Walsall Ratings

[Kent Magpie]

...

I remember how at the start of the season we were so many pundits’ tips for promotion (or even the title) and very few on here shared that confidence given our (papered over) defensive problems from last season. NCM was right. But as long as our form doesn’t disappear off a cliff and we manage to stay in and around the top seven, next season is really going to be the time to judge us.

I watched the Portsmouth-Bolton game last night and the pace and intensity of that game was way beyond anything we could live with right now. Every signing we make now needs to have the quality to get us there, though.

I would say NCM is looking to be correct at the moment... let's see what January brings though.

[durhampie]

I would say NCM is looking to be correct at the moment... let's see what January brings though.

One important question we need to ask any potential new signing, "Can you pass the ball forward as a first option "

[Mark_Ross]

One important question we need to ask any potential new signing, "Can you pass the ball forward as a first option "

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

[SmiffyPie]

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

I remember watching a match several years ago when Man U (sure it was them?) were playing the great Barca team. Barca had been playing possession football for several seasons and were considered the best in Europe. Well Man U just let them have possession and closed shop while Barca could only pass it round the top of the Man U defence. Man U got a loose ball, passed it through the Barca high line and scored (Bit of poetic licence there). Our style is supposed to be a slow controlled build up looking for a passage of play into a goal scoring position. Easily countered though if we are too methodical.

[ThaiPie]

If only it were that simple. I don't claim to understand how goals are made or have any great insight.

However, one thing occurs to me - watching games at various levels down the years. The team dominating the possession passes it around endlessly, going from side to side, back a bit then forward a bit, side to side, and so on again. There is no way through. It seems like the defenders have it all covered.

Suddenly there is a spark! Somebody creates an opening. How does this happen? Perhaps they spot a chink in the defensive armour. Perhaps wearing them down mentally & physically is a part of this, but making that opening is about skill (obviously), vision, speed of thought & co-ordinated action.

Agree, with both Durham Pie and Mark_Ross. However, I think passing the ball forward is the easy bit.

Receiving a ball in central midfield, turning in a tight space, and spotting the offensive opportunities is one of the hardest things in football. A few names who have more than most in this regard: Matty Palmer, Mark Draper or Don Masson. I'm sure others can name many more.

Balancing this with the need for energy in midfield, makes it all the harder to get the right balance.

Nothing against any of our current midfielders, but since losing Matty Palmer, we haven't got the right blend.