Academy v Swansea A (FA Youth Cup)

Tribec said:
Apart from the goal, how's Van Velzen doing. He was a OK last year, not seen enough of him this year. Though he did at times look a little sloppy at times last year, but that was comparing him to the rest of that team, who were a year above him.
Click to expand...

As I've argued before, being able to do something in an artificial setting is obviously not the same thing as being able to do it when eleven opposition players are desperately trying to stop you.

In many respects there is a disconnect between what are thought to be best practices between the ages of 8-16, where competitive games are largely unimportant, and being able to translate that in to performances in a highly competitive environment where each individual is only in control of a very small fraction of the events.

We saw a very similar thing with Ronaldo. It was blatantly obvious that he had extraordinary talent, but it took him some considerable time to figure out the most efficient use of that talent.

In that sense, van Velzen is a similar player. He possesses lots of individual components that he has obviously worked hard on throughout his development, but it's taken some time -- and it will continue in to the future -- to translate that in to the coherent package that we call a 'performance'.
 
Daehli's very good isn't he. He seems to be the little spanish playmaker type that's the flavour of today's football.
Could become some player.
 
FreakyJim said:
Daehli's very good isn't he. He seems to be the little spanish playmaker type that's the flavour of today's football.
Could become some player.
Click to expand...

Daehli, Rudge and Rothwell were a joy to watch early season.
 
I have never seen Harrop before - but he looks very talented.
 
Most of our midfielder look really comfortable on the ball. Great to watch.
 
Looks like bringing in Rene as Skills Development Coach in 2001 is starting to pay off.
 
Yeah all the 3 subs tore Swansea to shreds - Gorre was tricky as well

I dare say that in terms of footballing skills - our youngsters must be lightyears ahead of most players in rival clubs now. This is a team missing 10 players and we ripped Swansea to shreds - imagine when they add a bit of weight and presence to their skills
 
Think the fact that most of the Swansea lads were out on their feet was a big contributing factor to the subs looking so good. Also think it's easy to get carried away - Swansea had arguably been the better side until they fell asleep, and 2 long balls over the top undid them.
 
samabachan said:
Think the fact that most of the Swansea lads were out on their feet was a big contributing factor to the subs looking so good. Also think it's easy to get carried away - Swansea had arguably been the better side until they fell asleep, and 2 long balls over the top undid them.
Click to expand...

of course - but it's all about taking the chance when you get them - and all of them did.
 
samabachan said:
Also think it's easy to get carried away - Swansea had arguably been the better side until they fell asleep, and 2 long balls over the top undid them.
Click to expand...

They've done that in consecutive games in this tournament now though. Surely says something about the determination and skill of this side.
 
He was excellent when he came on. Played out on the right. Lovely touch on the ball and great technique. He had the ball in the back of the net twice also, both ruled out for offside, the second one unjustly too.

Very lively performance from him overall, glad to see him coming back from his injury troubles.
 
Have to write a bit about Forest in the FA Youth Cup - they must have some really talented lads coming through.

They sold Bamford to Chelsea - so I guess that will ruin their hopes of winning the FA Youth Cup - but can results be more impressive than this?

Sunderland (a) 2-1
Wigan (h) 9-1
Southampton (a) 5-1

And Sunderland and Southampton usually have really good youth sides. Now Forest could meet Chelsea and Bamford - if Chelsea bet West Ham
 
You must log in or register to reply here.