Our style of play

[Christmas Tree 4856]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

[David Kelly 1260]

Judging by yesterday we have no style whatsoever. We look like we need a pre season!

[Kitman 2207]

Until we get a new LB we need a LW who can track back. Raylor was terrible and I'm surprised they didn't make more of his lack of pace second half. I can remember his arse being handed to him by Gervinho 2 or 3 times first half, I'd be seriously worried if we persist with him there. Might be better to play Jonas at LB than him

[LoveTheBobby 1]

Judging by yesterday we have no style whatsoever. We look like we need a pre season!

 

I'll do the visas.

[Christmas Tree 4856]

Just seen this posted elsewhere on a similar theme.

 

Alan Pardew has talked about a new style of play, a new tactic, a new formation for this season... But do we know what it is? And will it work?

 

I think he will build his team around two players: Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

 

Hatem Ben Arfa can play as a playmaker in the hole just behind the striker, and on the left and right wing = works very well in a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 and maybe also in a 4-4-2 formation.

 

Pardew talked about Ben Arfa in April: “He will play a central role in our attacking line. I want to use him as a playmaker, a number 10, just behind one forward.”

 

Yohan Cabaye was excellent at Lille last season and they played a 4-3-3 formation with 3 central midfielders. I'm unsure how he works in a 4-4-2. His first test for us in a 4-4-2 was today against Arsenal and he got tired after 65 minutes. If it depends on the 4-4-2 formation or if he's not match fit, I don't know.

 

I understand why Pardew played a 4-4-2 formation against Arsenal today, with Ameobi and Ba to put pressure on the Arsenal defenders. But it didn't work very well. Gabriel Obertan then entered the pitch at half time and was exciting but was later placed at right midfield. Didn't understand that. He's not a right midfielder in a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1. He's perfect in a 4-3-3 formation, as a right winger, not a right midfielder.

 

The same thing with Sylvain Marveaux, I think he can be excellent in a 4-3-3 formation. Higher up the pitch in a more direct style of play.

 

I think Pardew will mix it up and play 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 and 4-3-3 depending on who is available for selection.

 

We will probably see this formation a lot:

 

 

It can be both a 4-4-2 and a 4-4-1-1. Two strikers or a striker and a attacking midfielder just behind the striker. Tioté and Cabaye in central midfield with Barton to the right - in the role he had last season. A similar formation we played today. However, I'm not sure Obertan and Marveaux.. and Cabaye will fit in this formation.

 

It would excite me if Pardew tried this instead:

 

 

Contains 3 central midfielders, 2 very attacking wingers and 1 striker. Ba, Ameobi and Best - all strong enough to be a target man. Ben Arfa, Obertan, Marveaux, Sammy Ameobi and Jonás - all has the pace and skill to play on a wing and to attack. Cabaye, Tioté, Barton, Gosling, Guthrie, Vuckic and Smith - all capable of playing in central midfield, and if they are three we should have more possession during games.

 

We lack a central midfielder capable of running with the ball. Why not transform Jonás to a attacking central midfielder? Or something? He has great work rate and stamina.. So why not?

 

Naturally I dont agree with the jonas bit.

[LoveTheBobby 1]

What the fuck have you had for breakfast lad ?!

 

Binary Bill there .

[sammynb 3517]

Considering how much work Jonas did yesterday why anyone would want him out of the team is dumbfounding.

[ToonMarshy 2]

Agreed Sammy, though Obertans pace fucking blew me away.

 

There was one point where a dead ball went over to their corner flag with the defender jogging after it, Obertan Lashed it from the half way line , beat the defender, nicked the ball, kept it in and passed it off. Was probably the biggest roar from the crowd in the entire match! Had a lovely little flick pass in their area to Cabaye as well!

[Christmas Tree 4856]

Bearing in mind who is fit and assuming Pieters does sign on Tuesday, I would go with.

 

 

Krul

 

Simpson -- Taylor -- Coloccini -- Pieters

 

Tiote

 

Barton --- Cabaye

 

Obertan ------------------------ Vuckik

 

Best

[Kitman 2207]

But is Vukic any good?

[The Fish 10972]

Bearing in mind who is fit and assuming Pieters does sign on Tuesday, I would go with.

 

 

Krul

 

Simpson -- Taylor -- Coloccini -- Pieters

 

Tiote

 

Barton --- Cabaye

 

Obertan ------------------------ Vuckik

 

Best

[Christmas Tree 4856]

But is Vukic any good?

 

 

Had a great pre season and scored a few (iirc, which I usually dont)

[Kitman 2207]

But is Vukic any good?

 

 

Had a great pre season and scored a few (iirc, which I usually dont)

 

I don't think he's played in the prem much if at all though? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring him on from the bench, rather than throwing him in the deep end in an untried formation with a load of new players? Same goes for Gosling imo.

[Christmas Tree 4856]

But is Vukic any good?

 

 

Had a great pre season and scored a few (iirc, which I usually dont)

 

I don't think he's played in the prem much if at all though? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring him on from the bench, rather than throwing him in the deep end in an untried formation with a load of new players? Same goes for Gosling imo.

 

That all depends whether you rate Jonas and what the other options. If like me, you dont rate Jonas and bearing in mind Marveaux isnt ready and Shanes not fit, that really leaves Gosling and Vuckic.

 

I would have no problem giving Vuckik a go.

[The Fish 10972]

But is Vukic any good?

 

 

Had a great pre season and scored a few (iirc, which I usually dont)

 

I don't think he's played in the prem much if at all though? Wouldn't it make more sense to bring him on from the bench, rather than throwing him in the deep end in an untried formation with a load of new players? Same goes for Gosling imo.

 

That all depends whether you rate Jonas and what the other options. If like me, you dont rate Jonas and bearing in mind Marveaux isnt ready and Shanes not fit, that really leaves Gosling and Vuckic.

 

I would have no problem giving Vuckik a go.

it's Vuckic

 

(pronounced vutchkitch I think)

Edited August 14, 2011 by The Fish

[manc-mag 1]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

[Christmas Tree 4856]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Im sick of hearing that tbh.

 

I appreciate the gap between midfield and defence and think if Pardew should have stuck with pre season form, stuck Best up on his own, Vuckic for Jonas and Gosling as the link man.

 

Personally I think it was a big game against Arsenal and Pards bottled it a bit, hence Ameobi and Jonas's inclusion.

 

I think in a few weeks, neither will be in the starting 11

[Kitman 2207]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Yes. I also think Jonas tracks back a lot to give the full back support. He breaks out of that defensive position pretty well, shame there's usually no end product but he wins a few free kicks

[LoveTheBobby 1]

Thought he did ok yesterday, all things considered, but telll y what's no good - Raylor's 'little dink balls'

 

Those half-arsed chips over the top into channels in the hope that Ameobi puts down the KFC bucket and controls.

 

As soon as it's left his foot and Raylor's left admiring it looking like a freezeframe Poatman Pat after a stroke, those infuriating seconds it takes for the ball to float down and Shola get all in a tangle aren't seconds I'm ever getting back like Mr Pardew .

[Kitman 2207]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Im sick of hearing that tbh.

 

I appreciate the gap between midfield and defence and think if Pardew should have stuck with pre season form, stuck Best up on his own, Vuckic for Jonas and Gosling as the link man.

 

Personally I think it was a big game against Arsenal and Pards bottled it a bit, hence Ameobi and Jonas's inclusion.

 

I think in a few weeks, neither will be in the starting 11

 

Too experimental.

[manc-mag 1]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Yes. I also think Jonas tracks back a lot to give the full back support. He breaks out of that defensive position pretty well, shame there's usually no end product but he wins a few free kicks

 

I'll bet you any money a more mobile striker than Ameobi (and ideally an intelligent and mobile front two) would see him picking out more through balls. I take your point on crosses, but it shouldn't be the only thing he's judged on. He should be cutting in and having the choice of two runners to hit while pulling their defence out of position in the process. Doesn't happen though because theres nobody making those runs. The emphasis on crosses (from open play) should be less since Carroll left anyway.

[Kitman 2207]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Yes. I also think Jonas tracks back a lot to give the full back support. He breaks out of that defensive position pretty well, shame there's usually no end product but he wins a few free kicks

 

I'll bet you any money a more mobile striker than Ameobi (and ideally an intelligent and mobile front two) would see him picking out more through balls. I take your point on crosses, but it shouldn't be the only thing he's judged on. He should be cutting in and having the choice of two runners to hit while pulling their defence out of position in the process. Doesn't happen though because theres nobody making those runs. The emphasis on crosses (from open play) should be less since Carroll left anyway.

 

Yes, good point. I think we saw a bit of that when Obertan came on, Jonas cutting in and looking for a through ball. He's bound to look worse anyway playing with Raylor instead of Enrique, they had a very good understanding.

 

I'm not against Jonas by the way. To me it makes no sense to drop a first teamer from last season and replace them with an unknown quantity for the sake of it. We've already changed a lot of the team as it is.

[manc-mag 1]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Im sick of hearing that tbh.

 

I appreciate the gap between midfield and defence and think if Pardew should have stuck with pre season form, stuck Best up on his own, Vuckic for Jonas and Gosling as the link man.

 

Personally I think it was a big game against Arsenal and Pards bottled it a bit, hence Ameobi and Jonas's inclusion.

 

I think in a few weeks, neither will be in the starting 11

 

 

Jonas is a footballer. His trouble is he plays in a team with dogshit upfront. His value would increase manifold if he had intelligent strikers to hit, as it happens it's reduced to carrying the ball and retaining possession because he doesn't. That still has merit though for the reasons I've stated, particularly against a team which should be beating us, such as Arsenal.

[Christmas Tree 4856]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Im sick of hearing that tbh.

 

I appreciate the gap between midfield and defence and think if Pardew should have stuck with pre season form, stuck Best up on his own, Vuckic for Jonas and Gosling as the link man.

 

Personally I think it was a big game against Arsenal and Pards bottled it a bit, hence Ameobi and Jonas's inclusion.

 

I think in a few weeks, neither will be in the starting 11

 

 

Jonas is a footballer. His trouble is he plays in a team with dogshit upfront. His value would increase manifold if he had intelligent strikers to hit, as it happens it's reduced to carrying the ball and retaining possession because he doesn't. That still has merit though for the reasons I've stated, particularly against a team which should be beating us, such as Arsenal.

 

 

So why havent all the teams with intelligent strikers been banging our door down to get him?

 

Can they not see what you see?

 

[manc-mag 1]

Pardew has made quite a bit of noise about wanting to play a much more fluid passing game this year and while yesterday wasnt the game to judge it, it still raises a few questions about how this will work.

 

Hopefully we will soon see Marveax in for Jonas and see if we can get more end product down the left. It is however on the right which seems a bit of a dilemma. Do we stick with Barton or go for a more attacking traditional winger like Obertan.

 

It looks as though Cabaye and Tiote will be the main central pairing so that leaves Obertan, Barton, Gosling, Vuckic, Jonas and Marveaux all vying for two places in a 442. (and thats before Ben Arfa comes back).

 

Yesterday seemed a lot like the usual pass to Ameobi and it all breaks down.

 

Personally I would love to an extra creative spark in the middle and prefer a more 433 set up.

 

I must admit to been very confused about how we can change our style of play too much with Barton stuck on the right, even though I think he's a cracking player.

 

 

Jonas played well yesterday. I know the game is all about pace these days but athletes that can kick the ball and chase after it at 1,000,000 miles an hour are ten a penny in the Prem. Half of them could spend the week training without a football I reckon, they're footballers in name alone. We could barely string two forward passes together yesterday, so Jonas picking the ball up and actually carrying it forward himself was massively important even if only to take the pressure off our defence. Thinks its a pretty shit statement when the basic rudiments of the game (someone whos actually comfortable with a football at their feet) play second fiddle to pinging balls at nothing, which would have been the alternative given the gaping hole between midfield and attack yesterday.

 

Im sick of hearing that tbh.

 

I appreciate the gap between midfield and defence and think if Pardew should have stuck with pre season form, stuck Best up on his own, Vuckic for Jonas and Gosling as the link man.

 

Personally I think it was a big game against Arsenal and Pards bottled it a bit, hence Ameobi and Jonas's inclusion.

 

I think in a few weeks, neither will be in the starting 11

 

 

Jonas is a footballer. His trouble is he plays in a team with dogshit upfront. His value would increase manifold if he had intelligent strikers to hit, as it happens it's reduced to carrying the ball and retaining possession because he doesn't. That still has merit though for the reasons I've stated, particularly against a team which should be beating us, such as Arsenal.

 

 

So why havent all the teams with intelligent strikers been banging our door down to get him?

 

Can they not see what you see?

 

 

By and large the teams with the top strikers also have top midfielders in place, but I can accept you point. Argentina pick him though if you're after evidence of him playing at a higher level.

 

I just think he gets a lot of stick, or more to the point, what he does do goes largely undervalued.