You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
How do you justify playing Zab over Elano?
- Thread starter skybluekings
- Start date
Crossing over on a debate on Dunnie. I think we have to slightly alter the team depending on who we play.
In certain games Zab at RB, with De Jong in the DM with Elano and Ireland ahead will be perfect. But other games we'll need the Zab in there with De Jong.
I think against teams like Stoke away the formation was right. We should've (IMO) taken Richards off and Zab and Bridge played as our wing backs. The 2 centre backs coped with their limited threat. Zab would've been much smarter than headless chicken Richards in the attack when we needed something from the wings.
PS - where is our EFFING width??
V 10 men you need width...
In certain games Zab at RB, with De Jong in the DM with Elano and Ireland ahead will be perfect. But other games we'll need the Zab in there with De Jong.
I think against teams like Stoke away the formation was right. We should've (IMO) taken Richards off and Zab and Bridge played as our wing backs. The 2 centre backs coped with their limited threat. Zab would've been much smarter than headless chicken Richards in the attack when we needed something from the wings.
PS - where is our EFFING width??
V 10 men you need width...
Astuteboy
Well-Known Member
stonerblue said:skybluekings said:After reading reviews of our team from the South American press I have to agree that "Elano is too good to be sitting on the bench".
The inclusion of De Jong and Zab in midfield means that we are now running a 2 DM set. Why? With Kompany now in CB, his spot can now be taken by one of the two...but to have both? It makes no sense as it takes away from our creativity. Is this overly defensive set up really needed or for that matter can you name another top team using 2 DMs?
Zab is like Kompany had been, playing out of his natural position which is right back. The fact that he can play in midfield, doesn't make him a midfielder. To add to the confusion, Elano is a STARTER for the great Brazil...yet not good enough for our team?
How bad can we be in this line up?:
--------Given------
Zab----Kompany----Richards/Ned----Bridge
-----------De Jong---------------
SWP---Elano---Ireland---Robinho
-----------Bellamy-----------
In my opinion, the above is a GREAT team. However whilst currently having Richards at right back may bode well defensively, Richards is yet to produce a cross. All season (from the right back position). Therefore it is better to have Zab at right back and allow him to join the attack like an extra winger - which he has done effectively this season.
Playing 2 DMs? Really? This makes no sense to me and gradually seems more of a vendetta against a player rather than good tactics, or for that matter, good judgement.
EDIT: Seriously, Can you name ANY TEAM which uses a 2 DM set?
utd, villa, chelsea, everton, liverpool, boro,.....
Where do people get the idea that the top teams play with 2 proper DM's? It's simply not true!
1) Chelsea - 1 (Mikel)
2) Utd - 1 (Carrick) - Fletcher is not a DM, his place often goes to Scholes / Giggs
3) Everton - 1 (Pip Neville)
Chelsea especially is one that always confuses me - how can anyone consider Ballack/Lampard/Malouda/Cole to be a DM? Madness!
I'm not saying we shouldn't play 2 DM's as we need to work on being solid at the moment, but to say all the best teams play 2 DM's is just wrong... sorry.
ono
Well-Known Member
Personally i'd play Elano over SWP at the minute,
--------------Given-------------
Micah------Ned-----Vinnie-----Bridge
--------Zab----------De Jong------
--------------Ireland---------------
----Elano-----Bellamy-----Robbie----
Best game i've seen elano play this season was the West Ham game where he scored two.
SWP isn't doing it at the minute and against teams like Stoke who park the bus, he just isn't as useful - due to poor passing mainly. He's great when he has some space to run at defenders, but on a dry and narrow pitch, it's almost impossible. Elano, imo, would be more useful from the start in that type of game.
As we are all aware, SWP hasn't been playing as a winger anyway, so switching him with Elano wouldn't create the same problem we had last year when Elano played wide right for a little while.
--------------Given-------------
Micah------Ned-----Vinnie-----Bridge
--------Zab----------De Jong------
--------------Ireland---------------
----Elano-----Bellamy-----Robbie----
Best game i've seen elano play this season was the West Ham game where he scored two.
SWP isn't doing it at the minute and against teams like Stoke who park the bus, he just isn't as useful - due to poor passing mainly. He's great when he has some space to run at defenders, but on a dry and narrow pitch, it's almost impossible. Elano, imo, would be more useful from the start in that type of game.
As we are all aware, SWP hasn't been playing as a winger anyway, so switching him with Elano wouldn't create the same problem we had last year when Elano played wide right for a little while.
We need two defensive midfielders because SWP, Ireland and Robbie are without doubt our 3 best players and it's the only possible way to accomodate those without leaving ourselves too vulnerable. Elano, as much as I like him just doesn't give the team as much as the 3 attacking players and he hasn't got the tackling ability or discipline to play in either of the holding midfeld roles.