History for Big Pete 65

There are some pretty impressive posts in his thread. 

In relation to the conundrum about picking your best players and finding a system to fit it, I think we all acknowledge Hudson will need to do this to a degree but that doesn't mean playing guys like Rojas and Thomas so far out of position that they become ineffective.  They are not central midfielders. 

If we don't actually play guys who can win the ball, ride a challenge and distribute in the middle (guys like Bill, Riera) then we'll never be able to transition and will be forced to play direct to Wood for knock downs to Kosta and Rojas etc. 

I actually think (hope!) the NCL games were a reality check for Hudson. If you look at the Mexico and USA games we were really good without the ball but I don't actually think we were as good as everyone is making out when we had the ball. Accordingly I wasnt surprised that we didn't play NCL off the park with a slick passing game as we haven't actually demonstrated that. 

As far as team selection goes I don't rate Patterson as he plays like a u18s player- someone needs to tell him to lift his head and that dribbling or going solo is a secondary option to looking for a quick pass. I hope Wood gave him a rocket as he was too selfish. We have all missed sitters so I don't actually have any major issues with that- it's his awareness that is lacking.

The same goes for the other kids. Lewis was atrocious on Saturday. He seems like a good found player but he was hacking the all in every direction on Saturday. He has a good workrate but doesn't have awareness to take a touch. I don't expect a player like him to control the tempo of the game in midfield as it's not his game but he just isnt international standard.

I put Dyer in the same camp as Lewis. Has potential but is not and will it be ready in 12 months for a WCQ. 

Hudson needs to look at Riera. If Hudson can't see he has no midfield then we are poked. I haven't heard a post NCL interview with him yet- is there one floating about? Anyway I hope he realises he got the selection wrong and talk to Albert. 

We also need Roux in the team. I want at the game on Saturday and was very unimpressed by Graham. He is not a wing back. Roux fits the 5-3-2 system perfectly. He is just so good at proving an option to get in behind opposition defences. 

I also think Watson is worth a look. Would like to see him get a decent run at the Nix but I think he's your back up number 9. Sorry Fallon.

Durante looked good in both games. So good to have him in a back 3. 

Lots to think about. Hopefully Riera,  Roux and Winston turn up for the next WCQ.