02 Feb 2016 19:24:08
Well I can't believe people are actually agreeing with me now about McCarthy. His lack of goals. I have gone on and on about his and the midfielders lack of goals for a year now. But I will concentrate on McCarthy.
1. He is a brilliant athlete with an iron heart that keeps going until he can go no more.
2. At times it looks like a player from the opposition is about to breaak through and the one player who time and time again gets a last ditch tackle in is James McCarthy.
3. When he wins the ball or recieves it from a team mate, he is ok running with it but often opts for an easy pass or holds it upto bring Barry backinto the game.
4. He very rarely drives at defenders or opposition midfielders and consequently rarely creates goals nor scores them.
5. He is very rarely ahead of the ball when we are breaking so is not in position to help develop attacks.
Now that's my summary and if he was the only midfielder in the team to play like this, everything would be hunky dory (thanks David) . However, Barry, Besic and Cleverly all have slight tenancies to be players in this mould. Players like Pienaar, Osman, Cahill etc would put a shift in and defend, but also get ahead of the ball and link defence to attack using quickness of feet. Deulofeu does this as does Barkley. but both do not tackle nor know how to defend. so we have round pins in round holes and square pegs in square holes. but the players are only expert at one part of their gaame and that's why I think we are suffering. Howard is to blame for a few goals as are individuaal defenders. But these are the same defenders who were attracting attention from other teams. Stones in particular. Yes, I think we do not defend as a team anymore. rather we have very skillful attacking midfielders and an abundance of defending midfielders.
02 Feb 2016 19:40:57
*Clap* *Clap*.
02 Feb 2016 19:52:11
Degsy, that's pretty much spot on, however, I do think cleverly can play further forward as he has when out wide the problem is he tends to get picked when we have an injury so has not really been able to settle into a single position. I would like to see him tried in the 10 role so we can rest Barkley but I can't see that happening any time soon.
02 Feb 2016 21:09:15
Degsy so your saying basically McCarthy is a good player and his downfall is his contribution going forward. Like scoring and creating goals.
No one has disagreed with that. I suspect the reason McCarthy plays like this is simple. And its the same reason we are suffering defensively.
They are all under orders from Martinez. Do you not agree the reason we are suffering defensively is because of Martinez tactics and lack of quality defensive coaching.
The players simply must do as Martinez tells them. Otherwise they will be dropped by Martinez. Look how Cleverly changed towards the end of his last season at Villa.
He was much better when the the new manager came in and encouraged him to move forward more. Think he scored and set up a nice few in the last 10 games or so of that season.
I put that down to change of instructions from the management. Our team is underachieving I think everyone agrees with that.
Imho our defense is even underachieving far more than the team as a whole. Its really the defence that is underachieving for me.
Basically because of Martinez. My opinion, don't think it would be everyone's.
Now I'm not blaming Martinez for everything McCarthy does badly but do think McCarthy is under instructions on how to play and how to use the ball. Whether he agrees with it or not he has to do what he is told.
02 Feb 2016 21:56:26
Roy Keane played the same position he was a great tackler broke up the opposition play he could spread a pass but he was never pulling up trees in the opponents box
Some people just moan for the sake of it.
02 Feb 2016 22:30:52
Totally agree with that Blueliam. Keane was top class without the show boating. At his peak would of benefited pretty much any team in the world.
{Ed025's Note - great footballer NBTB...what a pity that as a human being he is a low life scum bag without morals..
03 Feb 2016 00:48:43
That's true Ed025. Long way from Naismith. But the point is Utd needed him. Like every successful team needs at least one of that type of player. As tough a player as you will get.
Loved him and Viera arguing in the tunnel that time. Adds to the passion and excitement of everything when the game is on.
03 Feb 2016 08:28:59
NBTB. thanks for your comments. Yes I am saying any team can have one work horse with a lack of natural ability going forwards. (and by the way I do not put Roy Keane in this category because he was brilliant going forwards) . I am adding that our squad seems to be getting filled with players of a similar profile. Barry, Besc and Cleverley also show signs of this. although I accept Cleverley has a bit more natural ability. If you look at the statistics of these players, through their careers, they have averaged about 1 goal a season each. Certainly none have averaged over 3. Barry is one of Maartinez's firt names on the teamsheet. So when McCarthy joins him, that's our spine of the team likely to score in probably 4 games a season. Add to this that neither are players who asssist very often. it highlights a problem. If RM includes Besic or Cleverly in the team. the problem is compunded. Swan I am not sure what your clap clap comment means? Sarcasm? Without getting too personal, remember telling me how getting rid of Anichebe was brilliant and Kone was a great signing. and I said it was bad business. You also told me Alcaraz was class for a free signing. I said he was slow and a plodder. I think you also said McGeady was a good signing too? But maybe I just imagined that one?
03 Feb 2016 08:29:59
alanthomo summed it up with his comment about all the gear but no idea.
03 Feb 2016 18:18:42
Only after seeing your comment there now Degsy. I'm liking your last 6 or 7 lines ðŸ˜.