Azon, though shorter, seems much better in a contest with CBs for stuff in the air than Hirst (at the moment). All season I think Hirst has just been putting his body into a position to make the defender's life a bit awkward and then just staying static and hoping for a second ball win. Ivan watches the CB and challenges (legally usually) as the ball is 'landing' and is causing them much more trouble. I'm not digging out Hirst, cos he does so much pressing and hard work early in the game, but he certainly needs to improve other aspects of his game a bit. I'd still start Hirst usually (probably, just) as his work rate does take a lot out of opposition defenders. |  |