I think some people are annoyed that Green is getting the nod ahead of Fahey, whether they say so or not. Fact of the matter is, Green and Fahey, both came into the training camp at the same time and had the same opportunities to impress Trappatoni. Of the players available to him, Green fits the system best and as we all know, the system trumps everything. End of story.
Trap doesn't like creative midfielders like Fahey and Reid. If we get to the Euros it will be by playing mind-numbingly dull football played by mind-numbingly dull footballers like Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews. (And if we don't get to the Euros - we'll still have suffered mind-numbingly dull football played by mind-numbingly dull footballers like Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews).Originally Posted by ifk101
I can't speak for others but I certainly would rather see Fahey in the middle ahead of Green because (a) he's playing at a higher level (b) Fahey is a better footballer (c) Fahey is capable of getting his foot on the ball and hitting a pass to a team-mate (d) the lack of ability to keep possession is a serious problem with our current line-up/tactics (e) and we should be using the opportunity of a friendly game to evolve our game.
Trapattoni has obviously seen that Fahey can play ball during the training camp but as in previous cases he has decided to move creative midfielders to wide positions, the bench or leave they out of the squad all together. Yes he has his sytem but why not try and evolve that system in friendly games?
So that we know we have a sixth or seventh option. Like I said, we're lightweight in that department, and it only took two injuries (Meyler and McCarthy) to prove it. Over the course of a qualification campaign, injuries and suspensions will mean that we will have to use that sixth or seventh option, and after these two games, the management will know that Green is an option. If he isn't given the two caps in these games, we'll have few options beyond Liam Miller, and these games will have been a wasted opportunity.
When Trapattoni took over, one of the first things he noted was the revolving door in central midfield (look at the home game against Cyprus) so his first step was to stop team from coming through the middle against us, hence two defensively minded central midfielders. Steven Reid was the link between defence and attack until he was injured, acting as a box to box player, and he still hasn't been replaced. Until another player like that becomes available (Clifford? McCarthy?) I believe Trapattoni will choose to protect the central defenders from midfield, rather than change it to help the strikers. That system was still in evidence against Paraguay on Tuesday, they were forced to go to the wings every time to try and create something.
But we're not lightweight in midfield especially with reference the role Trapattoni wants his central midfielders to fulfil. Besides the numerous central midfielders available to him, he could try Lawrence or even JOSH out in the central midfield positions if he feels his options are short.
Yes I accept that but this is a friendly game and he should be seeking to evolve our game. He can still employ two defensive midfielders (technically its three when Lawrence starts) but why not allow the midfielders to get their foot on the ball and try to keep some possession and take some pressure off the defence? If it doesn't work we just return to the tried and trusted tactics for competitive games.
I think people are being very short sighted about Green. He is clearly here are a short term stop gap that can be called upon as a like for like replacement for Andrews and Whelan in the short to medium term future. Thats the main reason why he's been fast tracked in and given a few caps and a crash course in international football. I would obviously love Fahey to be starting in the centre, but we should really just be a bit more mature and accept that that is his system. The consolation we can take is that he probably now considers Fahey as a serious option for the wide berths, and I guarantee that he'll get some good game time. But like I say, Green is temporary and a stop gap, its not worth getting hissy about. The biggest disappointment for me is the fact that Meyler and McCarthy are missing out on all of this, because they (with Clifford in tow) are going to be a barnstorming partnership in future, and really push us on. I think they are going to be the first pairing that are going to be GOOD ENOUGH to introduce a level of dynamism that pushes on from the two limited enforcers ideology(i.e. Andrews and Whelan). Provided he recovers well, Meyler is the next Keane,mark my words, great ballwinner, runs all day, ferocious physicality, great touch and short and simple passer. Sunderland fans were waxing lyrical about him, and saying he was head and shoulders above Cana, an International Captain. And McCarthy will provide the creative streak, passing, and spark of magic. So we just need to be patient and realise that unfrotunately, these games(as far as midfield goes) are just all about sorting out the stop gaps for the foreseeable future. Such a pity they couldn't take part though.
Short-sighted about Green? There's nothing to it - he's been selected to a fill a perceived hole in the system, not to improve the team, evolve our tactics or take us forward. That's the issue. Is it such a moan to try something new in a friendly game? I'd just like to see a ball playing midfielder given a chance in a central position be it Fahey or somebody else.
Lets not get ahead of ourselves, lads.
You can only begin to start making your mind up about someone having seen them play a few times - while not making rash judgements one way or t'other.
It'll be interesting to see how he plays - let him get on with it.
Quoting years at random since 1975
This post is a little bit off-topic but does anyone heard anymore about the future allocation of tickets at The Aviva? I am currently around 1600 on the block-booking waiting list but i understand that the FAI are falline well behind with their target for premium seat packages/ Is it likely that any more might tickets might be released to accomadate the several thousand fans still on the block-booking waiting list? If anyone has any info I would be grateful to hear it.
Cheers
Brian
I think you're being a bit harsh on Green. He was very tidy when he came no against Paraguay, and I'm looking forward to seeing if he can replicate that over 90 minutes tonight. There amy be better options, but based on Tuesday, you can't just rule Green out because he plays in Division One.
thats a stupid stupid comment. dosent even deserve a response from me.
He's picked Green to fulfill a role rather than based on his footballing ability. We've played the same way in every game under Trapattoni (granted a couple occasions when we behind, he changed it around). I'm just disappointed that he's not using a friendly game to try something new,look to evolve our style of play and become more creative. He has a gifted Premier League player at his disposal. It's nothing personal against Green, I just think Trapattoni should be slightly more adventurous in his team selections especially when it's resulting in a better footballer being overlooked.
Trap's 70-odd at this stage and very successful. We're not playing Brazilian football, but you can hardly be surprised or disappointed that he's not going to change his ways at this stage. If he sees players who'll fit well into a successful gameplan, then good.
It depends on how you define a successful gameplan. We're not going to SA so I think slight adjustments to our gameplan can be accommodated for a friendly.
I think Wolfie said it best, lets wait until after the game, preferably until after a few games.
I certainly wouldn't define a failed gameplan as one which held the world champions twice and which was knocked out by the world runners-up by a blatant offside handball and a deflection.
I would be curious to see how we would play with Fahey or Andy Reid at CM, but I am not too pushed about it. I would also be curious to see what would happen if Reid was brought on after an hour but that's not Trap's way. We have to go with the manager and his decisions, the results/performance determine the success of his methods.
Why this or why not that, is interesting debate. On the other hand the tv pundits claim scientific fact re the alternatives they espouse, that such a player/tactic would automatically bring upon an improvement.
Our current CM incl McCarthy are all playing for their clubs at CM, whereas Fahey and Reid are played out wide for their clubs.
There is plenty of scope within the game plan for a CM to get on the ball and spray accurate passes. But first the CM players have to understand the discipline of their role in the game and then the rest of what they do depends on their ability. Personally I think the two main missing links from our game are the full backs, most of the pain inflicted against us has come through that link. Josh is competent at RB but we will need 3 CH in a campaign to cover those 2 positions.
Anyone know where the game can be seen?
it's on sky sports 1: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12942,00.html
Will Fahey lay ahead of Lawrence? Did Lawrence shake off the groin injury?
Either way, Fahey should be tried in midfield. He doesn't have the pace to be a natural winger.
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