Hopefully that's it because if he doesn't shape up we're fecked. Runs like he's in sand at the moment
18
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 32
- Goals
- 5
- Assists
- 4
- Yellow cards
- 11
- Red cards
- 1
- Status
The whole team is running like they are in sand at the moment
So off the pace today
He doesn't help himself when he rushes forward during a press vacating the space behind and an opposing player just runs past him and we're in trouble. He's already looking legged, but this just heightens the issue.
He did it against Wolves a few times and today again. He's got to hold his position more sometimes and be more disciplined.
Been awful last 2 games. His biggest strength for us at the minute is his heading. Always gets on the end of crosses. May need a replacement sooner then we think…
I agree. That’s probably his biggest weakness. He tends to get into Mount/Bruno’s position when there’s no need. He steps forward and tries to press but then if the opposition gets behind there basically through against the defence. He should leave the high pressing for Mount and Bruno. He needs to cover the area in front of the back 2.
He's been off it since his last suspension, he just isn't up to it anymore.
He’s done. Looks fecking knackered like Rooney used to
fecking hell it’s like watching an old man run on the pitch.
Pirlo was finished too until proper use got 3-4 years more out of him. I feel the problem is exacerbated by Mount/Bruno and wishful thinking on EtH fielding that travesty of midfield twice, we are a bit disjointed. You could see Mount put in more effort to help second game, but it's an odd and poor pairing. Like it or not Casemiro is good but advanced age and here 1+ more year and need smart utilization to get best of him. I think he need a dynamic cover. Mount is unknown to me a bit, did he ever perform any big defensive duty at Chelsea? Only ever saw him to one side or Bruno role. If not we clearly bought a round peg to fit a square hole. Also he hasn't been awesome for Chelsea for quite some time. We paid to buy ourselves a problem lower down the pitch. Either that or failed outgoings have stopped our transfer plans.
Agree and I expressed my concern when we signed him. That signings like this have a very small window of opportunity unless you’re lucky and you just signed Luca Modric. Casmeiro was a fine player at his best and last season too but he needs to be surrounded by technically superb players and his falling physical edge will continue to get exposed against fitter midfielders with quicker feet and we / he will be reacting.
He was 'ok' for the first 60 minutes or so. Certainly not great, but at least improving and better than last week. Struggled badly in the last half an hour though where he looked physically done.
Obviously the hope is that he does come good and this is just his traditional slow start. Bringing in someone more natural in the position next to him who can help cover spaces might help as well.
Obviously the hope is that he does come good and this is just his traditional slow start. Bringing in someone more natural in the position next to him who can help cover spaces might help as well.
Is that Teal'c from Stargate?
We should have gone for Amrabat, would have given us options.
Should we have been in for someone liken Tonali? Would he have added a lot to our buildup?
He looked really lethargic in the second half.
Hopefully he's smart enough to realise he needs to adapt his game as he gets older. He's still quality on the ball; just needs to be more disciplined off it and stop chasing after everything.
This would work best in a controlled, possession based setup, which is basically the opposite of what we are trying to do now.
This would work best in a controlled, possession based setup, which is basically the opposite of what we are trying to do now.
He's not looked sharp so far but what do you expect when his fellow midfielders have no defensive intuition between them. You could have swapped him for a prime Vieria, Kante, Keane, Makelele yesterday and it wouldn't make a difference. He needs support desperately.
not sure i agree that he needs more support, depends what role he's being asked to play. I thought he'd end up deeper than he was last season which would ensure we always have a man in midfield but he's trying to get forward which leaves a huge gap, it wasnt as big a gap as vs Wolves but i thought that was because Mount looked a bit more disciplined and helped when Casemiro went forward.
Ultimately, i think Carra's comments on him are right, its a concern.
Ultimately, i think Carra's comments on him are right, its a concern.
Managers setup and its so bloody obvious. Of course ETH did say though, when you start chasing the goal you leave more gaps. Casemiro would be better off holding to pick off the counters
Another player who went missing in the second half
His build is naturally heavy. He needs to work even harder than the average player to get to and stay at his fighting weight. But he can do it and he can maintain his physical shape for at least another couple of years.
He is a winner. He is from the very top bracket of midfielders and often showed that for us last year. He is motivated to make his mark here and to go on playing at the top.
The problem is, no matter what he thinks is happening, he is not (I surmise) working hard enough and is not focused enough. This happens to a lot of players when there is no viable competition for his place. To keep him at it we needed to sign another guy who can play his position. It’s the way of the world.
He is a winner. He is from the very top bracket of midfielders and often showed that for us last year. He is motivated to make his mark here and to go on playing at the top.
The problem is, no matter what he thinks is happening, he is not (I surmise) working hard enough and is not focused enough. This happens to a lot of players when there is no viable competition for his place. To keep him at it we needed to sign another guy who can play his position. It’s the way of the world.
I don’t know why <scratches chin> but I hate that ‘dipping twit Jamie Caragher. He’s a natural enemy of normal folk.
He was one of our best players last season. Concerning start to the season but I'm sure he can get back to a high level. He needs help in midfield though.
His place was undisputed at Real Madrid for years, it didn't make him slow down.
Most top players don't have competition, clubs would have to spend 50M+ just to offer a mild challenge.
He needs it now.
Absolutely dreadful for both games, but if I'm inclined to give anyone a pass it's him. Never before have I seen a midfield tactical setup as poor as what we've been served by ten Hag against Wolves and Spurs.
He doesn't need competition, he needs a partner.
Why would you give him a pass?
Think it's important to clarify I didnt say I would actually give him a pass. But, if I was inclined to do so, it would be him because in both games he's actually been on his own in midfield against 3 opposition midfielders.
I think he's been shit, let's be clear, but I think of anyone he does at least have other contributing factors to his shitness that sit squarly with ten Hag.
Got it.
The players all have to do their job and play well. The problem with the system is that players have complex positional responsibilities that change depending on what’s happening.
One consequence is that any player can appear to be doing okay when, in fact, he is not where he should be on the pitch and therefore another player may be overloaded and unable to cope. God knows who should be where and when and this is what the players are struggling with.
My guess is that Casemiro is getting drawn into areas he should not be going to, possibly because others are not where they should be or possibly he is just not following his rules. He also looks as though he isn’t fit enough. I say give him and the system a couple of weeks. Probably it will be 10-15 games before everyone is on point.
I pray this doesn't happen. The season will be over by the time it all comes together, if it ever does.
Maybe you are right. But we may still win some games and stay in touch despite being sub-optimal. If it all does come together properly it will be worth the wait. You have to weigh the pain against the likely outcome of adopting alternative approaches. Not many people would want us to revert to how we played in the latter part of last season. So we’re probably looking at some kind of tactical shift anyway. Why not stay the course for a bit?
Because I don't see how it could possibly work. We've been dominated by Spurs and Wolves. Neither of which will amount to anything even half decent this season.
But that’s because you’re basing your assessment on two games where we’re not doing it right.
The setup has not helped him any the past 2 games but it has really exposed his lack of pace and mobility. He tailed off at the end of last season and doesn't look to have recovered any.
Not really. It's based on having watched Bruno and Mount over the last 3 years.
Yeah but they are not going to be doing the same thing. And quite apart from that, the reason it’s not working is not just down to them it’s what everyone else is doing. These are not simple tactics. They are not being sent out and told to have fun. They have lots of rules to follow; all of them. It cannot be as good on Match day 1 as it will be on match day 10.
He is irreplaceable within the current squad...its a problem.
No shame in having to sub a player around the 70 min mark in the first month of a new season...issue is the options are far worse.
But Casemiro will be fine, he just needs a few more games to get up to speed.
No shame in having to sub a player around the 70 min mark in the first month of a new season...issue is the options are far worse.
But Casemiro will be fine, he just needs a few more games to get up to speed.
I think that’s right but competition for his place would help us (and him at this stage of his career). Good player when he’s fit and firing. The new system is testing him but he will adapt, I reckon.
He has aged from 30 to 35 years old in the span on 1 year. Very leggy to begin the season. He seems slower too and he doesnt seem to be in the right place to make interceptions and tackles. Definitely cant play twice in a week. We need Amrabat in to give him a breather.
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