smooth
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Posts posted by smooth
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Again, I think if promotion is achieved this season with or without McLean in the starting 11; we have seen he can't be what we need in the EPL.
Apparently Moyes sees something different but if we were to go up we would need to buy a player with premiership experience of 3-4 years or a very able top European equivalent. It would be one of our biggest investments and was needed last season.
McLean, I felt, was the weakest link in the midfield that finished the promotion season. He was surrounded by players on top form and filled his role well, but flaws that were seen that season have been reminiscent through to this day. He came in as injuries had come into that position, but I would say he was complimentary to the better players.
Certainly when Emi was out we saw how it affected the group as a whole, but also our weakest player in the attacking third was more on show.
At times his passing got us in trouble, players could drive past him, his marking and spatial awareness at defending were concerns. I think it is when he doesnt have the ball that I see his weaknesses, in not tracking runners etc.
Agree with much on here if an offer comes in and discussions behind closed doors from 2 sides (Rangers and McLean) are wanting a move, then if the fee works brilliant.
The key is with his sale and if we stay in the championship will we miss him or can we replace him. I am of the view we can, because Rupp and Lungi should be less unknown at this level by then. Secondly if they are good enough in January it also means that McLean would be 4th or 5th choice when we would bring in a key midfielder and potential Skipp back on loan, as some have suggested.
McLean will be looked back as a good signing, however I do not feel it would be with any regret that we sold when we do. But while he is here he will push our group and the fact that he is part of the first team squad shows he can certainly provide at this level. If we had invested in the central midfield areas last summer or Leitner or Vrancic could have more physicality then he would have been a squad player.
Jack of all trades is a tough one to have in a starting 11 but a good one to have at this level in the squad and review if an offer was forthcoming in January.
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If we are to go up and Skipp is an option I think that is a good move but I would say I think I would rather we purchase a more proven player. It is going to cost some money but if we go up we need to spend again in that key midfield position. Skipp would be a good player to have alongside, but we aren't up yet.
Let's see what happens this season, if there is an offer on the table in january and we feel we are moving forward and upwards then happy to move on.
It would be interesting to see the value, the new contract would have a bit of a say there too.
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I wonder what value you could put on McLean?
He signed a new contract this summer, do rangers have a big budget? He would be a good player for that team and league. I don't think a star player but again a good one, so again that may effect his value.
If we do go up this year would he get playing time? I would say no. I do think we would need some premiership experience in the middle, someone with 3 or 4 years in that league. Of course that all depends if we go up.
I could see it happening if Lungi gets some more playing time in the middle once xavi is back at left back.
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Krul
Aaron's Hanley Gibson Quintilla
Rupp Skipp
Buendia Marco Placheta
Hugill
For me Buendia and Pukki work so well together anticipating runs etc, so I would love Pukki to start but Farke will start with Hugill.
The only change I would/ see farke doing is Placheta. I think Idah and Pukki on the bench is ideal if things are not quite ticking.
Vrancic, tettey and Cantwell.
Cannot wait to see sorenson given a run out soon, hoping he can become a regular.
I know Farke doesnt believe in changing the formation or winning team but I think we could look at the 2 upfront soon.
We have not set any game alight yet and I am worried that maybe 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear might have already been shown in this formation.
We will see but looking forward to a midweek game.
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Webber has been fantastic for us, look at our youth system, the improvements to Colney, the improvement in the pitch, the individuals now selling for record fees and the retention of key coaching staff.
What a story and to think where we were prior to his arrival. What I think is interesting is if he did move to a club higher up the ladder would he have the support, freedom, lack of critical press and belief in his structure. I think hew would change his structure if he left and I wonder how bigger clubs would react to that. Bigger clubs have big personalities who impose them at board room level, whereas we have custodians and fans leading us at the top.
I do want more investment, but I am delighted with this model. I am proud that we have not chopped and changed the manager etc and have developed a system of playing good football and improving players, letting them achieve their potential. Mosti mportantly buying into the project for their own good and the team as a whole.
I agree, people do not stay forever, and he has said so. However I worry how we keep all the hard work and personnel once he leaves. Can we keep this scouting network, can we maintain the philosophy, will we have coaches who can again present that vision. Look what has happened to Huddersfield.
Lots of questions, which is why it is great to be part of this and living in the now. We have been relegated after a season marred by injuries and not having enough quality alongside some great young players. We now have a good squad and are selling players at great values to support our club and the good of the team. I have no problem with then reinvestment.
We have fully fledged internationals, Krul and Pukki, with great youth internationals in the group, seasoned pros in tettey, hanley and klose and the exciting Gibson on loan who is hungry.
Hey I am not saying it is easy but we are in a much better position than the vast majority of football clubs and so while on this crest lets achieve more and push for more. There are many clubs who would want one of our exciting players or a youth system providing players who were on the books at Arsenal or are Belgian youth internationals etc.
I think we will look at some additional personnel with the £ that has come in and may still come in if other players leave. Either way it is exciting and hopefully Farke has built a squad he wants and he can show us how he is going to lift them again.
I am by no means a happy clapper, as my friends will say. However I can stand back and look at other clubs in and around us who would love our stability, ethos, achievements and stature. A lot of that has come from Webber and his team and if he were to leave, many of those people may also leave and although I know that will be tough for us; I also think he and they may never have it as good as they have it at NCFC.
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For me we are usually that team that allows a team on a bad run a win, wasn't it Watford last season?
If the rain is coming down it can even bits of the game out, chase every ball as it could get stuck in wet.
We need full on commitment and chase everything.
I would be disappointed if we lose today, but I am interested in how we adjust to the conditions and how up for the game we are. Alot of teams still look sluggish and our fitness and quality needs to show now. Then as our cohesion comes together we should be able to go through the gears.
It is always difficult to go through the gears, especially when you play pretty football in the rain. Bit of long ball football is not a problem today. Play it in the channel and corners for pukki to run on to.
I have a feel this is a Hugill day and he could be the difference maker as I think a lot more balls high into the box should be called for.
Today I was planning on watching the t20 finals, so just going to follow the game on the pinkun. But with the rain as it is it looks like full focus on ncfc
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Guys, you have misread my post and sorry for that.
Gibson is here to play centre back, xavi is here to play left back.
Xavi is already getting to grips with this league, we know that is hard from some players coming from europe but he has done very well so far.
McCallum is going to get valuable first team football in the championship at Coventry and now will have to show some battle and it is a good move.
We are short at left back but I do feel that Xavi is an adequate replacement for Lewis in this league. It is cover we may be short at.
Gibson I think is a cracking move upgradeable our defensive group probably more as a unit rather than with individual promise. We had a back 4 of individuals who were all developing well, but I feel we can build true defensive partnerships now and Gibson is one that facilitates that to a higher degree than what I think we could have done with our golden crop if players.
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I also think Gibson is an upgrade to our defensive ranks. He is savvy and if he gets back to his form that got him involved as an england defender I would have great faith in him if we go up, to lead our defensive group. I actually feel if the CB defensive group remained the 4 we had last season and they achieved promotion we would need improvements.
I think Gibson is that, Skipp is a difference maker in the middle (with guidance from tettey) and Pukki is elite if we play to his strengths
We need performers who will perform week in week out now, not once in every four games. That is what quality buys you.
I think Emi is incredible, if he stays here I want him to prove it and have another amazing season. If not we need to know we will be buying a player who can perform at the highest level of the championship and can also be strong in the prem.
Tough decisions but again, we have our left back cover and we have our centre back cover. So good pieces of business with Godfrey and Lewis going.
Let's see what happens
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Congratulations Ben Godfrey and what a fantastic endorsement of our coaching.
Look I get it, I get why people are unhappy but I also am happy that we have got a lot of money for a young player who will know, as madders does, that ncfc gave him this chance.
If we are to go up Gibson is a player that can lead our back line for years too and is suited to the prem. Let's look at a new centre back and build that new partnership.
Zimmerman and gibson would be a solid partnership. I get the worries of lack of pace, but this is where we are.
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I remember before all the money came in to football, transfers could happen throughout the season. Teams were prepared for it, well as well as they could be. But it wasn't as savage as multiple players leaving.
I think we are in a position because Cantwell, Godfrey, Aarons, Lewis, Buendia and Pukki are on the radar at the same time. Seasons before it would have been 1 or 2 of our players, so again it does highlight our success and also that when we wetn up in to the Prem by not buying other players to compliment these players we are now in a position where all are of interest as we are now in the Championship.
The club has to honour our philosophy at times which is selling players, when the value is right, as this is model we are proposing to new signings and as our ethos. So I have no problem with that, it is just that all have interest, or agents interested in striking when the iron is hot.
I am quite happy to sell players who deserve the opportunity, proven their worth and a transfer bid meets our expectation. All parties are happy, at the moment we may have players who do deserve the opportunity, proven their worth but at the moment no clubs bids have met our expectations. We will not want bad eggs and trouble with multiple players.
With the window open it does give us time to negotiate with all parties and we have time, which is good. The right bid may come in, the player may see our position more clearly etc.
If this happened after the window had closed I would be more worried and frustrated. But right now we have time to let some of the dust settle and hopefully if a player wants to leave and the bid comes in we can move on, if not the player and club need to discuss both positions and note that playing in a first team and achieving is the best way to get that move they want and our clubs ethos is built around.
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Krul
Aarons Gibson Godfrey Quintilla
Rupp skipp
Placheta vrancic Hernandez
Pukki
I can't see farke bringing either buendia or Cantwell in unless massive change.
Martin, idah and Hugill are the difference makers on the bench Zimmerman and Tettey offer stability
Vrancic can have that licence to pick up the ball and thread in the 3 attacking players
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Cantwell has done exceptionally well. I certainly thought last season he would be sent out on loan. But by god I am happy he didnt as he was a shining light when many players did not step up.
He has followed hoolahan, maddison, and Pritchard in that role. He has some fantastic attributes with balance, vision, two great feet and a great level of confidence that I enjoy to watch. He is a star player, i also think he will continue to get better.
So i would say his value of 20 million is justified. I wont begrudge him a move if he gets one at all, he deserves it.
We are producing fantastic players, martin looks a great prospect to come through this year. This is our position we develop to the level that Cantwell is at, if offers come in that are at our valuation then I have no problem with a player leaving.
We will have speculation until the window shuts and that shows how good our development is and also that each player has grasped the chance and proven they are very good players.
I agree there are some players you are deeply sad to see go when you know they can give so much, for me that is Emi. But the others have proven their worth and if they move on then all can be happy if the value is right.
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40 minutes ago, cambridgeshire canary said:What we thinking lads? 🤔
Yeah I would be happy for that, bite in the middle that also covers the advances of our full backs.
It also means we get easy balls from those midfield 2 to the creative three ahead to supply pukki.
But I can see Zimmerman and McLean in the line up. No problem there, as I know we then have good players on the bench but it will be good to get our best 11 out soon and allowing them to play for the majority of the 90 minutes
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5 minutes ago, Aggy said:Interesting observation. Haven’t watched today and only watched Huddersfield highlights. One of my big grumbles last year though was that there was often too much space between the lines. We don’t seem to be able to squeeze the space and move as units. Just because we’ve got two holding midfielders doesn’t mean they need to be miles away from the attacking midfielders. They move up, the defence moves up, squeeze the space between all the lines and it’s much more difficult for the opposition.
Agreed Aggy, totally agree.
Dont always like to see Pukki in the final third when we are defending as I think those 2 defensive midfield and defensive group should step forward and squeeze ths opposition.
We def need outlets and pukki further up the field with fast wingers and fast thinkers with great technical ability able to move us forward from our final third.
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Just think we need to give pukki more chances today
He had the cross he scored from
The 1 on 1 with Rudd
The 95th near post chance
I think he needs to know he will get the ball in areas he can make chances count.
Idah was very good today, I totally agree he comes on and he is a threat, strong, physical, pace, goal threat in the box and outside. Looking the real deal, gladhe is not on loan this season.
I think he will see plenty of game time form the bench but over the season we could change our starting formation and if we do it is because of players from and Idah is asking the question early this season. Very impressed.
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Just now, Indy said:I don’t think we can play Skipp and McClean, both sit so deep and neither really made the ball quick enough. Would like to see Placheta and Idah start they have an enthusiasm which lifts the team. No doubt we’re missing Buendia so hope he’s back next weekend.
With two holding midfielders we’re inviting pressure and giving away midfield ground which made Preston look better than they really are. Both Skipp and McClean need to be 10 yards higher when we get possession to give our defenders space to play also they need to pick up the runners when we don’t have the ball.
It's really fair with the points on 2 defensive midfielders
Today we sat off, never won a second ball and if you have 2 defensive midfielders I want them snapping at heels and winning second balls.
So i think it is tactical instructions that are needed there. We are all know how teams in the prem and elsewhere challenge to get the ball back that is what we need more from that position but we do invite pressure.
I can see with the two playing further forward they will have success, but if a better creative midfielder with a bit of an engine is available then we could get them. We have a bit of cash and that type of commanding tempo style player could add something more.
I have no problem with 2 more defensive minded players if they are allowed to snap at heels and be disruptive, certainly with the attacking players we have. But think at the moment we are still working this pairing out and also how we want them to protect the back 4. Personally not winning second balls and sitting back is not the way I think we build a team for a promotion push and think that is the tactical change we need to make.
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2 minutes ago, Nuff Said said:So, for Bournemouth away:
- Is it too soon for Gibson to replace Zimbo?
- Emi needs to play assuming he's still with us
- Placheta instead of Onel?
- Can we play Pukki and Idah together?
- And... is it time to bring Tettey back?
Really interesting, for me if gibson is assured as many note he will have to start soon. I think he will improve our defensive play as his pedigree is so good in comparison to our other centre halves.
EMI certainly starts, still our best player and today you just need him on the ball to unlock these defenses.
Placheta needs game time and I think his crossing was pretty good today. He is new and not many clubs will have much on him yet.
Pukki and Idah together, possibly. You can have EMI and Placheta wide and Idah more central switching. May be interesting. But think if EMI is in your starting line up farke will stick with pukki as a lone striker and then bring Idah on later in the game.
I think skipp will be fine, tettey will give some experience but I would keep with Skipp for now. He certainly has a good drive and can create so maybe him and Tettey.
But EMI and Gibson are 2 players I would like to see for the bouremouth game.
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In the first half they sat so deep that they missed every second ball.
I did think we had very little creativity or tempo from the pairing today. That for me is what I thought was the biggest thing today.
They can grow as a pairing, it wasnt great from both today.
Personally I would like to see a disruptive pairing that then gets the ball to buendia, Cantwell and our other creative players. But today they were second to a lot of ball.
If we are going to have a disruptive player and one who sets the tempo then we need to be more assured at the back.
I think with such a forward thinking defensive group I would rather a more defensive pairing in that position who gets the ball back and allows the forward thinking players to move forward.
Early days but I would like to see us move in to 2nd and 3rd gear more often and quicker.
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A draw is a fair result but even at this early stage you want a bit more of our quality to show.
There was no link through our central midfield today and pukki had 3 chances one in the 95th. Rudd did not need to make a save in the first half other than his assist for pukkis goal.
Aaron's and Idah played very well today. Few others finding their feet, but those who have been in the team during the championship winning season and last year need to show their quality.
I would say we need a real assured player in the midfield who can dictate the play. We were chasing a lot of shadows and could not build too much.
Roll on next week and I hope we are still looking for someone to come into our first 11 as a goalscoring, creative central midfielder may be needed
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We have had this conversation a number of times of why change a winning side, I think you should if a better player is ready to come in. It depends how you win that game.
For me -
Krul
Aaron's, Zimmerman, Godfrey, Quintilla
Skipp, McLean
Buendia Cantwell Hernandez
Pukki
I hope Gibson is ready to play soon as I do think he is the one of the best to lead and improve the defence.
I would love Lungi or another player to challenge McLean, but I can't see it just yet.
If Hernandez is good to go, he should.
Buendia is the best technical player we have and it would show how much he is up for the fight. He has said he is and I would like to see it. But it's not just that, he can unlock any opposition at any time. He has that ability and against Huddersfield we relied on a defender laying a great through ball for pukki.
Hard on Dowell, who would certainly come on in the game. Nice we have that choice when last season we really did struggle with depth.
Either way, this week has dragged and the sooner 3pm Saturday arrives just to see how we are improving the better.
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I just hope for 3 points
I will not be there, but wish people enjoy it and do come home safe.
But really at the moment sport, as a whole, is still so weird.
While we are playing behind closed doors etc I just want wins and points on the board.
The whole spectacle of sport now comes down to results and the other things I associate with sport is not part of it
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I think one of the most promising things from yesterday was how tired and leggy huddersfield began to look as we entered the later stages of the 2nd half. We certainly kept going and in these early games points can come cheaply and you need to take advantage.
We got the three points and that is the type of result we want, ones where we are finding our feet and our fitness or one or two bits of quality get us the result.
As the season continues momentum, cohesion comes more in to the fold. But take advantage early. It is great to get points and get moving. I always look at how quickly you can get to 10, to 20 points and so on.
Clean sheet, scored later in the game are all good things to have.
I think one of the biggest things will be how we react and come back from being a goal down. That test will come but for now, 3 points and Emi returns.
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I am looking forward to the game.
Hoping we play with a little more pace and assertiveness as now we can impose our style much more with a pretty fully fit group.
After the restart it was pretty ugly watching, so I believe urgency, snapping at heels, good movement and build belief is the order of the day.
Yes the chemistry and cohesion may not be there quite yet after preseason and with new guys joining but quality is there in our team.
Quality is what can get us going in these early games as we find the best formation and group.
Hate to also say it but Aaron's, Cantwell, Godfrey and Buendia need to have a good start if they have desires to move this summer. So that could also play into our hands as we get them playing at their best early doors.
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Tbh I think newcastle are getting a cracking player.
He is young, excelled in the championship for 2 seasons. Last season showed fight and the ability to learn during the game.
Still got a lot of upside and will improve.
Full international and I do think the move is right.
With better players around him he can then have cover and judge the right time to go forward. Both full backs were held back last season as we were underdogs and had injuries to the defensive centre back pairings putting pressure on the full backs.
A great move and I wish the lad we brought through our system after picking him up from Luton all the best.
It's another piece of good ££ into our coffers and with add ons we have some extra security, brilliant.
Sorenson in the middle
in Main Discussion - Norwich City
Posted
I agree Indy and tbh just his application has warranted this thread. He almost deserves to be player of the month because we have not come apart since a central midfielder who has never played in the championship, let alone England, has performed admirably at left back.
He can put his foot in, has a range of passes, has composure and I think already is proving to be a valuable first steamer and I expect him to play in the middle once we get a full back fit. I like his link up play with Placheta and think this is going to grow even when he moves to that central midfield position.
He has won the respect of his peers stepping in with Xavi's injury and the fans.
But he has more to give and think we can all see it once he can play in his preferred position.