Originally Posted by
Stuttgart88
I love James’ attitude on the pitch. From time to time his sheer hunger and the quality of his deliveries are crucial, Switzerland at home being a standout. But he’s too erratic and too one-dimensional for me, and I get so frustrated when he keeps his head down and fails to see easier options. His failure to play in Daryl Murphy for a tap in in Lyon was a classic example, but it’s a common thing with him.
Even that however can be forgiven if he brings balance to the team but in my opinion he does the exact opposite. Much was made of how Doherty and Coleman competed for the same space on the RHS in Gibraltar. On the other side I think Stevens and McClean compete for the same space too. Sometimes Stevens needs the left flank to be clear for him to run into. If you see how effective he is at Sheffield (albeit as a wing back) it’s when he interacts with others, one-twos, give-and-gos, to make space for his trademark low balls across the box. Stevens is a far more accurate crosser with a better range of passes and takes better decisions. McClean can’t interact with Stevens in this way and as a consequence I think he actively diminishes our left side. Stevens is always cautious of a cheap loss of possession ahead of him too.
I can see merit in McClean being the left forward in a 4-3-3, but for me that should be Connolly’s role. Connolly is at his most dangerous cutting in from the near left, which should be an ideal complement to what Stevens does best.