I know I'm being hard on the lad but he skipped past 2 defenders (one of which was Andre Santos), the ball managed to rebound back to him and he slotted into an empty net. It's not as if he's not composed - he's scored some tidy finishes but only when he's give time. (Goal against Villa last year and in the league cup this year). But he lacks composure in tight/pressurised situations when there is little time - this is a worry for me but I hope he can improve up on this.
I know what you're saying mate, but I'm talking about general composure in tight spots in general. I think that's what we're lacking in our midfield as a whole. Players who can receive the ball, fend of the opposition, and retain possession. Using Coutinho as an e.g - he can control the ball, confident in his own ability, drop of the shoulder and he's away. None of our 3 CM's can do that at the moment IMO. And you're right about composure not being taught - that's why I worry for the lad. I don't think he'll be a great but he could become a 'Dirk Kuyt' figure for us.
It is related to how much time you perceive you have, how quick your brain is working and certainly related to confidence. it is not taught it is instilled with training. Being in pressure situations, the more you are exposed to them the more composed you are in those circumstances. When you are confident you feel you have more time, you think differently and act differently. henderson was clean through and spleh he just fell over because of a complete lack of confidence. it does not mean he would have scored if he was confident but he most likely would have made a better fist of it.
This thread is embarrassing! We've played ten games and are yet to look convincing despite only having the one "testing" fixture against Arsenal! As Milk says here... ...there is a difference between what us mere mortals think (yes, that includes you Dave ) and what BR and players should be thinking.
Fence? Its a purpose built wall! Edit: I've predicted fifth BTW (I've said Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton in that order). What people don't seem to realise is that if we achieve fifth then that IS an improvement and a achievement IMO. It would mean that one of the five has finished below us, its anyones guess who that will be.
If an element of it is not there in a human being they have a condition or conditions that prevent acclimation because acclimation and adaption are the essence of it and are fundamental human neurological processes, in fact the brain rewires its self to adapt physically in many circumstances.
I think you can teach anything within reason. Although more aptly, composure is learned not taught. It is usually something that develops with skill and knowledge. I doubt whether its an inherited characteristic. There are enough examples of impulsive teenagers turning into composed professionals - Beckham for one.
Composure is something that comes with age & experience. Look at Suarez, even he took a year and a half to stop snatching at chances in front of goal over here in the premiership. Not many player are prolific in front of goal when they are young. A couple of obvious exceptions like Fowler, Rooney, Owen off the top of my head but for every one of them there's about 200 players who improved their goal records with experience.
What the **** is that supposed to mean? Just because I won't fall into line the latest 'line of thinking' (which in reality is merely a re-invention of the wheel!) and state my convictions firmly then I get called deluded! If that's supposed to be wrong then you are even more deluded than me!
