Steven Taylor - The Inevitable Backlash Thread...

Right, I've been thinking it for a while, bubbling below the surface, nagging at the back of my mind, today simply confirmed it for me: Steven Taylor is overrated!

His position is shocking, from corners, from freekicks, from open play - he never commits (ala Danny Simpson) and spends the whole time standing side on to the striker as he backtracks - this slows plays up yes but also provides the opponent space to pick a pass - this stops it being Taylor's responsibility and falls to the fullback (usually Simpson) Taylor then continues to trackback and stands on the goal line.

The number of times today he played too deep allowing Southampton the opportunity to have runners bombing on against a flat footed defence.

He's a Geordie, he tries hard - I get it, I like it myself, but he's nowhere near world class and in my opinion not much better than Williamson (and at least Williamson wins headers occasionally)...

Taylor is as guilty as any for our long ball system and has been since Hughton's championship days!

I'm expecting a lot to disagree, but if we're going to get anywhere, the black and white blinkers need to come off!

 

I really disagree with a lot of your points, but I get some of what your saying.

We can argue amongst ourselves, but he's really the best CB we have to partner Coloccini. He saves us from conceding a lot, and he's better than most CB's in this league.

 

A lot of frustration floating about at the moment, none more so than from me. I personally think when Colo is out Taylor tries too hard to be the leader at the back, he "wants it" too much and it affects his game.

It's one of the main reason I don't think he's captain material, it means too much to him and therefore would inevitably affect his performances...too be fair we could pick holes in every players performance today we were that bad.

 

Yeah I agree with this, perhaps that's why he was so deep today - trying to take up the Colo role without Colo's ability?

 

With last minute blocks? Yes, but how do you get back on the line? By getting back there - he leaves his man to get back on the line A LOT! when it works, its great, but it doesn't work all the time!

 

He's ok, not a world beater, but not bad. Needs someone who's not an idiot to keep him on the right track. That's why it's like watching the chuckle brothers when him and Williamson are oafing about at the back. However, the fact they are allowed to do anything other than drop the ball of to fullbacks or midfielders -ditto Krul - is down to the manager. Our tactics are so easy to work out, by doubling up on Ben Arfa, so we are restricted to howking it long as we have no other outlets.

 

I think its tactics.(Alan Pardew, I'm looking at you)

We're playing a sweeper-stopper instead of flat at the centre...Saylor is obviously the sweeper. However this is bullshit the system can't work anymore. EPL strikers are too smart to play sweeper and they'll spring through on goal too often. AP will you get this out of your head and start playing a flat 2 CBs again.

 

I rate him but he hasn't been great since coming back this season. Anyone having to play alongside Mike will find it challenging. Not a leader for me and needs Colo to direct him.