Abraxas
New Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2021
- Messages
- 6,313
I think it's pretty difficult to contribute in the final third when you're the one man that can build play from deep and you're not convinced there's any meaningful defensive cover. Who's going to do that when he's paired with McTominay for example? Fred has to be showing for the ball and he's probably also needed to get back and defend any counter which is a lot for one man no matter what his energy.Thats a fair post and I would agree with some of the points. That said, I dont consider it to be microanalysis or mental gymnastics to just see what is presented in front of you. Tonight was a good example, with several instances in the first half of sloppiness gifting the opposition chances (and a goal), before a definite improvement in the second half.
I had long said that Fred contributes nothing in the final third, so I have to admit tonight he did well up there - driving into the box on several occasions and getting an assist/winning a penalty in the process, fair play. That is the role Fred thrives in - the headless chicken (in an affectionate way) who can charge about for 90 minutes without having to worry too much about strict tactical instruction. I dont think its hugely surprising that Fred has looked better in the last couple of games, with Carrick using him in that more advanced/roaming role.
Even with Pogba it's tricky for him because Pogba's short passing and play from deep is erratic.
He's been better this season at it but we've also been incredibly open this season and there have been times where opposition have ran straight through us with Fred high up the pitch.