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Post by barmystokie1 on Jan 28, 2013 17:40:01 GMT
I think we all dream of a "proper" Left back, but I wanted to incorporate the idea of Left footers into a debate more generally in terms of a team's balance.
I don't know why, but because there are less left footers around, they always seem to have had a mystical appeal over the years to me and are such vital ingredients in most competitive teams, e.g. at present the likes of Messi, Di Maria, Baines, A. Cole and Bale. As a kid you had Giggs and the legendary Peter Hoeskra.
If possible I would ideally love to have a truly balanced team with a left footed LB and LM (LCM and LCB would make it ideal.) The reason I believe they are successful, particularly on the flanks, is the different angle they can create when crossing / passing a ball. For example when Wilson or Wilko kick it with their right foot, the angle usually makes it very difficult for the attackers to get enough pace on the ball to score and they usually have a tendency to go out for a Goal Kick or the keeper claims it. Whereas, a left footer's cross tends to steer away from the keeper and will usually go in flatter (and thus at a greater pace) which makes it easier to score from.
If we assess the current left footed options in our squad it makes unpleasant reading and reiterates to me why we have drifted into such a predictable team (Along with a lack of pace, trickery, players in the wrong positions etc..) :
Matty - Our most important player from Jan '09 until April '11. Never been the same player since the Wolves game and the lack of back-up to push him is criminal. However, if he got injured now, imagine Walters and Kightly on the wings for the rest of the season? Scary.
Charlie-boy - In his current position he is being hung out to dry and is very unlikely to succeed there. Can pick a good pass, but just as likely to give away a free-kick. I personally would like to see him given a chance with Nzonzi, which would on paper at least give us a nice balance in the middle (I know some people don't like this idea.) It might very well not work, but I think we all accept that it can't be any worse than his partnership with Crouchy.
Huth - Legend, although needs to tighten up the defence again with the help from Ryan.
Upson - Solid reserve CB but never likely to play so we are not going to get the balance from him.
Ness - He's a "kiddie" and got more chance of becoming the prime minister then starting anytime soon.
So in conclusion out of our squad of 25, we have 5 lefties now Higgy has gone, but only 3 who will realistically play. 2 of whom have lots of question marks from many people reading this board. Therefore, whether it is a new LB or winger which we undeniably need (Preferably both) please let them be left footed and have played on that side all of their career.
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Post by pickins on Jan 28, 2013 17:43:53 GMT
I would rather a left winger than a left back, if we had to choose between them. Ashley Cole was scouted to Pulis many moons ago but was too short.
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Post by expectedtoulouse on Jan 28, 2013 21:57:13 GMT
Huth is not left footed.
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Post by JoeinOz on Jan 29, 2013 0:21:31 GMT
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Post by plug on Jan 29, 2013 0:22:43 GMT
You try using both hands/feet! ( Unless you're Ryan Shotton  ) |
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Post by staffordshireknot on Jan 29, 2013 5:23:22 GMT
I'd give Upson a go at left back. He has played there before and would do better than others we shoehorn in.
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Post by harryburrows on Jan 29, 2013 5:49:46 GMT
France's great world cup winning team of 98 had no left footers
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Post by barmystokie1 on Jan 29, 2013 10:24:18 GMT
France's great world cup winning team of 98 had no left footers Emmanuel Petit? I'm not saying it is the be-all, but it is definitely a massive plus, especially at LB where a right-footed winger is constantly probing their weaker foot to put the cross in. I totally agree that a Pro should be able to use both feet competently though. |
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Post by geoffscott on Jan 29, 2013 11:16:35 GMT
To be fair to Pulis I think he thought, well Wilko hasn't got a right foot so where's the harm in putting him on the left? |
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Post by Block 22 on Jan 29, 2013 11:19:38 GMT
Still got a sneaky feeling we could end up with Olsson before the window closes!!!  |
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Post by harryburrows on Jan 29, 2013 17:09:52 GMT
France's great world cup winning team of 98 had no left footers Emmanuel Petit? I'm not saying it is the be-all, but it is definitely a massive plus, especially at LB where a right-footed winger is constantly probing their weaker foot to put the cross in. I totally agree that a Pro should be able to use both feet competently though. Sorry , that played on the left |
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