Some disturbing opinions on here about CB39 so far this season. Can't say I disagree with the tone myself, it's something that's occurred to a lot of us. His aggression and passion for the game might not have changed, but that has to be backed up by the ability to do a job. For me he's not shown that blistering burst of speed that leaves defences standing so far this season, and if he's lost that, all the aggression and passion in the world won't compensate. Let's face it, if Craig has lost that yard of pace that set him apart, he hasn't got the same attributes that say Giggs has got to his game. Giggs can adjust and play a different role, whereas I don't think Bellamy has that in his armoury. True to say he's been forced to play a different role so far staying back to help out Connolly on the right, though he was inneffective in that role at West Ham and hung Connolly out to dry. He's not up there hanging on the shoulder of their last defender which has been his forte. Staying back and then getting forward is taking a lot out of his legs and it's showing. He's not going to run around the pitch like a player in his mid twenties any more - we've got players like Medel and Gunnar to do that. Is he being asked to do something he's not cut out for at this stage in his career? Early days I know, but Malky has a tough decision. I fear he should either switch him back to that role or pick someone else in his place in the role that he's playing him. The attacking option would seem to be Noone - the more cautious approach could see Mutch in there instead of him. In fact, Mutch in there instead could easily be the starting set up away from home. Unless of course we sign someone else today.
.....No disrespect to the Don, but it's bad enough bringing him on at home to defend a point let alone start with him!! Good allrounder to have in your squad, but nowhere near the ability of someone like Mutch.
Bellamy seems to have lost a yard of pace and as OS so rightly says, he needs to adapt like Giggs and others like him. But has he got that ability? His enthusiasm is still second to none, and will surely play a pivotal role this season. As for Cowie, he is very good at what he does, but is severely limited. I have said in another post, I'd like to see Noone given a run out, as there is no replacement for pace. I can see him tearing some teams apart with his breaks. Cornelius is another one who hasn't shown he is worth the price tag but that is hardly surprising given the lack of game time due to injuries. For him to play the formation has to be 4-4-2 with Campbell/Maynard. Fingers crossed he will be up and about soon.
I'm hoping we'll see more of CB 39 as the season goes on. MM is rightly playing to a conservative game plan at the moment, but I hope as things settle down and we become more comfortable (relatively anyway) at this level we may see more of him. He's playing a disciplined role at the moment playing deep which means he has to travel some distance before he gets to the 'sprint'. He certainly still has the appetite and doesn't take a backward step as Baines found out. 5 mins after clattering Bellamy he got an elbow in the face.
Bellamy off the pace by a yard is still faster than a lot. I think he is struggling, but only to get back into the PL mode, soon be popping in a few goals and doing what he does best. Was a bit surprised he didn't put that one away Saturday, but it happens to them all. If anything cut back on his playtime, not a full 90 man anymore perhaps.
I think Odemwingie could well start in front of him. He'll be a fantastic impact sub and you need real quality on the bench in the PL.
Interesting that CB is spending most of the game out on the right. He seems to have spent most of his career on the left (more an inside left than a winger). I'm sure it's not just pace but angles of running and changes of direction that help get away from a man. Might be a coincidence.
I think the way bellamy has had to play has been because of malkys tactics. MM knows its so important to start the league with confidence and to get some points in the bag. A few more good results and a little more time for the players to settle into PL life will help bellamy be a little more attack minded and not have to always be tracking so far back up the pitch..Agree with ninian-still has a massive role to play for us this season.
Maybe, but not over 90 minutes. Either he can do the damge in the first hour and then go off, or come on after the hour and do it then. Don't think he's a 90 minute palyer any more.