Yet again Ryan has shown us he knows where the goal is. Again I ask myself why is he not given the central role up front!
I’m not having a go at Rafa, this is my view on how I think we could be better attacking force.
Lets drop Ngog and play Babel up front. When Torres comes back on to the pitch lets keep Babel up there with him and drop Gerrard back into midfield, with Lucas making way for that change.
The pitch looks like one of our local Sunday League pitches after the river has flooded it and receded. So no point in analysing the game in depth.
YNWA
Still needs to up his work rate,fight and productivity to REALLY make it for me….. but its a start.
He was brought in as a winger and is good out wide, why turn change that? We need people out wide more which is why its excellent to see him on the wings!
I also think he does well on the wings, he can get past defenders and makes good runs.
Agree with James, the reason he is suggesting playing him up front is thats his natural position!
Gerrard in midfield would also be good so we dont have 2 DM on at all times.
I would agree with James, but Nick, you’re also right. Ryan has the talent but he just needs to apply it more often. I would love to see Stevie back in the centre, as with certain player no longer around we do lack the ability to control the game and pick the killer pass. This move would give Rafa the option of two up front – a system I feel would help take a bit of pressure off Torres
Does he not play central and up front for Holland, oh and his previous club!
One swallow doesn’t make a summer, just as one Ryan Babel goal doesn’t make him a striker. Still, good ball control, and if he keeps on working hard when he does get on the pitch then he should be put up front.
He still needs Rafa to play 2 up front, and for him to to be chosen as one of the two strikers. That’s a big ask: but we all know that Rafa’s chosen formation doesn’t work.
http://www.elevenversuseleven.blogspot.com
Just one more note on Babel and the reason why I like him as a striker and not a winger. Look at his goals, see where he initially recieves the ball, then tell me he is not a striker of the Fowler mould, eg Nutmeg 20+ yard strike into the top corner against Villa.