captaincantona
Full Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2013
- Messages
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McT….is that you? First on your tempo point - read what I wrote. I said he can “keep” tempo…not “set” it. That means that when we get into a passing rhythm he doesn’t slow things down and keeps progressing the ball - he does that consistently.You question McT’s IQ while having no problem with Fred’s who had this clown obsession on taking a shot from 20 meters every semi decent chance even knowing he is terrible long shot taker?
Better trait positioning and movement? Christ man, they are both limited footballers, but praising his movement and praising his tempo? The guy is a terrible passer 90% of the time how can he set tempo? By running around? What tempo like at the weekend when we had 30% possession? Yes he is useful when we are an underdog to fill out a place and hope for the best. MCT actually has more uses while the same goes on record for him. And in what world is Fred better on the ball than the other, Scott is a much better dribler and carries the ball better.
As a number 8, Fred and McT offer different things. Both carry the ball well. McT is more physical while Fred is more energetic. Neither is a great passer. McT has arguably more of a goal threat while Fred is much much better in tight spaces. Fred is quite simply excellent off the ball more often than not. McT not so much.
However, McTs basic limitations in terms of movement, positioning, control and vision are hugely detrimental to a midfield seeking to retain possession - be that when dominating and trying to break down a low block or when under a high press and trying to play out of trouble/relieve pressure.
Fred is excellent at those basics and therefore he can be a cog in a better team… he is capable of playing with better players and being a good foil to play off and play through. McT can’t. He is just an extremely limited footballer with physical traits that would make him a solid performer in a mid table side that don’t have designs on ball retention.
As I see it, we only need one squad player as an 8 considering we have Eriksen/Bruno/the young lads for that single number 8 spot. Therefore I would keep Fred every day of the week and upgrade McT for a CDM in the summer.