The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wed 14th Aug)

Afternoon all,

I enjoyed the match last night. Like the team must have been, I was very frustrated for most of the first half. They were a big, chunky, bully & bash team, but to be fair, they were a handful at times, particularly on the break. Liked the lad Towel. If he plays like that all the time, he'll do well, even at a higher level. Not our kind of player, though, imo.

I was critical of Costa last time out, so kept an eye on him. Still some way to go, but a lot more to be positive about. He was very good on the ball, but even better off-ball. Always available, and making space for others. Big plus for that. I still have 2 issues with him. I think he's a passenger, defensively. He's almost half-hearted at times, very poor at others. Not sure if that will ever improve, and I can't ever him going in with a crunching tackle. Interceptions are the best we can hope for, I think. Hope not. Some players are just like that no matter how hard you try to batter it into them, and if he continues to be such a danger offensively, I think we should carry him (defensively). The other issue is that it is clear that bullying knocks him off his stride. Gave up runs a couple of times to appeal to the referee. To me, that shows weakness, & opposing players will take advantage. That needs worked on before it kills his game.

Eddie? Good poachers goal & lively. Gives me hope, but that's all for now.

KP? WOW!!! Again.

Fukkin Kiki, though ......

 

Towel was a familiar face in the League of Ireland for Dundalk, quick, good shot and a bit of nastiness in him. I fecking hated him when he played against Bohs(Dub side).

 

Heard Gary Neville pre match go through the Salford team and he mentioned the lad Towell who he says dropped down from a more senior level to play there?

Peed myself when I read WJs view of Costa even though he never said it or meant it, I had my version of what he said in my head. Reminded me of Alf Garnett: "That dago wop gayboy bottling tackles...
"

 

The FB question.

RB. Currently, imo, Ayling was the past, Dallas is the present, & Shackleton (or a.n.other) is the future.

Dallas has made the position his since the play-offs. Ayling, if he gets an opportunity, will need stellar performances to oust him. I can't see it, myself. Shackleton is excellent, but is RB his position? Who knows what berth he'll eventually settle in to.

LB. Currently, imo, Alioski was the past, Douglas is the present, & Davis is the future.

However, LB is wide open for change. Douglas seems to be favoured atm, but Alioski has the capability of slotting in & making the position his own, given the chance. Douglas may be better defensively, but Alioski is better offensively. And tbh, Douglas continues to disappoint. Doesn't seem to link with his winger particularly well, favouring sitting back too often. Could be acting under orders, right enough, which might explain his continued selection. Personally, I prefer watching the Alioski & Harrison combination. Davis has no opposition as the future LB, though, imo. The only competition he'll have is Bielsa playing him at CB instead, which is all good.

 

Ayling or Berardi would still be first choice RB for me, better than Dallas defending corners, and our little guys need all the help they can get.

 

Ayling on his day would be 1st choice, but it's not been his day for a while. Berras days as a RB are over imo. Much better as a CB.

Btw, has anyone actually looked at the stats re. losing goals entirely due to lack of height? I don't think it hurts us as much as most people fear. It's a logical expectation, but does it happen? I really don't know, but suspect there's more fear than fact.

 

If the opposition start with 2 up front, would like to see Berardi start with a back 3 instead of wasting Phillips, by dropping him back.

 

What I would like to know is when does Klitches contract run out

 

Next August Mike

 

Ha Ha i never thought i would enjoy a scum victory (but i will make an exception in this case) Manure 4 Fat Frank 0 i wonder how long he will last .

 

Shame for Fat Frank that Liverpool beat Chelski in the super cup.

 

RB & LB a tricky one because when teams play with two strikers Bielsa instructs the team to go 3 at the back. If we have defensive minded players (RB LB) we end too defensive. I personally feel Ayling and Douglas offer the best of both worlds. We also need a bit of pace to offer the counter attack option out wide.

If all teams played with one striker Alioski and Dallas could be better suited, if all teams played two strikers Berardi or Shackleton. Nice to have the options though....

 

I posted up todays Breakfast debate but cannot see it. Anyone want to start one again?

 

Try Specsavers.

 

Re klich... I believe the club have the right to extend it by a year.

 

Genuinely with us, whether we play 2 or 3 at the back, the fullbacks are essentially wingbacks. That’s just not Berardi for me. I can see him on the right hand side of a back 3 but never a first choice full back, only cover, in a bielsa side.

Dallas v ayling is an interesting one. Dallas got a lot of flak from fans but he was learning a new role... I think he’s grown into really well. I guess ayling has that bit if physicality and more natural defensive instincts, but i’m Pretty happy with either to be honest.

 

The boo boys also had a go at Ayling for leaving gaps at the back and were moaning that he made too many forward runs and was slow to get back. Personally I think hes a good player.

 

They did. His form dipped for a while, but you can’t blame someone for bombing forward when he’s instructed to do it. It’s the whole Rinus Michels total football thing from 50 years ago. Players are interchangeable, when one moves forward someone is meant to cover. A lot of English football fans are still entrenched in mike bassett’s 44 ****ing 2.

 

I'm not blaming him, I'm a fan and love the way he gets forward and you're right about players covering for players out of position. Reminds me of Dorigo and G.Kelly who loved getting forward.