Ireland's Next Holding Midfielder

Originally Posted by eirebhoy

They have the defensive midfielder, Gattuso type, in Hargreaves but they really lack a playmaker imo.

I'd call Carrick a playmaker, but I don't know if he's up to it, always had my doubts about him going to United.

If we had a whole team of holding midfielders would we be better able to hold on to leads and not give away silly late goals like slovakia away? Its something to think about really.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=UNTAMKxp-MI

Originally Posted by Billsthoughts

If we had a whole team of holding midfielders would we be better able to hold on to leads and not give away silly late goals like slovakia away? Its something to think about really.

I think if anything having too many holding midfielders on at once was our problem there, as when they equalized we had Carsley, Gibson, and Douglas on at the time, all who have played that role in some capacity at club level.

If you want a team to model ourselves on, what about one that won the world cup. Italy 2006


---------- Gattuso -- Pirlo-----------

--Cameronesi-------------Perrotta---

--------------- Totti ----------------

--------------- Toni ----------------



---------- O'Brien -- Reid------------

--Ireland/McGeady------Hunt/Duff---

-------------- Keane ---------------

--------------- Doyle ---------------


I have put O'Brien in the holding role, but it could just as easy be Carsley or maybe Marc wilson in a year or two. Similarly i have put Andy Reid in as a deep playmaker in the Pirlo mould, but it could be Stephen McPhail who can pass a ball, or Stephen Reid for something different.

It would give our back four two men in front of them, and give our front 4 real freedom. Its obvious weakness is down out flanks, but if the midfielders go wide to help when needed, it can be covered. All formations have a weakness. Plus there are very few proper wingers in the international game.

I'd go with the above formation, but with Carsley instead of O'Brien, Keane RW, McGeady LW and Ireland behind Doyle.

Originally Posted by backtowalsall

If you want a team to model ourselves on, what about one that won the world cup. Italy 2006


---------- Gattuso -- Pirlo-----------

--Cameronesi-------------Perrotta---

--------------- Totti ----------------

--------------- Toni ----------------



---------- O'Brien -- Reid------------

--Ireland/McGeady------Hunt/Duff---

-------------- Keane ---------------

--------------- Doyle ---------------

Camoranesi and Perrotta do quite a bit off work off the ball though. And De Rossi was first choice for Italy until he got suspended. The Irish selection is a bit too lightweight. None of those players are really combative.

IMO there are 2 different types of "Holding midfielders", firstly the type who when recieves the ball can spread it anywhere across the pitch with lovely passes and is very creative, example; Andrea Pirlo. I think Ireland have some players who are like this (just not brilliant)

Then theres the type who will get stuck in, win the ball in the tackle, the opposition will fear him, then gives the ball to his midfield partner to go forward. These type of players offer a real protection to the back 4. Example; Genaro Gattuso. This is something Ireland havnt really had since Roy Keane and have missed alot I think. If I was in charge, this is the type of player I would want in my team. I think this is what Ireland needs, yet lacks.