Drinkwater, Cambiasso, James

[Dickov22]

Nobody is suggesting getting rid of anybody. Just that they kick on to the next level.

Yes Drinky he had a fantastic season in the Championship. But we're now in the Premiership. I expected him to be one of our better players this year given the amount of skill he has. But for me he hasn't yet, too many tipi tap sideway passes and not enough of aggression. He hasn't started with the same passion as nearly everyone else.

He only came into the game against utd when De Maria went off and left a hole on utds left side.

Cambiasso on the other hand can play it long and short with great accuracy and take players out of the game with one pass.

James is pure class and we need to get him in the Team soon as possible.

I think we'll end up with James, Cambi and don't be surprised if it's Schlupp in the midfield.

Drinkwater has been injured, hardly gonna hit top form after playing half a game against Everton, then getting injured. He's a good player who will get better and better. I thought he was excellent at Stoke, also played well when he came on against Arsenal.

[Thracian]

Maybe time for King to start against Burnley?

 

 

Can't understand why one of our best performers this season has been so wilfully sidelined. Didn't surprise me that his absence likely contributed to a woeful performance against Palace.

 

Retaining possession is so vital and King's the best we've got even under pressure. I welcomed the signing of Cambiasso - and he's shown some good qualities - but I'd have to question a lot of what he's done so far.

 

But, i'm wasting my words. New names are always attractive to the fans. They are to me at times.

 

But we seem to be accommodating people now rather than picking the best team. Our full-backs need protection for a start. Schlupp is one of the best protectors but he's had to move over as well. Not only has the protection gone but so too the pace and width that makes space for others. Yes, DeLaet has pace but he's desperately vulnerable without assistance.        

 

The sooner we're back to a flexible 4-4-2  the better. 

[Dickov22]

Can't understand why one of our best performers this season has been so wilfully sidelined. Didn't surprise me that his absence likely contributed to a woeful performance against Palace.

Retaining possession is so vital and King's the best we've got even under pressure. I welcomed the signing of Cambiasso - and he's shown some good qualities - but I'd have to question a lot of what he's done so far.

But, i'm wasting my words. New names are always attractive to the fans. They are to me at times.

But we seem to be accommodating people now rather than picking the best team. Our full-backs need protection for a start. Schlupp is one of the best protectors but he's had to move over as well. Not only has the protection gone but so too the pace and width that makes space for others. Yes, DeLaet has pace but he's desperately vulnerable without assistance.

The sooner we're back to a flexible 4-4-2 the better.

I'm by no means in the group of fans who think Cambiasso is automatically going to be the best midfielder we've ever had at the club, but I don't think you can question what he's done so far. Stoke away he was honestly pretty special in my opinion. Man Utd he scored a vital equaliser, and had a decent enough game. Probably more important was his constant on field encouragement, instructions and organising. He was poor at Palace, but he took a hefty knock early on, and the whole team were awful.

The fact is we are pretty spoilt with a really strong group of central midfield players. For me, if we play 4-4-2 Cambiasso can't play- he's too old and not quick enough to play as a 2. However, if we go for 3 central mids, I'd like to see him in that 3. I actually think James is technically our best midfielder, and I'm looking forward to seeing him back starting against Burnley. Drinkwater is also a very good player, and probably is slightly ahead of King in my opinion. Hammond hasn't done enough in the last 6 games to suggest to me he's better than James or Drinkwater, good job that he's done for us however.

[Alf Bentley]

Can't understand why one of our best performers this season has been so wilfully sidelined. Didn't surprise me that his absence likely contributed to a woeful performance against Palace.

 

Retaining possession is so vital and King's the best we've got even under pressure. I welcomed the signing of Cambiasso - and he's shown some good qualities - but I'd have to question a lot of what he's done so far.

 

 

I'm not questioning the importance of retaining possession - or the contribution that King can make in many games.

 

However, without King, we had plenty of possession at Palace (60%), we just did nothing with it (1 shot on target): http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29289924

 

As it happens, I don't think that was a game in which King's presence would have been of much benefit. He reads the game brilliantly, retains possession without playing killer balls in tight spaces and makes well-timed attacking runs into space.

At Palace, we retained possession well enough - and there was little space for him to have run into, as Palace sat so deep when we had the ball. Their threat, such as it was, came from the wings and set pieces, not clever passing through midfield that King might have read.

 

I can see King being better suited to matches against the top teams, when we're under more pressure defensively and playing on the counter-attack more. What we could have done with against Palace was more attacking width (plus more movement and better defending of set pieces).

[Thracian]

I'm by no means in the group of fans who think Cambiasso is automatically going to be the best midfielder we've ever had at the club, but I don't think you can question what he's done so far. Stoke away he was honestly pretty special in my opinion. Man Utd he scored a vital equaliser, and had a decent enough game. Probably more important was his constant on field encouragement, instructions and organising. He was poor at Palace, but he took a hefty knock early on, and the whole team were awful.

The fact is we are pretty spoilt with a really strong group of central midfield players. For me, if we play 4-4-2 Cambiasso can't play- he's too old and not quick enough to play as a 2. However, if we go for 3 central mids, I'd like to see him in that 3. I actually think James is technically our best midfielder, and I'm looking forward to seeing him back starting against Burnley. Drinkwater is also a very good player, and probably is slightly ahead of King in my opinion. Hammond hasn't done enough in the last 6 games to suggest to me he's better than James or Drinkwater, good job that he's done for us however.

 

 

The problem with Drinkater is that he's no use at set-pieces. King is quite good defensively. Although Drinkwater's improved as a potential goalscorer and there's not much in it I'd also say King is the more natural and varied finisher. But, I'd want to include both because both are among the best options we have.

I appreciate all the qualities you mention in Cambiasso but agree entirely about his inability now to play in a Premiership 4-4-2 and still found myself concerned about how easly he allowed people to get into goalscoring positions (particularly against Manchester United) when he should have been making himself a nuisance. 

[Thracian]

I'm not questioning the importance of retaining possession - or the contribution that King can make in many games.

 

However, without King, we had plenty of possession at Palace (60%), we just did nothing with it (1 shot on target): http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29289924

 

As it happens, I don't think that was a game in which King's presence would have been of much benefit. He reads the game brilliantly, retains possession without playing killer balls in tight spaces and makes well-timed attacking runs into space.

At Palace, we retained possession well enough - and there was little space for him to have run into, as Palace sat so deep when we had the ball. Their threat, such as it was, came from the wings and set pieces, not clever passing through midfield that King might have read.

 

I can see King being better suited to matches against the top teams, when we're under more pressure defensively and playing on the counter-attack more. What we could have done with against Palace was more attacking width (plus more movement and better defending of set pieces).

 

I thought King had a pretty good scoring record against Palace recently though i haven't got the record to hand and, as I mention above, Kingy's usually looked pretty solid in helping defend set pieces. . 

[Manwell Pablo]

I find that a strange thing to say. People were praising him because he was playing well. What's to dislike about that situation?

 

Because while he might of done a job that's our best midfield and Hammond wont be as good as James in there over the course of a season.

 

Sure we'll see him again mind especially if we continue to play three in there injuries and suspensions will occur, Cambiasso's 34 and there are three places up for grabs.

[HitchinFox]

Can't understand why one of our best performers this season has been so wilfully sidelined. Didn't surprise me that his absence likely contributed to a woeful performance against Palace.

 

Retaining possession is so vital and King's the best we've got even under pressure. I welcomed the signing of Cambiasso - and he's shown some good qualities - but I'd have to question a lot of what he's done so far.

 

But, i'm wasting my words. New names are always attractive to the fans. They are to me at times.

 

But we seem to be accommodating people now rather than picking the best team. Our full-backs need protection for a start. Schlupp is one of the best protectors but he's had to move over as well. Not only has the protection gone but so too the pace and width that makes space for others. Yes, DeLaet has pace but he's desperately vulnerable without assistance.        

 

The sooner we're back to a flexible 4-4-2  the better. 

 

I agree to most of that - but the tactics chosen against Man U were the reason we turned them over. 

 

The problem was we then kept that formation and starting line up against Palace - which simply didn't work. 

Would go back to 4-4-2 against Burnley. Especially after seeing how woeful they were against WBA.

[Robin JD Popley]

Said it weeks ago when we were trying to sign him (EC) but, Matty James, Esteban Cambiasso and Danny Drinkwater is a central midfield to be envious of.

 

When Matty came on against Utd, he looked superb again and that is why he is my favourite player since Muzzy (although EC is a very close joint second with Kasper). Danny Drinkwater keeps growing in confidence and Cambiasso just oozes class.

 

I think it was old big 'ed who said that if Football was supposed to be played in the skies, then God would have put grass up there and I couldn't agree more. I love passing football and these three will ensure that we play that and that is when we are most dangerous.

[Riot Van]

Possibly our best player out of a bad bunch. Surprised when Pearson took him off instead of Hammond.

 

Pretty sure it was because he got clattered just before.  His knee was iced up at the end of the game.

[artursteppe]

Nobody is suggesting getting rid of anybody. Just that they kick on to the next level.

Yes Drinky he had a fantastic season in the Championship. But we're now in the Premiership. I expected him to be one of our better players this year given the amount of skill he has. But for me he hasn't yet, too many tipi tap sideway passes and not enough of aggression. He hasn't started with the same passion as nearly everyone else.

He only came into the game against utd when De Maria went off and left a hole on utds left side.

Cambiasso on the other hand can play it long and short with great accuracy and take players out of the game with one pass.

 

James is pure class and we need to get him in the Team soon as possible.

I think we'll end up with James, Cambi and don't be surprised if it's Schlupp in the midfield.

I don't know how you arrived at your choice of name, but it really doesn't seem that suitable to me.

Drinkwater is excellent, brilliant against Stoke and Man Utd, although not good against Palace.

He is still real quality though and will be one of the first names on the team sheet all season, so I'm afraid you might as well get used to it, 'cos Nigel knows he is quality as well!

[Sunbury Fox]

Amazes me that anyone would even try to debate whether or not DD, James and Cambiasso are our best 3 central midfielders. It is so clear they are. By comparison Hammond is limited on the ball and King does not contribute enough in general play - he makes good runs but it seems a very long time since he was a regular scorer. DD is the key man for me. He plays well, the team plays well. Having James back alongside him will bring out the best in him;they complement each other perfectly. Against Burnley I would rest Cambo and go back to 442 as don't think we need 3 in midfield v them. But looking forward to seeing DD, James and Cambo playing together at some point.

[Clever Fox]

I don't know how you arrived at your choice of name, but it really doesn't seem that suitable to me.

Drinkwater is excellent, brilliant against Stoke and Man Utd, although not good against Palace.

He is still real quality though and will be one of the first names on the team sheet all season, so I'm afraid you might as well get used to it, 'cos Nigel knows he is quality as well!

I'm not disputing DD is a good player only that he hasn't delivered this season yet for the reasons stated above. Granted he's still getting up to Premiership pace and speed. I hope I'm proved wrong but for me he needs to get his head up and make telling passes. Otherwise I think he'll lose out to Matty James on the right side of midfield. Who is a better player than DD only problem is keeping Matty fit.

Cambi in the middle and I think we'll end up with Schlupp on the left who for me looked decent and improving in the few games he played. Offering speed, strenght in the tackle and width on the left along with scoring opportunities.

 

As to DD, A lot of people said the same about Wellens and look how that finished.

[Thracian]

I agree to most of that - but the tactics chosen against Man U were the reason we turned them over. 

 

The problem was we then kept that formation and starting line up against Palace - which simply didn't work. 

Would go back to 4-4-2 against Burnley. Especially after seeing how woeful they were against WBA.

 

 

Sorry Hitchin if I'cve given the wrong impression but I've already mentioned elsewhere that our specific tactics against Manchester were excellent and perhaps the only ones that might have given us a realistic chance of winning given that it was so clear the United defence was their weakness and we were unlikely to keep their atackers out.  . 

[fuchsntf]

The problem with Drinkater is that he's no use at set-pieces. King is quite good defensively. Although Drinkwater's improved as a potential goalscorer and there's not much in it I'd also say King is the more natural and varied finisher. But, I'd want to include both because both are among the best options we have.

I appreciate all the qualities you mention in Cambiasso but agree entirely about his inability now to play in a Premiership 4-4-2 and still found myself concerned about how easly he allowed people to get into goalscoring positions (particularly against Manchester United) when he should have been making himself a nuisance.

How about...

KASPER

SIMPSON MORGAN MOORE KONCH

CAMBIASSO

JAMES DRINKWATER KING

VARDY ULLOA

playing Cambiasso just in front of the defence. A c sort of sweeper roll.Organising.

[foxer]

I think James and drinky make each other tick. I mentioned it at the end of last season that I think these two are our most important players.

Like someone said earlier in the thread. Cambiasso should play as part of a three man, but for 442, has to be drinky and James. As they are simply the best two lads we've got.

Yes, Hammond has played for periods this season, but he's not in our top 4 central midfielders and has looked very pedestrian at times.

Kingy has more of a part to play I'm sure, but he's gotta be our 4th best midfielder.

[Dickov22]

How about...

KASPER

SIMPSON MORGAN MOORE KONCH

CAMBIASSO

JAMES DRINKWATER KING

VARDY ULLOA

playing Cambiasso just in front of the defence. A c sort of sweeper roll.Organising.

Absolutely zero width in that team

[justfoxes]

. KASPER

SIMPSON MORGAN MOORE KONCH

MAHREZ. CAMBIASSO DRINKWATER ALBRIGHTON

SCHLUPP

VARDY. ULLOA

GOING FOR A CHEEKY 3-0 CITY WIN !!

[teblin]

. KASPER

SIMPSON MORGAN MOORE KONCH

MAHREZ. CAMBIASSO DRINKWATER ALBRIGHTON

SCHLUPP

VARDY. ULLOA

GOING FOR A CHEEKY 3-0 CITY WIN !!

12 players?

[Unabomber]

12 players?

Well he said it was gonna be cheeky.

[filbertway]

I've been playing the following on Fifa and it's worked a treat. You're welcome Nige.

 

Kasper

 

De Laet

Morgan

Moore

Simpson

 

Mahrez

Cambi

Drinks

Sch-luppa yer face

 

Ulloa

J Vardz

[justfoxes]

12 players?

Whoops meant schlupp or albrighton !

Early morning post !!

[Fox Ulike]

Anyone else looking forward to this trio? I think James offers more in an attacking sense than Hammond while being good at tracking back as well

 

Me.

 

I think though that with an international break coming up after the Burnley game it would be better to continue with Hammond (who's been excellent) for Burnley.

 

Maybe away at Newcastle on the 18th we will see the Camby/drinky/Jamsey three-way.

[Chug Laguna]

Well he said it was gonna be cheeky.

 

It just might work

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

I find that a strange thing to say. People were praising him because he was playing well. What's to dislike about that situation?

I agree with you Charlie. Rather odd reactions, regards Hammond.