When big mart was if charge of the team we seemed to rely on the same players, who let's be honest we're underperforming. I have been very impressed by meulensteen's team selection. At times when the team has been announced I have been a bit perplexed but later proven wrong. This to me suggests a man who is very aware of his players abilities and how they can knit together as a unit. It would seem if players do well in training he is willing to give them a go in the game.
I suspect that Riise and Dejagah were rotated out today to give them a bit of rest ahead of the Hull game. It was good to give Kasami a run out as well, as I think we may need him to cover Karagounis for a few weeks. What does it say about Darren Bent that the Mule turns to Taarabt and Hugo ahead of him? His attitude really is disgraceful.
Very good question regarding Bent. For someone who claims that he joined us to regenerate his career is not doing much. Do you think he will be the one making way for potential new loan player? I am positively surprised with the team spirit and rotation. We need to keep it up...
Taarabt has actually looked pretty decent in the lone striker role, so I suspect given the option right now we'd prefer to send Bent back. Sadly I can't see why on earth Villa would take him back right now. I think we'll need to look abroad if we want loans in January.
I can't help but think Jol would've drawn heavy criticism for playing Taraabt on his own up front, with Hugo and Bent available, but it is working (I don't think it would've for Martin).
It is a shame Darren bent has not produced the goods, exceptional on his day but looks to have fallen out of love with game. It is inexplicable for a player to not be fit at this level and he has never looked able to sprint when he has worn the shirt for us. Leave him in the 6 yard area and he will do the business but ask him to work hard and it does not happen. Surly is right though, cannot see villa wanting him back now.
When I saw the starting line up yesterday, I was a tad unsure but like you froggy, proven wrong. Rene's 'masterstroke' was that the team that finished was actually stronger than the one that started.
Agree with that. It's a tough week in terms of number of games and travelling etc. Taraabt has been a revelation for me to be honest in the last couple of games.
He has indeed, Craving. And here's a quote from Rene which might give a clue or two as to why - "I thought from the environment I have come from I can help him to become a more complete player. He has been sucked in over the years by getting the ball and wanting to show what he can do, and these are things I’ve been talking to him about. He needs to find that unpredictability of using that skill at the right time to do something individually." “I put him in a game situation the other day where he could only have two touches, and he never put a foot wrong. I stopped him running with the ball and wanted him to get his head up and pick a pass. If he puts that together he has the qualities to be a top player." The man obviously knows how to help players (and us fans) enjoy their football!!
