The people that didnt make the squad

**pineapple stu** · 11/05/2006, 12:52 PM

Would have thought Reid would have met your bill for someone who can pick out a pass?

Don't want to see O'Shea anywhere near centre-mid - we're not that stuck. Suppose playing Carsley will depend on who he's playing alongside.

**frankbrett** · 11/05/2006, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Would have thought Reid would have met your bill for someone who can pick out a pass?

Don't want to see O'Shea anywhere near centre-mid - we're not that stuck. Suppose playing Carsley will depend on who he's playing alongside.

I presume O'Shea won't be starting many games at OT next year so unless he plays at left back he could struggle to make the Ireland team

I think S Reid should start in the middle as he can tackle, shoot and get around the pitch though he touch isn't great.
His partner would depend on the formation and the opposition.
Not Carsley though!!

**pete** · 11/05/2006, 2:11 PM

All midfielders need to be able to run, pass & tackle. Saying 1 players role is to tackle & others to pass is naive.

**frankbrett** · 11/05/2006, 3:10 PM

yes but can they do all these skills at a high level?
player A may be better at passing and shooting while player B may be better at tackling and breaking up play.
Gerrard and Lampard haven't always functioned as a partnership as neither are willing to sit in a holding role.
The Liverpool midfield of the mid 1990s were all good ball players but lacked bite in the tackle, whereas the Houllier era Liverpool midfield was strong but lacked creativity.
A midfield of two Fabregas' or two Makalele's would not be as ideal of a combination of the two.
It is rare that midfielders are proficient in all areas of the game so if you are picking two in the middle you should ensure that at least one of them provides defensive cover and one is creative.

**cavan_fan** · 11/05/2006, 3:14 PM

Originally Posted by frankbrett

It is rare that midfielders are proficient in all areas of the game so if you are picking two in the middle you should ensure that at least one of them provides defensive cover and one is creative.

Agree completely and in terms of the defensive midfielder I can only suggest Carsley or Kavanagh at the moment. O'Shea oddly for a defender is not a great ball winner and I'd like Reid (S) to have the ability to go forward.

**youngirish** · 11/05/2006, 4:12 PM

I'd give O'Brien, Ireland and Garvan all a go in a friendly to see how they do ahead of both Miller and Carsley in Central Midfield who we all know are very average at best. These players look like they at least could turn out to be top players - the other two never will be (I'd throw O'Shea into the Miller Carsley bracket aswell though I know I'll get a load of stick because he's got a few games for United recently and people seem to forget how sh*t he's been for Ireland).

**frankbrett** · 11/05/2006, 4:15 PM

Originally Posted by youngirish

I'd give O'Brien, Ireland and Garvan all a go in a friendly to see how they do ahead of both Miller and Carsley in Central Midfield who we all know are very average at best. These players look like they at least could turn out to be top players - the other two never will be (I'd throw O'Shea into the Miller Carsley bracket aswell though I know I'll get a load of stick because he's got a few games for United recently and people seem to forget how sh*t he's been for Ireland).

but for Ireland he has mostly been s*it at left back or centre back

**Fergie's Son** · 11/05/2006, 4:17 PM

I doubt O'Shea will get his game next year at United. With Smith back and at least one new midfielder coming through I doubt O'Shea will hold his place.

**jbyrne** · 11/05/2006, 4:55 PM

Originally Posted by Fergie's Son

I doubt O'Shea will get his game next year at United. With Smith back and at least one new midfielder coming through I doubt O'Shea will hold his place.

have heard this for about 3 years now but he just keeps getting his game. some people will never let go though

**youngirish** · 11/05/2006, 4:59 PM

Originally Posted by jbyrne

have heard this for about 3 years now but he just keeps getting his game. some people will never let go though

The problem I have with O'Shea is just because he gets his game for United he seems to be an automatic choice for Ireland no matter how s*it he plays (and he always plays sh*t).

**Dr. Ogba** · 11/05/2006, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by youngirish

The problem I have with O'Shea is just because he gets his game for United he seems to be an automatic choice for Ireland no matter how s*it he plays (and he always plays sh*t).

Can't say this with a huge amount of authority cause I haven't seen enough games this year but surely O'Shea must be doing something right if he's been anchoring a United midfield that went on an 11/12 game winning run towards the end of the season???