QuoteYeah I think I posted somehing along those lines a few weeks back. The Keane against Cyprus a few years ago for me is a very apt point. Duffer is our best player and at his prime, we need him to lead.
There was a thread about this a while back but the search function isn't working properly on this site. Anyway, Duff was poor yesterday against Liverpool. The thing is though, its not by choice. Mourinho will let him run at players against the weaker teams but in places like Anfield Duff just isn't allowed do what he does best. He may be a better player defensively but he is the only Irish player in the team that can create everything in a game. I hope Jose doesn't take this away from us. He was Chelsea's best player under Ranieri, now he's just another name on the teamsheet.
http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/stor...=12&si=1480655THERE was a moment at Anfield on Wednesday when Damien Duff got possession in his customary spot on the wing and we waited hopefully for the trademark drop of the left shoulder followed by the darting run towards the box, or the killer ball across goal. Neither came.
Confronted by two defenders, Duff backed off and eventually found the safety net of Claude Makelele in midfield. Job done, he retreated back to the anonymity of the wing.
There are two ways of reading that little cameo. Either it is a sign of unselfishness and growing maturity in Duff's game, or it is further evidence, under Jose Mourinho's chronically negative regime at Stamford Bridge, that the more daring aspects of Duff's style are being submerged for the supposed greater good. Either way, there are grounds for asking whatever happened to the artist formerly known as Duffer?
A few weeks ago Duff addressed this topic in an interview. "At Blackburn I used to just get the ball and run at people, head down," he said. "Maybe I was a bit gung-ho. Now I probably think about it a bit more and often I'll give a simple pass. Who knows if it's for the worse or better? It's what I've learnt to do and I do it without thinking."
Maybe if Liverpool hadn't hedged their bets in 2002 or Manchester United prevaricated a year later, Duff might have joined a team that would have suited his attacking instincts
And there's the rub. What was it we prized most about Duff if not the seemingly effortless way he ghosted past defenders, displaying an attitude that reminded those long enough in the tooth of the spirit of Best and Matthews? He was blond, captivating and unbeatable. Best of all, he was ours.
And now, as he himself tells us, Duffer is gone to an early grave. To keep his egomaniacal club manager happy, he never gives the ball away. Risk and reward, the philosophy upon which he established his reputation, has been ditched. Duff now plays in a team that can bore even the best sides in the world into submission and, wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, is in danger of approaching that place where natural talent goes to lie down: the comfort zone.
Is it for better or worse? A cursory glance at his pedestrian performances for club and country this season offers more than a strong hint. It is surely a testament to his talent and determination that unlike Arjen Robben, his Dutch teammate, Duff's career doesn't seem to be going backwards. As fast as his legs are carrying him, though, it is merely staying rooted to the same spot.
One of the telling factors of the present era at Chelsea is that, for all their evident superiority, how many of their lavishly paid stars have enhanced their reputation under Mourinho? John Terry, for sure, but then he would be a defender. It might be tempting to add Frank Lampard, but you must overlook the creative wasteland that is the England midfield, a level of football that exposes Lampard and Steven Gerrard for the headless automatons they are.
Those who argued two years ago that Chelsea was an unsuitable destination for Duff were more prescient than they imagined. That was pre-Mourinho though, when the club still espoused a pure football ethos and cared about its supporters. Justifying his decision, Duff said he was coming to London to win trophies and improve himself as a footballer. Only the first of those declared ambitions seems guaranteed.
Curiously, this time last year it was being widely suggested that Duff wouldn't fit into the dynamic as envisaged by the recently arrived Mourinho. You could see where they were coming from. The effervescent Portuguese and - so the cliché went - the relaxed Irishman who couldn't wait for training to finish so he could head home for a nap. Never the twain would meet.
Mourinho will have been surprised and pleased at the manner in which Duff knuckled down and subsumed himself within the larger team framework. When Ricardo Carvalho complains of not playing enough, the manager takes umbrage and makes an example of him in public. When Duff complains Mourinho listens and plays him more.
But is it enough? There is a sense that at this stage of his career Duff has shown himself to be a very good player but remains a step or two short of greatness. Maybe if Liverpool hadn't hedged their bets in 2002 or Manchester United prevaricated a year later, Duff might have joined a team that would have suited his attacking instincts. For all his talent, something always seems to be holding him back.
Any time he plays for Ireland, the pressure on Duff seems so great to be almost overpowering
Expectation may be one factor. Any time he plays for Ireland, the pressure on Duff seems so great to be almost overpowering. It was already there before he went to Japan in 2002, even more so when Roy Keane was removed from the squad, and he coped admirably, heroically. Back then, though, the Ireland squad rippled with natural leaders like Niall Quinn and Steve Staunton. These days the Ireland squad has a rather threadbare look.
It is a little depressing to think that when Kenny Cunningham and Roy Keane depart, it is to Shay Given, Duff and Robbie Keane we must look to bring the next generation of Irish players forward. Suddenly it won't be enough that we ask Duff merely to be a match-winner. He must also be a team leader. It will be a huge burden.
He will face stern questions over the next 10 days, too. When Roy Keane prodded Ireland to a stuttering 4-0 victory in Cyprus four years ago, there were those who suggested it was the former captain's finest hour in a green jersey. It was an arguable assertion, but if they aren't saying the same about Duff this time next week, it is likely that Ireland's prospects of making it to Germany next year will already have disappeared.
Watching Duff struggle against the close attentions of Willy Sagnol last month was hardly an inspiring portent. Apart from a glut of friendly games where he invariably lights up the stadium, Duff has failed to do himself justice in any of Ireland's critical games since the World Cup. The more desperate Ireland's need becomes, the more we expect. Even with Keane in tow, it didn't happen against France last month and to expect it against Cyprus and Switzerland seems slightly unreasonable.
Before the France game Duff made a straightforward but illuminating observation. "Ireland do rely on me a bit more than Chelsea," he said and if he was merely stating the obvious, you could detect a clear undertone that he is not entirely comfortable with that dependence. Still, you would think playing international football might at least be a release from the straitjacket Mourinho has imposed on him at Chelsea.
Of course, he may go out on any given day and make fools of the doubters, but there is reason to worry. It's easy to forget sometimes that Duff isn't that tousled-haired blond kid who charged up and down sidelines making coaches and scouts gasp in astonishment anymore. He's 26 now and if his peak years still lie ahead, it is also true that if Ireland don't make it to Germany Duff might get, at most, one more chance to perform on the highest stage. The days of wonder and anticipation are gone. The next few years will ultimately decide Duff's place in the history of the game.
That is what makes it so frustrating to watch him in the Chelsea blue. What you see is a player who will be festooned with trophies and medals but who has more - so much more - to give.
Yeah I think I posted somehing along those lines a few weeks back. The Keane against Cyprus a few years ago for me is a very apt point. Duffer is our best player and at his prime, we need him to lead.
In Trap we trust
I read that article in the paper yesterday and personally think its a load of rubbish. Duff still has the talent and his game has improved in other areas apart from running with the ball. He is more tactically aware now and much much better defensively. Admitadley he hasn't been great in the last few games for Ireland but I think he'll prove his worth in the next 2 games.
I too think the article is wide of the mark.
Duff is not just another name on the teamsheet - he is a key player for the best team in England and the favourites for this year's champions league. His career is on the up and up (unlike some other members of our squad who are happy to get by with showboating cameos for mediocre mid-table teams).
Class goal yesterday by the way.
Together with all our hearts.
Care to name names ?Originally Posted by fergalr
Apart from a glut of friendly games where he invariably lights up the stadium, Duff has failed to do himself justice in any of Ireland's critical games since the World Cup. The more desperate Ireland's need becomes, the more we expect.
As much as it pains me to say it this section of the article is true. Can any of us think of one competitive game, against even half decent opposition, since the World Cup that Damien has had a real impact on? He scored a deflected goal at home to Russia but his overall performance in that game wasn't great. I would just love to see him grab a big (Ireland) game by the the scruff of the neck.
I thought he played very well in the home game against Russia. Thats about it though.
You're having laugh EB? He is far from just another name on the teamsheet. Sure you yourself pointed out on the Fantasy League thread that Duff almost every week gets bonus points for his performances. A bonus system based on the Actim system. As you know, the Actim system rewards players for their general contribution to the game and also passes completed, etc. And the last point ties in with his sometimes lack of willingness to take on players when he "in his opinion feels" it would be better to pass the ball.
I watched something that he done yesterday's game which I was mightily impressed with. Any time Del Horno got forward Duff would immediately slot back and cover for him and wouldn't budge until DH got back into position. That's the sign of a great team player.
Granted it's great to see players running at defenders, but to do it just for the sake of it is silly. Do you want a Ronaldo type performance where he just runs at players when a simple pass will do and only tracks back when he's in the humour? I know I don't.
When will people stop saying that? Just because they don't concede doesn't mean that they are boring!Duff now plays in a team that can bore even the best sides in the world into submission and
Well that's what happens when you're a great player. People expect you to play great in every game. That's a burden that even top class player has to face!Expectation may be one factor. Any time he plays for Ireland, the pressure on Duff seems so great to be almost overpowering. It was already there before he went to Japan in 2002, even more so when Roy Keane was removed from the squad, and he coped admirably, heroically. Back then, though, the Ireland squad rippled with natural leaders like Niall Quinn and Steve Staunton. These days the Ireland squad has a rather threadbare look.
It is a little depressing to think that when Kenny Cunningham and Roy Keane depart, it is to Shay Given, Duff and Robbie Keane we must look to bring the next generation of Irish players forward. Suddenly it won't be enough that we ask Duff merely to be a match-winner. He must also be a team leader. It will be a huge burden.
He will face stern questions over the next 10 days, too. When Roy Keane prodded Ireland to a stuttering 4-0 victory in Cyprus four years ago, there were those who suggested it was the former captain's finest hour in a green jersey. It was an arguable assertion, but if they aren't saying the same about Duff this time next week, it is likely that Ireland's prospects of making it to Germany next year will already have disappeared.
That has more to do with the fact that during any of our big games he is generally marked out of the game by 2 or 3 defenders crowding him out as soon as he has the ball and not him bottling it during these games.Watching Duff struggle against the close attentions of Willy Sagnol last month was hardly an inspiring portent. Apart from a glut of friendly games where he invariably lights up the stadium, Duff has failed to do himself justice in any of Ireland's critical games since the World Cup.
B.
You're probably right Baz and he was marked out of the France game, I agree. He's most effective going forward when taking on players and he usually wins but he didn't take any player on yesterday. The fact that Frank Lampard has more dribbles than Duff this season says a lot. He doesn't have to do it all the time but every now and then would be nice.He was like a lost boy in the Faroes and didn't make a succesful run once.
He had better get his finger out against the Cypriots & Swiss a prove that he can play against half decent sides...
In all fairness, he's not as bad as he used to be. Probably due to the fact that he doesn't run at players as much as he used to.
B.
I think a key point in that quote was "confronted by two defenders". He did what 99% of players would do in that situation and passed the ball to a team mate and kept possesion. Pass and move anyone?
What quote?
B.
The 2nd paragraph in Eirebhoys first post where he quotes the article.
OIC. Sorry. But yeah, you're right, any sensible player when confronted with two defenders will pass the ball.
B.
Duff has been destroyed as an attacking winger by the typical negative anglo saxon mentality towards football. Him and Robben have been found out. It remains to be see whether they can re invent themselves
How is it "typical" when only recently the press have being going mental saying that the premiership has become boring? That would suggest that it wasn't always boring and that it's only a recent occurence.
The PL has only gotten more defensive over the last few years with the influx of foreign managers. Therefore it's hardly "typical" of the "anglo saxon mentality towards football" as you put it.
B.
Im not going to go into the English fixation with 4-4-2 and its limitations.
When is the last time a really good technical english team has won the English PL ?? The typical english team is more about running IMO.
English football has always been like this, except far worse in the past. The mentality kills off footballers, i.e those with footballing skill as opposed to physical attributes.
He's always been like that. Remember the penalty we got against Spain in the World Cup - clear dive by the Duffer. You didn't hear me complaining.
The defender slid right across him missing the ball. Duff clearly manufactured the contact, like Batistuta did against Seaman. But if a defender or goalkeeper goes to ground interfering with the player's run without taking the ball I think it's got to be a foul. You can't gain an advantage by diving across a player & missing the ball. I've always felt that!
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