Second half we reverted to knocking it around at the back because nobody was making any moves into space, including the subs who looked as knackered as the players they replaced. This meant we couldn’t get Rio or Munoz on the ball to test them. Rio has to learn when to pass the ball rather than just taking the man on
3 Likes
Ndukwe again the standout player for me, as a youngster making his mark. We desperately need a monster DM with massive energy and aggression because we are so soft in midfield.
1 Like
Andoni Iraola:
“We can’t sustain that level we want to have. We have work to do.”
7 Likes
Think it’s probably fair to say that preseason training has probably been much harder than last summer, we’ve had staggered returns with the World Cup guys, we’ve a couple big injury holes and it’s damn fucking hot today.
That Iraola intensity won’t be sustainable for 90 minutes yet and nor will we likely be able to just flick a switch to turn it on when needed right now.
I suspect we may have a patchy first few games but get better as the season goes on and games like this are indicative of what we’ll see to begin with.
Edit: or what Iraola said in that post above.
2 Likes
the most difficult part for this upcoming season is the patience that will be required by us fans
7 Likes
Oooohhhh, someone’s going to be running tomorrow
2 Likes
Damn fucking right but the club is dicking around and toying with the idea of Szobo and Gravenberch being in the midfield pivot…
Predictably, the midfield pivot will get overrun in a PL match…
2 Likes
Interesting update from LFC TV on Ndukwe.
That he can be recalled in January if he gets a game on loan in a top 5 league
3 Likes
AI’s system requires a worker next to players like ryan, nyoni, or dom
That first half proved Grav is not a No6 in any shape or form. He was at fault for the penalty because he just did not put in a challenge. Midfield is every bit about defence as much as attack and our players can only do the attack side. Andi needs to recognise we need additions there but maybe he’s waiting to see what MacAllister can bring.
1 Like
Sounds like Alex Scott is needed.
no we kinda have that in ryan. we need an adams
Was the half’s chalk and cheese like they were in the last game?
2 Likes
Who?
Not true
Was from a turnover in MF and he, like the other players ahead of the ball was struggling to recover their position.
VVD didn’t need to dangle his leg…
camara and i would say varela from porto or stiller. i love sadiki from sunderland… sadly stiller’s release clause of 36 million euro’s expired in july
1 Like
These little video vignettes are often a bit misleading. I was a bit frustrated with Rio because for every good thing he did there was amoment where he chose to dribble when he had a better passing option. Also he did not track back and pulled out of several pressing challenges. It showed the limitations in his game at his age that needs addressing for him to become an all round player. Some good stuff too of course.
1 Like
He was literally strolling instead of closing the player down.