Virtue v Williams

[HetzkeBlaster]

For me, the two midfielders bring very different qualities to our game and last night it was quite evident. In the first half, Virtue was often in an advanced position in and around the box, creating chances, as well as breaking up play AKA the role that Dougall plays. He worked hard last night considering this was his first outing for a few months and already has shown he has a lot to offer when we need to push on against stubborn defences.

NC then brought Williams on for the second half to sit and hold and play those long diagonal balls into the corners on the counter as he knew that Fleetwood would bring on madden in an attempt to change the tempo up top and redress the balance of our first half possession. Williams does a lot of work in front of the back four that often goes unnoticed. This was cute from NC and CC as they clearly are now using the squad far more intelligently.

Both players have differing but excellent qualities that NC can use as the next set of games require. A positive to come out of last night for me

 

[voyeur]

I suspect NC just wanted to give both players 45 minutes each to re-introduce them back from injury. I doubt it had anything to do with Madden or Fleetwood in general. I also doubt that there was a lack of intelligence earlier in the season. It was just an earlier stage in the process.

 

[Grumpy_no_more]

For me, the two midfielders bring very different qualities to our game and last night it was quite evident. In the first half, Virtue was often in an advanced position in and around the box, creating chances, as well as breaking up play AKA the role that Dougall plays. He worked hard last night considering this was his first outing for a few months and already has shown he has a lot to offer when we need to push on against stubborn defences.

NC then brought Williams on for the second half to sit and hold and play those long diagonal balls into the corners on the counter as he knew that Fleetwood would bring on madden in an attempt to change the tempo up top and redress the balance of our first half possession. Williams does a lot of work in front of the back four that often goes unnoticed. This was cute from NC and CC as they clearly are now using the squad far more intelligently.

Both players have differing but excellent qualities that NC can use as the next set of games require. A positive to come out of last night for me

A good analysis, and it almost paid off.

I would add one element of constructive criticism -- if only we'd had senior players, like Madine CJ Yates, to bring on like they did to try and nick it in the final 20 minutes. We don't want our players to burn out, but I'm guessing they would have jumped at the chance to get on. Our bench was full of kids which was an experience for them, but not so smart if you want to win a game.

 

[PR3BFC]

Maybe Critchley deep down wasn’t fussed about winning and sees the silly trophy as more of a distraction then anything.

Focus on our promotion charge and all that.

 

[td53]

A good analysis, and it almost paid off.

I would add one element of constructive criticism -- if only we'd had senior players, like Madine CJ Yates, to bring on like they did to try and nick it in the final 20 minutes. We don't want our players to burn out, but I'm guessing they would have jumped at the chance to get on. Our bench was full of kids which was an experience for them, but not so smart if you want to win a game.

The issue as I see it is more that we don't have anyone to play up front in the absence of of the Yates/Madine dream machine. Everyone else is a winger, an attacking midfielder and whilst not getting through in the Pizza cup is just a minor shame, losing Madine in particular would be a nightmare.

 

[HetzkeBlaster]

The issue as I see it is more that we don't have anyone to play up front in the absence of of the Yates/Madine dream machine. Everyone else is a winger, an attacking midfielder and whilst not getting through in the Pizza cup is just a minor shame, losing Madine in particular would be a nightmare.

Losing Madine now would be a nightmare for us. Let’s hope that SS and NC have got a few last player ins and outs to conduct in January and a predator is on the list.

 

[SeasideKurt]

I don't think Virtue did himself any favours but noticeably coming back from Injury. He's no where near breaking past Williams Robson Dougall Ward or Anderson to start in midfield in a 3. And in a 2, he's even further away.

Needs games to get fitness back. But while we're winning, he's no where near.

 

[Grumpy_no_more]

The issue as I see it is more that we don't have anyone to play up front in the absence of of the Yates/Madine dream machine. Everyone else is a winger, an attacking midfielder and whilst not getting through in the Pizza cup is just a minor shame, losing Madine in particular would be a nightmare.

I agree, and it's our job as knowledgeable football scouts to identify a suitable target man for the January window.

It's a pity that Chizzy's best friend, Joe Garner, has run off to India.

 

[1966_and_all_that]

For me, the two midfielders bring very different qualities to our game and last night it was quite evident. In the first half, Virtue was often in an advanced position in and around the box, creating chances, as well as breaking up play AKA the role that Dougall plays. He worked hard last night considering this was his first outing for a few months and already has shown he has a lot to offer when we need to push on against stubborn defences.

NC then brought Williams on for the second half to sit and hold and play those long diagonal balls into the corners on the counter as he knew that Fleetwood would bring on madden in an attempt to change the tempo up top and redress the balance of our first half possession. Williams does a lot of work in front of the back four that often goes unnoticed. This was cute from NC and CC as they clearly are now using the squad far more intelligently.

Both players have differing but excellent qualities that NC can use as the next set of games require. A positive to come out of last night for me

Your analysis suggests Virtue and Williams. That would work.

 

[HetzkeBlaster]

Your analysis suggests Virtue and Williams. That would work.

I’d suggest that Dougall will be ever present in the middle unless he’s injured or banned, his form suggests that he’s a consistent player that will be hard to displace. That leaves another central birth assuming we’re 442ish, so anyone from Ward, Robson, Williams or Virtue. I suggest that wether NC needs a hard press or more of a defensive support role to Dougall, NC now has a great choice in front of him