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Morgan Schneiderlin and defence

Discussion in 'Southampton' started by RickieGoalMachine, Sep 21, 2012.

  1. RickieGoalMachine

    RickieGoalMachine Guest

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    He's made the most tackles and interceptions of any player in the league this season. Even in the 6-1 loss he made 7 tackles and 5 interceptions. He's covered more ground in the league as well with 27.72 miles.

    This confirms what we already know, that he's playing out of his skin and providing more defensive protection than any other midfielder in the league. This only adds insult to injury to the defence. It's worse than it looks to the majority who don't understand what Morgan contributes and a lot worse than the 14 goals it's let in. Without Schneiderlin we'd be in much bigger trouble than we already are defensively.

    The main problem is the room the opponents are being given on the flanks and space behind the full backs. We tried to play a high line against Arsenal which was suicidal, particularly as we were so unorganized and unable to maintain possession. If we do the same against Villa they will get in behind a lot, get crosses in as well and we will be in trouble. Hopefully Adkins learns his lesson and sets up his defence better this time because I'm confident we can grab 2 goals against Villa. We just need to stop the opponents scoring so many!
     
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  2. Tony Montana

    Tony Montana Member

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    The stats speak for themselves and Morgan has started very well he just needs to keep it going. I think yoshida will start with fonte and hopefully we'll see what he's about.
     
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  3. Joe!

    Joe! Well-Known Member

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    I really don't think our defence is as bad as people are saying. You're right to say we play a very high line and, as that ESPN article posted yesterday stated, that's a very naive way to play against the big teams. Fonte has been decent so far, and if Yoshida does well then we'll have a decent partnership. With Schneiderlin ahead of them, I think that's pretty solid. The main weakness has been the full backs, so Adkins will probably have realised that they're going to have to press up a bit less and be a little more cautious. Morgan's interceptions statistic is fantastic and shows we clearly have quality in the spine of the team, and the ability to launch counter attacks.

    I think the moaning on here since the Arsenal game has been misdirected. It's less to do with poor defensive performance, and more to do with tactical error on the part of the manager. Adkins is learning this league just as the players are, and he'll improve from these mistakes.
     
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  4. Jose Fonte baby

    Jose Fonte baby Well-Known Member

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    Ever since towards the end of last season, Schneiderlin has looked absolute class. He's certainly stepped up, and was on another planet against Man Utd.
     
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  5. RickieGoalMachine

    RickieGoalMachine Guest

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    Hoping Yoshida and Fonte start as well. Joe you make a good point that the majority of our defensive problems have come because of tactical error from Adkins. I agree He'll learn. I have no doubt. You simply don't fluke a double promotion.

    His performance against Man United was the best I've ever seen anyone play on a football pitch period. Words cannot describe how well he played in that game.
     
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  6. Saints Fan4Life

    Saints Fan4Life Well-Known Member

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    Schneiderlin has covered the most ground of any player in the league. Fact.
     
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  7. Itchen North Matt

    Itchen North Matt Active Member

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    A high line and a hard-pressing midfield is a good strategy if done well. Players don't get in behind if you control the pace of the game and don't give the time of day to the midfield dangermen. We've always done it under Adkins, but only since this season in the 433. The 433 will take a bit of getting used to. Morgan is running a lot because we're not yet as confident with the system as we'd like to be and we're losing possession where we shouldn't be. Morgan is a quality player and he's not the only one, so I'm not too worried about the season's prospects.

    When teams change from an old system to a new one, there will inevitably be difficulties. It takes a strong manager to make the change, many would bottle it, so fair play to Adkins for that. Lots of teams would sack a perfectly good manager after such difficulties. The new man would either carry on where the old one left off or introduce a whole new set of principles that everyone takes time to get used to. Either way, nothing much gets achieved. I just hope that Cortese doesn't get twitchy fingers.
     
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  8. Dan

    Dan Well-Known Member

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    I have no idea why it's taken so long for people to notice how good he is. He's been quality for a long time. Obviously he's improved as young players do, but it's hardly like he started off ****.
     
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  9. St. Luigi Scrosoppi

    St. Luigi Scrosoppi Well-Known Member

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    Morgan is the bee's knees. Someone told me to say that.
     
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  10. thebronze14

    thebronze14 Well-Known Member

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    We're really seeing his full potential at a critical time. Immense beyond belief against United. Can see him becom a full international soon
     
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  11. RickieGoalMachine

    RickieGoalMachine Guest

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    5 tackles and 7 interceptions today incase anyone's interested. Davis tied him on tackles. Clyne and Ramirez our next best on 3. Next best for interceptions on either team was Villa's Lowton on 4, on our team Lallana and Fonte made 3.

    Ramirez competed 89% of passes incase anyone wondered that.

    Oh and the defence (apart from Fox) were great today
     
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  12. fatletiss

    fatletiss Well-Known Member

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    Morgan is becoming a legend. I so hope no French manager tells him he needs to play somewhere else to get a full cap.
     
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  13. lamby

    lamby Needs a cold shower

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    He's always been a legend to Mrs Godders!
     
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