Having been at the game last Saturday, I was struck by how often Lambert was playing out wide, running the channels and looking to play in others. I think he only had once himself (very unlucky too, with a great save onto the post). I wonder whether this is a conscious change of tactics by Saints to get him away from the centre backs more after he got battered around a bit against Bristol city and then sent off frustrated against Brighton etc, or whether it's to accommodate Billy Sharp. Change of style or just a one off?
I think it just shows what a great all rounder he has become. He's improved massively in the last few months.
Agree it shows what an all round player he is, but if it happens too often we might have to question what's going on that a great striker like Lambert isn't nearer to the goal.
Its not really suprising. Lambert is actually one of our most technical footballers. I think its a mis-conception other teams have that he is just a big target man - he can do that role, but so much more. Unfortunately without a Sharp (possibly a Lee) in the team he has been forced to play that role and be our main goalscorer. With the introduction of another quality striker - he can demonstrate what else he can do.
I think he's always done this, maybe more so recently but he's been probably our biggest provider as well as goalscorer for some time. Observe Lambert's position during this memorable move from earlier in the season [video=youtube;3qqiju8XcWA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qqiju8XcWA[/video]
We are witnessing the late development of a player. Along the line somewhere his talents have been ignored and his self-belief dipped. My only complaint against Rickie is that he could give the ball a whack a bit more often, like against Brum in the last minutes with a free kick. He is one of the most improved players I have seen given that he wasn't a youngster when he came to us. Pardew and Adkins must have had or have some very good coaches and excellent motivators. Great player, and will simply get better over the next couple of years. He has to be the first name on the teamsheet, and is destined to be a Saints legend.
It does make you wonder how many other potentially good players languish in lower league because of not being spotted, finding a mentor, sheer laziness etc. Lambert was already a top striker in League 1 when we got him, but cannot understand why no one in the Championship came in for him.
