Pace isn’t a huge issue for him. Though I wonder a bit about his close control- he likes to knock the ball on rather than keep it at his feet and that makes it easier for defenders to knock away. That’s not a big problem if he has a second striker at close quarters but when he was more isolated often led to the ball not sticking with him. That’ll also impact on which clubs would see him fitting their style.
Yes, I try to keep away from most player threads as I end up wiffling on about anything and everything. But then it is a team game...
I agree, but like the Benrahama saga a couple of years ago now, he had a long long contract. With Toney still having 4 years I still feel MB holds all the cards. There was the clamour for both Ollie and Säid to go two seasons ago but stayed one more season.
Totally agree and I didn't intend to minimise the impact by referring to it as a tweak. It was a superb alteration. I also think it wont fully be appreciated by other teams who might see the change as simply three at the back and they may struggle to combat it. Its easier said than done to close down a centre back. Teams never found a way to subdue Beckenbauer who was the master of the craft.However let's see it working against a direct team next game. I'm optimistic that Thomas has found a system that can carry us through. I'd like to see Josh integrated if he gets fit. Tough on Fosu but l think he'd have to make way.
I would prefer a combination of Rico and Henrik as the latter has greater aerial ability and uses the ball in attacking areas very well. He doesn't have the pace of Rico of course so cannot get up and down the pitch anything like as well. It is not necessarily height that is required but heading ability and positional sense although to suggest that height is irrelevant is surely wrong?
I think Rico’s height is not very important but his crossing quality could do with improvement to become a good PL player. If we wanted a LWB with height MBS is showing he can do that and was improving game by game before our switch of tactics last weekend. But it is notable that for our style of play we looked much better with Bryan playing there than with MBS as his combination of pace and attacking ability were nearer what we want from Rico (actually in terms of attacking obviously far ahead) and as with Rico, pace makes up for any deficiency in defensive positioning. But if positioning is good, even little guys like Rico and Bryan can deal with aerial threats well as Bryan did with one ball from Preston past the far post to head away from an opponent about 6” taller than him.
I'm struggling here. My final point on height is that if l was managing a team and the oppo had a small full back I would target him with high balls and a taller striker and look for the knock downs.In open play resulting in crosses to the far post the little one would struggle so l'd target his post. So other things being equal l take a taller defender. After all defending is their priority.
Preston did that first half and diddy Bryan beat their beanpole every time.
I wonder why they don't target Henrik.I hadn't noticed a lot of high ball being sent at Mads but I might be wrong. No joy perhaps.
Last season some teams did target Henrik when Pontus was playing because the two of them could be a little slow. That was less of an issue this season as Ethan playing RCB was more mobile to cover.
I’d guess it’s based on their strengths and tactics. Most teams are stronger on the right and, if they’re playing long balls out wide, then a shorter full back is a target. If it’s a quick tricky winger, then Henrik would be the target.
It's interesting that the majority of teams knock it long to Rico. That's my recollection of this season. No tricky wingers ? Maybe winning a high ball out wide is the easy option?
True but according to Wikipedia there's 1cm (2/5 inch) difference between them.Lucky us. As the commentator said the PNE guy should have done better. BTW Bryan isn't as diddy as Rico
Toney is superior to all those you mention and we have a reputation for nurturing the very best talent. We're Super Bees as I'm sure you'll agree, not some tin pot copy cat club!
Yes Ivan's acquired Rico's pace and Rico's goalscoring is set to take off.
That little bit extra makes all the difference ( so l have been told )
No difference at all, it is the jumping ability and power of the player, positioning of the player is very important too has someone else mentioned earlier in the thread. Look how many times we have seen small players win aerial battles because of there jumping power.
And potentially good for the buying side if shopping locally in L1&2.
Very good.
I seem to recall Fulham tweaking their formation at the very end of last season.....
