The Footie Thread

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Who decides what is an assist and what isn't? Bit of a pointless stat imo

Agreed most pointless stat in football unless the assist leads to the striker making a first touch finish such as a cross for a headed goal.

The Arsenal game where Trossard scored that peach against Sunderland after a little mazy run the player that passed it to him was classed as having an assist but, Trossard had run about 15yards and had 10 touches since he received the ball. Even the commentary team said that the player being aware the assist was a bit pointless.

 

[irip]

I’ve not said he doesn’t deserve credit end of the day 2 finals is a good record. But as soon as we played any decent teams his tactics were found wanting.

I respect what he achieved and how he got the players to be a proper team. But now we have a manager that doesn’t make me think we’re definitely going out as soon as we play any decent teams.

I think we got there to a degree because of the players Southgate had available rather than his tactics.
Where I think he deserves credit is off the pitch making the players pull in the same direction which is something I think has held us back for a long time and hopefully is something we carry forward for a long time.
Hopefully having a more tactically astute manager building on that will get us over the line.
Just wish it had happened years ago when I think we had the best squad in the world.

 

[Orikoru]

England for a while have had an issue with left backs , O Reilly played very well there when we played City and looks to have cemented his starting spot for City

I've not really seen him play, but I guess the thing that worries about him and Lewis-Skelly is that neither was a natural full back. They're both midfielders who have moved back there to try and get more game time, since they happen to be left-footed. I suppose you'll tell me it worked for Trent though.

In Lewis-Skelly's case he might need a loan move away from Arsenal to have any chance. He's not managed to budge Calafiori at all in the league.

 

[clubchamp98]

Whatever one’s thoughts about Bellingham, he is replaceable and that is a happy problem for Tuchel to have. There is a couple of players in Foden and Palmer that can and will do the same job. And probably just as good. But Tuchel now has another system where Wharton and Anderson are holding a midfield together alongside Rice. Wharton and Anderson have the bit between the teeth, they want to go to the World Cup. Bellingham expects to go to the World Cup. And for me there’s the difference. If Bellingham don’t go. Would we really notice. If Rice don’t go, I think we would.
We can wax lyrical all day about England scoring goals, but to concede no goals in 8 qualifying games is nothing short of excellent. That is with two players protecting a back four which are allowed to get forward down the wings. That is what will get England moving in the right direction. Not Bellingham.

I think better opposition might have something to say about our defence.

Not conceding is very good but we have given very average sides lots of chances.
We can’t do that against bigger better teams.

I think we will shine against better teams that don’t just park the bus.
It will be better to watch at least

 

[Orikoru]

Agreed most pointless stat in football unless the assist leads to the striker making a first touch finish such as a cross for a headed goal.

The Arsenal game where Trossard scored that peach against Sunderland after a little mazy run the player that passed it to him was classed as having an assist but, Trossard had run about 15yards and had 10 touches since he received the ball. Even the commentary team said that the player being aware the assist was a bit pointless.

At Spurs we call that a Tom Carroll assist.

Superb pass.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

I've not really seen him play, but I guess the thing that worries about him and Lewis-Skelly is that neither was a natural full back. They're both midfielders who have moved back there to try and get more game time, since they happen to be left-footed. I suppose you'll tell me it worked for Trent though.

In Lewis-Skelly's case he might need a loan move away from Arsenal to have any chance. He's not managed to budge Calafiori at all in the league.

See it differently to Trent - he has spent 99% of his career as a right back

No idea how O Riley was as a midfielder but he looked very comfortable as a left back against us , he wouldn’t be the first to move back

 

[clubchamp98]

I was not excited when England appointed Tuchel as manager, but, the more I listen to him, the more I'm beginning to really warm to him.
Anyone else feel the same?

Yes but he’s German !
I just wish for an English one.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Never mind Bellingham anyway, who the heck is our best left back these days?? The days of Shaw and Chilwell seem a distant memory, now it's O'Reilly or Lewis-Skelly, a couple of youngsters who aren't first choice at their clubs?? What's happened here? Or should it be Lewis Hall? Spence even though he's righty? Has Tyrick Mitchell been given a chance? This seems to be least nailed-down and most up-for-grabs spot in the team right now.

Lewis Hall at Newcastle is class. He and Livaramento could be the full back partnership for both the Toon and England for years to come. They both just have to stay fit, something that seems to be beyond them both right now. If they can sort that out, you can stop searching for a full back on either side.

 

[Neilds]

Well it’s normally the pass that sets up a goal

It’s prob more use than looking at a midfielders scoring record

Not always. And why should you reward someone who passes the ball 2 yards, just because it results in a goal?

And there was no assist for Kane's 1st goal yesterday.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Not always. And why should you reward someone who passes the ball 2 yards, just because it results in a goal?

What reward

It’s just a stat at the end of the day , one that can be used to highlight someone’s impact on the team

That two yard pass could be the exact reason why the goal happened

 

[clubchamp98]

See it differently to Trent - he has spent 99% of his career as a right back

No idea how O Riley was as a midfielder but he looked very comfortable as a left back against us , he wouldn’t be the first to move back

I agree.
What I have seen of him has been very good.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Lewis Hall at Newcastle is class. He and Livaramento could be the full back partnership for both the Toon and England for years to come. They both just have to stay fit, something that seems to be beyond them both right now. If they can sort that out, you can stop searching for a full back on either side.

Hall was very much on his way to contending for that England spot until he got injured - Livramento is superb as well

 

[clubchamp98]

Lewis Hall at Newcastle is class. He and Livaramento could be the full back partnership for both the Toon and England for years to come. They both just have to stay fit, something that seems to be beyond them both right now. If they can sort that out, you can stop searching for a full back on either side.

Picking a side from the phisio couch has been a problem in the past.

We need injury free players not glass knees.

 

[AmandaJR]

O'Reilly really impresses me every time I see him play. Very calm and collected for such a young player. He's confident on the ball and a very skilful player too.

As for Tuchel. Well I think I called "foul" and it was Germany's way of ensuring we never win another World Cup. I may have been wrong (yikes what am I saying) but let's see if we meet them in the tournament and he shows his true allegiance

To be fair I still rather like him for the way he gripped onto Conte and wouldn't let go!!

 

[Swango1980]

I agree also chuck Rico Lewis in there.
I don’t think it’s a case of not having any it’s more a case of who is fit and playing regularly.
Loads you could put up for the spot and to be fair Luke Shaw has started the season well.
Maybe Trent can play there as can’t see him getting in anywhere else

As a Man Utd fan, I struggle to see Shaw being a traditional left-back going forward in his career. He has done well so far this season, and stayed fit. But he has played on the left-side of 3 centre backs, and then we have played players like Dalot or Dorgu on the left wing back position.

I might be wrong, and perhaps when Martinez gets fit again, they'll have the likes of De Ligt, Yoro, Martinez, Maguire and Heaven fighting it out for the centre, and then put Shaw back on wide left. However, that makes me more nervous, as I'd worry all that running forward will significantly increase the odds he gets injured. And, having not played that role in a while, and at 30 years old, it might be wise to adapt his game to play more central in defence, rather than charging up the wing. Not to mention that I'm sure his legs are now slower than they once were.

 

[irip]

I only mentioned him as his form is good at the moment.
I’m not sure he could play for an entire tournament without injury at some point.

I certainly wouldn’t take him currently but a couple of injuries or players out of form and I think he becomes part of the discussion

 

[Terry321]

With regards to England, I personally would forget about egotistical players and their supporters from all the top divisions in Europe and concentrate on players from league 1 and 2. No egos and full commitment. more chance of winning the competition. In the lower leagues we trust

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

With regards to England, I personally would forget about egotistical players and their supporters from all the top divisions in Europe and concentrate on players from league 1 and 2. No egos and full commitment. more chance of winning the competition. In the lower leagues we trust

Christ even as a Reading fan I know thats one hell of dream

 

[Terry321]

Christ even as a Reading fan I know thats one hell of dream

Be one hell of a ride

 

[nickjdavis]

Hall was very much on his way to contending for that England spot until he got injured - Livramento is superb as well

Hall is back now....played for the Under21's the other night....calmness and control personified with a real attacking threat. Livramento not far off a return. Both will go to the World Cup.

Folk were suddenly harping on the other night about O'Reilly and Rashford developing a relationship down the left...now its fair that I might have an interest here, but, Hall and Gordon already have that relationship....Gordon is a different player when Hall is in the Newcastle team and providing real attacking intent, something that Dan Burn, for all his popularity, simply doesnt do when he plays at left back.