[shabz]

Good little analysis on Carrick since his comeback. For me he has always been a very important player and really under appreciated.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/...arrick-returned-to-the-team-is-no-coincidence

 

[Isotope]

^ good read. Since his return, we only conceded 3 goals in 5 games (compared to 12 in 10 games previous to that). 50% decrease. It might be also the Fellaini's factor. But that stats is just incredible.

 

[#07]

"Hard to believe its not Scholes..."

 

[NotoriousISSY]

Let's be honest, he definitely could've done better but in the context of what was happening to his left right and behind, he did a grand job. If he was gung-ho and playing a rushed game, we would've suffered.

Rojo and Evans were the ones who ensured we surrendered possession where possible (along with Fellaini). Even with a 3rd CB in McNair, he was dropping in until he was told to do so. He had to, they were just gifting the ball away.

Same against Arsenal. Plugged them gaps brilliantly. Quite anonymous in the passing side of things, but in the context of what was going on around him you can surely see why.

I think most accomplished CMs would struggle in those circumstances. If it wasn't for the sole movement of van Persie, we may have been pegged back in that second half.

 

[Alock1]

Definitely need to consider the teams played though. He's been great, but I'm sure those stats would look similar if it had been Blind instead - who averages the same amount of passes at pretty much the same percentage (slightly higher in both).

Him and Blind are fairly similar, but I would be interest in seeing them play together. Could build a very solid base with those 2 to really go on and let the attacking players flourish.

 

[limerickcitykid]

I hate how he was dropped into a CB role when McNair came off. Thought he was sorely missed in the midfield to collect the ball from the back which no one else could do or nowhere near as good as Carrick anyway.

 

[iBoss]

That being said, he doesn't look out of place when he does drop into that 3 man defence.

 

[limerickcitykid]

That being said, he doesn't look out of place when he does drop into that 3 man defence.

Oh I agree, I think he is perfectly capable of playing at the back himself but I feel the overall effect on the team is worse off with him out of the midfield. Without him in the midfield the defenders don't have a reliable option to find in the middle and it brings more pressure on them forcing them to panic and make bad decisions. Adding that onto their uneasiness with the back 3 and it is making the backs look awful. He then links well with the attacking players and just helps overall with controlling the midfield. I just find us severely lacking without Carrick or Blind in there between the backs and midfield.

 

[Joemo]

I agree. I think a lot of the criticism that Rojo got for losing the ball after carrying it out of defence was because there were no midfielders showing for the ball. Fellaini doesn't seem to have the nous of picking up pockets of space to collect the ball, Herrera can do but he was ineffective at doing so and for some reason Mata was playing deep, and although he did collect the ball occasionally he's so weak physically that it's a danger for him to have the ball in our own half.

 

[m1y2]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

 

[Joemo]

I can't believe I actually read that. I want that minute of my life back.

 

[limerickcitykid]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

Catts for me like.

 

[NextSeason]

I can't believe I actually read that. I want that minute of my life back.

Same.

 

[Pexbo]

I can't believe I actually read that. I want that minute of my life back.

I started to read it, realised that it was a load of guff, scrolled down and saw your post and smiled.

 

[reelworld]

I find it strange that the media only noticed Carrick now. His form during 2007-2011 is much better IMO, but there are hardly any praise for him from the media

 

[caid]

I started to read it, realised that it was a load of guff, scrolled down and saw your post and smiled.

Same lol, thanks Joemo.
I've been impressed with Carricks form this season, a lot closer to 2012/13 than last year.
And our midfield / defence look drastically more settled and comfortable since hes come back.

I'd like to see Blind and Carrick in midfield too.
I like Blind a lot, I dont really get the lack of enthusiasm for him when we signed him or since.
Might be a bit defensive and / or lightweight but could be good in europe if nothing else.

 

[beardsleybob]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't
do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

..

First on my ignore list. Congratulations....

 

[Dante]

This season, Carrick is helped by the fact he has a bit more pace behind him. That allows the defenders to be a little closer and the team to be a little more compact.

When he was playing ahead of Rio/Vidic last season, he had a lot more running to do to intercept runners. That didn't play to his strengths so he was predictably under par.

 

[Wednesday at Stoke]

I find it strange that the media only noticed Carrick now. His form during 2007-2011 is much better IMO, but there are hardly any praise for him from the media

Why would you mention 2011 specifically? 2012/13 was a majestic season from him.

 

[Stack]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

What a complete und utter load of bollox.

 

[RedDevilCanuck]

The English Pirlo without the free kicks. Will be able to play at a high level into his late 30's easily.

 

[kafta]

The warning signs where there... i shouldn't have read that

 

[reelworld]

Why would you mention 2011 specifically? 2012/13 was a majestic season from him.

Yeah, it kinda slipped my mind, maybe because the fact that our football was less than inspiring that season. That 4 years period that I mentioned though, he's easily our best midfielder with Scholes. Carrick was a big part on why we were one of the top 2 teams in Europe during that period. And yet, media only notice after performances against the likes of Stoke. It's mental

 

[DanNistelrooy]

Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina

I have had this argument so many times (most when comparing the likes of Scott Parker to Carrick - yes I know!) and it is the classic "Parker gets his shorts dirty, gets stuck in" argument, which is just incredibly flawed. The fundamental difference in Carrick's game is the he doesn't need to run around like a headless chicken because his positioning is that good. I'm surprised we still have these debates/criticisms of Carrick, especially after Gary Neville has highlighted this quality time and time again during his punditry.


Thought I would back up my argument with a video of each style. Zoom to 5.00 in this clip - its a video of Scholes' 2nd at Newcastle in 2007, you will see Parker showing his "hard working never ending tackling all over the pitch" as you would put it. But the thing to note is if he had Parker been more clever in his positioning, he would easily had been able to stop Scholes from shooting.


Compare that style to Carrick's below, I won't explain as Neville does it perfectly.

 

[Maroo]

I can't believe I actually read that. I want that minute of my life back.

Thankfully, I read your post before I saw that piece.

 

[Maroo]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

There are many hilarious parts in this post, but the one which takes the cake is the argument that we need a better defensive shield than Carrick and then calling Modric / Kroos that shield.

 

[sizzling sausages]

I find it strange that the media only noticed Carrick now. His form during 2007-2011 is much better IMO, but there are hardly any praise for him from the media

Carrick was pretty poor from 09-11 tbh. He had a great second half of the season in 11-12 and then a great full season in Fergie's last full season and has started to get credit from the media since then really.

 

[iBoss]

Oh I agree, I think he is perfectly capable of playing at the back himself but I feel the overall effect on the team is worse off with him out of the midfield. Without him in the midfield the defenders don't have a reliable option to find in the middle and it brings more pressure on them forcing them to panic and make bad decisions. Adding that onto their uneasiness with the back 3 and it is making the backs look awful. He then links well with the attacking players and just helps overall with controlling the midfield. I just find us severely lacking without Carrick or Blind in there between the backs and midfield.

Yeah, I agree with the part about him linking play from defence and then on to attack. Same with Blind.

 

[Cheesy]

I find it strange that the media only noticed Carrick now. His form during 2007-2011 is much better IMO, but there are hardly any praise for him from the media

I think his 2011-2013 spell was definitely his best at the club. He was fairly average for a couple of years, but really came into his own and started to properly control games for us when we needed someone to do so.

 

[ricky-romeo]

The English Pirlo without the free kicks. Will be able to play at a high level into his late 30's easily.

he is definitely one of the very few in the world who can be consider very pirlo like. and the only englishman of course.

barring any serious injury he should be able to play well into his 30's

 

[Kostur]

I'd just like to gently point out that the guy who came up with the huge wall of rubbish a couple of posts above was rating Zaha's game against us this season in his thread and was not impressed.

 

[RedDevilCanuck]

Wow.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

That post actually hurt my eyes a little. Didn't know what was going on.

 

[Jonno]

I have always loved Carrick. I really do think that De Gea, Carrick and Rooney are our three most important players. I don't think ranked against our other central midfielders he has ever had a poor season. He will always give you 6/7 out of 10 and quite often will be one of our most important players on the park. He doesn't need to sprint as he reads the game incredibly well. He sees every pass, he's direct with his long passing at the right time, then at other times he dictates the pace of the game. He really has benefitted playing with Scholes.

His natural fitness seems great, I don't see him slowing down in the next 2-3 years and it's a good job as he is our bet player in that position by a clear mile.

 

[Nighteyes]

Carrick's had 2 geniunely poor seasons at the club. Last season and '09-10.

One of the best signings Fergie ever made imo. Not just because he's a brilliant player but his signing signalled that Fergie finally gave up on trying to find another Roy Keane (an impossible task).

 

[ivaldo]

I actually prefer him at the back if I'm honest, willing to step out of defense when we have it, reads the danger well without, I'm sure that won't be a popular opinion, but most my opinions aren't

 

[finneh]

Suits a 3 man midfield perfectly, although I've been saying I think that'd be the case for years. Him and Alonso could go on for another 2-3 years in this type of system and not look out of place in one of the best teams in the world.

Will be interesting when everyone is fit what our system would be, I would really like to see a midfield 3 of Blind, Carrick and Herrera behind Di Maria, Mata/Rooney & any of Falcao/RVP/Rooney up front.

 

[SteveW]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

Stopped half way through. Just awful

 

[Trizy]

I love how overrated he is here. He can do the job, his best skill is to stay consistent and that he doesn't do mistakes. He has an eye for the pass and great range of passing but he lacks any mobility to his game, he is an old school player, players at the very top level should be demanded to play the ball while moving.. yes he can read the game well but is not quite strong in tackling and players with pace can get quite comfortably past him, very experienced but very slow player. Such a shame Fletcher got his illness I would take him over Carrick all day long, we lack this hardworking never ending tackling player all over the pitch working his socks off with bags of stamina actually able to press! Herrera is one to watch to play that role but he is better suited to play little bit further. We need to replace Carrick as soon as possible. Blind is only temporary solution as we should aspire to get better players with higher ceiling. Right now we have two decent players who can do the job.. in Carrick and Blind who is younger and can actually run eventhou he is very slow as well but after acquiring two world class players in Angel diMaria and Herrera(arguably) we should try to snatch some payer of the same level to paly the DLP role or more defensive player, I wouldn!t even mind defensive specialist as we have plenty of creativity further the pitch, someone who could provide the real steel to defense. Blind/Carrick are far away from being those guys, I know they are different but still our defense is very shaky due to massive aount of injuries and different line-ups so player of that mould would be pretty much appreciated. I don't know de Jong, Wanyama comes to my mind. that type of player maybe better quality but I am not aware of any available players of that sort. If not getting that kind of player simply buy the better quality Kroos - Modric. They are not what I was suggesting but real do it like that, they couldn't find any defensive specializst but they have two world class playmakers who could do some defending.. Yes I am waiting for some comments which suggest tak Blind is our Modric and Carrick is our Kroos..

It took Carrick a very long time to win me over but since 2010/11 he's been quality. You need to actually watch him play then come back and rewrite a piece on him and hope that people on the caf forgive you

 

[Rossa]

I can't believe I actually read that. I want that minute of my life back.

My screen is too small - I didn't seen your post before I read that. My oh my.

Blind can never be Modric btw. Modric is much, much quicker and more of a dribbler than Blind. More similar to Herrera in that respect - obviously better of course. Kroos and Carrick are more similar, but Kroos is actually slower than Carrick. Carrick being slow is a myth. Just because he doesn't run around like a headless chicken doesn't mean he is slow. He takes a couple of yards to get going, but it's not a great concern.