Player Thoughts - Friendly Wrap Up · Yellow Fever Nga Wana Kowhai

So here's my thoughts on the nz team.

Paston - Has looked strong in the air and looked to dominate his box. His distribution has been reasonable good as has his position in general. However, he still elects to punch too often and seems to have a liking for palming the ball down and then collecting it which worries me. Has looked solid, but definatetly not world class.

Nelsen - Strong solid and dependable. In every game to date he's looked one of the better players in either team.

Smith - I have been impressed with his delivery and poise. He tracks his runners well and reads the game. Has been the most impressive out of the four options to play alongside Nelsen.

Reid - I'd say he reads the game the best of all the backs, perhaps second only to Vicelicch. Good strength and passing, he can be a little agressive around the box (not including last nights soft FK)

Lochead - Seems to be growing into his role at lwb. Is beginning to make more attacking runs and is a work horse. Delivery still needs work, but cant fault his effort. Would like to see him work on his right foot though, seems a little one dimensional in he only ever really uses his left.

Bertos - Has disappointed to date. Has rarely taken on his man and when he has he's been dispossessed quite easily. Seems to be turning back towards his D alot at the moment. Delivery still needs work.

Elliott - Has looked very solid. Good poise and passing. I worry though that in the last couple of games he's looked tired towards the final 15 - 20 mins and his passing has gone a little off.

Christie - Works hard and tackles well and seems to have improved his ability to read the game. However, his passing range is limited and he gifts opposition our ball too much. Definately an area of concern.

Fallon - Immense in the air and creating chances for others. Has definately been the stand out striker and will be heavily watched by our opposition one imagines.Really pleased with him to date.

Smeltz - Needs to get involved more. Seems to go missing for large stretches of the game which is suprising since our forward line is getting alot of ball. I would also like to see him pull the trigger sooner on occassion as he sometimes looks to set himself up too much and gives up the ball.

Wood - looks good and works hard. Have been a little disappointed with his finishing, but his hold up play and movement is excellent and arguebly the best of all the forwards. Has not scored so will not start but will be a good sub.

Killen - Has looked strong and quite mobile which has been surprising. Is playing well off Fallon's shoulder and seem to have a good understanding. Good work ethic and nice to see him fit and playing... bar for his tight hammy at the moment.

Brockie - has offered very little and will see next to no game time with wood our preferred 4th striker and out mid 4 seemingly unsubable.

McG - Good impact player but doesn't suit our style so wont get huge game time. We play to direct to use him effectively. We will play with two DM's.

Siggy - Vich - wont play unless there is an injury.

Strengths - definately defence. We are not getting broken down in open play. The goas we have conceeded have been unfortunate and soft, deflections etc and keeping errors. This stands us well as teams will need to work hard to score.

In attack the boys are gaining a good understanding and in Fallon we have a good focal point of attack.

Elliott and Lochy, solid but not spectacular will do as asked.

Weakness - depth, lack of and also lack of opportunity. How will they step up who knows, but one thing is certain we can not afford an injury in the midle of the park because there is no one to step up apparently.

On the bright side,

Italy look very average and we could poach a point there. Slovakia is beatable. But i fear Paraguay will be too good.