Bulgaria V Republic of Ireland - Thursday, 3rd September 2020 - UEFA Nations League

[Bielsa´s irish]

if we are going to play 4-3-3 we need younger players around James McCarthy, he is irreplaceable. Hourihane is always nervous and Hendrick is hot and cold.

We need two young central midfielders and james McCarthy. Could be Cullen one.

-------------------------------------------randolph-----------------------------------------

coleman---------------------duffy----------------egan---------stevens (dont touch what is not broken).

----------------------------------browne ----------------------molumby
------------------------------------------james McCarthy ---------------------------------------

connolly-------------------------------long-------------------------------------mcclean

we need little bit of biting in midfield if we play 4-3-3

[seanfhear]

if we are going to play 4-3-3 we need younger players around James McCarthy, he is irreplaceable. Hourihane is always nervous and Hendrick is hot and cold.

We need two young central midfielders and james McCarthy. Could be Cullen one.

-------------------------------------------randolph-----------------------------------------

coleman---------------------duffy----------------egan---------stevens (dont touch what is not broken).

----------------------------------browne ----------------------molumby
------------------------------------------james McCarthy ---------------------------------------

connolly-------------------------------long-------------------------------------mcclean

we need little bit of biting in midfield if we play 4-3-3

Did you mean semi-invisible for James McCarthy. He urns up for the games at the start and then he loses interest.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Did you mean semi-invisible for James McCarthy. He urns up for the games at the start and then he loses interest.

He needs to roam around, mate. Two younger midfielders beside him. Or Arter for Hourihane, he is too nervous.

[MancIrishWolf]

Overall, very encouraging performance. Connolly was tireless, Idah’s hold up play was very impressive for a 19 year old and O’Dowda strikes fear into defenders when running at pace (although is frustratingly inconsistent in games). Amazing how the naivety of youth can add some impetus into a team after years of turgid football.

Can’t help think though the game highlighted why a change of formation to a 3-4-3 is needed if we’re to get the best out of this team. Our most effective premier league players are wingbacks, yet they’re played as fullbacks. The game was crying out for crosses and cutbacks to get the best out of the front three - it feels like a boxer having a knock out punch in his artillery and not using it. Either roving forward leaves us dangerously susceptible at the back to the counter or cross field ball at the back as we found out on a few occasions in the first half. Clarke and O’Shea have big seasons a head of them and certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see the latter supersede Duffy in the next couple of years to become our best defensive leader since Dunne.

The current formation alternatively means we are loaded up in our weakest position where we are looking to find one top class midfielder, let alone three. All are “nice” midfielders, who despite showing the odd touch typically flattered to deceive, with not one terrier amongst them, the reason why the same formation has been so successful for Liverpool and the only way to stop our flat defence looking so exposed. That said, Molumby and Knight offer great hope for the future.

Great to see the team playing out from the back and faith given to the youth. Just hope the media give him more time and see his evident long term plan. Just hope he doesn’t stubbornly stick to this flat back four tenet of his game, if potentially more viable alternatives are available as it might be a case of adapt or die.

[Olé Olé]

Johnny Giles and Eamon Dunphy were probably reaching with this point I'm going to share and I must watch it back. But they reckon that Bulgaria may not have scored their goal of Seamus was playing because he would have been flatter and would have communicated with Duffy and Egan. Very rhetorical.

They did say that Coleman should have started. Whilst Doherty is a fine player and great going forward, they felt Coleman was the pick to make in his first game as manager.

[MancIrishWolf]

They’re probably right. Doherty is the better Wing back, but Coleman’s the better fullback. Doherty’s performances have been frustrating so far, especially seeing what he’s capable of on a weekly basis. Don’t think we’ll see the best of him until we give him license to attack.

[youngirish]

if we are going to play 4-3-3 we need younger players around James McCarthy, he is irreplaceable.

The same James McCarthy who was by far our weakest midfielder against Bulgaria? The same James McCarthy who the majority of Crystal Palace fans are happy to sell to Leeds for a loss?

As Ricky Gervais says in Extras "Are you havin a laugh?". I honestly don't see the fascination with McCarthy on this forum. The only logical explanation I can think of is that because he hasn't played for so long people think he must be the answer to our long suffering midfield issues even though if they remembered when he did play regularly our midfield was just as bad if not worse.

Hopefully Molumby replaces him against Finland and we will see what he can offer. My guess would we substantially more as not only can he be the defensive, holding midfielder that McCarthy is supposed to excel at but rarely manages to do so. He can also offer something that McCarthy hasn't got in his game - some spark, drive and energy and the ability to impose himself on the opposing midfield.

[brine3]

We don't deserve James McCarthy with posts like that

[youngirish]

We don't deserve James McCarthy with posts like that

Good thoughtful response. Well argued. We don't deserve a bit part player for perennial Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace whose fans who watch him more than me and you (I would guess) are in the majority happy to sell him for a loss.

Really if that's Ireland's ceiling don't be expecting to go to any major final tournaments within the next few seasons.

[seanfhear]

We don't deserve James McCarthy with posts like that

If ya want to play international football ya have to be prepared to take the potential hits that go with it. Perhaps he would be better concentrating on his club career. International football has not worked out for him so far anyway.

[John83]

If ya want to play international football ya have to be prepared to take the potential hits that go with it. Perhaps he would be better concentrating on his club career. International football has not worked out for him so far anyway.

Yeah, he must look at the World Cups all his international teammates have won and think to himself, "What am I even doing here?"

[kennedmc]

The same James McCarthy who was by far our weakest midfielder against Bulgaria? The same James McCarthy who the majority of Crystal Palace fans are happy to sell to Leeds for a loss?

As Ricky Gervais says in Extras "Are you havin a laugh?". I honestly don't see the fascination with McCarthy on this forum. The only logical explanation I can think of is that because he hasn't played for so long people think he must be the answer to our long suffering midfield issues even though if they remembered when he did play regularly our midfield was just as bad if not worse.

Hopefully Molumby replaces him against Finland and we will see what he can offer. My guess would we substantially more as not only can he be the defensive, holding midfielder that McCarthy is supposed to excel at but rarely manages to do so. He can also offer something that McCarthy hasn't got in his game - some spark, drive and energy and the ability to impose himself on the opposing midfield.

I think Coventry played the 'McCarthy role for the U21s not Molumby. Kenny seems to rate McCarthy for this role so I suppose it will take some time to see how it pans out.

I do find it strange though calling McCarthy out considering his competition is Hendrick, Arter, Hourihane, Brady etc. Our midfield has been pretty poor over the last 3 or 4 years and their performances at club level are average. They are all of a similar level and ability with some different attributes.

With Molumby and Knight etc coming through perhaps they can raise the bar.

[youngirish]

I do find it strange though calling McCarthy out considering his competition is Hendrick, Arter, Hourihane, Brady etc. Our midfield has been pretty poor over the last 3 or 4 years and their performances at club level are average. They are all of a similar level and ability with some different attributes.

Then you didn't read the context of the initial post. I was replying to Bielsa because he stated he was irreplaceable which is ridiculous. I agree with you that he is a very average midfielder in a group of very average midfielders. The hyperbole about him by some on here astounds me. He could retire tomorrow and it would make no difference to the Irish midfield other than we've one less very average midfielder if someone gets injured, tired or suspended.

On a side note Cullen is having a great game for West Ham in their last pre-season friendly setting up both of their goals. If he gets Premiership game time this season maybe he can edge somebody out of the squad.

https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/...fc-bournemouth.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Then you didn't read the context of the initial post. I was replying to Bielsa because he stated he was irreplaceable which is ridiculous. I agree with you that he is a very average midfielder in a group of very average midfielders. The hyperbole about him by some on here astounds me. He could retire tomorrow and it would make no difference to the Irish midfield other than we've one less very average midfielder if someone gets injured, tired or suspended.

On a side note Cullen is having a great game for West Ham in their last pre-season friendly setting up both of their goals. If he gets Premiership game time this season maybe he can edge somebody out of the squad.

https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/...fc-bournemouth.

i dont agree. I agree with Kenny. But for me McCarthy is better going forward than sitting centrally. I would play another younger fellow there. Even Darrah Lenihan could play there but Cullen or Browne there for me.
For me James McCarthy is a playmaker

[seanfhear]

Yeah, he must look at the World Cups all his international teammates have won and think to himself, "What am I even doing here?"

He plays like “ What am I even doing here ? "

[irishfan86]

My view on McCarthy is that he is a good all-rounder. He can tackle, he is positionally sound, and he can pass.

I think he isn’t as mobile due to the injuries he’s sustained, but if he is asked to shield the back four and be a deep lying part of our possession game, I think he can excel there.

I don’t think it has to be an either or for McCarthy/Molumby. I say you leave McCarthy to shield the back four, and Molumby to play the box-to-box role, as he’s got the legs and energy for that.

I really struggle with Hendrick and Hourihane. Hourihane can perhaps justify his inclusion based on his set piece delivery, but he can be so disappointing and pedestrian at times. Hendrick similarly just continues to look to pass the buck rather than take initiative.

I understand Kenny’s decision to stick with more established players as we approach Slovakia. Hopefully they can raise their game or the younger lads can force the case with their own performances.

[seanfhear]

My view on McCarthy is that he is a good all-rounder. He can tackle, he is positionally sound, and he can pass.

I think he isn’t as mobile due to the injuries he’s sustained, but if he is asked to shield the back four and be a deep lying part of our possession game, I think he can excel there.

I don’t think it has to be an either or for McCarthy/Molumby. I say you leave McCarthy to shield the back four, and Molumby to play the box-to-box role, as he’s got the legs and energy for that.

I really struggle with Hendrick and Hourihane. Hourihane can perhaps justify his inclusion based on his set piece delivery, but he can be so disappointing and pedestrian at times. Hendrick similarly just continues to look to pass the buck rather than take initiative.

I understand Kenny’s decision to stick with more established players as we approach Slovakia. Hopefully they can raise their game or the younger lads can force the case with their own performances.

Certainly looks like some of these Fellas Need to be put under pressure for their places.

[Diggs246]

My view on McCarthy is that he is a good all-rounder. He can tackle, he is positionally sound, and he can pass.

I think he isn’t as mobile due to the injuries he’s sustained, but if he is asked to shield the back four and be a deep lying part of our possession game, I think he can excel there.

I don’t think it has to be an either or for McCarthy/Molumby. I say you leave McCarthy to shield the back four, and Molumby to play the box-to-box role, as he’s got the legs and energy for that.

I really struggle with Hendrick and Hourihane. Hourihane can perhaps justify his inclusion based on his set piece delivery, but he can be so disappointing and pedestrian at times. Hendrick similarly just continues to look to pass the buck rather than take initiative.

I understand Kenny’s decision to stick with more established players as we approach Slovakia. Hopefully they can raise their game or the younger lads can force the case with their own performances.

100% correct. Hourihane is awful and jeff not far behind... I would drop them both. But conor first. Re his set pieces I think his corners are woeful

[Olé Olé]

I think Hendrick is getting Whelan-like flak- some will have a pop regardless of the performance. I thought he was really good Thursday. He was really good especially when you consider his midfield partners didn't make much impact on the game whilst he tried really hard and showed flashes of quality.

[youngirish]

I think Hendrick is getting Whelan-like flak- some will have a pop regardless of the performance. I thought he was really good Thursday. He was really good especially when you consider his midfield partners didn't make much impact on the game whilst he tried really hard and showed flashes of quality.

I agree. Hendrick for me is a superior player to McCarthy.