Blog written by DanLyles
Published: 27th July 2012 12:10
Wednesday evening’s performance may have been against limited opponents, yet the gulf in class between second tier Ipswich Town and fifth tier Cambridge United was far more evident this year.
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I departed last summer’s corresponding pre-season fixture questioning whether a seasoned football supporter from abroad, with no knowledge of each club’s respective position within the English football hierarchy would have been able to pick out the Championship side. As I recall Tommy Smith and Damien Delaney looked extremely vulnerable at the back (we conceded two goals in the opening five minutes), our Lee Bowyer ‘inspired’ midfield looked sluggish and lacked even a hint of cohesion, resulting in the clinical Michael Chopra being denied consistent ammunition. Alas these traits were to persist in competitive fixtures.
What a difference a year makes. I should imagine that a majority of the 852-strong away support, myself included, were somewhat surprised that Jewell had elected to start with a diamond midfield formation rather than the 4-2-3-1 that had evolved from the former towards the end of last season.
Nonetheless, with Spurs loanee and debutant Massimo Luongo at its base the diamond sparkled. Jewell has brought in Luongo to add a touch of Premiership class. His confidence and composure on the ball was there for all to see. He initiated passing moves and set the tempo of the game. Drury’s passing game flourished in this environment, as did JET, who consistently found space at the apex of the diamond.
While the diamond was eventually ‘found out’ last season, arguably due to a lack of width, against less sophisticated opposition both Cresswell and Edwards were able to push forward with aplomb. Both showed the pace, touch and purpose befitting their midfield beginnings in the game. Ipswich played ‘Tika-taka’ for long periods of the game and maybe proved that the successful deployment of a formation is more dependent on the personnel rather than the formation itself.
Jewell has stressed the need to be ‘flexible’ with regard to ‘systems’. Chopra and Jason Scotland were excellent as a pairing on Wednesday, yet if the Liverpudlian decides to utilise 4-2-3-1 again in order to add some width and accommodate Lee Martin, then the reliance on Chopra for goals will arguably become too great. Chopra was fantastic against Cambridge, he looked incredibly sharp and had the confidence to run at people. His clinical finishes were the result of some fantastic football.
If Jewell is to be reunited with Steven Davies of Derby County then there is less of a reliance on Chopra. Nigel Clough had ear-marked an injury- free Davies to score 20 goals in a season. This is a big IF though. Davies isn’t extraordinarily quick or strong but he does no where the net is (23 goals in 55 starts). He also adds an aerial threat which we will miss without Daryl Murphy. His time on the left wing means he can play in numerous formations, while Derby fans have cited his first touch and long range shooting as two of his biggest assets.
Jewell’s desire for flexibility and his move for Davies dovetail perfectly. Davies could obviously play up front with Chopra in what could prove to be a prolific front pairing. If the diamond isn’t working then Davies could play in the Murphy role on the left of a triumvirate alongside Martin and JET, roaming behind Chopra. His experience on the left wing and his aerial ability make him tailor made for the role. If Jewell wanted to play 4-3-3 then Davies could again play of the left.
With pass masters Luongo, Drury and hopefully a rejuvenated Bullard pulling the strings in midfield, then our flexible forward line should reap the benefits. As it stands, the squad is Steven Davies, one centre back and possibly a winger (depending on Josh Carson’s development) away from mounting a push for the play-offs. Roll on the 18th August.