which is why I think a midfield combo of Lewis and Devlin would be awesome.
Would you then play Rufer behind them as a pure DM, or more like the old "libero" in Franz Beckenbauer style?
not positionally good enough for either - I like Rufer but think he's best served coming off the bench
yeah I agree, I think we keep the same shape and bench rufer, Devlin plays the defensive disrupter role that he does so well and Lewis plays the creator role. Leaving Rufer to come on late and replace either depending on what is needed.
For me, Devlin is more combative, and brings a bit more steel and energy in defence, which when he's not there we miss. As a combo Lewis and Devlin are both quite short, so is Payne for a CB. That's why I feel the Rufer Devlin combo is still our number one DM pairing. But good to have options and it depends really who we are up against and at what stage a particular game is at. Also think Lewis has played well and deserves to be in the conversation.
Against the quick moving, skillful, central attacking combos I think I'd want Devlin in there harassing, to help Rufer defensively. But they are still going to be vulnerable. Against the slower sides, or at least sides with their pace and play more out wide, I'd be more OK with Rufer and Lewis, with that combo tending to help our forward play more. At least that's the way I see it, as others also seem to be saying.
I struggle to see a combo without Rufer, because of his height and defensive physicality versus the others, and because he seems the most natural of the three players in that holding and screening role in front of the CBs.
Maybe also because he is vice-captain and probably that says something about the coaching staff's view of his role and his organisation and communication.
I suspect he has learnt a lot from Steinman and I think he's improved, but as
mrsmiss is saying, he ain't perfect. But what A League player is?
For the most part an exciting and 'urgent' part of the attacking set-up. But there's something that nags me about his fit with the team and style of play. And I can't quite put my finger on it.
Maybe the same issue we have with Rufer and Devlin
I like Piscopo, he gets involved and tries to make stuff happen but at the same time his end product is really lacking and I find he runs himself into a lot of dead ends and loses the ball. Needs to learn a thing or two from Davila
Agree I reckon Piscopo is a machine just let down by the final product most times.wilbaker
I like Piscopo, he gets involved and tries to make stuff happen but at the same time his end product is really lacking and I find he runs himself into a lot of dead ends and loses the ball. Needs to learn a thing or two from Davila
I think Rufer is the best long range passer, which we always need as an option and Devlin is the best ball winner, which we also have to have, so their combo is my pick.
I think Rufer is the best long range passer, which we always need as an option and Devlin is the best ball winner, which we also have to have, so their combo is my pick.
Yep, although Rufer's nowhere near the Ninkovic/Diamanti level he is building up quite a nice back catalogue of what you might call second assists for goals.
about 5 years ago· edited about 5 years ago· History
A team coming off a loss is always a dangerous team. Perth play similar to us (4-2-2-2), so it will be more of a tactical battle tonight. I'm hoping Uffie starts off with Ball and Hemed with Waine making impact off the bench. Yes, Waine has been good for us in the last couple of games, but will need experience to get past Lachman. Shutting down Kilkenny and Castro as well as keeping a strong grip on Fornaroli will be key. Perth always looks to these 3 players whenever they want to attack. Fenton will have to be on top of his game against Ota. A win against Perth would be a statement. COYN!
Wonder when we have Taylor ready if Talay will go with a back 3/5 feel like we have the perfect wing-backs for it and now with an extra CB we'll have defensive quality to have 3 sold center backs also will help with Taylors lack of pacelineup (55).png129.85 KB
McGarry for Laws was a bit of a no brainer after what was a pretty ordinary performance for the latter last week. Good settled lineup.
Hopefully we're positive going forward early. Perth can pile on the goals but they've been pretty average at the back too. Interesting afternoon/evening ahead. Farken fire up! COYN 🟡⚫🟡
I don't usually post too much pre-match negativity, but I do fear that Perth may scorch us without Devlin the starting lineup. A-League though, so anything could happen!
I don't usually post too much pre-match negativity, but I do fear that Perth may scorch us without Devlin the starting lineup. A-League though, so anything could happen!
More realism than negativity. We aren't even close to turning a corner yet but I have quite high hopes we will later on in the campaign. For today I expect it will be the Castro/Bruno show.
I don't usually post too much pre-match negativity, but I do fear that Perth may scorch us without Devlin the starting lineup. A-League though, so anything could happen!
There are 5 subs right? I'm learning to like the background with no yellow. Trying to figure out the txt size issues on an old android. Not on my football again. Kind of annoying.
.png)
