Nottingham Forest (H) - Wed 4th Dec, 19:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[willipp]

He doesn't get tight on people that's his weakness imo. First time I noticed it was when Rashford got that bloody late winner at the swamp and I thought hecshould have got a block in. He's not our biggest problem and good when not under the cosh but I don't think he instinctively gets in good defensive positions.

I've noticed numerous times this season that he is incredibly slow to get into a good position when defending counter attacks. On Sunday when that ball went over the top into the corner, Salah had time to make his sunday dinner before Akanji trotted back casually to close him down. Gave liverpool players time to break into the box and he never got close enough to Salah to even put pressure on the cross. It was so casual from Akanji it totally summed up our defensive attitude to the game at the moment.

I noticed the same when we lost at Spurs where i put it down to injury and seen it a few times prior. He's been great for us up to this season, but he looks miles off and needs to up his game big time.

The list is long to be fair though when it comes to defense and they all need to pull their fingers out and start to take some fucking responsibility.

 

[Mancini’s Pastilles]

What do you see as his best position mate? I think he has all the attributes to be a great footballer but hasn't found his home yet

Not joking. A number 10. In the KDB role

 

[Scooby Blue]

Genuinely can't understand why Rico is getting so much grief on this forum. It's puzzling, and it's dismaying. He's one of the best players to come out of the academy. He's technically accomplished, he's a fine reader of the game. His weakness — and I will not deny it — is that he gets physically bullied, and I think he always will be. If he's played in the right position, I think that will be attenuated. I'd just as soon see him in the team as anyone. Nobody's playing particularly well.

He's NOT "technically accomplished" - needs too many touches + passing range very limited.
Offers little in attacking areas, often caught sleeping in defensive duties.
He is in the side because he shows a bit of energy - which we are sorely lacking, but he is getting way too much game time at present

 

[willipp]

Genuinely can't understand why Rico is getting so much grief on this forum. It's puzzling, and it's dismaying. He's one of the best players to come out of the academy. He's technically accomplished, he's a fine reader of the game. His weakness — and I will not deny it — is that he gets physically bullied, and I think he always will be. If he's played in the right position, I think that will be attenuated. I'd just as soon see him in the team as anyone. Nobody's playing particularly well.

I think he's been shafted a little bit this season so its hard to judge him off what's been a nightmare time for everyone. Reality is though he's struggled big time recently and raises the question of being good enough long term. Feels to me he needs some time out of the side, but the current situation doesn't allow for that luxury.

 

[mancityvstoke]

Can't wait for this.......a match you have to be at.

Step up blues

 

[ArdwickBlue_M12]

I don't really watch Forest but if they have pacey midfielders with physicality we are in trouble again i'm afraid. all they need to do is sit back and hit us on the counter. If I see Gundo and Walker in the starting xi we will lose the game before kick off. simple as that

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I think he's been shafted a little bit this season so its hard to judge him off what's been a nightmare time for everyone. Reality is though he's struggled big time recently and raises the question of being good enough long term. Feels to me he needs some time out of the side, but the current situation doesn't allow for that luxury.

Fair enough.

 

[bluemoon32]

Ecaxtly! It really isn't going to be pretty believe you me. If we concentrate for 90 odd minutes, don't have any silly brain farts and put our chances away(would also help if the goalie doesn't have a worldie again) then we might just get there. It certainly isn't going to easy, the table doesn't lie.

I see your problem....

 

[Kompany Car]

Rico to me looks like someone who should be playing Bernie's position in the future. Didnt like the way he was jumping out of 50-50s on Sunday, but that could also be said of others on the pitch. He's not good enough defensively, particularly against the type of forwards that are now in the PL, but he can do the role like Bernardo used to do a few season back and be a player that forces mistakes by pressing them relentlessly.

The problem is that we cant press like we used to without someone suitable to sit deep and shield the defenders.

 

[pride in battle]

Yeah, more legs in the side looks pretty essential at the moment.

Won’t happen but i’d like to Gvardiol tried on front of the defence. I think he’s too good to be out of the side for long. If Ake is fit though he helps tighten us up at left back.Hes tried Lewis in there and i can’t see how Josko would offer more. He’s just a better pure footballer and would add some much needed physicality

Agree 100% mate