| Woolfie 22:52 - Aug 17 with 6447 views | seblue78 |
Woolfie as much as I love him, and to be fair he was generally very good today (Bobby Moore-esque interception in 2nd half being a point in case) but on at least two occasions he looked woefully short of pace on the turn second half. Pains me to say it but you see why McKenna has been looking at other options at CH. He was caught a few times last year but in the prem its likely to be much more of an issue. |  | | |  |
| Woolfie on 13:33 - Aug 18 with 637 views | BlueBoots |
| Woolfie on 10:40 - Aug 18 by OldFart71 |
Leif's problem has always been defending. Even in Division One and Championship. Either getting run off or getting caught upfield out of position. That's why he's so good going forward. Two suggestions. You either move him forward as England did with Alexander Arnold or you have someone helping him out more defensively. Yesterday nobody was covering behind. I have long believed, sadly really, that Woolfenden is not Premier League class. He got muscled out and positional wise wasn't that great before this step up. Midfield Morsy and Loungo did o.k. first half, but once Liverpool switched they were a bit overrun. Neither are spring chickens. I'm sure McKenna will sort it out. Watching MOTD many teams rely on a fast switch from defence to attack, we must be able to do the same. |
We know that the positives of Davis are that he offers so much going forward, but in doing so can leave a defensive hole in that side. We need a CM to drop in and cover that space, or the LCB to come across and cover the LB area; you then risk leaving a hole around the penalty area. I think going to 3 CBs could help with that - Greaves and Axel both have the pace and athletism to get across to cover the wide areas, so then it's between Wolf, Cam and Fridge to play as the central CB.
I love Burgess anyway, and ever since we were promoted I've been looking forward to coming up against Man City to see Burgess up against Haaland. He usually gets to enjoy bullying CB's, and would love to see him trying that against big Cam; Haaland won't be used to losing his headers and getting outmuscled. Even bigger ask to get anything out of that game (Liverpool won about 50% of their away games last season, Man City won about 75% of their home games, drawing the other 25%), but I'm sure KMcK will come up with something to help us compete with them. |  |
| |
| Woolfie on 15:55 - Aug 18 with 554 views | Help |
| Woolfie on 23:02 - Aug 17 by pointofblue |
I love how Woolfenden is the one being mostly criticised when he had a great game whilst Davis, at fault for both goals, is being basically let off.
What I would say about his relative lack of pace is it means positioning is especially important. He has developed so much in the past few seasons, so do we think he's incapable of growing further? I actually thought I saw growth in his positioning today.
In terms of signing another CB, I do think we'll be looking to play a back three at times this season - I'm slightly surprised we didn't today. |
But for both goals look where Greaves is. He has to come back from so far up front. Which must be part of the game plan. But does leave us with 3 At the back when teams will play balls over the top or behind us. |  |
| |
| Woolfie on 16:10 - Aug 18 with 535 views | stonojnr |
| Woolfie on 10:03 - Aug 18 by DJR |
Woolfie has never been given the credit he deserved from many on TWTD: his match rating scores generally reflect this.
It was less obvious when Jackson was the scapegoat, but if the comments about Woolfie yesterday are anything to go, maybe he will become the new Jackson, quite unfairly for both in my opinion. [Post edited 18 Aug 2024 10:05]
|
its a weird one isnt it, because I think the point being made is we didnt and dont expect Woolfie to be a 1st choice pick this season, based on last seasons performances where he started to struggle in games for some reason, and was certainly 2nd choice at the end.
but then yesterday he goes and puts in one of his best performances for ages against a world class team, and really the defence were pretty solid.
so is it fair to ask do we expect to sign another defender for that role, or just see how Wolfie does in the position. | | | |
| Woolfie on 16:27 - Aug 18 with 508 views | franz_tyson |
| Woolfie on 16:10 - Aug 18 by stonojnr |
its a weird one isnt it, because I think the point being made is we didnt and dont expect Woolfie to be a 1st choice pick this season, based on last seasons performances where he started to struggle in games for some reason, and was certainly 2nd choice at the end.
but then yesterday he goes and puts in one of his best performances for ages against a world class team, and really the defence were pretty solid.
so is it fair to ask do we expect to sign another defender for that role, or just see how Wolfie does in the position. |
I really like Burgess, but I think Greaves is an upgrade on him from what I've seen. If there's a possibility that we can get a better CB than Woolfy - surely we would do it. It's not about sentimentality anymore - we have to improve to survive. Personally, I don't think Woolfy has much more of a ceiling in him. He did fine yesterday, but he's neither the fastest or the strongest, without being a weakling or a slouch. | | | |
| Woolfie on 16:35 - Aug 18 with 501 views | Vic |
| Woolfie on 05:40 - Aug 18 by Churchman |
I agree regarding Davis. He got the runaround a bit second half, but he wasn’t alone. Let’s not forget he was marking Salah who is a bit decent!
I think there is some learning and adapting to be done. Woolfenden and the others stepped up to it last season and I think they’ll do so this. It’s one thing training harder but it’s another thing facing it for real.
Let’s see how they and the squad look in a months time. |
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. All our current players are going to learn on the job - even Morsy our great leader. It’s inevitable isn’t it as they’ve not played at this level before. The skill of the management and coaching staff is to assess which players can make the step up and how long will it take - ie, can we wait for them to adapt or will it cost us too much in terms of points and confidence.
I think we have to be very careful about making to many conclusions from yesterday or next Saturday - two exceptional games against two exceptional teams. |  |
| |
| Woolfie on 16:58 - Aug 18 with 484 views | Reus30 |
I won't be critical, the players yesterday gave it everything the difference was that a world class team that have been together for 18 months plus, turned it on in the second half.
Regardless who plays in the coming weeks, it will take us time to get up to full speed but there were a hundred positives to take from yesterday including being the better team in the first half against some world class players.
Yesterday just made me more positive that we will stay up. |  | | |
| Woolfie on 17:04 - Aug 18 with 475 views | pointofblue |
| Woolfie on 16:10 - Aug 18 by stonojnr |
its a weird one isnt it, because I think the point being made is we didnt and dont expect Woolfie to be a 1st choice pick this season, based on last seasons performances where he started to struggle in games for some reason, and was certainly 2nd choice at the end.
but then yesterday he goes and puts in one of his best performances for ages against a world class team, and really the defence were pretty solid.
so is it fair to ask do we expect to sign another defender for that role, or just see how Wolfie does in the position. |
The question is does McKenna want to go into the season proper with CB options of Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Edmundson, Burgess and Greaves? Does he want another body? Or is he happy with five, but perhaps want to sign one more and let someone go?
Considering the link to the Sheffield United defender, we have to think he either wants six, or a replacement. | |
| |
| Woolfie on 17:08 - Aug 18 with 467 views | AVJones |
| Woolfie on 10:38 - Aug 18 by FrimleyBlue |
We basically need a right footed greaves now. |
Nope, think Woolf could make it | | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
