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Post by westgatelakes on Aug 9, 2019 7:47:42 GMT
Please please Jones, don't waste this opportunity to properly utilise the undoubted talent of Mark Duffy and this almost certainly means abandoning the diamond formation immediately.
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Aug 9, 2019 7:53:30 GMT
Please please Jones, don't waste this opportunity to properly utilise the undoubted talent of Mark Duffy and this almost certainly means abandoning the diamond formation immediately. Duffy is perfect for the tip of the diamond, he essentially played there for Sheffield United, they just play with 3 centrebacks instead of a DM. It's a very peculiar spin on a diamond like formation, all about the width despite having no wingers. Attachment DeletedHe plays where Freeman now does, they don't play with a CDM in a 4 man midfield because the wingbacks drop back into a back 5 and then the 2 midfielders sit creating an effective back 7. When they get possession back the wing/fullbacks press up the pitch to become attacking wingers whilst the two centrebacks either side essentially become the fullbacks. The middle 2 midfielders provide a screen. The ball is shifted inside once a wide overload is collected so the CAM (Duffy) can pick a pass for the strikers, or have a pop himself. Their first goal against us at our place was a classic example of this. 5:10 onwards, Dowell scored as Duffy was off the pitch but that's the space he will occupy.
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Post by neilb987 on Aug 9, 2019 9:02:58 GMT
so now we've gone from having no creative attacking midfielders (other than Bojan who couldn't get a game)to having two in Powell and Duffy! Hard to play two No. 10s though, but maybe Duffy could play deeper if we retain the diamond. I could see him on the right of the midfield two with Etebo on the left (with Clucas at left-back).
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Post by jimmygscfc on Aug 9, 2019 9:11:28 GMT
And Powell could play further up as a second striker.
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Post by borat on Aug 9, 2019 9:38:17 GMT
Brilliant signing, say no more.
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Post by colinroberts1 on Aug 9, 2019 9:47:59 GMT
Brilliant signing, say no more. Nudge nudge wink wink 😉 know what a mean!
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Post by benjaminbiscuit on Aug 9, 2019 9:52:16 GMT
And Powell could play further up as a second striker. Ince ? Bet player last week by a country mile I wonder if he would steer up tomorrow if Powell was fit but now I think ince will start at 10 with Vokes and Gregory up top
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Post by blade01 on Aug 9, 2019 10:45:06 GMT
Thought I’d drop in and give you a full run-down regards your new loanee Mark Duffy,
He’s generally been a journey man winger most of his career. We noticed his trickery when we played Burton so we decided to sign him. He initially played on the wing, lacked pace but has a good body swerve with a bit of trickery making him one of the better wingers in league 1.
Chris Wilder was appointed in 2016 and he moved Duffy into a more central position and gave him almost a free role as an attacking midfielder playing that number 10 role. And he’s been transformed playing the best football of his life. He’s become like a little magician, similar style to David Silva and probably our best player over the last 3 years. Such an irony that he’s finally come good towards the end of his career and it’s a real mystery that such a great player has such an underwhelming journeyman cv.
I always think Duffy plays like a world class 5 a side player and appreciate that he never lumps it upfield, his first thought is control the ball and retain possession keeping it simple.
Strengths Great first touch, very comfortable on the ball, quality player. Great intelligence, in his free role he always seemed to find pockets of space between attack and midfield. Also he’s got good vision seeing openings threading clever through balls to strikers. Excellent at dribbling, which Is impressive when he doesn’t seem that quick, he kind of drifts past using body swerve and changes in speed. Good at short passing, excellent at playing quick/ clever one two’s but he needs players around him on his wavelength. Pretty consistent, always tended to have good games for us but was still consistently substituted by Wilder on the 70 minute mark.
Weaknesses A bit small and lightweight, not that quick either. Not good at defensive duties, not a natural tackler. Wilder always substituted him on 70 minutes, not sure why because he was even substituted when having excellent games. Can only assume the in-game data must have showed decreasing energy levels so he couldn’t play a full 90 minutes at full pelt. Doesn’t shoot that much (prefers to pass instead) but when he does he’s scored a few long range shots. Probably needs good players around him to link up with...I’ve seen Ryan Woods when at Brentford and his style is perfect to link up with Duffy. His age....one would guess that sooner or later his form is going to take a downturn...but no sign of it last season.
Conclusion He’s massively popular at SU and one of the main reasons why we’ve gone from league 1 to the PL so we’re gutted and surprised to see him leave.
Excellent at short passing to feet but can also dribble past his man creating extra space. The only words of caution is that under Wilder players seem to play above their normal level because he plays them in specific roles bringing out their strengths (round pegs in rounds holes) so all Blades will be watching your matches with interest to see how Jones uses him and if he can maintain his excellent standards. Good luck!
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Post by spitthedog on Aug 9, 2019 10:50:49 GMT
Thought I’d drop in and give you a full run-down regards your new loanee Mark Duffy, He’s generally been a journey man winger most of his career. We noticed his trickery when we played Burton so we decided to sign him. He initially played on the wing, lacked pace but has a good body swerve with a bit of trickery making him one of the better wingers in league 1. Chris Wilder was appointed in 2016 and he moved Duffy into a more central position and gave him almost a free role as an attacking midfielder playing that number 10 role. And he’s been transformed playing the best football of his life. He’s become like a little magician, similar style to David Villa and probably our best player over the last 3 years. Such an irony that he’s finally come good towards the end of his career and it’s a real mystery that such a great player has such an underwhelming journeyman cv. I always think Duffy plays like a world class 5 a side player and appreciate that he never lumps it upfield, his first thought is control the ball and retain possession. Strengths Great first touch, very comfortable on the ball, quality player. Great intelligence, in his free role he always seemed to find pockets of space between attack and midfield. Also he’s got good vision seeing openings threading clever through balls to strikers. Excellent at dribbling, which Is impressive when he doesn’t seem that quick, he kind of drifts past using body swerve and changes in speed. Good at short passing, excellent at playing quick/ clever one two’s but he needs to players around him on his wavelength. Pretty consistent, always tended to have good games for us but was still consistently substituted by Wilder on the 70 minute mark. Weaknesses A bit small and lightweight, not that quick either. Not good at defensive duties, not a natural tackler. Wilder always substituted him on 70 minutes, not sure why because he was even substituted when having excellent games. Can only assume the in-game data must have showed decreasing energy levels so he couldn’t play a full 90 minutes at full pelt. Doesn’t shoot that much (prefers to pass instead) but when he does he’s scored a few long range shots. Probably needs good players around him to link up with...I’ve seen Ryan Woods when at Brentford and his style is perfect to link up with Duffy. Conclusion He’s massively popular at SU and one of the main reasons why we’ve gone from league 1 to the PL so we’re gutted and surprised to see him leave. Excellent at short passing to feet but can also dribble past his man creating extra space. The only words of caution is that under Wilder players seem to play above their normal level because he plays them in specific roles bringing out their strengths (round pegs in rounds holes) so all Blades will be watching your matches with interest to see how Jones uses him and if he can maintain his excellent standards. Good luck! Sounds like an upgrade on Joe Allen. Played his best football in central midfield, that's what I have heard from all Blades fans So, when he gets knackered after 70 minutes we bring Joe on?
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Aug 9, 2019 10:53:31 GMT
Thought I’d drop in and give you a full run-down regards your new loanee Mark Duffy, He’s generally been a journey man winger most of his career. We noticed his trickery when we played Burton so we decided to sign him. He initially played on the wing, lacked pace but has a good body swerve with a bit of trickery making him one of the better wingers in league 1. Chris Wilder was appointed in 2016 and he moved Duffy into a more central position and gave him almost a free role as an attacking midfielder playing that number 10 role. And he’s been transformed playing the best football of his life. He’s become like a little magician, similar style to David Villa and probably our best player over the last 3 years. Such an irony that he’s finally come good towards the end of his career and it’s a real mystery that such a great player has such an underwhelming journeyman cv. I always think Duffy plays like a world class 5 a side player and appreciate that he never lumps it upfield, his first thought is control the ball and retain possession. Strengths Great first touch, very comfortable on the ball, quality player. Great intelligence, in his free role he always seemed to find pockets of space between attack and midfield. Also he’s got good vision seeing openings threading clever through balls to strikers. Excellent at dribbling, which Is impressive when he doesn’t seem that quick, he kind of drifts past using body swerve and changes in speed. Good at short passing, excellent at playing quick/ clever one two’s but he needs to players around him on his wavelength. Pretty consistent, always tended to have good games for us but was still consistently substituted by Wilder on the 70 minute mark. Weaknesses A bit small and lightweight, not that quick either. Not good at defensive duties, not a natural tackler. Wilder always substituted him on 70 minutes, not sure why because he was even substituted when having excellent games. Can only assume the in-game data must have showed decreasing energy levels so he couldn’t play a full 90 minutes at full pelt. Doesn’t shoot that much (prefers to pass instead) but when he does he’s scored a few long range shots. Probably needs good players around him to link up with...I’ve seen Ryan Woods when at Brentford and his style is perfect to link up with Duffy. Conclusion He’s massively popular at SU and one of the main reasons why we’ve gone from league 1 to the PL so we’re gutted and surprised to see him leave. Excellent at short passing to feet but can also dribble past his man creating extra space. The only words of caution is that under Wilder players seem to play above their normal level because he plays them in specific roles bringing out their strengths (round pegs in rounds holes) so all Blades will be watching your matches with interest to see how Jones uses him and if he can maintain his excellent standards. Good luck! Sounds like an upgrade on Joe Allen. Played his best football in central midfield, that's what I have heard from all Blades fans So, when he gets knackered after 70 minutes we bring Joe on? He played in the 10 role, effectively Powell's position at Sheffield United. Though he could drop deeper I would imagine if required.
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Post by FullerMagic on Aug 9, 2019 10:55:23 GMT
Thought I’d drop in and give you a full run-down regards your new loanee Mark Duffy, He’s generally been a journey man winger most of his career. We noticed his trickery when we played Burton so we decided to sign him. He initially played on the wing, lacked pace but has a good body swerve with a bit of trickery making him one of the better wingers in league 1. Chris Wilder was appointed in 2016 and he moved Duffy into a more central position and gave him almost a free role as an attacking midfielder playing that number 10 role. And he’s been transformed playing the best football of his life. He’s become like a little magician, similar style to David Villa and probably our best player over the last 3 years. Such an irony that he’s finally come good towards the end of his career and it’s a real mystery that such a great player has such an underwhelming journeyman cv. I always think Duffy plays like a world class 5 a side player and appreciate that he never lumps it upfield, his first thought is control the ball and retain possession. Strengths Great first touch, very comfortable on the ball, quality player. Great intelligence, in his free role he always seemed to find pockets of space between attack and midfield. Also he’s got good vision seeing openings threading clever through balls to strikers. Excellent at dribbling, which Is impressive when he doesn’t seem that quick, he kind of drifts past using body swerve and changes in speed. Good at short passing, excellent at playing quick/ clever one two’s but he needs to players around him on his wavelength. Pretty consistent, always tended to have good games for us but was still consistently substituted by Wilder on the 70 minute mark. Weaknesses A bit small and lightweight, not that quick either. Not good at defensive duties, not a natural tackler. Wilder always substituted him on 70 minutes, not sure why because he was even substituted when having excellent games. Can only assume the in-game data must have showed decreasing energy levels so he couldn’t play a full 90 minutes at full pelt. Doesn’t shoot that much (prefers to pass instead) but when he does he’s scored a few long range shots. Probably needs good players around him to link up with...I’ve seen Ryan Woods when at Brentford and his style is perfect to link up with Duffy. His age....one would guess that sooner or later his form is going to take a downturn...but no sign of it last season. Conclusion He’s massively popular at SU and one of the main reasons why we’ve gone from league 1 to the PL so we’re gutted and surprised to see him leave. Excellent at short passing to feet but can also dribble past his man creating extra space. The only words of caution is that under Wilder players seem to play above their normal level because he plays them in specific roles bringing out their strengths (round pegs in rounds holes) so all Blades will be watching your matches with interest to see how Jones uses him and if he can maintain his excellent standards. Good luck! So, in a diamond formation, would you say very much an option specifically for the No.10 position behind the 2 strikers - and nowhere else? Definitely not an option in the two deeper positions? Did he ever play wide at all, even in cameos, at Sheff Utd?
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Post by Davef on Aug 9, 2019 10:56:40 GMT
Looks like a player with a brain in his head. We could do with one of those!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2019 11:05:25 GMT
Thank's for the update blades fan. Seems like he good be a good addition for Stoke. Hopefully he will give us something to look forward to. Good luck in the prem!
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Post by blade01 on Aug 9, 2019 11:06:15 GMT
Sounds like an upgrade on Joe Allen. Played his best football in central midfield, that's what I have heard from all Blades fans So, when he gets knackered after 70 minutes we bring Joe on? He played in the 10 role, effectively Powell's position at Sheffield United. Though he could drop deeper I would imagine if required. His strength was he didn’t actually play a set position. He was generally centre midfield but would occasionally appear on the left, almost like left winger....then he’d pop up on the right like a right winger. He would also come deep into midfield then be quite offensive linking play up front near their area. Opposition teams struggled to pick him up because no one seemed to know who should be marking him. when Duffy played well (which he did most of the time) ...we played well...he was our main weapon really.....so SU fans are interested to see how we’ll cope without him. Your fans might be thinking why would we send out our best player on loan?...good question. We think it’s because Wilder thinks we need more athleticism in the PL, stronger players with pace....Duffy just doesn’t have the physical attributes. Also every now and then opposition managers had done their homework and organised their players to pick him up as the main danger. Then he would be marked out of the game and offered very little....Wilder would substitute him at half time.
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Aug 9, 2019 11:12:24 GMT
He played in the 10 role, effectively Powell's position at Sheffield United. Though he could drop deeper I would imagine if required. His strength was he didn’t actually play a set position. He was generally centre midfield but would occasionally appear on the left, almost like left winger....then he’d pop up on the right like a right winger. He would also come deep into midfield then be quite offensive linking play up front near their area. Opposition teams struggled to pick him up because no one seemed to know who should be marking him. when Duffy played well (which he did most of the time) ...we played well...he was our main weapon really.....so SU fans are interested to see how we’ll cope without him. I think this is what Jones is definitely wanting from his "point of the diamond" player, working the channels and generally floating around creating stuff for the players around him so I'm immensely pleased with him joining tbh. Followed Sheffield United quite closely last year and was never anything less than impressed. Wishing you all the best for the season ahead.
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Post by blade01 on Aug 9, 2019 12:20:50 GMT
The reason why many Blades are gutted, almost upset that he’s leaving is because he’s the main player in our rise under Wilder, so we’ve all gone through a fantastic journey together after suffering 6 consecutive miserable seasons in league 1. Duffy is also a prime example of Wilder’s managerial credentials
Duffy is decent bloke, as he came into the pro game at a late age he’s very grounded and “normal”. His playing history shows he’s a winger that was too good for league 1 but never good enough for the Championship.
However Wilder immediately gave him a free role in midfield back in 2016 and his improvement has been quite extraordinary, like witnessing a miracle. He also scored the goal in the Sheffield Derby to put us 3-2 up, this win was a watershed moment in the fortunes of the 2 Sheffield clubs and cemented his legendary status, never to be forgotten.
He’s always made it known that he’s a big Liverpool fan so we’d have loved for him to play for us away at Anfield. It would have been an unbelievable rags to riches story straight out of a Rocky film.
I’ve regularly watched Sheff United for nearly 45 years and been a season ticket holder for the last 4 seasons and can honestly say Duffy is in my list of top 5 favourite ever SU players.
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Post by neilb987 on Aug 9, 2019 12:25:47 GMT
Interesting that blade01 mentions that he could see Ryan Woods linking up well with Duffy.
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Post by blade01 on Aug 9, 2019 12:36:09 GMT
Interesting that blade01 mentions that he could see Ryan Woods linking up well with Duffy. Duffy plays a 5 a side football style of football, really good in tight spaces, good first touch and plays quick short passes. As I said he’s no athlete though, no physicality or pace, he isn’t the best when out of possession. When I saw Woods at Brentford I was impressed.....he played a similar style there....and many Blades said he’d be good in our team. Think we were in for him but he choose Stoke instead. i think football is a simple game and is all about player combinations.....playing as a team. If every player has a good first touch....then it makes retaining possession far easier because you can make passes even when your players are semi marked up.
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Post by thehoof on Aug 9, 2019 12:41:57 GMT
Interesting that blade01 mentions that he could see Ryan Woods linking up well with Duffy. Duffy plays a 5 a side football style of football, really good in tight spaces, good first touch and plays quick short passes. As I said he’s no athlete though, no physicality or pace, he isn’t the best when out of possession. When I saw Woods at Brentford I was impressed.....he played a similar style there....and many Blades said he’s be good in our team. i think football is a simple game and is all about player combinations.....playing as a team. If every player has a good first touch....then it makes retaining possession far easier because you can make passes even when your players are semi marked up. Ah, you have found our Achilles heel- out of our starting 11 I would hazard a guess that 3 of them have a good first touch.
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Post by Gary Hackett on Aug 9, 2019 12:56:45 GMT
Sounds like a cracking player.
Maybe we'll see Powell pushed up further between Duffy and Hogan.
I think we'll also see Ince on the right of the diamond at home, so hopefully we'll see a lit more creativity.
If we can get Badou firing at the base of the diamond we may be able to pull it off.
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Post by blade01 on Aug 9, 2019 12:56:59 GMT
thehoof,
Some managers seem to think it’s just about buying quality players but if Duffy isn’t used properly he could look pretty average.
I actually don’t think Duffy is that good as an individual player......he’s more of a top quality “link player”. He plays a fairly simple pass and move game...but he needs midfielders around him who can do basic pass and move too. His background playing as a winger means that Duffy has the ability to dribble past midfielders, which opens up space. In advance positions Duffy passes are usually quick, short and simple But of course he’s reliant on clever strikers who find space, taking up good positions or making clever runs.
So it is possible Duffy might be underwhelming at Stoke....it’s all down to what Jones has in mind regards a specific role. Football is a team game....so sometimes you’re only as good as your team mates allow.
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Post by nott1 on Aug 9, 2019 13:02:34 GMT
Years ago we had inside left and inside right nos. 8&10 doing the same job on left and right, and it worked, so sod all this diamond crap and have nos. 8&10 once more, it can't fail with the new Dobing and Hudson set up!
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Post by huuuuuth on Aug 9, 2019 13:37:26 GMT
Ah shit yeah, completely forgot they signed that waster. Unreal potential but a massive arsehole. Has he really? Poor lad
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Post by heworksardtho on Aug 9, 2019 14:06:10 GMT
Mark ( Messi ) Duffy 😎
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Post by Veritas on Aug 9, 2019 16:41:00 GMT
Years ago we had inside left and inside right nos. 8&10 doing the same job on left and right, and it worked, so sod all this diamond crap and have nos. 8&10 once more, it can't fail with the new Dobing and Hudson set up! Dobing & Hudson never played in the same team.
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Post by nott1 on Aug 9, 2019 17:03:54 GMT
Years ago we had inside left and inside right nos. 8&10 doing the same job on left and right, and it worked, so sod all this diamond crap and have nos. 8&10 once more, it can't fail with the new Dobing and Hudson set up! Dobing & Hudson never played in the same team. I know it was just an example of the type of players in those roles.
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Post by neilb987 on Aug 9, 2019 21:46:26 GMT
Hudson played more as a deep-lying playmaker rather than a classic inside-forward. If you were thinking of George Eastham alongside Peter Dobing, your analogy would be better! Mind you, if this MB had existed when Dobing and Eastham were playing, Dobing would be regularly slagged off for being idle and unwilling to put any hard work in; and George would be berated for being too old and slow ...
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Post by neilb987 on Aug 9, 2019 21:54:33 GMT
Interesting that blade01 mentions that he could see Ryan Woods linking up well with Duffy. Duffy plays a 5 a side football style of football, really good in tight spaces, good first touch and plays quick short passes. As I said he’s no athlete though, no physicality or pace, he isn’t the best when out of possession. When I saw Woods at Brentford I was impressed.....he played a similar style there....and many Blades said he’d be good in our team. Think we were in for him but he choose Stoke instead. i think football is a simple game and is all about player combinations.....playing as a team. If every player has a good first touch....then it makes retaining possession far easier because you can make passes even when your players are semi marked up. So Woods was playing more like Duffy when you saw him at Brentford ... yet Rowett signed Woods as a defensive midfielder, a role which he appears to be physically totally unsuited for. Makes me wonder whether Rowett bought the wrong player .... or certainly didn’t see him play. The plot thickens ...!
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Post by thehoof on Aug 9, 2019 22:10:50 GMT
Hudson played more as a deep-lying playmaker rather than a classic inside-forward. If you were thinking of George Eastham alongside Peter Dobing, your analogy would be better! Mind you, if this MB had existed when Dobing and Eastham were playing, Dobing would be regularly slagged off for being idle and unwilling to put any hard work in; and George would be berated for being too old and slow ... But that would mean our current fans wouldn’t know a footballer if he landed on their nuts- and I think they do recognise talent and ability- hence some of the despondency when we see some of our starting 11.
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Post by neilb987 on Aug 9, 2019 22:20:41 GMT
I’m sure most of our fans (but not all!) do recognise talent when they see it. They also recognise those with genuine talent but waste it through idleness or overblown egotism. We also recognise and respect those with limited natural talent but who can at least partially make up for this with added effort and workrate. Mind you, some on this board are too eager to dismiss players even before they’ve kicked a ball for Stoke - perhaps because they haven’t been playing for a famous European club rather than Wigan or Barnsley. As usual, some players will succeed but other will not ...
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