Would you play Knockaert up front?

[fleckneymike]

If we're going to persist with 3-5-2 would anyone contemplate deploying Knockaert as a striker (or second striker if you will)?

It wouldn't compromise our midfield but would it compromise our striking options?

[cjslcfc]

If we're going to persist with 3-5-2 would anyone contemplate deploying Knockaert as a striker (or second striker if you will)?

It wouldn't compromise our midfield but would it compromise our stoking options?

 

Nope.

 

He's too small and slow to be a striker. The free role behind the two strikers and in front of two other deeper midfielders is ideal for him. That showed tonight, he was everywhere and linking up with everyone. He is where our creativity will come from this season and he is going to be vital in that role

[Bayfox]

i said the same thing on the way down to the game. this 352 doesnt suit him unless he has a free role as the 3rd midfielder so the only other way to get him in the side is as a support striker feeding nugent or wood etc.

certainly a good option to have. would link play a bit more.

[The Horse's Mouth]

No i ****ing wouldn't.

[theessexfox]

-------------------------GK-----------------------------

 

-------------CB--------CB---------CB---------------

 

RWB------------CM----------CM---------------LWB

 

---------------------KNOCKAERT--------------------

 

-------------------CF-----------CF---------------------

[Ric Flair]

He has always been at his most dangerous in a free role behind the strikers. The form he showed when we went on that winning run in late September and October we played a 4-4-2 but it tended to be more a 4-3-1-2 with Knockaert being given licence to roam. Things started to not work out when our form dipped and Nigel tried to keep us more rigid with a flat 4 across midfield and Knockaert told to keep his shape on either the left or right wing. He still can do well out wide but he's easier to defend against when stuck out there.

 

It's time we went to 4-3-1-2 and I hope that Bakayogo is good enough as De Laet plays the perfect full back role of defending and attacking in equal measure.

[Jace]

We have seen many great players adapt well from a wide midfield role to a striker Tierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo recently Gareth Bale I'm sure Knockaert would adapt just fine.

[Happy Fox]

We have seen many great players adapt well from a wide midfield role to a striker Tierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo recently Gareth Bale I'm sure Knockaert would adapt just fine.

 

Knockaert doesn't have the necessary pace to make him a striker.

[stevelcfc]

Knockaert doesn't have the necessary pace to make him a striker.

 

Neither do many players, Kevin Phillips at 40 isn't exactly rapid and he manages just fine.

[glenny_fox]

We have seen many great players adapt well from a wide midfield role to a striker Tierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo recently Gareth Bale I'm sure Knockaert would adapt just fine.

 

Difference with those and knockaert is that they are probably in the top 10 players of the decade and pace to burn. Knockaert hasn't got the pace or ability to adapt into a striker.

[glenny_fox]

Neither do many players, Kevin Phillips at 40 isn't exactly rapid and he manages just fine.

 

Philips has got a great footballing brain though, and with a perfect strikers instinct. Hence why he is in the premiership at 40. 

[ealingfox]

False Nine.

[Loggy88]

No don't think he could play up front, we would miss his creativity if he did play up front and I couldn't see him scoring 20 plus goals. Either wing or attacking midfield just behind the front two for me.

[Guest Sharpe's Fox]

You want Knockaert on the ball, as a centre forward in any capacity he isn't going to be on the ball as much. Simple.

[kingfox]

He should play CAM, rotate him with Marshall.

 

If we want a more defensive approach, don't play a CAM, and stick Drinkwater or if we get Yennaris stick him in a three man central midfield alongside James and King. 

[Finnegan]

Knockaert doesn't have the necessary pace to make him a striker.

Pippo Inzaghi, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Totti?

Tony Cottee?!

I don't think Knocky is a natural forward but you don't need to be either a lightning bolt or a unit to play up top.

Otherwise, Flair is spot on, he belongs in the hole.

[Kinowe Soorie]

No you GOON

[Simo86]

We have seen many great players adapt well from a wide midfield role to a striker Tierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo recently Gareth Bale I'm sure Knockaert would adapt just fine.

Are you serious? 

[foxfanazer]

Think most people agree that playing just behind the two strikers would be the best role for Knocky. Can pull the strings in there and chip in with a few goals. Would be wasted as a striker imo

[FoxesBoyChris]

Difference with those and knockaert is that they are probably in the top 10 players of the decade and pace to burn. Knockaert hasn't got the pace or ability to adapt into a striker.

Pace can come with specialised training. Ronaldo and Bale have both become bigger and faster since specialising more in the physical aspect of the game. Knockaert would play the striker role well other than the ariel aspect as he is quite small.

Noted though that he is best played in the role just behind the strikers. Just wanted to make my point.

[Dickov22]

No he's too slow. Can't see where he's going to play if we persist with 3-5-2

[Bayfox]

 

Knockaert doesn't have the necessary pace to make him a striker.

 

see Teddy Sheringham.

[Dan]

3-4-1-2, Knockaert playing as a link between midfield to attack. No brainer for me.

 

I'd not arsed about a flat 3-5-2, 3-4-1-2 is the answer.

[theessexfox]

Pace can come with specialised training. Ronaldo and Bale have both become bigger and faster since specialising more in the physical aspect of the game. Knockaert would play the striker role well other than the ariel aspect as he is quite small.

Noted though that he is best played in the role just behind the strikers. Just wanted to make my point.

Disagree. Pace can only be coached to a certain extent. 

[MPH]

We have seen many great players adapt well from a wide midfield role to a striker Tierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo recently Gareth Bale I'm sure Knockaert would adapt just fine.

 

Bale Plays as a striker now?

 

I remember him switching from LB to LW and then he exploded onto the scene... but I must of missed the part when he converted to striker!

 

 

But very good points on the other two... and yes they have pace but it isn't their pace that has gotten them most of their goals,, its been their trickery...

 

People are right , Knocky is no world beater like those two but we don't have a world class team! We are playing championship football not champions league and i'd be willing to try anything if it could help....