Thracian Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Knighton Matt (elsewhere in a closed thread) is quite right in saying MDV is a decent footballer and that is what makes him such a problem in our team. He can play a bit he does bring others into the game by holding the ball up. And he has lots of deft skills. The problem is he operates as a creator rather than a marksman. Before we write him off (not a real option at present anyway) I'd like to try the alternative of instructing him to shoot on sight. He really may have a confidence or decision making problem. Focus his mind and we may see a better outcome. I can't see Dublin being a better option and the new lad will certainly need bedding in first from what I saw in his first cameo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Flair Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Knighton Matt (elsewhere in a closed thread) is quite right in saying MDV is a decent footballer and that is what makes him such a problem in our team.He can play a bit he does bring others into the game by holding the ball up. And he has lots of deft skills. The problem is he operates as a creator rather than a marksman. Before we write him off (not a real option at present anyway) I'd like to try the alternative of instructing him to shoot on sight. He really may have a confidence or decision making problem. Focus his mind and we may see a better outcome. I can't see Dublin being a better option and the new lad will certainly need bedding in first from what I saw in his first cameo. 152178[/snapback] Definately, i've seen him score some beauties from 20+ yards for Hearts before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Fox Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Only problm is that DeVreis is running out of time, he needs to start producing very soon or the fans will hound him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Fynwy Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I don't know how anyone can comment about Elvis at present, he hardly saw the ball on Saturday and was out of position on the wing, lets give the team a few games to settle then judge them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breadandcheese Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I think De Vries will prove a massive asset once we have Hughes back in our team. Then we will be able to have both Sylla and Hughes linking up well with the attack and being brought into play by De Vries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I have to agree, MDV is good with his feet and is just lacking confidence in front of goal. We all know he can't head a ball but when he gets the ball at his feet and turns players he can look dangerous. Unfortunately as Darth says he needs to start scoring soon or it will just get harder and harder. Hopefully he'll net a couple and a boost in confidence will enable us to see what he can really do..... hopefully....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricey Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 De Vries seems to think he has the skill to dribble past players, but he really doesn't. From what I've seen de Vries has a powerful shot on him which he needs to make the most of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Fox Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Maybe we should've had a maroon 3rd kit just to help DeVreis, he was great at Hearts regardless of what people say about the SPL. Didn't he score 4 once against Hibs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supedaj Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Crazy - ca you imagine him scoring 4 goals in one game?! I think he has the ability to take on a few players, maybe not Juninho like but can certainly use his touches to take it past a few albeit without speed. He does have a good build and he's starting to use this to his advantage. The way he sheilds the ball from opponents is also improving with each game. I dont think we should turn onto him just yet - the manager has faith in him and I think for the short term at least we should give the guy a chance (and not scrutinise every move he makes). He is improving, his fitness is better and he's more confident than he was last season. Only a matter of time before he starts scoring I think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Fox Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I wish he wasn't scared of heading a a ball also. How many corners at weekend were wasted. Connolly is too wee to reach the ball without a stepladder so DeCreis needs to start heading, he tends either to try and chest the ball or let it float over him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gené and Tonic Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Knighton Matt (elsewhere in a closed thread) is quite right in saying MDV is a decent footballer and that is what makes him such a problem in our team.He can play a bit he does bring others into the game by holding the ball up. And he has lots of deft skills. The problem is he operates as a creator rather than a marksman. Before we write him off (not a real option at present anyway) I'd like to try the alternative of instructing him to shoot on sight. He really may have a confidence or decision making problem. Focus his mind and we may see a better outcome. I can't see Dublin being a better option and the new lad will certainly need bedding in first from what I saw in his first cameo. 152178[/snapback] Thanks for that view Thracian. It has made me change my mind over De Vries, lets hope Levein realises this (which he should from his time at Hearts) and implement it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supedaj Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I wish he wasn't scared of heading a a ball also. How many corners at weekend were wasted. Connolly is too wee to reach the ball without a stepladder so DeCreis needs to start heading, he tends either to try and chest the ball or let it float over him. 152209[/snapback] Yep indeed - far too many corners wasted. We had around 7-9 I think right? We have a few fairly tall players so we should look to attack where we can - De Vries, McCarthy, maybe Johansson should all be causing them problems at set peices (remember Elliott, Walsh, Marshall, Deane, Taggart) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anish Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I wish he wasn't scared of heading a a ball also. How many corners at weekend were wasted. Connolly is too wee to reach the ball without a stepladder so DeCreis needs to start heading, he tends either to try and chest the ball or let it float over him. 152209[/snapback] I agree with that - De Vries is quite scared to head the ball I feel. It was his main problem last season which infuriated me but I have seen an improvement in that area in the game against Sheff Utd. I was encouraged by his performance and would have to agree with Thracian - MDV needs to be told to shoot from 18 yards or close rather than laying it off to somebody else. The thing that disappointed me, however, was that in the pre match warmup MDV hardly had any shots at goal. On the other hand, Connolly kept shooting time and time again and was looking very sharp in the warmup, and I'm sure that practice helped him score the equaliser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenzied Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I thought De Vries looked good on saturday - he held the ball up and laid it off very well, and showed some excellent skills. He was a little unfortunate with on effort close to their goal as one of the Sheff Utd defenders faintly clipped his ankle as he pulled the trigger to shot. Still, he does need to be a little more greedy at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Flair Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I hope he scores tomorrow, it's down to Levein to demand him to shoot more often. He looked class against Celtic and was well up for that match. He was bullish because of the rivalry he had with Celtic up at Hearts. He has the talent I think, Levein must declare that de Vries either turns it on or accepts he'll be a bench warmer. Time to call de Vries bluff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FNQ Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I was quite encouraged by MDV yesterday. His main job this season is to provide support Conners and I think he can do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ric Flair Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I was quite encouraged by MDV yesterday. His main job this season is to provide support Conners and I think he can do that. 152331[/snapback] Is it me or have you changed quite dramatically since last season? You seem to know what your talking about these days? Pleasing to read, long may that continue mate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head Honcho Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I dont care what he did at Hearts,but if he doesn't start performing soon he's gonna get himself arrested for impersonating a football player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teblin Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 Glad to hear some support for big mark! He's a good footballer, he is also very unlucky! I'm convinced he will do the business in the end! Lets hope he gets one against stoke tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hazza Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I don't agree that he can't take people on, he skinned Jagielka before losing his footing in the second half, and that's a defender who Sheff Utd fans i know have said will play for England and they've just turned down £4m from Wigan for him. In both the Sheffield United and Inter games his general build up play has been very good, now he just needs to score. I agree he needs to shoot more though, but hope the fans give him a bit more time, getting on his back does no-one any good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geogth Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 it wont be long before he has a hamstring injury MARK my words Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suffolk_fox Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I hope he improves before the fans get on his back. Remember a certain player brought in by Peter T*ylor? Confidence can be a funny thing - I recall how Jason Lee went from an average striker to a pi$$ poor one because Fantasy Football continually ridiculed him on the show, and away fans mercilessly chanted about his pineapple hair cut.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knighton Matt Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 MDV reminds me a lot of Peter Crouch (surpirsingly good on the deck, surprisingly bad in the air). The reason I was sticking up for him so much after the Sheff. Utd match was that last season, many (myself included admittedly) had written this guy off as a no hoper. Endless matches I watched last year involved the ball going up to the big man and him not being able to hold it up or him being outmuscled etc. However what I saw on Saturday was a drastic improvement. For large parts of the game he was holding the ball up excellently and outmuscling defenders and even rolling off a few. I'm as frustrated as most at his lack of scoring prowess and his cumbersome style but trust me guys he will prove invaluable in so many away matches this season where he can hold the ball up and allow the midfield to get forward. Sunderland weren't great away last season but they had the ability to nick 1-0's when they weren't playing that well (ourselves included at The Walkers remember?) Give De Vries 10 matches before making judgement. If he's only scored a handful of goals then admittedly its time for a change but I think you'll find his confidence will rise with each appearance and MDV and Connolly will form a fine partnership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scow Posted 8 August 2005 Share Posted 8 August 2005 I think perhaps one of MDV's best assets is his ability to hold up the ball and turn defenders. Technically, he's very good and uses his strength well to create opportunities for himself and others. Unfortunately, as others have highlighted in this thread, his composure in front of goal just isn't there. Is it confidence or ability? Funny as it may sound, it's a mixture of both I think. I don't think he's a natural goalscorer like Connolly, however, he does have the potential to get his fair share as he's creates opportunities for himself and gets in to good positions, but requires the confidence to convert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hullfox Posted 9 August 2005 Share Posted 9 August 2005 requires the confidence. 153011[/snapback] Nice to see that the onset of old age hasn't clouded the thought process Scowy. Confidence is what it's about. Unfortunately though in front of 20,000 people there's a very thin line between looking deft and daft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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