by Castaway » Mon Dec 14, 2020 3:46 am
I'd either play one of these two sides:
------------ Halstead -------------------
Mellor - Lavelle - Davis - Gibson
---------- Songo'o----------------------
Sullivan---Phillips---Wildig----
-----Stockton ---CMG----------------
(CMG in a free role between dropping deep and going beyond Stockton)
OR
------------- Halstead ----------------
----- Lavelle-Davis-Percival--------
Mellor --------------------- Hendrie
---------Songo'o-Phillips--------------
--------------Wildig---------------------
---------Stockton--CMG---------------
- I am adamant that CMG is far more effective down the centre. I haven't seen him have a good game out wide this season and looks far happier getting on the ball in the middle. Recently, on occasions, he's been given more of a central role and has been more involved and produced the goods (won the penalty in the 1st round of the fa cup, goals against Barrow and Newport). I also believe the power of Cole and the pace of CMG is a difficult proposition for a defence to deal with, particularly if CMG plays a free role.
- It pains me to leave out Cooney in both lineups, but Mellor has steadily improved from the start of the season. Mellor makes smart decisions defensively and is becoming more active in going forward (I've got a feeling he's gonna score a wonder goal at some point this year). Cooney is arguably a better player, yet Mellor has every right to hold down that position as he's barely put a foot wrong. On the other side, we have Gibson and Hendrie. Gibson looks sold defensively in the few games he's played in whilst Hendrie looked shocking positionally early on this year but before his suspension was starting to show better signs. Cooney can play left-back, but I'm not a fan of players playing on the opposite side to their natural foot and Hendrie looks comfortable in a wing-back position (getting up putting in crosses and we have decent centre backs to cover him).
- I'm sure a lot of people would prefer to have Kenyon in for Songo'o and I wouldn't be upset if that happened. Kenyon has been like a new player this season and deserves the accolades. That being said, Songo'o looks like the type of player we've been missing for years. He is strong, gets really stuck in and offers us someone who gives us protection ahead of the defence. His passing is questionable at times, but his job is to break up play and in my opinion, he looks the better man to do that.
- I'm very content with our centre back options between Lavelle, Davis and Percival. Lavelle and Davis are a good foil for each other and Percival came in and was very steady. In the sticks, Halstead deserves his chance to make his mark, but I still think Turner is more than capable. As Derek has said, hopefully, this time out of the team can give him some time to focus and work on his game.
- It's amazing the quality of players that are not getting a runout. Diagouraga is a quality ballplayer, but can't get a sniff at the moment. I'd like to see more of McAlinden from off the bench as he brings us something different. For some reason, Derek hasn't seemed to trust him too much so far however he has shown glimpses of promise. I haven't seen a lot from Pringle to suggest he'd improve our first 11, but he hasn't had a lot of game time. When he gets his chance, he really needs to make an impact like Sullivan did on Saturday. I love how Derek makes every player earn their starting positions - regardless of reputation or previous connections. Price looks very lively but got an injury setback at the wrong time. I'm sure his chances will come and looks a great prospect. Everyone knows AJ has the quality, but he has the question mark about whether he can stay fit. I hope so as he can bring something different to our forward options. I just realised I haven't mentioned Slew. I don't think he's as bad as some have made out and I believe Derek picks him for his work rate. He's always in and around the play and gets stuck in. He can do a job for us. That being said, I think we could try some different options as an alternative who have had less of a chance so far this season.
I've no idea how we are our financially in the current climate, but if we could bring someone in I'd like a natural wide player for the left who enjoys to stay out wide and give the opposition full-back havoc. CMG looks timid in that position and often passes backwards or hesitates when he has the opportunity to go 1 on 1.
Overall, I'm delighted with how the squad has come together this season and also how it is being managed from week to week. I may not agree with every individual decision, but you can see a clear strategy and vision behind what we're trying to achieve in terms of a system and how Derek manages a squad of players.