Quote Originally Posted by mickd1961 View Post
You're completely missing the point.

I'm talking from personal experience of having played in a 3 and a 4 at the back, f u ck I n g conkers or my level compared to Val's level and ability is irrelevant.

I'm trying to impress upon those who've never experienced it just how different and technically and physically different the role is between either side of a 3 or playing as a regular fullback in a traditional 4.


It's not dissimilar to being used to playing a a front pair and then being asked to play on your own as a number 9 like we did with Rondon.

It's chalk and cheese which is why it only suits certain players, a certain type is needed in terms of both physical attributes and mindset.

Seriously, most fullbacks wince when they hear they're going to be played as a centre back and the same for centre halves who get asked to play in a 3 because of the extra leg work that has to be done.

It's a nightmare trying to decide whether to stick or twist when a long ball is launched into the channel on your side for example.

Regardless of standard, anyone who's been asked to do the role would likely tell you the same.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's ever played fullback or cente half at whatever level be it non league or on Saturday or Sunday league football and their personal observations of being asked to play in a 3 rather than a 4?

Barnsley despite their lack of quality adapted to this system really well and made the play offs. Some of our lot who still think they belong in the Premier may not be so keen on this system - no coincidence players like Furlong have gone off the boil and other players don’t turn up! I could be wrong but the body language in some does not look great!

I hate player power and it’s been an issue at West Brom in the past!! This is why it makes me laugh when some say Johnstone has been loyal - yeah right!!! He couldn’t give a flying
F uck if West Brom get nothing as the only way he will command a move is on a free!

To play the high press really well you do need pacy players which is our problem. Ajayi and Bartley are crap - there’s no engine when Mowatt is not there and up front players may or may not turn up! Hugill looks like a poor Austin and eats all the pies!

As for Diangana - what a f uckin waste of money for this lightweight injury prone croc of s hit!!

Tolluch could perhaps suit the high press!!

True what you said - had the club splashed the cash for Okay and Diange we would be romping this league! You invest peanuts and this is what happens!