Nah, Obamamidele? no, couldn't be: Did you not hear? He was the only one hoofing the ball in Faro. The only one. It totally undermines SK's gameplan and ridiculous reasoning that he's heralding a new type of play. I actually went to the trouble of recording how bad he was at playing football in the second half in Faro (between the second half and the 74th minute):
- 48: successful pass to Doc;
- 50: headed clearance;
- 52: swivel on the ball and pass to Coleman
- 53: interception & pass inside to Cullen;
- 54 block on CR7 after dribbling;
- 56 interception (pen appeal), pass up flank to Idah blocked for throw.
- 63: Long ball up line after interception- possession lost.
- 68: took pass, 40yd pass to Idah's feet, possession retained.
That's probably better than just making sweeping statements as some others are wont to do with no evidence to back it up. probably.
[QUOTE]I see also that Bazunu was successful with 10 long balls. There were some he played onto Doherty's foot or chest that were absolutely awesome. There are not many keepers who could execute those passes. Maybe it's the green tinted glasses of mine but if I were the Man City loan manager or goalkeeping coach I'd be very, very happy watching that game. [QUOTE]
And Doherty deserves immense credit. and he doesn't get enough credit for a lot of the work he does with the ball at his feet. I would say that getting space in tight spaces, and picking out subtle forward passes, he's certainly in our top 3, if not the best. It seems to go very unnoticed.
I can't advise anyone enough to get down and watch a national underage league match, particularly if you live in Dublin (or the North West - the two standout areas for the past few years). Irish schoolboy children are showing amazing levels of skill and technical ability, and have been doing so for a number of years. They don't know any other way to play.Given how much we have struggled in recent years with young Irish talent coming through (there have been some very sparse years since the Class of 92 born lads), it's amazing to see technically brilliant players like Bazunu, Omobamidele and even Parrott coming through. Collins and O'Shea are another pair of lovely ballers.
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