Gutter Boy
Tim Sherwood
He's gone through periods like this before though where he is off form for weeks and months. At least we have some alternatives now.
It's seems to be autumn and spring he struggles, while he hits form during the winter
He's gone through periods like this before though where he is off form for weeks and months. At least we have some alternatives now.
Isn't that the case with every single player at every single club ever?
He's gone through periods like this before though where he is off form for weeks and months. At least we have some alternatives now.
But you start with the weakest link in the 11. Which is him now.
I am willing to place a bet with you that the moment an upgrade can be found we will sell him. People bitched about Modric during his 'contract impasse' but he never let it show on the pitch. He needs to start delivering, but more importantly, he has to show COURAGE. For me he bottled it a few times today. I am not referring to the physical side of his game, I am referring to taking a few more chances/showing greater intent when he is on the ball. One moment screamed to me - he received the ball across him from right after about 75 mins, he took a touch to the left to get across the man and instead of then driving in behind and either drawing the foul or taking a pop, he simply laid off a short ball with no option for an incisive return. Again, I appreciate he was not the only one today, but every other player 'wanted' it, and to me, he looks scared and low on confidence. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I want him to rise, start taking games/trying to take them, and prove me wrong!
No, I would not make him our highest paid because imo the likes of Kane, Dele and Lloris are probably ahead of him. But his creativity is nevertheless key to the way we play. His control, his intelligence, his deft touches, his ideas and his energy are all critical to linking our attacks and opening up tight defences.Let me ask you this question.
Is this as good as you think he can be?
If it is, would you make him our highest paid player?
(That was two, sorry, I lied!!!!!)
How much money is burning a whole in Juve's pockets from Pogba still?
I think we can find a better use for those wages.
He just doesn't have the mentality to be a big player
On the basis of today you'd drop Eriksen, Alli, Kane and Lamela
Not that Kane or Alli have excelled either. Our midfield and front quartet haven't got back from pre-season yet. Not having a settled CM pair is key, once we do, Kane, Eriksen, Alli will start to click.
Pre-match Poch said something like, we haven't had a chance to work on team setup, just fitness as we're late back. I thought that was ominous, and we've seen we're not setup and clicking yet. It will come.
I wouldn't mind Eriksen having a rest, and some perspective from the bench, but I think we need him too much. I would like to see him play deeper at times. Maybe starting in CM, with Eriksen able to get forward with the no 10 able to rotate with him. That is where we miss Dembele, he can drag people out of position, while he moves forward etc. Wanyama has it in him, but its his 3rd game and he's still way off offensively. 2 signs today of what Wanyama can do - the run and pass to Rose that he let go out of play, and a turn hold off players and pass forward first half - but most of the game he was passed by when we moved forward, his thing: screen and defend. But we missed a marauding midfielder who can transition into attack, creates room and allow Eriksen (and Alli and Kane) to play.
I think Walker going off threw Wanyama (and obviously the team) for a while as players had to shift/Dier went back. Different situation. At times like this, when you have the talent, when you are on the ball, you have to TRY to make things happen even if you are off form, your first movements have to be positive and attacking in nature. Without pace around him, he simply does not find a way in.
By definition world class players are a rare lot.Isn't that the case with every single player at every single club ever?
Or more, like his heads been turned, which could explain why he is saving himself. Just saying....Have you noticed this lack of, or perceived lack of, form has coincided with his contract negotiations. Perhaps that is weighing heavily on him at the moment.
Something is not right but I seriously doubt it's a lack of guts. It looks like a lack of fitness and match sharpness to me. He has never been the strongest but when fully fit and up to match sharpness he has the energy to compete. It takes courage to go out there and face a team playing at the level of intensity Liverpool, more so when you are not fully up to speed and in front of a supercritical baying mob.At least when Lamela was crap and he was for long periods, he battled and fought. Eriksen is just gutless!
Something is not right but I seriously doubt it's a lack of guts. It looks like a lack of fitness and match sharpness to me. He has never been the strongest but when fully fit and up to match sharpness he has the energy to compete. It takes courage to go out there and face a team playing at the level of intensity Liverpool, more so when you are not fully up to speed and in front of a supercritical baying mob.
Not that Kane or Alli have excelled either. Our midfield and front quartet haven't got back from pre-season yet. Not having a settled CM pair is key, once we do, Kane, Eriksen, Alli will start to click.
Pre-match Poch said something like, we haven't had a chance to work on team setup, just fitness as we're late back. I thought that was ominous, and we've seen we're not setup and clicking yet. It will come.
I wouldn't mind Eriksen having a rest, and some perspective from the bench, but I think we need him too much. I would like to see him play deeper at times. Maybe starting in CM, with Eriksen able to get forward with the no 10 able to rotate with him. That is where we miss Dembele, he can drag people out of position, while he moves forward etc. Wanyama has it in him, but its his 3rd game and he's still way off offensively. 2 signs today of what Wanyama can do - the run and pass to Rose that he let go out of play, and a turn hold off players and pass forward first half - but most of the game he was passed by when we moved forward, his thing: screen and defend. But we missed a marauding midfielder who can transition into attack, creates room and allow Eriksen (and Alli and Kane) to play.