I too was thinking the point Coochie made- we’re always poor in our first game of a window of late. Need to sort that by playing fewer fringe players and also by better opposition scouting.
I thought Rufer and Bell screened very effectively and formed a good understanding.
Even though Payne’s there I think we need to try Alex and try some playing out from the back. This brings into the game Old, Garbett, Kosta, Waine, Singh, Stamenic and others. Our 3 best moments in the US game were when we broke their press and then streamed forward. Playing out from the back is risky, but potentially very rewarding and the opposite (ie the status quo) has got us sod all goals in 2 years.
Paulsen is potentially our biggest weapon- unleash the handbrake! On the other hand I think we should defo treat each game like a WC knockout and have a double pivot.
But I think that would answer the question we need to make the midfield composition- what’s the point? How are we trying to attack? If we play out from deep and draw their press, we could have Old sitting deeper just ahead of midfielders to make those many dribbles.
I know it causes selection headaches, but I really do like the Bell/Rufer combo. But then we have Stamenic and Garbett who both like a box-to-box role, with Garbett one of our main goal threats.
I wonder if McCowatt could be a Havertz-esque understudy to Wood? Him, Garbett and Wood are our only international scorers of late. Let’s be honest, we’ve rarely used Wood well and he’s quite capable of scavenging, and linking with one touch too.
I think Smith and Boxy have dropped in my estimation from this window and Pijnaker has raised his. I like our main crop being Surman, Bindon and Pijnaker, with Hughes and Stanger next cabs. Good for Surman to show his new country of residence what he can do.
Still would have liked to see them get a run out against Mexico. I’m sure they benefited from the extra screening.
Perhaps Mexico, like Greece, illustrates why a strong game plan/playing style beats us every time unless we improve in that regard.
I thought Rufer and Bell screened very effectively and formed a good understanding.
Even though Payne’s there I think we need to try Alex and try some playing out from the back. This brings into the game Old, Garbett, Kosta, Waine, Singh, Stamenic and others. Our 3 best moments in the US game were when we broke their press and then streamed forward. Playing out from the back is risky, but potentially very rewarding and the opposite (ie the status quo) has got us sod all goals in 2 years.
Paulsen is potentially our biggest weapon- unleash the handbrake! On the other hand I think we should defo treat each game like a WC knockout and have a double pivot.
But I think that would answer the question we need to make the midfield composition- what’s the point? How are we trying to attack? If we play out from deep and draw their press, we could have Old sitting deeper just ahead of midfielders to make those many dribbles.
I know it causes selection headaches, but I really do like the Bell/Rufer combo. But then we have Stamenic and Garbett who both like a box-to-box role, with Garbett one of our main goal threats.
I wonder if McCowatt could be a Havertz-esque understudy to Wood? Him, Garbett and Wood are our only international scorers of late. Let’s be honest, we’ve rarely used Wood well and he’s quite capable of scavenging, and linking with one touch too.
I think Smith and Boxy have dropped in my estimation from this window and Pijnaker has raised his. I like our main crop being Surman, Bindon and Pijnaker, with Hughes and Stanger next cabs. Good for Surman to show his new country of residence what he can do.
Still would have liked to see them get a run out against Mexico. I’m sure they benefited from the extra screening.
Perhaps Mexico, like Greece, illustrates why a strong game plan/playing style beats us every time unless we improve in that regard.