Has AVB spent enough time in PL to appreciate the dangers of crosses posed by teams like Stoke? He should have, but I would hope that the value of Dawson will become apparent to him. I think all he sees at the moment is his doubtful distribution and not his mopping up qualities.
I agree with your assessment Notso, but using Dawson in the Europa League makes even less sense. His weaknesses will probably be more exposed against European opposition and his strengths will be less evident.
It very much is about Dawson when it comes to dealing with crosses, if you can't see that, fine. I'm not fobbing you off re the Ba shot, Gomes has superior reach and athleticism compared to Friedel, so my guess is that he would have a better chance of saving it than Brad..
One of your worries has resonated with me smart and that is Bale. Playing him forward is likely to nullify his ability to run at players. As this is dangerously close to talking tactics I wont enlarge but it is a concern.
For me mate its madness, the 2 players who are suited to the intricate pass and move system, Mod (i know he was going anyway) and VdV are sold and the 2 'runners' have been kept! Bale can't knock it 10 yds past the first player then charge like he does either, because the next one behind is too close, as hard as he's working on the rest of his game, pace and strength and being direct is his natural strongpoint for me.
Agree, maybe the second defensive midfielder is where he might end up. Attacking defensive midfielder that is.
If we're playing further up the pitch Spurf, the most obvious way to give him room for his pace is LB, it would free up a place in MF aswell. As for Benny, if he continues like he is, allowing lefties to cut inside him...repeatedly, and shirt pulling in the box, it could happen. As much as he's loved here, he sailed close to the wind many times last season, I know all defenders do, but most are a bit more cute. I don't actually know how some of his stunts weren't seen, but his luck will run out.
Yes that did cross my mind, his runs were often more effective from LB. I assume that AVB would know about his past as LB.
alway's though BAE was a weak point in the team,would like to see Gareth at l/b,and running from there would scare the s**t out of the opposition's leftside.
Same here re BAE tots fan, I've never particularly rated three of the fans faves at the Lane, Lennon, BAE and JD. Nothing wrong with other people loving them, good luck to them, always been baffled a bit though. Mind you Bale is one of my faves, but boy is he letting us down ATM, is it all AVB's fault?
did anyone see that apparently Lloris isn't too happy about the comment in the title of this thread. Oh joy.
Lloris is hardly going to be happy is he? he is arguably our top rated player now, his only realistic rival is Bale who's playing like he's got lead in his boots. The French can't believe how he's downsized to joining us, and I must admit I don't know how we managd to get him, unless he isn't as good as he is cracked up to be I guess we'll have to see. AVB has to be very careful on this one. I think the safe option is to play Brad at Reading. If we win Brad stays in, if we don't and concede at least one, then in comes Lloris, regardless of whether it's Brad's 'fault' for the goal(s). Lloris has to come in at some point, and I would be worried about putting him on a hiding to nothing with a debut up at Carlisle. I think if AVb doesn't bite the bullet at Reading, then the first available and sensible home game, eg Lazio, if Brad plays some Prem blinders and helps us to start winning. all very tricky.
it's all bloody ridiculous. what is AVB supposed to do? we can't just drop players if he's trying to create a squad full of players who all think they've all got a chance. "sorry brad, you kept us in it against Norwich, but it's the end of the road I'm afraid". obviously Lloris is going to be number 1 at some point, but AVB's got to make the move at the right time. - and brad will be expecting it anyway, he's 41 ffs.
