I think as well football has changed tactically a bit and that’s not helped a player that might enjoy a free role.
As well Paulsen, Bindon, Surman, Thomas, Bell and Stamenic are giving us a core which is capable of moving the ball quickly and making killer passes. Perhaps Nando too. And Rufer isn’t much of a step down. All good technical players.
I think that’s the challenge- he’s not really a forward or a conventional winger and he can’t expect a CM spot that I’d happily have given him ahead of Lewis or when Bell’s form was down where he can run the tempo of the game. Perhaps as a deep lying forward, but then he’s not a prolific goal scorer/contributor. As of yet.
Maybe after this season he’ll have settled in a position, put up some numbers and be able to challenge from there…
It’s a bit like Mesut Ozil. No one wants to say they wouldn’t start such a talented guy, but we no long need him to run the whole show the way we did against Ireland say, so we have to find a different role in the system.
As well Paulsen, Bindon, Surman, Thomas, Bell and Stamenic are giving us a core which is capable of moving the ball quickly and making killer passes. Perhaps Nando too. And Rufer isn’t much of a step down. All good technical players.
I think that’s the challenge- he’s not really a forward or a conventional winger and he can’t expect a CM spot that I’d happily have given him ahead of Lewis or when Bell’s form was down where he can run the tempo of the game. Perhaps as a deep lying forward, but then he’s not a prolific goal scorer/contributor. As of yet.
Maybe after this season he’ll have settled in a position, put up some numbers and be able to challenge from there…
It’s a bit like Mesut Ozil. No one wants to say they wouldn’t start such a talented guy, but we no long need him to run the whole show the way we did against Ireland say, so we have to find a different role in the system.