Damien Duff

[fergalr]

Robben in the first team How is this going to affect Duffer ?? :confused:
Mourinho has been quoted in the past that he'd play both! Remains to be seen but I wouldn't be too worried. Just lets enjoy that of all our players, Duffer is playing regularly at the highest level.

[eirebhoy]

I don't care if Duff is playing for potentially the best team in the world, I haven't seen him run past a player in his last 2 or 3 games for Chelsea. Running past players is what makes Duff, Mourinho is fecking him up IMHO.

[carnstien]

I don't care if Duff is playing for potentially the best team in the world, I haven't seen him run past a player in his last 2 or 3 games for Chelsea. Running past players is what makes Duff, Mourinho is fecking him up IMHO.
He is not going to loose that ability overnight. As long as he does it in a green jersey I really couldn't give a crap.

[eirebhoy]

He is not going to loose that ability overnight. As long as he does it in a green jersey I really couldn't give a crap.
He didn't run by Gallas once in Paris and should have ran with the ball against the Faroe's a lot more. If that was last season I've no doubt he would have tested Gallas at least once.

[Colm55]

He didn't run by Gallas once in Paris and should have ran with the ball against the Faroe's a lot more. If that was last season I've no doubt he would have tested Gallas at least once.

Good point eireboy, but what about this, perhaps these managers are telling Duff not to do it as much due to the fact that defenders will be warned about his style of play, ie running past players, and adapt a gameplan to counteract him, so the managers ask him to vary his play slightly so the defenders have to reassess their gameplan, if they do that then duff can switch back to his 'last year ' style and beat them on the wing or cut inside to pass, Thus keeping the defenders guessing what he'll do, will he pass or will he attempt to go by me ! ! if i was a manager i'd do just that ! !

[fergalr]

Mazy runs do not alone a great player make.

Duffer is already becoming a more complete player under Mourinho and is getting consistently high ratings. He'll run with the ball when he can - witness the away game against Boro when at one stage he ran almost the entire length of the pitch.

Regarding the French game .... I don't think Duff will come up against a tougher opponent than his team mate Gallas (who was certainly France's MoM). I thought he did well and I'm sure Kerr did too.

All the Faroes game showed is that he has one area that he needs to work on - his finishing.

[thejollyrodger]

All the Faroes game showed is that he has one area that he needs to work on - his finishing.

Agreed. Its something that the rest of the Irish squad could work on as well.

[carnstien]

He didn't run by Gallas once in Paris and should have ran with the ball against the Faroe's a lot more. If that was last season I've no doubt he would have tested Gallas at least once.
Oh come on, Gallas knows Duffs game better than anyone and is himself one of the best defenders in the premiership. He's miles ahead of John Terry in my opinion. I think Duff had a very good game against the French and I don't think that it was any shame that Gallas kept him fairly quite as an attacking force.

[Colm55]

Oh come on, Gallas knows Duffs game better than anyone and is himself one of the best defenders in the premiership. He's miles ahead of John Terry in my opinion. I think Duff had a very good game against the French and I don't think that it was any shame that Gallas kept him fairly quite as an attacking force.


Ditto...

Also there were one or two midfielders giving Gallas a dig out whenever Duff got the ball and made a dash for the bye-line, Duff is a marked man now.

[Peadar]

Also there were one or two midfielders giving Gallas a dig out whenever Duff got the ball and made a dash for the bye-line.

Plus the fact that he had little to aim at in the box after Clint went off.
Gallas is one of the best in that position, in the world.

[eirebhoy]

Oh come on, Gallas knows Duffs game better than anyone and is himself one of the best defenders in the premiership. He's miles ahead of John Terry in my opinion. I think Duff had a very good game against the French and I don't think that it was any shame that Gallas kept him fairly quite as an attacking force.
Carnstein, Duff is not running with the ball half as much for club or country this season, whether he was up against Gallas, Mills or Haas. IMO running by players is his biggest attribute and Mourinho isn't letting him use it.

Its not only from a country point of view, I want to see Irish players like Duff becoming the best in the world.

[tricky_colour]

Nice back heel from Duff to set up Robben's goal.

[thejollyrodger]

Duff is very effective, he works hard and is invovled in a lot of the goals. Robbin looks technically a lot better than Duffer but doesnt look as strong and if he doesnt get past someone he dives a lot. I dont know if Muinrhiho will continue to play 4-3-3 but I rate Duff over Robben

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Duff is very effective, he works hard and is invovled in a lot of the goals. Robbin looks technically a lot better than Duffer but doesnt look as strong and if he doesnt get past someone he dives a lot. I dont know if Muinrhiho will continue to play 4-3-3 but I rate Duff over Robben

Are you mad? Robben is not as good technically as Duff. The ball sticks to Duff's feet. Natural ability. Robben is more of a manufactured player. Even at the weekend, when Robben set up one of the goals, it was down to the fact that he got a lucky ricochet when he was dribbling the ball.

[skbio_toronto]

Altogether now!! (To the Beatles "Love is all u need)

All u need is Duff! (Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh)
All u need is Duff! (Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh)
All u need is Duff...Duff

Duff is all u need!!!

I tried my earnest to get that chant going on my foray's to Lansdowne last Summer. I wish some of yis in the South Terrace would give a shouting hand, so to speak. It would sound really class if everyone could join in.

Duff has'nt been at his mecurial best so far in the qualifiers. But think of all that space he his freeing up with seemingly every opponant doubling up on our left wing as a defensive ploy.

Fair dues Jose!

[eirebhoy]

What we see Robben do for Chelsea is what we used to see Duff doing in every match. As I've already said, I've seen Duff 5 or 6 times this season for Chelsea and his game has changed. He's not the old fasioned winger anymore. The crowd don't get as excited when Duffer has the ball anymore. I hope I'm wrong though. He was more willing to run with the ball in the second half at least.

I want to see Duffer becoming one of Ireland's most famous players but since Robben came back he is constantly being rated higher than Duff (http://skysports.planetfootball.com/matchratings.asp?fxid=268662&clid=8). It is really frustrating me that he passes it to a defender rather than beat him man when we all know he can.

He has only suffer 11 fouls in the premiership so far this season, he'd usually suffer than in a single match.

[tricky_colour]

Unfortunately one of the consequences of getting fouled a dozen
times a match is injury, yes it is exciting to see Duff go past players
but it is not very exciting when he is out injured.
It is probably more sensible but less exciting to restrict the number of
times he risks injury.

Look at how long Robben has been out with injury this season if you
need futher proof of that. It seems you cant have the best of
both worlds.

[thejollyrodger]

BETIS CONSIDER JOAQUIN SALE

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/04/11/04/SOCCER_Chelsea_Joaquin.html&TEAMHD=soccer


Real Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has hinted that he may be prepared to sell winger Joaquin Sanchez to Chelsea.

The Spain international is the jewel in the Betis crown and Lopera has already turned down big money bids for the player from both Real Madrid and a number of English Premiership clubs.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is known to be a fan of the 23-year-old, while Lopera has revealed Chelsea have made some tempting offers.

Lopera has now admitted that Joaquin may well be on his way - but does not expect him to leave for the Bernabeu.

"I have the feeling that if Joaquin does end up at another club, it might not be Real Madrid, because we have had some offers that maybe Real Madrid can't match," he said, admitting past interest from Chelsea.

"Chelsea made me a very big offer, I said no and when they said they wanted to keep on negotiating they changed their coach and it stopped.

"But now it seems their new coach (Jose Mourinho) also likes him and we have had a few proposals in lunches we have had.

"If they raise their offer, one day we are going to say yes."

I cant belive chelski are looking for ANOTHER winger. I hope its not a replacement for duff :eek:

[eirebhoy]

I cant belive chelski are looking for ANOTHER winger. I hope its not a replacement for duff :eek:
Well they've no right winger and Joaquin is as good as you'd get. Mourinho rates Duff highly so its not a replacement for Duff, it would probably mean less games though.

[tricky_colour]

Yes he is a right winger (I think) and I think Mourinho want to play
Robben up front anyway?

[fergalr]

Heard Gilesy on the radio last night saying how Duff had already become a much more complete player under Mourinho.

[eirebhoy]

Heard Gilesy on the radio last night saying how Duff had already become a much more complete player under Mourinho.
I'd listen me granny before Johnny Giles. Yes, Duff is doing a lot of defensive work and doing it well but I still preferred the old Duffer that ran by 3 players and hit the ball into the top corner. Robben was great defensively on Tuesday but that didn't stop him running by players.

[fergalr]

I'd listen me granny before Johnny Giles. Yes, Duff is doing a lot of defensive work and doing it well but I still preferred the old Duffer that ran by 3 players and hit the ball into the top corner. Robben was great defensively on Tuesday but that didn't stop him running by players.
When your Granny gets a gig on newstalk or tv3 then I'll be happy to get the benefit of her football punditary.
Meanwhile, the Duffer has scored in each of the last two premiership games. Both were low shots - can't remember him ever hitting one into the top corner.

[thejollyrodger]

Its the teams job to defend as a whole and Duff never really thought about his defensve duties before. IMO to win a competition its best to have a solid defense and only score 1 than be able to score loads but leak a lot.

IMO Duffer has become more of a all round player now, he is scoring a lot more, he is assisting a lot, he is injured far less, he defends better. I reckon by next june he will look a lot better if he keeps getting 1st team football.

[eirebhoy]

I must be the only person that isn't just thinking about the national team playing. I just feel that the Irish players are representing Ireland even when playing for their clubs. I really (really!!!) get excited when watching the likes of Duff, Flood and Reid playing for there clubs. So excited that I'd actually buy myself a 6 pack just for an average club match once they're playing. These days though I might aswell be watching John O'Shea as Duff has just not been as exciting as usual. Seeing Duff run by players with his silky skills would brighten up my day. Seeing him nutmeg Puyol in a Champions League final and I don't think I'd be in work for a week. ;)

BTW ferglar, I can honestly say that I know a lot more about present day football than John Giles (the man who didn't know who jacques Santini was when Spurs appointed him). Also, Giles is probably right about Duff, I'm not dismissing that comment if it sounds like I am.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

BTW ferglar, I can honestly say that I know a lot more about present day football than John Giles

Believe me eirebhoy, you dont. When you and your granny become as respected as Johnny Giles, then I'll be willing to listen. If you actually took time out to listen to Giles analyse football you would realise how good he is. It is not all about knowing the names of every player and manager. Giles can read a game so well. Experience and knowledge of the game is what he has. People talk about Andy Gray's analysis on Sky, but Giles was the founder of such analysis on these islands. I recall him commentating on a game in Euro 04 (think it was Sweden v Bulgaria) and Giles was actually predicting with incredible accuracy what was going to happen.

As for Duff, 2 goals in his last 2 Premiership games. Duff is playing very well. He looks to be a more complete player this season. I wouldnt put Robben in the same league as our Duffer.

[eirebhoy]

If you actually took time out to listen to Giles analyse football you would realise how good he is.
I listen to him for at least 2-3 hours a week on Newstalk and RTE.


I recall him commentating on a game in Euro 04 (think it was Sweden v Bulgaria) and Giles was actually predicting with incredible accuracy what was going to happen.
I suppose thats why RTE chose Ray Houghton over Giles for the knockout stages of the Euro's? ;)

I'll listen in depth the next time he's on radio/tv though.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

They chose Ray Houghton not because he is better but because Gilsey is a bigger asset in the studio. If you look at RTE coverage over the past 15 years, Giles has been an ever-present. He is their most respected analyst by a country mile.

[skbio_toronto]

When your Granny gets a gig on newstalk or tv3 then I'll be happy to get the benefit of her football punditary.
Meanwhile, the Duffer has scored in each of the last two premiership games. Both were low shots - can't remember him ever hitting one into the top corner.

Two such goals immediately spring to mind.

1. His first goal for Ireland against Croatia in a friendly.

2. Two seasons back for Blackburn versus Newcastle in St. James' (Picture perfect curler past Shay Given)

Not a feast of examples, granted.

SKBIO-TOR

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Just watched the first half of Chelsea and Everton there. Arjen Robben was head and shoulders above every other player on the field. Duff was somewhat subdued.

[thejollyrodger]

have to agree with you TheJamaicanP.M. Duff didnt look great. Played a lot of safe balls and Robben was playing great. Robben does look like he isnt physically strong enough and the end product isnt great but looks good on the ball.

2nd half ...

Duff did a few things but Robben looked a lot better and of course the goal. A flash of the old Duff running at defenders and getting a free but very quite overall

[eirebhoy]

have to agree with you TheJamaicanP.M. Duff didnt look great.
That is now a typical Duff performance. The last few matches he was getting goals and assists so people weren't commenting about the way he isn't running by players anymore.

Duff can and has done everything that Robben did today but either he won't or Mourinho won't allow him.

[tricky_colour]

Nice goal against Porto, I have to say that the keeper looked
seriously dodgy though.
1:0 up with Duff on, lost 2:1 when he was subbed! I didnt
see the match myself though unfortunately.

[tricky_colour]

Actually the match is being shown now on ITV (just started :D ).
Started the video recorder!!

[thejollyrodger]

The keeper should have stopped it but great to see duff scoring again. If we could sort another winger out 4-3-3 might be the solution to Irelands goal scoring problems

[Kingdom]

We may not have to wait too long for that solution if Messrs Flood and McGeady continue with their good recent progress....

[Stuttgart88]

Well we have Reid & McGeady coming through who'd both be suited to this type of role in a 4-3-3. Neither of these is polished enough yet for us to make a once-and-for-all change to this formation, but it's definitely an option to consider.

Chelsea seem to be putting the 4-3-3 shape to good effect though Portugal were desperately short of goal threat using this shape during the summer.

As far as I know Denmark have used 4-3-3 to good effect using players like Rommedahl, Lovenkrands & Gronkjaer in the wide positions with a good goalscorer like Tomassen in the middle. A solid midfield led by the (up until now) underrated Gravesen was key to this set up. They also use a more traditional shape with Sand upfront with Tomassen. This shows that if you have the players a versatile approach can be accomodated, not a rigid insistence on 4-4-2.

I still feel that a 3-4-1-2 could work for us in due course simply because it'd allow us to play to our strengths by having more of our tricky, skilful players on the pitch at the same time, without having to trust Robbie playing upfront unsupported. That's just me though. :)

[M@ttitude]

Id actually love to get the stats to see how many times Chelsea have lost with Duff on the pitch, it seems they loose all shape and composure when he's taken off.. He's really showing his quality recently, Robben's been in his shadow for a couple of weeks now.. Player of the season prospects? :confused:

[eirebhoy]

Id actually love to get the stats to see how many times Chelsea have lost with Duff on the pitch, it seems they loose all shape and composure when he's taken off.. He's really showing his quality recently, Robben's been in his shadow for a couple of weeks now.. Player of the season prospects? :confused:
Yeah, Duff has been better than Robben in the last 5 or 6 games but if you still asked an Englishman who's the in-form player they'd say Robben.

[M@ttitude]

I know that has annoyed me for years, even Johnny Giles said in the herald last week that Robben is the best winger in the premiership.. Doubt it! No one touches Duff on the left wing, If Duff was English, he'd be hailed the new George Best, Pele, Roooooney, thank god he's not.. :ball:

[Stuttgart88]

From today's Guardian:

"[Wenger] had said that he planned to give Almunia “a few games”, but last night he declined to confirm who would go between the posts when Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard come to Highbury. "

Drogba - the guy who keeps missing from Duff's pinpoint crosses? What about Duff - the world class winger who has scored 4 in 6?

When Duff joined Chelsea my know-it-all mate said he'd never get a game ahead of Zenden. Just because Zenden was Dutch presumably.

Robben appears to be a class act alright but if Duff was English or from somewhere exotic he'd be put on a pedastal by the English media.

On the same point, if Arsenal are struggling for a solid reliable 'keeper why not pick up Kiely? If he was from the continent he'd be heralded as the Premiership's most consistent 'keeper of the last 3 or 4 years. I'm sure he'd only cost about £1m.

Apparently ITV drew attention to Arsenal's "English" 'keeper Graham Stack last night!

[Peadar]

If Duff was English, he'd be hailed the new George Best, Pele, Roooooney, thank god he's not.. :ball:


Duff gets loads of praise over here and is always being raved about by Chelski heads after the games on the radio-phone-in shows.
Have to say, his decision to move down to London has been vindicated, whatever happens now. He's shown that he can produce it at the top level.

[Peadar]

On the same point, if Arsenal are struggling for a solid reliable 'keeper why not pick up Kiely? If he was from the continent he'd be heralded as the Premiership's most consistent 'keeper of the last 3 or 4 years. I'm sure he'd only cost about £1m!


Or they could simply recall Stuart Taylor from Leicester City.
Jens Lehman wants to play in a tour with Germany in the New Year so Wenger needed to "blood" his reserve keeper.
Now was as good a time as any.
Kiely isn't up to the hectic schedule of a top European club.

[Stuttgart88]

II'd forgotten about Taylor. 've always thought Taylor was an accident waiting to happen, though he was very young when he played all those games for Arsenal a few years back and was certainly more reliable than Almunia.

I was at Highbury last night and the whole ground was embarassed for Almunia. It was almost comical.

Interesting point about Kiely.

[Peadar]

I was at Highbury last night and the whole ground was embarassed for Almunia. It was almost comical.

Were you part of the ironic cheer in the 89th minute when he finally punched the ball instead of trying to catch it? He has potential to be a good keeper though.
The only Irish keeper good enough for Arsenal is Shay Given and I can't see him moving south. Graham Stack seems to have blown his chance. Innocent until proven guilty though. Pennant is proof that Wenger is willing to give players a second chance.
Didn't see the Chelsea v Newcastle game at the weekend but how good was Duff in his attack which lead to the penalty?
Given wasn't booked as far as I remember.
I think it's important for Ireland to have a player who can force keepers into mistakes.

[Stuttgart88]

Yep, I was a contributor to the ironic cheer alright.

Millwall has continued to select Stack, despite his legal "troubles". Until last night when it looks like he was dropped.

[Peadar]

Until last night when it looks like he was dropped.

And they won.

[fergalr]

I'm delighted that Damien has proved that all the doubters were wrong. I wouldn't be too bothered over his still relatively low profile. He's well loved by Chelsea fans and last saturday George Graham (yeah I know) went out of his way to say he was a more important player than Robben.

I posted a few weeks ago that the only thing missing from his game was scroring goals and he's fixed that big time.

If he continues the way he's going he'll be well in with a shout for the end of season awards.

[M@ttitude]

I was at Highbury last night.
Did you sing 'He's only 17 and better than Roy Keane' about Fabregas??

[Stuttgart88]

No, I ignored that one!