clearly better ones in his appearances for England.
After Norway's win, it could be the third WC in a row Italy have missed, meaning their last game at a world cup, was their win against France in 2006
Italy qualified for 2010 and 2014, but went out in the group stages in both. Their last win in a world cup was against England in their opening game in 2014, but they lost the next 2. In 2010 they drew against New Zealand and Paraguay before getting beat off Slovakia.
Gomes is an attacking player and Anderson is a holder. Comparing the 2 makes no sense on passing stats. Anderson effortlessly sat in that role for 2 games and kept it ticking over lovely, he was immaculate. One of the least credited roles in the team. For every Rooney there’s a Fletcher, every Henry a Vieira, Haaland a Rodri. Anderson isn’t there to play 1-2’s and make incisive passes, he’s there to dictate the opposition attacking rhythm and give the ball to the lads like Rice and Madueke to do the damage. He is proper good Anderson, he’s one of the big pieces we were missing. Now, a LB please!
Gomes played as the 6 for carsley. He was the deep lying fulcrum and absolutely the metronome that Anderson was in the recent games - only he passed more and with better accuracy.
Gomes was asked to carry the ball forward in those games. He played in the 6 in one of those games away to a really poor Finland, and played as an 8 in his only full appearance against Finland again at home. Played a total of about 25 mins in 2 games v Ireland and neither of those appearances were as a 6. He didn’t face anything like the team physicality Anderson did last night.
Nah it was very definitely a 4-2-3-1 at all times that he played so the role as part of a double pivot is analogous. Also this is completely the role that Carsley had him play for the u21s the previous summer - a role change that was notable and critical to that teams success. As for physicality, that’s an arguable one. I’d suggest that Serbia don’t have anyone who is more physical than Glen Kamara for instance. Also Anderson’s motm game was against Andorra, so I’m not sure how certain we can be about quality of opposition in his favour.
Paraguay have qualified and they still played Alderete for the full game, c#nts.... Id forgotten what it was like having South American players. The travelling must be a nightmare for them. Hope this doesnt affect him for Saturday.
aye, knew summit was 'rumbling under' when i noticed the stewards had retreated to pitch-side...wonder if they 'lost' any phone boxes as well...
Just heard about this, the 3 weeks will be bleak and horrible but at least its a bit later so there'll have been half a dozen or so league games played by then. But imagine we're on a winning run when the break arrives, be infuriating. Bet there's a couple of managers sacked at the start of the break like.
