criticalanalysis
Full Member
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2015
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- 7,377
I'm not just talking about the game vs Dortmund, though. There's been times when teams have sat back against us and stayed really compact, where again, one switch of play would stretch the opposition.
I agree with you that he is the glue. I did mention that one of his better attributes is keeping the ball moving. However, he does lack that passing range to play in the deep role like for example, Kroos, Fabregas, Pogba, etc.
He did alright yesterday but he had the same problems he's had constantly for us. He can move the ball around really well in midfield which is all well and good but his killer ball remained shite. If he can sort that he could be a decent option in midfield for us but he needs to improve and fast. If not then his spot will most likely be taken next season by someone who can.
I'd hate to say it but yes your points are true. His range even in his first season and those times of good periods of play were 'limited'.
However, playing in a super slow formation (i.e no runners, no spacing etc), team mates scared of the ball when pressed, scared of making mistakes etc etc will make any midfielder look average and his attacking strengths are currently not being exploited.
Herrera should be our version of Matuidi and Rakitic etc i.e the running, the tackling, the overlaps, the extra option in midfield couped with the passing nous. Veratti and Motta wouldn't work and neither would Iniesta and Busquets on their own. Likelywise Modric and Kroos didn't work (consistently) and it was only when Zidane brought in an extra midfielder did they find more stability.
Herrera shouldn't be expected to replace your no 10 or defensive midfielder. That should be Miki/Pogba's jobs and Schneiderlin/Schweini's respectively.