| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. 04:39 - Aug 9 with 2256 views | Westcountryblue |
Firstly, i'll start with the one major positive from last night which was the defense. I thought Greaves and O'Shea were imperious. They had a lot of work to do last night (possibly more than they'll normally have to do week in, week out at this level) but did a magnificent job keeping it to 1, having been totally overrun in midfield. Davis wasn't able to go forward as much, but defended very well and Johnson, who i've seen some people criticise, again did well, but i think people have to understand just how much work he had to do with Birmingham coming down the right side with Anderson again and again. Young didn't give the ball away once and brought a level of calmness to the side. For me, we have the best backline in the Championship and full credit to them for keeping it at 1 last night.
The midfield on the other hand was nothing short of atrocious. Outmuscled, bullied, lacked any form of intensity, leaderless, lost a huge amount number of aerial battles, slow, ponderess and i could keep on going...Taylor sat too deep, Azor, while he made some good interceptions, was physically outmuscled and bullied off the ball a number of times, Clarke a total passenger and pushed off the ball in a child-like manner and Ogbene running through treacle post achilles OP. To be brutally honest, neither Taylor or Ogbene are nowhere near good enough to be starting in a top 2 aspiring Championship side. Azor will need time to adapt to the speed and physicality of English football, but his relationship playing alongside Cajuste should help him in coming weeks. AHH playing on the right wing summed up where we are in terms of our midfield options right now.
For me, we need to seek to replace Broady (unfortunately), Hutchinson, Ogbene and Taylor. We really lack muscle, leadership and physicality (particularly in wide areas of the pitch- similar to what Burns offered us). The composition just isn't right, with too many diminutive ball carrier types. Think we'll need 4 more midfielders through the door, excluding Cajuste, so a huge amount of work to be done here. With Broady and Hutchinson gone, luckily we should have the best part of 30m, perhaps even more, to do this business.
[Post edited 9 Aug 4:43]
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 06:29 - Aug 9 with 2016 views | stiff_talking |
The defense played very well except for the goal. There was a number of players who were ball watching. The goal was preventable. Generally, we looked very solid defensively and comfortable. I really enjoyed Davis performance, Greaves got better as the game
Played out. Palmer looked head and shoulders better than Brum keeper who distribution looked lower league one (sorry I’ve said it). Johnson has to realize that his continuous fouling led Ipswich to lose fluidity.
The midfield pairing tonight was disjointed. McKenna played what was available. Ipswich missed Morsy box to box ball carrying skills and this is why we struggled as McKenna “cog” system is so reliant on possession via two central pillars. Azor sat very deep and typically distributes from deeper positions. Taylor a forward thinking midfielder huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow down the house. I wouldn’t call this an huge issue with two weeks of the window still open but more an acknowledgment that we need reinforcements in this area that can play McKenna system. Perhaps Cajuste is the essential ingredient needed. But like Hirst, we need a supporting cast that can perform on broadway when the lights come up !
I would sleep easy as McKenna knew the above before we kicked the first ball. And I think he will be happy with the point ! | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 06:37 - Aug 9 with 1957 views | stiff_talking |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 06:29 - Aug 9 by stiff_talking |
The defense played very well except for the goal. There was a number of players who were ball watching. The goal was preventable. Generally, we looked very solid defensively and comfortable. I really enjoyed Davis performance, Greaves got better as the game
Played out. Palmer looked head and shoulders better than Brum keeper who distribution looked lower league one (sorry I’ve said it). Johnson has to realize that his continuous fouling led Ipswich to lose fluidity.
The midfield pairing tonight was disjointed. McKenna played what was available. Ipswich missed Morsy box to box ball carrying skills and this is why we struggled as McKenna “cog” system is so reliant on possession via two central pillars. Azor sat very deep and typically distributes from deeper positions. Taylor a forward thinking midfielder huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow down the house. I wouldn’t call this an huge issue with two weeks of the window still open but more an acknowledgment that we need reinforcements in this area that can play McKenna system. Perhaps Cajuste is the essential ingredient needed. But like Hirst, we need a supporting cast that can perform on broadway when the lights come up !
I would sleep easy as McKenna knew the above before we kicked the first ball. And I think he will be happy with the point ! |
The forwards struggled to get in the game as midfield central pivot didn’t operate. So I wouldn’t over analyze the forwards output. Obgene played with heart but wasn’t fit. I bet Broadhead couldn’t believe he was even on the field!! Clarke had looked so good preseason had a rough night, Sammy got in great positions and couldn’t convert, Hirst got zero protection from ref but was magnificent and Humphreys must be encourage to play what he sees and not just maintain possession ! Things to work on. | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 08:29 - Aug 9 with 1605 views | ArnieM |
OP the very good points you make re our midfield have been there for a number of seasons in my view, and we seem no nearer rectifying ih. Personally, I'd sell J Clarke, as yiu say he's a total passenger, but we do appear to gave finally sorted out a suspect defensive backline, last night being probably the biggest test they will get this season. |  |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 08:45 - Aug 9 with 1504 views | WeWereZombies |
If the centre backs were imperious then we wouldn't have let a ball rebound off the post only to be met by a choice between three Birmingham players and Greaves (and Palmer) looking backwards and wondering what to do next. There is still work to do in our defence and I hope Woolfenden gets a chance to bring his calmness and vision to the team.
In midfield I have to wonder that when a pairing of Matusiwa and Taylor is not physical enough how a pairing of Matusiwa and Cajuste will improve that aspect. Taylor may lack finesse but he fights. Jack Clarke is more of the link up man between midfield and attack, he is the safebreaker but if the combination is a tricky one he seems to take forever to pick that lock. Still, once the code is cracked and the door swings open Hirst and Smozdics can grab the loot in handfulls. I think we should persist with cracker Jack. And what would it do to our squad limit in numbers if we signed another four midfielders ?
Al-Hamadi was good when he came on, better than we could have expected given the general opinion that he is a third choice striker who should go out on loan to a third tier club, another one to persist with. |  |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 09:28 - Aug 9 with 1281 views | CoachRob |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 08:45 - Aug 9 by WeWereZombies |
If the centre backs were imperious then we wouldn't have let a ball rebound off the post only to be met by a choice between three Birmingham players and Greaves (and Palmer) looking backwards and wondering what to do next. There is still work to do in our defence and I hope Woolfenden gets a chance to bring his calmness and vision to the team.
In midfield I have to wonder that when a pairing of Matusiwa and Taylor is not physical enough how a pairing of Matusiwa and Cajuste will improve that aspect. Taylor may lack finesse but he fights. Jack Clarke is more of the link up man between midfield and attack, he is the safebreaker but if the combination is a tricky one he seems to take forever to pick that lock. Still, once the code is cracked and the door swings open Hirst and Smozdics can grab the loot in handfulls. I think we should persist with cracker Jack. And what would it do to our squad limit in numbers if we signed another four midfielders ?
Al-Hamadi was good when he came on, better than we could have expected given the general opinion that he is a third choice striker who should go out on loan to a third tier club, another one to persist with. |
I think that is a good summary.
Jack Taylor has a decent shot on him but never seems to pick up the positions to receive off Clarke and Davis in final third. I think Clarke got caught on the ball a couple times looking for options.
Ali Al-Hamadi is a bit of an enigma, makes a great run into the box, falls over and then elects to pass rather than shoot.
All in all we just looked a bit rusty, trying to blame one unit of team in the first game is nonsense. The times we really upped the pace they looked to be blowing. Nathan Jones said his players struggled with the speed of our play in the Charlton friendly. The brums have been tipped for the play-offs so a decent point away from home and lots of room for improvement. |  | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 09:41 - Aug 9 with 1213 views | southnorfolkblue |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 09:28 - Aug 9 by CoachRob |
I think that is a good summary.
Jack Taylor has a decent shot on him but never seems to pick up the positions to receive off Clarke and Davis in final third. I think Clarke got caught on the ball a couple times looking for options.
Ali Al-Hamadi is a bit of an enigma, makes a great run into the box, falls over and then elects to pass rather than shoot.
All in all we just looked a bit rusty, trying to blame one unit of team in the first game is nonsense. The times we really upped the pace they looked to be blowing. Nathan Jones said his players struggled with the speed of our play in the Charlton friendly. The brums have been tipped for the play-offs so a decent point away from home and lots of room for improvement. |
The problem is that the front 4 will not operate effectively if the double pivot doesn't work so I think people are right to highlight that.
Matusiwa clearly needs time to adjust. I thought Taylor did ok but he's not the answer.
Can't judge Ogbene on last night, but tbh I wasn't sold on him even before he got injured last season tbh because he doesn't seem to use his greatest asset which is his pace. I hope that we look at Doak on loan or Fellows.
As someone else said earlier on this thread I thought Johnson looked solid defensively. It was easy for Young to look better offensively because Brum had subbed all their threats by the time he came on. That said I'd have absolutely no problem with him starting [Post edited 9 Aug 9:49]
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 09:54 - Aug 9 with 1137 views | BloomBlue |
Constant bringing in new players only results in a disjointed team for weeks if not months. It takes a lot of matches for players to build an understanding.
Last night was perfect example, Taylor & Azor sometimes both went for the same ball, or both expected the other to go for the ball.
That understanding only develops with actual games, not preseason friendlies. If you bring in new midfielders the same issue will happen until they build up that understanding. Fans moaned last season the same was happening when Morsy & Cajuste played those first few games. Actually the same when Morsy/Luongo first played together
I'm not saying the midfield was great last night, but that was the first game that midfield has played together- it takes time. |  | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:11 - Aug 9 with 1049 views | pointofblue |
Defensively we were fine but I thought we missed Woolfenden's distribution from the back. That may have been down to the lack of understanding from the central midfield role about their roles, though, so the options weren't there. It was a similar issue last season albeit that was more down to a skill offset. We could have done far better for their goal.
Everywhere else was an issue, which is a concern considering approaching £100m has been spent on this squad. Hopefully it's just growing pains but last night was pretty painful either way. | |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:21 - Aug 9 with 980 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:11 - Aug 9 by pointofblue |
Defensively we were fine but I thought we missed Woolfenden's distribution from the back. That may have been down to the lack of understanding from the central midfield role about their roles, though, so the options weren't there. It was a similar issue last season albeit that was more down to a skill offset. We could have done far better for their goal.
Everywhere else was an issue, which is a concern considering approaching £100m has been spent on this squad. Hopefully it's just growing pains but last night was pretty painful either way. |
A two man midfield wont work without proper support from flexible positions around them. Without Wolf and a decent RB that is problematic. Also requires more from both wide forwards- neither of whom contributed meaningfully last night.
Hard to say where the problems lies. All interconnected. | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:27 - Aug 9 with 921 views | pointofblue |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:21 - Aug 9 by redrickstuhaart |
A two man midfield wont work without proper support from flexible positions around them. Without Wolf and a decent RB that is problematic. Also requires more from both wide forwards- neither of whom contributed meaningfully last night.
Hard to say where the problems lies. All interconnected. |
Right back is another position where I wonder if we need to strengthen. Johnson does not look suited to the roll, and Young is 40. I think Kipre, O'Shea and Woolfenden could play there but not sure if they'd offer the adequate attacking threat. We have more gaps now than when we finished last season. | |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:31 - Aug 9 with 893 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:27 - Aug 9 by pointofblue |
Right back is another position where I wonder if we need to strengthen. Johnson does not look suited to the roll, and Young is 40. I think Kipre, O'Shea and Woolfenden could play there but not sure if they'd offer the adequate attacking threat. We have more gaps now than when we finished last season. |
We play four attackers, and Leif is more attack minded than defensive, too.
Why does our Right Back need to be an attacking outlet primarily? Get the bloke in who can stop them scoring. A unit like Kipre is fine by me. | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:34 - Aug 9 with 864 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:31 - Aug 9 by ArnoldMoorhen |
We play four attackers, and Leif is more attack minded than defensive, too.
Why does our Right Back need to be an attacking outlet primarily? Get the bloke in who can stop them scoring. A unit like Kipre is fine by me. |
Because we play with a two man midfield. The RB needs to be able to be a good midfielder, at least, when we have the ball.
Harry Clarke is markedly better than Johnson I would suggest. When is he avalable? | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 12:34 - Aug 9 with 651 views | LeoMuff |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 10:34 - Aug 9 by redrickstuhaart |
Because we play with a two man midfield. The RB needs to be able to be a good midfielder, at least, when we have the ball.
Harry Clarke is markedly better than Johnson I would suggest. When is he avalable? |
Young - looked very good when he came on |  |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 12:51 - Aug 9 with 566 views | Sharkey |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 06:29 - Aug 9 by stiff_talking |
The defense played very well except for the goal. There was a number of players who were ball watching. The goal was preventable. Generally, we looked very solid defensively and comfortable. I really enjoyed Davis performance, Greaves got better as the game
Played out. Palmer looked head and shoulders better than Brum keeper who distribution looked lower league one (sorry I’ve said it). Johnson has to realize that his continuous fouling led Ipswich to lose fluidity.
The midfield pairing tonight was disjointed. McKenna played what was available. Ipswich missed Morsy box to box ball carrying skills and this is why we struggled as McKenna “cog” system is so reliant on possession via two central pillars. Azor sat very deep and typically distributes from deeper positions. Taylor a forward thinking midfielder huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow down the house. I wouldn’t call this an huge issue with two weeks of the window still open but more an acknowledgment that we need reinforcements in this area that can play McKenna system. Perhaps Cajuste is the essential ingredient needed. But like Hirst, we need a supporting cast that can perform on broadway when the lights come up !
I would sleep easy as McKenna knew the above before we kicked the first ball. And I think he will be happy with the point ! |
I thought the outstanding bit of quality in the game was the ball from their keeper to their left wing, which the winger then controlled beautifully. |  | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 14:01 - Aug 9 with 421 views | OldFart71 |
Only one game so bed wetting is a tad premature. But the problem persists that we fail to control games and whilst Morsy was maybe playing a league above his ability and age last season him and Cajuste were overrun in most games.
The midfield is the connection between the defence and forward line and whilst some say Taylor was o.k. he has now had two seasons and hasn't made an impact either as a starting player or as a sub.
We lost Delap and if Omari goes both will be almost impossible to replace as players that good don't want Championship football.
The only real option to me is for up and coming Premier League players to come on loan with possibly an option to buy. But then if their clubs consider them good enough but needing experience they are highly unlikely to allow a player to leave. | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 14:07 - Aug 9 with 376 views | ipswichtillidie |
Fair assessment I’d say. We really have a big window as a club. Hutchinson will be a huge hole if he goes that will need replacing and we still need two CMs in my opinion. You were right to focus on the middle of the park as our main issue. Cajuste will play a lot of minutes and Azor will improve but we need more quality in there for sure. |  |
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| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 14:21 - Aug 9 with 299 views | itfcsuth |
Midfield of Matusiwa & Cajuste is a joke at this level - Taylor +1 is more than capable of understudy status.
Biggest issue is the front line behind the no.9, where we were once so consistent, with our selection, connections, fluidity and quality,, we looked a little like 3 strangers playing together in there last night.
Have to settle on that trio very very quickly. |  | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 15:25 - Aug 9 with 109 views | blueoutlook |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 14:21 - Aug 9 by itfcsuth |
Midfield of Matusiwa & Cajuste is a joke at this level - Taylor +1 is more than capable of understudy status.
Biggest issue is the front line behind the no.9, where we were once so consistent, with our selection, connections, fluidity and quality,, we looked a little like 3 strangers playing together in there last night.
Have to settle on that trio very very quickly. |
That midfield is weak as water ! Cajuste won’t make a difference. He isn’t physical enough. What happened to Ashtons different type of players needed this season ? Haven’t seen anything different. |  | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 15:27 - Aug 9 with 93 views | itfcsuth |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 15:25 - Aug 9 by blueoutlook |
That midfield is weak as water ! Cajuste won’t make a difference. He isn’t physical enough. What happened to Ashtons different type of players needed this season ? Haven’t seen anything different. |
Cajuste is 6”2, strong, competitive, technically outstanding - absolute dribble he won’t make a difference, he’ll make a huge difference. | | | |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 15:37 - Aug 9 with 19 views | Westcountryblue |
| Midfield - A HUGE issue currently. on 15:27 - Aug 9 by itfcsuth |
Cajuste is 6”2, strong, competitive, technically outstanding - absolute dribble he won’t make a difference, he’ll make a huge difference. |
Cajuste has a lot of physical qualities - a real upgrade on what we currently have.
One of the best at this level without doubt.
Just need to find someone to rotate with him, at a similiar level of quality. | | | |
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