The Weakest Link?

[weller54]

Ulloa!!..

You ARE the weakest link...

GOODBYE!

[filbertstreet]

Are Mascots allowed subs..??

yes

 

[Fox seen in Norwich]

Agree re: Okazaki/Ulloa but tbf Ulloa was at Brighton and shinji only been playing in England for 6 months

Think DD is more important than the op scores him cus when he plays well we play well and vies versa

[Monsell1976]

Agree re: Okazaki/Ulloa but tbf Ulloa was at Brighton and shinji only been playing in England for 6 months

Think DD is more important than the op scores him cus when he plays well we play well and vies versa

Ulloa and Okazaki has both been given enough game time this season, both have been found wanting, and both shouldn't be given anything more than a seat on the bench, and others given a chance, or a better/ experienced player at this level brought in.

[jaqo88]

Surprised at anyone now saying Simpson. He's been one of our best players over recent weeks, no doubt.

Although Simpson has been good recently, I think that Claudio has managed to get him playing above his normal level so far. This is a good thing, but I think long term, we definitely need a new right back and second striker.

[Fox seen in Norwich]

Ulloa and Okazaki has both been given enough game time this season, both have been found wanting, and both shouldn't be given anything more than a seat on the bench, and others given a chance, or a better/ experienced player at this level brought in.

I kind of agree but I remember words similar when Vardy first arrived. Couldn't trap a bag of cement

[Monsell1976]

I kind of agree but I remember words similar when Vardy first arrived. Couldn't trap a bag of cement

Okazaki needs benching and introduced to the premier league, and given more time, and get used to the physical aspect of the premier league, like vardy.

Leo has the experience, but is a shadow of the player of last season, wether last season was as good as he gets, and he's on the decline, but he's been awful all season.

Both are not performing, which makes us ever dependant on vardy, who cannot maintain the great form all season, when his goals dry up, we need someone to find the net, but nothing these two have shown up until now, suggest they can.

[Fox seen in Norwich]

Okazaki needs benching and introduced to the premier league, and given more time, and get used to the physical aspect of the premier league, like vardy.

Leo has the experience, but is a shadow of the player of last season, wether last season was as good as he gets, and he's on the decline, but he's been awful all season.

Both are not performing, which makes us ever dependant on vardy, who cannot maintain the great form all season, when his goals dry up, we need someone to find the net, but nothing these two have shown up until now, suggest they can.

Let's hope Vardy's goals don't dry up. Agree we need someone else up top to find the net, and regularly, but I'm not convinced it's as simple as buying someone to do it, otherwise all clubs would have two 15/20 goals a season striker.

Not wanting to digress from the OP but Ranieri, coaching staff and players all need to work out a way for ulloa and/ or Okazaki, maybe kramaric too, to contribute more goals. We set up for Vardy to score. The challenge for the club is to keep the Vardy goals coming and introduce goals for others in the 2nd half of the season.

[michigan_fox]

I think Ulloa and Okazaki would perform a bit better if we were able to earn a bit more possession, and spend a bit more time in the opponents' half. With our current style of play we hardly need Ulloa/Okazaki, and it shows in their performances.

 

I'd say the best candidate for replacement is Simpson. As others have said, he's been quite capable defensively, but he is a veritable black hole when we have the ball. Far too often when the ball reaches Simpson he passes it back to Kasper, who in turn hoofs it upfield, often resulting in another long stretch of defending. A more attack-minded RB might help us get the likes of Ulloa/Okazaki more involved.

[foxinsox]

Simpson could easily have been motm on Saturday against Bournemouth. Sure he doesn't tackle spectacularly, but by staying on his feet and pressing his opponent he allows time for the other 7 of the back 8 to get in position and stop the attack.

Sure, he doesn't get forward much and is rather lacking in charm, but we do need a fairly defensive RB to make up for Mahrez's poor defensive skills and positioning.

I wouldn't say no to a better RB, but it is no crisis. It is a striker or two and a back up goalie that are needed most. A CAM would be good too.

[jaqo88]

Simpson could easily have been motm on Saturday against Bournemouth.

Bournemouth had practically an open goal, because Simpson assumed the ball was going out, and failed to pressure Stanislas which led to a glorious chance, another day, that's a goal. Stanislas seemed to be a real threat and this is Stanislas we are talking about.

[FireFox]

Simpson

 

Or the "second striker role" - but I wouldn't say Ulloa or Okazaki because they just aren't that type of player, just being forced to play it because of how good Vardy has been.

[fuchsntf]

No Simpson doesnt bomb up the pitch, like RdL, but in midfield he plays many good 1-2s to breakdown or start things.

He is a good tackler, interceptions at vital moments, Not been prolific but actually has put in some good crosses, and again started some good moves with Mahrez to start one of his runs, or is available for the simple pass with DD when starting the moves that gets Kante on one of his pressing runs.

I reckon RDL will up his game.

I believe the Back line is for this run in, more than ok, unless Benny is moved on in January.

A young cover, with some experience in any DF position or 2 would be welcome.

But having Was, RDL, and Chillie, and maybe still Benny, makes it Not desperate.

If we see Shinji and Ulloa, find some type of consistent form, with Gray and Kramaric, able to

turnout some performances, we wont be far off being a consistent top 8 team heading in for a

potential top 4 mix.

We will invest in new players, we might see some favourites drift, but most of that is for the summer.

Now I sit back and enjoy the ride, not looking for weak-links because we are safe, because these

early 40pts, we can extend our dreams but not over do it with expectations.

Those so called opinions, on our present team/squad status, will take natural turns,

but all the players for me, start the next 5 games with clean sheets.I wont or refuse to dizz off any

player on single games, or short game-time.

If Ulloa/Shinji/Kramaric and even maybe Moore cant turn their seasons over, in one shape or another,

Summer will sort it out.That will be when management wont dither, and that is for now a long long way into the future.

Note..!! This first 20 games has given us the fans, yes us, the 1st freeby in years, a stress free 5 months

Dont waste it, use it...and bloody enjoy it, without needing to be grumpy negative fans.

No need, no need at all. Pull back on your urges, and when it hurts, still support that

guy in that blue foxes shirt. Because it wont mean a bloody thing, it would be petty.

THE support so far has been fantastic, but now you can all stick your necks out,

And support and encourage that player or players, who are just not clicking in any

one game, or string of games.Its a chance to support and pull along the WHOLE team

to a man.

[Oxfordfox83]

it's so hard to be fair abut who's weakest. I don't think any of the 12 are particularly weak and especially when judged against what we've been used to in recent seasons.

To pick two I suppose there are five contenders: Kasper, Simpson, Albrighton, Shinji and Ulloa.

a) Kasper I mention because he's indecisive at times when dealing with crosses and not really big enough to be as commanding as his father. But he's usually a good shop stopper, his concentration is sound, his handling reliable and there are few goalskeepers more involved, encouraging and demanding of good concentration and high stanards. So, despite being a goalkeeper who's not exceptional like Banks or Shilton, I'd retain the bloke anytime for the sum total of all his pluses which is considerable. East to replace? Technically maybe but not inspirationally.

b) Simpson: The improvement in our defensive solidarity since he replaced DeLaet is unquestionable. He's strong, reliable, rarely skinned, maintains good positions and has both the concentration and determination to finish his job. On the flip side he sees the halfway line as something of a boundary fence and therefore appears limited in terms of our tactical options. Easy to replace? With our purse I would think so.

c) Albrighton: Mr Reliable 7/10. Most valuable as a maker of goals and for the amount of defending he gets in to go with his crossmaking. For me his crosses are too non-descript - I like em fast, furious, high or low and with a bit of spin or flight. His tend to be too medium paced and that bit easier to defend. He does shoot occasionally but not enough and not all that convincingly. Not known for driving himself to reach anything loose in the box. He's not an aggressive defender but does enough to play his part and usually quite soundly for a winger. Easy to Replace? Years ago I'd have said yes. Good crossers were 10 a penny. Not quite so easy now but we've got the funds to do it and get someone faster and a bit more tricky.

d) Shinji: Is he a striker, a midfield player or just Mr Average at both at our level. He's willing, energetic and committed, no question and he can shoot technically. But he's not a great tackler, not a great dribbler, not especially strong in the tackle, not special in the air, not that quick not that anything really. East to Replace? Not from the Far East necessarily but otherwise, yes, I think so.

e) Ulloa: I don't altogther understand the hammer he gets. He's not pretty, not deft and subtle like Peter Osgood or Teddy Sheringham but he's a bloody nuisance for most defenders. He's already shown he can register double figures in goals and when playing regularly has the touch and intelligence to make goals himself or the selflessness to make space so people can score. He's not lazy in trying to do the dirty work, just ungainly and a bit limited when forced away from his natural habitat. Our only attacker with any aerial capability to speak of. East to Replace? Yes, with the money available. In fact we might get more for the outlay.

So - the weakest links for us?

None really. All are important with our current squad make up and until we have better alternatives and cover on the books I wouldn't want any of them gone.

Albrighton in our weakest five?? Nuts mate.

[Oxfordfox83]

Bournemouth had practically an open goal, because Simpson assumed the ball was going out, and failed to pressure Stanislas which led to a glorious chance, another day, that's a goal. Stanislas seemed to be a real threat and this is Stanislas we are talking about.

If you'd said Stanislas one more time he'd have appeared in your bathroom mirror...

[Stuntman_Mike]

Schimeichel - not commanding enough from crosses/set pieces. 

Simpson - has filled in well but is a bit limited when you consider how much Fuchs offers on the opposite side.            

Ulloa - just doesn't look interested and I'm not sure if it's a fitness thing, but he has been frustrating so far this season when given the chance.

Okazaki - I'm sure he'll come good but he hasn't offered enough overall. 

 

It's hard to pick fault when collectively we're doing so well, but they're the few things I'd pick at.

[Vardinio'sCat]

this

[Vardinio'sCat]

oops

[jaqo88]

If you'd said Stanislas one more time he'd have appeared in your bathroom mirror...

Fvck me that would be a scary sight.

[Guest Col city fan]

Fvck me that would be a scary sight.

I tried it earlier and funnily enough, he didn't.

Instead, some balding, slightly chubby half-asleep geezer appeared instead.

As Toyah once said...its a mystery..

[Fox92]

Need a new striker.

[Aus Fox]

I was hoping this thread was going to be a case of resting Rachel for the FA Cup and brining in Anne Robinson.

So disappointed

[Sampson]

Albrighton in our weakest five?? Nuts mate.

He's had a couple of poor games recently and we all know how short sighted people are and can't look past the past couple of games.

He's one of the top assisters and chance creators in the league. Also the top chance creator in our side this season, even over Mahrez.

Add to that his endless defensive work rate and pressing and honestly, he's our most underrated player by far. Just doesn't get the credit he deserves because he's not flashy and crossing is one of the hardest things to do well in football and people seem to expect it to hit every time.

Even though he didn't have the best of games against Bournemouth, he'd still ran the most miles before coming off - even over Kante and also played one beautiful through ball which would have sent Vardy one-on-one had Vardy not screwed up his first touch and had to go back on himself.

It's not as easy as just brining in a "faster, trickier winger", it means also having to find one with his work rate, energy, concentration, defensive positioning and pressing ability, especially when our side our side is built round its work rate, pressing and concentration and he's one of our best players in that regard alongside Vardy and Kante.

[MooseBreath]

Based on minutes played Okazaki would be on track to get ten goals over a full season, which isn't terrible for his first season in a new country in a new team in which he is playing in a new more withdrawn role.

It's harsh to call anyone a weak link really, but if we're talking about the 'least good' players then Ulloa stands out. As good as he was last season he is having an absolute stinker this year.

Just outside of the first team players like King, Inler and Schlupp have looked a very noticeable level below.

Simpson has looked rock solid. He's a totally different player in a quietly revolutionised defence and all credit to Ranieri for that.

[Blackpool Fox 69]

Shinji definitely for me, he has become a bit of a parody, his first thought is to fling himself to the floor to win a free kick, which rarely happens as refs are wise to him. That's why some people say he is weak, he isn't. The knock on effect is our play is broken up and we are on the back foot then. At least when Leo is on there is a physical presence, it also means Vards doesn't have to try to win the flick on, he's better running onto the flick on. Wouldn't mind a tallish Striker who can play, like Austin, also a second option to Fuchs on dead ball stuff, our output from set pieces has been very poor(usually because we are short in the height dept.)