Wes Hoolahan (M Cambridge Utd b.1982)

[Olé Olé]

Very nice words indeed. Complimentary towards Chris Hughton also.


The good news is that, if Wes Hoolahan keeps playing like this, Hughton should eventually get the rewards his class and dignity demand.

[tricky_colour]

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/poll_wes_hoolahan_was_our_norwich_city_man_of_the_ match_v_newcastle_who_was_yours_1_1526955#
Voted man of the match here by 78% however hardly surprising given how the question was asked.


Wes Hoolahan was Norwich’s creator-in-chief. No surprise in that for anyone who has sat back and admired the Irishman at work during City’s fall and then steep rise over the past three seasons.

But Hoolahan has had to bide his time in the Premier League this campaign. A 13-minute cameo at the end of a losing cause against Fulham is no platform to showcase his undoubted skills.

Chris Hughton’s faith was repaid with a bright first top flight start of the season against the Magpies. The attacking midfielder operated just off Steve Morison; freed from the defensive shackles and given the freedom to roam across Newcastle’s backline.

His first contribution was nearly his most telling. A glancing close range header five minutes in that brushed Steven Taylor. Then later in the half, he drifted wide to first trigger a counter and deliver a riposte when it momentarily faltered – picking out Robert Snodgrass who was only denied by Mike Williamson.

His superb pivot and pass in one motion after the interval should have earned him an assist to Andrew Surman’s leveller. Steve Harper’s smothering stop foiled the midfielder.

Hoolahan tried his luck again to pick out Javier Garrido who almost freed Snodgrass. Whenever Norwich threatened, Hoolahan’s influence was at the epicentre.

[mark12345]

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/poll_wes_hoolahan_was_our_norwich_city_man_of_the_ match_v_newcastle_who_was_yours_1_1526955#
Voted man of the match here by 78% however hardly surprising given how the question was asked.


Wes Hoolahan was Norwich’s creator-in-chief. No surprise in that for anyone who has sat back and admired the Irishman at work during City’s fall and then steep rise over the past three seasons.

But Hoolahan has had to bide his time in the Premier League this campaign. A 13-minute cameo at the end of a losing cause against Fulham is no platform to showcase his undoubted skills.

Chris Hughton’s faith was repaid with a bright first top flight start of the season against the Magpies. The attacking midfielder operated just off Steve Morison; freed from the defensive shackles and given the freedom to roam across Newcastle’s backline.

His first contribution was nearly his most telling. A glancing close range header five minutes in that brushed Steven Taylor. Then later in the half, he drifted wide to first trigger a counter and deliver a riposte when it momentarily faltered – picking out Robert Snodgrass who was only denied by Mike Williamson.

His superb pivot and pass in one motion after the interval should have earned him an assist to Andrew Surman’s leveller. Steve Harper’s smothering stop foiled the midfielder.

Hoolahan tried his luck again to pick out Javier Garrido who almost freed Snodgrass. Whenever Norwich threatened, Hoolahan’s influence was at the epicentre.



Amazing Trap can't find a place for Hool in his wonderful 'system'

[tricky_colour]

Amazing Trap can't find a place for Hool in his wonderful 'system'


He has high successful pass rate, 86.7% last season and 90.9 this season.
Also got 4 goals and 7 assists last season (Same as Doyle).
Anyway our second highest rated player overall last year behind McClean, but of course that
doesn't guarantee you a place in the squad never mind the team, indeed more chance if you are
the second worst in the statistics. Traps works to an entirely different system.

[SkStu]

Got a huge reception when brought on for Norwich. Very energetic, involved. Seems to be playing on the left of a central midfield three.

[tricky_colour]

They were 3-0 down before Wes came on, and I think they scored another right after but the period he was on finished 2-2
so perhaps an improvement but not sure if Wes made a significant difference or not. I will keep an eye out for him on MOTD.
Seems to have been rated just slightly above average for Norwich.
Just caught a glimpse of his number on MOTD, that's about it.
Obviously his mere presence rattled Liverpool :p

[SkStu]

Happen to be watching Norwich again this weekend and Hoolahan started. He's been great so far linking midfield and Holt and his beautiful cross to Barnett that set up their goal. He's just given the ball away but there's something about this guy and the way he plays that is a pleasure to watch. I absolutely detested him when he was with Shels and I realize now it's probably because he was so good...

[SkStu]

And he's just put in another peach of a cross that Tete should have buried.

[SkStu]

Directly at fault for Chelsea's 3rd. Muscled off the ball in the Chelsea half.

[tricky_colour]

He was hardly the last man happened pretty deep in Chelsea's half.

[Colbert Report]

Trap likes his players big and strong, that third Chelsea goal was a prime example of why he'll never get picked for Ireland. Great passer but a real weakling.

[tricky_colour]

Big strong and as thick as two short planks with two left feet - first name on the team sheet.

[SwanVsDalton]

If Trap makes it to Carrow Road, it won't be a wasted trip - Hoolahan and Pilkington start.

[SkStu]

He's been absolutely brilliant today. Linking defense and attack and also retention of the ball has been outstanding.

[paul_oshea]

Ball retention has been good alright but I don't think he is involved in everything. I was hoping he would be more involved.

Pilkington has looked decent too.

[paul_oshea]

He has hit 2 or 3 bad passes to holt when he should have done better. Kinda annoying especially with Trap there.

[SkStu]

He's just class. You're being hypercritical lads. Even the commentators are raving about him.

[paul_oshea]

He is really putting in the tackles and dispossessing now. NO better time especially after what Trap says about him!

[SwanVsDalton]

Only started watching at the second half, but he certainly seems to be getting on the ball plenty and using it well. Great touch, ball retention and been really busy and industrious.

[Stuttgart88]

He's been superb in all aspects. Brings great energy and vitality to Norwich's play. Much better player than Ramsey.

[SwanVsDalton]

Should have continued his run outside Bennett there. Norwich looking very dangerous on the counter.

[Colbert Report]

I don't think they look dangerous on the counter at all. They look extremely tired. Holt tried a shot from thirty yards out because he couldn't keep running. When Hoolahan messed up that run, all three Norwich players that were up for the counter just stood there until finally Bennett started tracking back.

[paul_oshea]

Its interesting what he is doing best related to how Trap wants his players to play. If he kept playing like this everytime he would be the ideal replacement for duff. Because his close control is so good that when he finds himself in a good place from a clearance he controls it, holds onto it, and makes the pass, relieving pressure on the backs and letting them pull the midfielders out of shape. Thats what Trap will be looking for most and he has done very well today. I hope his positional sense hasn't been down to luck and its good awareness.

[paul_oshea]

Should have continued his run outside Bennett there. Norwich looking very dangerous on the counter.

No he shouldn't have if he kept outside he was pulling the players out wide and only holt was inside. Bennett had pulled the defenders out to him giving holohan space to run inside. It was very intelligent running from him. Its a pity Bennett didnt look up.

Just to add his support play on the counter has been very good. Holt should have chipped in that last one and setup holohan for a volley.

[SwanVsDalton]

I don't think they look dangerous on the counter at all. They look extremely tired. Holt tried a shot from thirty yards out because he couldn't keep running. When Hoolahan messed up that run, all three Norwich players that were up for the counter just stood there until finally Bennett started tracking back.

They've been two-on-two or three-on-two three times now. That's dangerous, even if they've been been completely wasteful. It's not tiredness that caused Holt attempted a lame chip instead of smashing it or finding Hoolahan. Just poor decision making.

[Colbert Report]

Holt, again with no pace or energy, messes up a breakaway. He needs to come off.

[SwanVsDalton]

No he shouldn't have if he kept outside he was pulling the players out wide and only holt was inside. Bennett had pulled the defenders out to him giving holohan space to run inside. It was very intelligent running from him. Its a pity Bennett didnt look up.

He ran into an area with at least two, I think three tracking Arsenal defenders. He also made the run at the exact moment a defender was closing Bennett down. It was a poorly timed decision and the wrong one. He keeps wide, he drags them out of position at least and gives Bennett something to run into if he keeps the ball.

Unfortunately Wes ran where there was zero space.

[paul_oshea]

Holt, again with no pace or energy, messes up a breakaway. He needs to come off.

Player injury.

[paul_oshea]

He ran into an area with at least two, I think three tracking Arsenal defenders. He also made the run at the exact moment a defender was closing Bennett down. It was a poorly timed decision and the wrong one. He keeps wide, he drags them out of position at least and gives Bennett something to run into if he keeps the ball.

Unfortunately Wes ran where there was zero space.


We must be on about 2 different scenarios then, because the one i was watching he came behind him and run central, and the arsenal players had already ran out to meet bennett, giving holohan space and bringing him closer to holt to play a through ball to, had he ran outside he would have been isolated out on his own with 2 defenders on him and no chance of getting a good ball into Holt. It was the smarter run to make to keep the attacking move going, rather than just holding possession up.

Either way he is playing the exact sorta game a player Trap looks for in a midfielder.

[SwanVsDalton]

We must be on about 2 different scenarios then, because the one i was watching he came behind him and run central, and the arsenal players had already ran out to meet bennett, giving holohan space and bringing him closer to holt to play a through ball to, had he ran outside he would have been isolated out on his own with 2 defenders on him and no chance of getting a good ball into Holt. It was the smarter run to make to keep the attacking move going, rather than just holding possession up.

Will try and get a video of it and we'll chew over it but my take was he was running into an area which could be more easily defended.


Either way he is playing the exact sorta game a player Trap looks for in a midfielder.

Totally agree. I'd be ambivalent about Hoolahan in the past but I think he's proved today he could fill a crucial need in Trap's system, and so warrants a call-up (notwithstanding he deserves one from being a Prem performer).

As you say he was in a side under the cosh, and proved to be their best out-ball and a key counter-attacker in a side which played direct football. He was also tenacious and worked tirelessly. There really wouldn't be much more he could do to prove his worth.

[TrapAPony]

...and Pilkington would be a far far better option on the wing than Cox or Keogh

[paul_oshea]

he's an attacking central midfielder as opposed to a winger, I think he played to his strengths coming central, and he is able hold onto the ball at speed in those central positions. I'd be more confident that he would make more of the ball there than out on the wing. It seems we are on about the same incident, I might be wrong in this instance, I was watching more than one thing during this match, but on his general play I think him coming central was the smarter decision and played more to his strengths.

Anyway trap has no excuse if he can perform like this against arsenal surely he can against our international opponents.

[SwanVsDalton]

he's an attacking central midfielder as opposed to a winger, I think he played to his strengths coming central, and he is able hold onto the ball at speed in those central positions. I'd be more confident that he would make more of the ball there than out on the wing. It seems we are on about the same incident, I might be wrong in this instance, I was watching more than one thing during this match, but on his general play I think him coming central was the smarter decision and played more to his strengths.

Anyway trap has no excuse if he can perform like this against arsenal surely he can against our international opponents.

Again totally agree, I'd have him central every time - just in terms of that incident I'd have stuck with making the run wide, where there seemed to be more space.

On the basis of today he looks ideal to hold the ball up in the opposition's half, retain it, use it intelligently and launch attacks - a player we have a distinct need for. Might not work in a flat 442, but could play behind a central striker no problem. Moreover his energy and movement could be great to have as an option off the bench.

[Charlie Darwin]

An ominous shake of the head from Trap when he got booked for kicking the ball in the net after he'd been flagged offside. I didn't see the whole game but he played well from what I saw - must have been wondering what he needed to do to get a pass on those counters.

On a side note, seeing Corry last night for Sheffield Wednesday and Hoolahan today, it's interesting that a lot of our most technical players were produced outside of England. Even Fahey, who was a product of an English academy, came back for a few years.

[Stuttgart88]

I think Trap was disappointed in the ref not Hoolahan.

Hoolahan would allow Trap to keep his beloved 442 but with Hoolahan just ahead, and behind Long or Doyle I reckon. We'd need two direct wide players with pace, two of McClean, Coleman or maybe Pilkington who showed tonight he's worth a trybout in the friendliest. Pilkington and McClean look quite similar in style. I'm getting very frustrated with McGeady.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah I was being facetious - Trap doesn't blame Hoolahan.

I think you're missing the point of the 442. Trap has been very clear on why he plays it - because he doesn't expect us to keep many clean sheets, so we need two strikers so we can score enough goals to get by. Would you trust Doyle to score goals as our only striker? The 442 exists because in Keane we have a striker who excels in international football. If he retired or was ushered out, it would negate the need (in Trap's mind) to play it.

[shakermaker1982]

I didn't see the game but glad the Trap was there to witness Wes putting in a good performance based on comments here.

[harry crumb]

He played well.

No doubt he was out to impress Trappatoni today.

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah I was being facetious - Trap doesn't blame Hoolahan.

I think you're missing the point of the 442. Trap has been very clear on why he plays it - because he doesn't expect us to keep many clean sheets, so we need two strikers so we can score enough goals to get by. Would you trust Doyle to score goals as our only striker? The 442 exists because in Keane we have a striker who excels in international football. If he retired or was ushered out, it would negate the need (in Trap's mind) to play it.I don't think I am missing the point of Trap's 442. He has six defensive outfield players and relies on four others to be offensive. Up to now this has been two strikers, or even three with a third being played totally out of position. Now I don't think even Trap sees this as a runaway success, but he hasn't shown many signs of understanding the alternatives. I think Trap would me far more comfortable making a tweak in the direction of 4411 with Hoolahan doing just what he did tonight, recognising that a player like Hoolahan is better at covering back than a forward and would allow a bit more freedom for another midfielder to get forward.

I also think Trap likes to keep it tight and nick goals from set pieces

[SolitudeRed]

Will be interesting to see if Hoolahan gets a call up for the next couple of friendlies, definitely seems Trap is interested in getting a look at him and this was shown back in August he called him up for the Serbia game however he pulled out due to injury, think he also called up Pilkington for that game too although I am not so sure about his commitment to Ireland to be honest.

[bishbash]

Will be interesting to see if Hoolahan gets a call up for the next couple of friendlies, definitely seems Trap is interested in getting a look at him and this was shown back in August he called him up for the Serbia game however he pulled out due to injury, think he also called up Pilkington for that game too although I am not so sure about his commitment to Ireland to be honest.

I've been reading the analysis of Hoolahan tonight, to be fair I don't expect the fella to radically change Ireland but he can definitely offer alternatives and good ones at that. It's the fact that he's not even making squads that's criminal for me. He's a terrific attitude and work rate and that's the bizarre thing about Trap. Fellas like him and McClean you would think would be right up his street. McClean is direct hard working covers ground well gets forward and back and delivers a good cross so how can he rate Cox above him. Hoolahan the same gets on the ball keeps it well great alternative but can't get in the 23 even. After his performance tonight he must be a shoe in for a squad place.

[harry crumb]

Did Tardelli not say that he was too old.

[Manblue]

Did Tardelli not say that he was too old.


Thats even worse if so...hes young enough to be a stand out player against arsenal but cant get a sniff against the faroes.....madness

[DannyInvincible]

Did Tardelli not say that he was too old.

His age was definitely used against him by someone in the management team; either Trap or Tardelli. I don't see why a player's age should be an issue if he can still offer something (30 isn't that old anyway!) and it's especially odd considering he's three years younger than the likes of Duff who Tardelli was hoping would come out of international retirement last month.

Was Trap definitely at the game then? Pics or it didn't happen!

[Stuttgart88]

Tv cameras showed him

[geysir]

he's three years younger than the likes of Duff who Tardelli was hoping would come out of international retirement last month.
Afaiu, that was just Tardelli being humorous which the press took literally and later we ended up with a cringe enducing piece on 'leave Duff alone'.
But something was said or referred to about Hoolahan's age 'that we look to the future'.

I can't say I'm too excited about that future, the vision or the preparations. We'll see what transpires out of this visit. I just saw the last 15 minutes of the game and I guessed Hoolahan had a good game because he was still on the pitch :)

[geysir]

Was Trap definitely at the game then? Pics or it didn't happen!

Here you go, absolute proof.
http://cache.tcm.ie/media/images/g/GiovanniTrapattoniNorwichOct12_large.jpg

[DannyInvincible]

Haha, wasn't being completely serious with that request, but thank you. :)

[DannyInvincible]

Afaiu, that was just Tardelli being humorous which the press took literally and later we ended up with a cringe enducing piece on 'leave Duff alone'.
But something was said or referred to about Hoolahan's age 'that we look to the future'.

Irrespective of whether he was being facetious about Duff returning or not, why was 29/30 advanced as being too old for Hoolahan to get a look-in, but not for the likes of Given, Duff, Keane, Dunne, O'Shea, Doyle, Fahey, Kelly, Walters, Delaney, Green, Hunt and Lawrence who've all been selected despite being 29 or above at the time?

[Stuttgart88]

I thought Hoolahan was a country mile more effective last night than the much lauded talents of Ramsey and Arshavin. He'd have fitted in easily beside Arteta and Carzola.

I'm not saying he's the messiah but he'd go a long way towards joining up this team and enabling some ball retention. He'd reduce the need for hoofball. With Duff gone we have nobody capable of receiving the ball and brining others into the game, bar Gibson maybe.

I mentioned above how I'd try to accommodate such a player. I may not be right but if I was being paid more than a million to improve this team I'd damn well try hard to do it right.