Max Gradel

[Foxhateram]

Gradel was starting every game, but then he was dropped because he was playing poor...

Took a knock in one of the games, and was suffering from an injury i beleive.

[Simi]

There must be a reason why though.

Poor management?

Personal Reasons?

He was immense for Bournemouth in this league last year, so i really do not know why.

I think he has a lot to learn but hopefully he will keep getting more chances.

Maybe he's playing piss poor to stop us telling him to shag our wives

How about he just slipped out of form? Most players do.

Took a knock in one of the games, and was suffering from an injury i beleive.

Yeah, but he was also playing poor in the games before that, which is why Adams kept his place when Gradel returned.

[Foxhateram]

How about he just slipped out of form? Most players do.

Yeah, but he was also playing poor in the games before that, which is why Adams kept his place when Gradel returned.

hmm yer but maybe his slip in form was due to the knock. Im not sure when/where he picked it up. I certainly dont remember anyone mentioning a difinitive tackle that hurt him. I think the lad is just lacking in confidence for watever reasons.

I'm sure Pearson can sort him out though and we can see the real Max Gradel again soon. He did ok on tuesday night, got two assits from set pieces but was marked out of the game from what iv heard.

He played better for bournemouth last season because of the way opposing teams played against bournemouth. Maxi is most useful when he can break down the wing on a counter attack. Unfortunatly in recent weeks teams had left 11 men behind the ball therefore giving both wingers very little room for manouver. It is a tactic Millwall enforced and it worked a charm, other teams are cottening on now.

[Simi]

hmm yer but maybe his slip in form was due to the knock. Im not sure when/where he picked it up. I certainly dont remember anyone mentioning a difinitive tackle that hurt him. I think the lad is just lacking in confidence for watever reasons.

I'm sure Pearson can sort him out though and we can see the real Max Gradel again soon. He did ok on tuesday night, got two assits from set pieces but was marked out of the game from what iv heard.

He played better for bournemouth last season because of the way opposing teams played against bournemouth. Maxi is most useful when he can break down the wing on a counter attack. Unfortunatly in recent weeks teams had left 11 men behind the ball therefore giving both wingers very little room for manouver. It is a tactic Millwall enforced and it worked a charm, other teams are cottening on now.

Exactly. But if teams are going to carry on doing that when they come to the Walkers is Gradel going to be that effective? I doubt it. I want to see it work out for him but he needs to carry on developing because every time he's played this season he's been doubled up against.

[Foxhateram]

Exactly. But if teams are going to carry on doing that when they come to the Walkers is Gradel going to be that effective? I doubt it. I want to see it work out for him but he needs to carry on developing because every time he's played this season he's been doubled up against.

That is not up to Gradel to counter though. If you look in the Nigel Pearson thread i have tried to explain ways of countering 11 men behind the ball. To summarise what i put. It is all aobut a more patiant build up.

You need to find a way to drag teams out of their own box, there are several ways to do it but the most effective i have seen is when you retain possesion in your won half. This drags the opposition further forward, it seems a negative way to play and also the crowd would hate it. However it works like a charm, Arsenal do it perfectly. they play it around which then makes the opposition gradually creep forward. Then when the oppoistion get pulled out Gradel and Dyer burst forward and take on the full back.

The formation you start with is 5-3-2 which then turns to 3-3-4 when the opposing team is dragged out. Pearson needs to change the tactics we are playing, or the way we build our attacks. it is virtually impossible to break down an 11 man wall when you rush the ball forward. We need to be far more patiant.

[Simi]

That is not up to Gradel to counter though. If you look in the Nigel Pearson thread i have tried to explain ways of countering 11 men behind the ball. To summarise what i put. It is all aobut a more patiant build up.

You need to find a way to drag teams out of their own box, there are several ways to do it but the most effective i have seen is when you retain possesion in your won half. This drags the opposition further forward, it seems a negative way to play and also the crowd would hate it. However it works like a charm, Arsenal do it perfectly. they play it around which then makes the opposition gradually creep forward. Then when the oppoistion get pulled out Gradel and Dyer burst forward and take on the full back.

The formation you start with is 5-3-2 which then turns to 3-3-4 when the opposing team is dragged out. Pearson needs to change the tactics we are playing, or the way we build our attacks. it is virtually impossible to break down an 11 man wall when you rush the ball forward. We need to be far more patiant.

Sorry to piss on your fire, but playing anything like Arsenal is completely unrealistic, we don't have any players with anywhere near the technical ability to be able to shift the ball like Arsenal do.

It is up to Gradel and Pearson to help alter how we attack things, running at the full back and shifting a cross in will not always work.

[Thracian]

hmm yer but maybe his slip in form was due to the knock. Im not sure when/where he picked it up. I certainly dont remember anyone mentioning a difinitive tackle that hurt him. I think the lad is just lacking in confidence for watever reasons.

I'm sure Pearson can sort him out though and we can see the real Max Gradel again soon. He did ok on tuesday night, got two assits from set pieces but was marked out of the game from what iv heard.

He played better for bournemouth last season because of the way opposing teams played against bournemouth. Maxi is most useful when he can break down the wing on a counter attack. Unfortunatly in recent weeks teams had left 11 men behind the ball therefore giving both wingers very little room for manouver. It is a tactic Millwall enforced and it worked a charm, other teams are cottening on now.

So why don't they give him freedom to wander? Are other team members incapable of providing some right wing width in his absence?

Gradel played on the left for much of his time at Bournemouth so swopping wings shouldn't be a problem but he'd also be dangerous coming inside sometimes. That would test the rivets of an organised defence and was something we should have alowed Porter to do under Kelly when he was man marked.

Another ploy is to let the tightly marked wingers drag their markers towards the halfway line and get other attackers to make diagonal runs into the space behind them and for the winger to then attack the central penalty area.

George Best turned up anywhere and Cristiano Ronaldo's the same. They didn't/don't hang around waiting to be marked.

But when Ronaldo moves there is someone like Wes Brown or Tevez or Rooney out there to make the width. Either that or United ignore a wing completely for a while and play close one-two's in central areas, just maintaining width on the left, perhaps through Evra. It's all about constantly asking different questions and having players intelligent enough to react to what's going on.

[Foxhateram]

Sorry to piss on your fire, but playing anything like Arsenal is completely unrealistic, we don't have any players with anywhere near the technical ability to be able to shift the ball like Arsenal do.

It is up to Gradel and Pearson to help alter how we attack things, running at the full back and shifting a cross in will not always work.

I completely agree with your point. i wasnt saying that we shift the ball like arsenal for a start we wouldnt need to in this league anyway. The tactic that i refer to should not be foreign to proffesional footballers. It would take time to adapt too agreed, but we need to come up with a plan B to counter these defensive sides. It is up to Pearson definetly, but how you can expect Gradel to work any magic when he has to beat two men before he can even think about crossing the ball, is beyond me.

We need to be more patiant with our build up, and drag teams out of there defensive positions before attacking at them. The most obvious way to drag teams out, is to be more patiant with our build up and play it around a bit more before we try and unlock the opposition defense.

[Foxhateram]

So why don't they give him freedom to wander? Are other team members incapable of providing some right wing width in his absence?

Gradel played on the left for much of his time at Bournemouth so swopping wings shouldn't be a problem but he'd also be dangerous coming inside sometimes. That would test the rivets of an organised defence and was something we should have alowed Porter to do under Kelly when he was man marked.

Another ploy is to let the tightly marked wingers drag their markers towards the halfway line and get other attackers to make diagonal runs into the space behind them and for the winger to then attack the central penalty area.

George Best turned up anywhere and Cristiano Ronaldo's the same. They didn't/don't hang around waiting to be marked.

But when Ronaldo moves there is someone like Wes Brown or Tevez or Rooney out there to make the width. Either that or United ignore a wing completely for a while and play close one-two's in central areas, just maintaining width on the left, perhaps through Evra. It's all about constantly asking different questions and having players intelligent enough to react to what's going on.

I agree completely that Gradel would do well in a free roll. Teams target him and Dyer, and we could definetly use that to our advantage in the ways you highlight above. Get Dyer or Gradel to move away from their set positions therefore dragging defenders out of position and giving other players such as Mattock or Gilbert more space down the wing.

There are millions of ways to do the job. We just need to employ one of them out on the pitch, because if we carry on the way we are playing atm, teams will just nuetralise us, just like the Millwall game.

[Thracian]

I completely agree with your point. i wasnt saying that we shift the ball like arsenal for a start we wouldnt need to in this league anyway. The tactic that i refer to should not be foreign to proffesional footballers. It would take time to adapt too agreed, but we need to come up with a plan B to counter these defensive sides. It is up to Pearson definetly, but how you can expect Gradel to work any magic when he has to beat two men before he can even think about crossing the ball, is beyond me.

We need to be more patiant with our build up, and drag teams out of there defensive positions before attacking at them. The most obvious way to drag teams out, is to be more patiant with our build up and play it around a bit more before we try and unlock the opposition defense.

I thought we tried to play the ball about both at the start, and at other times, in the Walsall game - but we did so far too slowly. We were playing through-the-motions football because no-one was making any runs. I've been most impressed with us this season when we've tracked down fast and countered in numbers.

At that time when evryone was fighting for a starting place, people were marking dummy runs and step overs. We always seemed to have an extra man cos there was so much energy and conviction. All that has stopped now.

The donkeys who play in division one defences love nothing more than to saunter back behind a ball that is moving no more than steadily backwards and forwards across the field. Isolate the slowest and attack em on the ground I say. Go around em and between em at pace.

If we can't be quick and precise then we should train harder and practice til we can.

[Foxhateram]

I thought we tried to play the ball about both at the start, and at other times, in the Walsall game - but we did so far too slowly. We were playing through-the-motions football because no-one was making any runs. I've been most impressed with us this season when we've tracked down fast and countered in numbers.

The donkeys who play in division one defences love nothing more than to saunter back behind a ball that is moving no more than steadily backwards and forwards across the field. Isolate the slowest and attack em on the ground I say. Go around em and between em at pace.

If we can't be quick and precise then we should train harder and practice til we can.

aye. I can see where you are coming from but the problem is a players beats one man and then runs into another. We dont have the tactical ability to play the ball around with pace. The only way we could play the type of football you describe is if we have technically minded players who make their runs just at the right time. I'm not sure we have enough experiance in our sqaud to enforce such runs.

[5waller5]

If you went to any of the last four home games (and Gradel featured in three of them) you wouldn't have to ask.

I've been to all of them and I do have to ask.

I said earlier in the thread it was unfair to compare Gradel with Momo Sylla. But that doesn't mean he can be bracketed with Ronaldo instead.

He's a winger - as is Ronaldo - they attack defenders of a comparable quality to themselves. The comparison was made as EVEN Ronaldo doesn't beat that defender everytime. Not sure why you think i'm saying that he is as good as Ronaldo.

Quality wingers expect this level of attention and find ways of overcoming it. Gradel hasn't yet quite shown he is capable of doing so.

Maybe he hasn't encountered it yet at 20 (edited - the year makes all the difference to this quote and i now feel stupid - but will leave it here anyway for ridicule) presumably he hasn't encountered everything he is likely to in his footballing career.

If you're satisfied with a draw at home to Walsall, that's your prerogative. However, those of us whose expectations and ambitions for our club extend slightly higher, have an equally legitimate right to express disapproval.

If you think we are going to win EVERY game in whatever league we are deluded.

[Asha]

Everyones saying he's 19...

In a month he'll be 21.

[Rich Fox]

Professionals should be able to leave their personal life personal and not let it affect them when they are getting paid crazy money to play football.

He set up 2 goals and should be praised for playing after losing a close family member my heart goes out to him and his family I know what your going through max and keep up the good work.

[Ash]

Gradel is a good league one player- Only thing ive noticed is when he has the ball & has the chance to run into space,he doesnt! He has this problem that he's got to beat a man all the time! Get into the space and get the balls in the box! Where theres a fox called super matty fryatt!!!

[cutlers_post]

He set up 2 goals and should be praised for playing after losing a close family member my heart goes out to him and his family I know what your going through max and keep up the good work.

Bournemouth fan here. Obviously we would have Max back tomorrow although one relegation battle may have been enough for him. Obviously too I cannot comment on how he is playing although I am not surprised that Walsall were doubling up on him. They probably remember what he did to them last year. I am, though, shocked to read that he is having to cope with yet another family tragedy. Fate is certainly putting him through the mill. Just want to wish you and him the best for the season.

[Slarty_Bartfast]

Bournemouth fan here. Obviously we would have Max back tomorrow although one relegation battle may have been enough for him. Obviously too I cannot comment on how he is playing although I am not surprised that Walsall were doubling up on him. They probably remember what he did to them last year. I am, though, shocked to read that he is having to cope with yet another family tragedy. Fate is certainly putting him through the mill. Just want to wish you and him the best for the season.

Another Bournemouth fan here. Cant believe the cr*p comments slagging off Max on here.

We'd have him back without any question. Hes a confidence player and also a 110% tryer ( a rare combination).

Hes only as good as the quality of service he gets & the tactics hes expected to play so dont critise without looking at the wider picture.

There were plenty of games for us where he did brill for us despite the tactics... (thanks Kevin bond).

Also his family problems have been awful & the rersponsibilities that have piled onto him would have a drastic effect on most people - especially one so young. On the money front I doubt that hes being paid anywhere near as much as some seem to think on here.

Stick with him he has so much potential (or let us have him back please..Please).

[Thracian]

Another Bournemouth fan here. Cant believe the cr*p comments slagging off Max on here.

We'd have him back without any question. Hes a confidence player and also a 110% tryer ( a rare combination).

Hes only as good as the quality of service he gets & the tactics hes expected to play so dont critise without looking at the wider picture.

There were plenty of games for us where he did brill for us despite the tactics... (thanks Kevin bond).

Also his family problems have been awful & the rersponsibilities that have piled onto him would have a drastic effect on most people - especially one so young. On the money front I doubt that hes being paid anywhere near as much as some seem to think on here.

Stick with him he has so much potential (or let us have him back please..Please).

There's a few on here who would give you Gradel, King, Porter, Weso, McKay, Mattock and anyone else who's come through our ranks and would retain only seen or unseen Outer Mongolian full internationals, anyone who tackles like Tiatto whatever else they do plus anyone over 30 who proudly wears the label "experienced" and who once, in the mists of time, played a higher grade of football.

[Corky]

There's a few on here who would give you Gradel, King, Porter, Weso, McKay, Mattock and anyone else who's come through our ranks and would retain only seen or unseen Outer Mongolian full internationals, anyone who tackles like Tiatto whatever else they do plus anyone over 30 who proudly wears the label "experienced" and who once, in the mists of time, played a higher grade of football.

With the author of this post being the main one

[Thracian]

With the author of this post being the main one

I don't mind. If everyone had the same view as me I'd have no-one to tease a bit.

[Ric Flair]

Pleasing to hear he played better last night and another 2 assists for him is pleasing even if one was a dodgy mis-hit. His cross for Howard's disallowed goal was excellent as well.

I still think Gradel would be better on the left wing. He loves to cut inside and when he does this out right, he cuts to his left foot and his shooting with that peg is naughty. Where as when he cuts in on his right, which he did a lot at Bournemouth it led to him scoring a lot of goals. Lloyd obviously deserves his place on the left wing, but I believe both of them should be swapped around every so often to give us fresh impetus.

[Jaspa]

Just seen him near gateway collage. Walked straight past nd noticed the hair, but i didnt say anything. Thought of saying sorry about your aunty, and LEARN TO CROSS FU**ING THE BALL!, but i thought that would be abit too personal.

[Lets Be having You]

Just seen him near gateway collage. Walked straight past nd noticed the hair, but i didnt say anything. Thought of saying sorry about your aunty, and LEARN TO CROSS FU**ING THE BALL!, but i thought that would be abit too personal.

what a t....the guy has got a lot of family problems and you take the piss,i just hope one day when your at work ,you dont have to put up with people like you,when a member of your family dies,or as health problems,GROW UP, its a fooking game of football.

[JoeyB]

Just seen him near gateway collage. Walked straight past nd noticed the hair, but i didnt say anything. Thought of saying sorry about your aunty, and LEARN TO CROSS FU**ING THE BALL!, but i thought that would be abit too personal.

would be harsh!

Is it me or is he and Dyer white on fifa?

[Jaspa]

what a t....the guy has got a lot of family problems and you take the piss,i just hope one day when your at work ,you dont have to put up with people like you,when a member of your family dies,or as health problems,GROW UP, its a fooking game of football.

<_< What are you on about, i didnt say anything to him, i just smiled to let him know i knew who he was, but i didnt want to be the 50th tw*t of the day kissing his shoes. Im not taking the piss in anyway. Death isnt a funny thing and i never said anything disrespectful.

Get your facts right