WPM 2021/22 Squad Speculation, Confirmation and Mutual Termination

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almost 5 years ago

-naz-

valeo

Seems like Ufuk doesn't rate McGarry much, and I don't blame him. I think he looks more like a winger than a FB to me. He can't defend. Was culpable for a lot of goals this season. Sutton got done a couple of times but was better in that regard, just kept his position well.

I also think we can upgrade on Fenton.

We have a Fenton upgrade playing at CB.

Think Payne has always looked more like a natural CB

a.haak

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almost 5 years ago

valeo

-naz-

valeo

We have a Fenton upgrade playing at CB.

Think Payne has always looked more like a natural CB

While that's true, he was still a better RB last season than Fenton has been this season.

Valley FC til I die?

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almost 5 years ago

The issue with losing Tomer is that we potentially end up going through that half season settling in period with who ever replaces him. That hurt us badly this year.

I have no doubt we could find a striker that is as good as if not better than Tomer but I would prefer a more settled squad come match day 1.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

Nommag

And it’s not only this season, but same last with Hooper. Nix having to wait to see who is available after Euro transfer windows. Massive contributor to slow starts to both seasons

Imagine Nix starting next season at ROF, in front of home fans with a fit visa striker (whoever it is), already up to speed with teammates, patterns, not distracted with off field matters like where are his family going to live, what school for his kids etc etc. That is he's already well settled in Wellington, and ready to go when the first A League game kicks off.

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almost 5 years ago

You'd like to think Hemed's happiness at Taylor re-signing is a positive sign regarding Tomer's future.

Express Football Special Calling At

Fratton Park - Champion Hill - Kiwitea St

And all away grounds inbetween.

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almost 5 years ago

Idk, on the re-signing posts from the week of the Wellington game there were similar comments from Dávila, so I wouldn’t read too much into it

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almost 5 years ago

I know this is with hindsight, but after seeing Hemed play live twice, and his performance at the end of this season, I'd be a lot more upset with him leaving than Davila.
That's not to say that I'm not upset with Davila leaving, but Piscopo can potentially step up into that role (I also have confidence in the club finding another import to replace Davila). But Hemed has just looked amazing live. I would put him only below maybe Jamie Maclaren in the current comp, and above any other striker we have ever (except Krishna).

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almost 5 years ago

Nzstew

I am old enough to remember Shane Smeltz. But Hemed is pretty much in a class of his own. Krishna could not take a penalty to save himself.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

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almost 5 years ago

Mainland FC

Nzstew

I am old enough to remember Shane Smeltz. But Hemed is pretty much in a class of his own. Krishna could not take a penalty to save himself.

Hemed is the better striker, but Krishna is the better overall attacker imo. 19 goals in a season is just incredible, hope we have a player that can replicate that some day soon.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

Mainland FC

Nzstew

I am old enough to remember Shane Smeltz. But Hemed is pretty much in a class of his own. Krishna could not take a penalty to save himself.

Hemed, Hooper and Smeltz are classic strikers, in a ball in the air sense, predators in the box, put themselves about sense.
Burnsy, Ifill and Krishna were more forwards running on to through balls or with ball at feet, coming in from wider out. In fact, Wee Mac played a false nine there for a while. Krishna and Davila would be closer in skill set and area of operation imo.
Not absolute division for sure, but

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almost 5 years ago

I saw someone mention that it seems hard to fit Davila and Hemed on the same pitch and I wondered if Hemed's scoring stats back it up.

With Davila on the pitch Tomer has played 944 min and scored 6, so a goal every 157 minutes.

Without Davila, Tomer has scored 5 in 341 minutes, or one every 68 min.

Correlation isn't causation but it gives me hope that we will be able to create and finish goals next season without davila.

4 months ago I would not have expected to say this but I really hope we resign Hemed. It seems every time we get a euro striker in it takes them half a season to hit their stride, it'd be nice to avoid that for a change

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almost 5 years ago

Ok after the last few games I have been won over by Hemed. I'm not a huge fan of the whole Israel thing - I respect it, but I'm not a fan. However, he should be rated for his performances and the value he adds to the team. Despite a crappy first half of the season, he's really turned it around and looks like a class act. I'd vote to keep him and just concentrate on bringing in another playmaker to replace Davila.

Also Fenton needs to be re-signed (along with McGarry who's great cover) and Devlin, with the diminutive midfielder and big striker being the priorities

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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almost 5 years ago

I really enjoy tomer's attitude as well. While yes maybe a little excessive with the Israeli thing (he has calmed down) he always celebrates whenever anyone else scores. You can see him in the background getting excited. He seems there for the team and not soley his own personal success. Luckily the two have correlated.

If he enjoys being at the Nix that will have a value at negotiation time.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

If there's any young player in the country I'd sign, it'd be Jesse Randall. Fills that secondary striker need perfectly alongside Hemed. Provided he isn't committed to finishing his US college experience, he'd be a fantastic addition to the bench

Seen chat about Kilkolly in here, and he's a strange one. Was horrendous at Waitakere United, but his goalscoring record so far in the Northern League is immense. Personally a no from me - here are the local players I'd like to see given a go the most to fill various squad needs, in a loose order:

Jesse Randall (North Wellington)
Jack-Henry Sinclair (Wellington Olympic)
Alex Greive (Birkenhead)
Adam Mitchell (Auckland City)
Hamish Watson (formerly Wellington Olympic)
Brian Kaltak (if an import spot is available)
Derek Tieku (if any progress on NZ citizenship is made)
Mohamed Awad (Auckland City)

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almost 5 years ago

mrsmiis

Some great suggestions there

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almost 5 years ago

valeo

-naz-

valeo

We have a Fenton upgrade playing at CB.

Think Payne has always looked more like a natural CB

Probably don't disagree, but it's easier to find another CB.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

I agree that we need a backup for Fenton, but Payne as a permanent upgrade might be a bit rash. If Louis gets injured and Tim Payne fills his role, we have younger guys like Laws and McGing there at the moment to back him up, but none of them is a first choice if Payne and Taylor are available.

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

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almost 5 years ago

Fenton's actually been very good through this last part of the season. Has been getting himself into good attacking positions (eg, the penalty) yet still managing to track back and do his defensive duties and do them well.

His fitness is a big asset and offsets his lack of speed, manoeuvrability and inability to drop the shoulder and beat fullbacks on the outside. I've noticed that opposition teams are happy to allow him a lot of room out wide as they know he won't hurt them in a Ryan Grant/Tate Russell kind of way. Which sometimes makes him a frustrating watch because he attracts the ball like a magnet and you know he will probably end up recycling it back or sideways.

But Talay doesn't seem to mind this and an 11 game unbeaten streak suggests there is room in the formation for a reliable, workaday RB like Louis, rather than a red hot overlapping RB who gets caught out repeatedly and leaves the defence exposed.

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

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almost 5 years ago

Outpost wrote:

His fitness is a big asset and offsets his lack of speed, manoeuvrability and inability to drop the shoulder and beat fullbacks on the outside. I've noticed that opposition teams are happy to allow him a lot of room out wide as they know he won't hurt them in a Ryan Grant/Tate Russell kind of way. Which sometimes makes him a frustrating watch because he attracts the ball like a magnet and you know he will probably end up recycling it back or sideways.

But Talay doesn't seem to mind this and an 11 game unbeaten streak suggests there is room in the formation for a reliable, workaday RB like Louis, rather than a red hot overlapping RB who gets caught out repeatedly and leaves the defence exposed.

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Agree totally, the number of times he has got into the box, won freekicks etc

Oi Oi Edgecumbe... lets have a clean sheet

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Outpost wrote:

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Agree totally, the number of times he has got into the box, won freekicks etc

3 pens (and should have had more), 2 assists (plus being very involved in recent attacks with Ball and Tomer- in both the initial goals against Perth ) 2 goals, a good late game block. I think his skill set and dependability has been a key part of our results, as has his place ( and Sutton’s, sorry James) in a settled back line to our unbeaten run.

His crossing has improved as the understanding with the forwards has improved. Sick of all the BS about him. If Sutton had done half the stuff he had the forum would be beside itself.

There’s a reason why Uffie has kept picking him.
He’s better moving the ball and running on to it compared to Grant who can dribble? Who gives an f-? So is Tomer. We’ve got the playmakers in our 10s/wide forwards. He has to be an outlet, not replace Uli.
Also, while not lightning, he appears quicker than Payne, Lewis and many in the squad.

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almost 5 years ago

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Outpost wrote:

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Agree totally, the number of times he has got into the box, won freekicks etc

.... scored goals, etc .....

Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

I think someone to challenge him for a starting spot with a different skill set allowing a different tactical approach would be good. Maybe someone who can play left or right, or deputies further forward.

Sail, Payne, Waine, Lewis and Sutton have shown the importance of squad competitiveness to creating a top team. And honestly think that Laws has been quite decent when he’s come in too. And McGing had some good outings too.
The best player for the team is not always the best player on paper at the start of the season.

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almost 5 years ago

I think most reasonable fans would agree that Louis has been an excellent servant to the club, particularly in the last three seasons. The eagerness for us to sign a new RB mostly lies in the fact that with Payne playing excellently at CB we don’t have any specific cover on the right, which could be a concern with Louis’ injury history. Plus, there’s a handful of really good kiwi right backs who would provide great competition, pushing both themselves and Louis to get even better.

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almost 5 years ago

For us to challenge for the top spot we need a quality striker,midfield and defender.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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almost 5 years ago

Same story as Man U then?

Auckland will rise once more

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almost 5 years ago

Fenton does my head in... but over the last month he has won a penalty and had a couple assists to his name. From memory, he also hasn't cost us any goals with silly give aways, which Sutton has.

We need depth there, but he has done well.

I think Piscopo can replace Davila which is awesome as it allows us space for another import if we want it... is Waine good enough to be a week in week out starter at just 20? For me Hemed is essential to keep, he has made a huge difference over our unbeaten run. He's a calm finisher and has enough awareness about him to set up his fellow players.

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almost 5 years ago

AucklandPhoenix

Same story as Man U then?

Utd need more than that.

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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almost 5 years ago

Agree with the other suggestions, but as an ACFC fan - I'm confused by the Awad suggestion. He's a bit like Mika was without the pace. Good feet, but poor decision making. Awad's a long way off A-League quality.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

When does the next season start? Damn it, I really feel this side should be in the ACL and carving up the final series. They’re too good to take a break now. Keep’em playing!
Another 5 month break or something? Get Brentford and Burnley down here with someone further up the table! Brighton? I dunno.

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almost 5 years ago

martinb

October is the month that’s been floated/discussed for the league’s return. Bit of a butting of heads going on between the FA and Ten/Paramount though as the FA want the league to coincide with their proposed National Second Division.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

TreeFiddy

huh, to each their own. I've been very impressed with his spark-plug-like ability to create something out of nothing. sure, decision making and vision leaves a lot to be desired, but he definitely thrives on fields bigger than Kiwitea. Very technically talented

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Outpost wrote:

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Agree totally, the number of times he has got into the box, won freekicks etc

I just think it's telling that opposition sides basically leave him free all game. They don't see him as a threat. The last few games we worked this out, and started cutting the ball back low to the edge of the box, but for most of the season he was floating 5+ crosses a game to absolutely no one. If you can't cross, and you can't beat a man as a modern FB, then I'm not sure you're indispensable.

On the plus side is definitely his engine and ability to get up and down all game, though that's basically a minimum requirement to be a FB.

a.haak

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almost 5 years ago

valeo

Oi Oi Edgecumbe

Outpost wrote:

Hopefully there is some competition for that position next season but I'm perfectly fine with seeing his name on the teamsheet.

Agree totally, the number of times he has got into the box, won freekicks etc

Our tactics will generally mean our fbs have space if opposition wingers don't track back and maybe more space on the right where Davila/Ball tuck in very narrow and look for ball to feet where as Piscopo and Sotirio on the left often look for through balls into space to run on to. Fenton is also more aggressive than Sutton in getting forward so more likely to be found in space.

He has more successful crosses than Sutton and McGarry combined and at a higher accuracy, he has as many successful crosses as Piscopo, Davila, Ball and Waine combined - only Ball with a higher accuracy. He has the most successful crosses in the squad this season, at 23, and by some margin with no other player getting into double figures. In terms of accuracy he is successful with 31.9% of his crosses which puts him 4th in the squad; Devlin with 1 successful cross at 50% (hardly counts 1/2 crosses over a season) is tops, Ball is 2nd at 39.1% (9/23) Rufer 3rd with 33.3% (2/6) and Fenton 4th 31.9% (23/72)

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almost 5 years ago

What counts as a successful cross, when he hits the feet of a player when he wants it at his head... or when he dinks it in, when the striker wants it driven across?

Stats without context are pointless.

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almost 5 years ago · edited almost 5 years ago · History

MetalLegNZ

A blind man would've been frustrated with a lot of Fenton's crossing this season. Appreciate the stats but not sure they beat the eye test here.

a.haak

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almost 5 years ago

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/125360371/wellington-phoenix-bid-farewell-to-sensational-skipper-ulises-davila

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almost 5 years ago

Glad Uffie’s the manager then, not the forum. Jaysus.
The lad has played out of his skin and within his limitations. And been heavily involved in the great football we’ve played down the stretch.
Tomer had a terribly ineffective slow start to the season, but we’re not bagging him.
Say again- 3 or 4 pens won, two goals, and two assists. Can foul tactically, has been deceptively strong on the ball, follows the coach’s instructions, runs all day, makes blocks late in the game.

Isn’t David Beckham and isn’t Dennis Irwin, but has been good for us this year. His skills allowed the team to balance out. Payne at the back, Lewis to the middle, Louis up and down the line with Uli and Bally. We’re a transition team and he does that well.

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almost 5 years ago

valeo

MetalLegNZ

A blind man would've been frustrated with a lot of Fenton's crossing this season. Appreciate the stats but not sure they beat the eye test here.

Think the Fenton topic has probably just about run out of gas but speaking of stats and the eye test when I compare him to other RBs I have watched he is certainly better than some in teams that finished above us.

For example imo Stefan Nigro is a surprisingly poor passer and crosser, while Ryan Strain, although energetic, is also wildly inaccurate and tends to get caught out in defence. Neither has a goal and they only have one assist each.

Other highly touted fullbacks in the league like Roux and Ota have been poor defensively. I recall Ota being at fault for two goals when we beat Perth 3-0. Also their goals/assists are less than Fenton's.

I'd say it's been pretty average season in terms of quality A League RBs though.

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almost 5 years ago

Outpost

valeo

MetalLegNZ

A blind man would've been frustrated with a lot of Fenton's crossing this season. Appreciate the stats but not sure they beat the eye test here.

Roux hasn't been good in a very long time. Fenton isn't a world beater but he is above A-League average at RB. It is a position you are rather unlikely to use a visa slot on, so unless we can lure Elliot back or Uffie decides he likes the look of JHS, Fenton will be our RB going forward.

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almost 5 years ago

Outpost

valeo

MetalLegNZ

A blind man would've been frustrated with a lot of Fenton's crossing this season. Appreciate the stats but not sure they beat the eye test here.

Fenton had his best, most solid season as far as I can remember. I‘m not sure why people like to replace him. You know exactly what you get and his is consistent. I’m pretty sure he will have deep look where he can improve and we get an even better Louis next season.
Sutton definitely will be first choice LB, he did nothing wrong in his first real half season. I think our backline with Fenton, Taylor, Payne, Sutton is solid. I‘m more concerned Davilla and potentially Devlin leaving.

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