I know it's only preseason but look at this for a hit Could be a big player for us IF he remains injury free.
Pilks and Mason appear to be the rays of hope. Together with Marshall and Manga (when fit) that's 4 down and 7 to go. I'm sure there are others in the squad good enough, just need the right formation for them to perform in. Need to see a few more strikes like that during the season. Ralls likes to let fly as well.
Don't laugh, but Pilks could be that elusive "No 10" we've been lacking. He hasn't the pace that makes him an auto choice out wide, but he could do an excellent job between the two chosen out there and just behind a frontman. A choice from Ameobi/Noone/Kennedy/Harris out wide could provide the pace with Pilks through the middle running at defences like Mutch used to with a similar shot on goal potential. I'd like to see Whitts in there to create as well, but that of course would need Slade to move away from a conventional 4-4-2 setup and include him alongside "joined at the hip" midfield Whitts/Gunnar pairing. Dunno where Mason would fit in there though unless he can be groomed to lead the line rather than play just behind it.
It surprised me the other day when slade was quoted as saying the attack would be built around Mason. I've never seen him as a player to lead the line and don't see how you build an attack around a 10. I suppose playing him as a false 9 interchanging with Pilks would work though contradicts the big no 9 approach slade seems to favour. Doyle up front with Pilks, Sammy and Mason behind in a 4231 gives us Dicky whats is name and Whitts in front of the back 4. Noon to cover the wide positions and Ralls to cover the 2 sitting mids would be a reasonable set up. Whitts, Ralls and others don't mind having a pop from long range, we need the space to allow them to do it though. However, I fear it will be more square pegs and round holes in a 442. False 9 or false hope? Come on Slade, surprise us all.
