Tom Cleverley | 2012-14 Performances

[Joemo]

I thought he was sensational today.

He seemed to be everywhere; linking up with the attackers, carrying the ball forward, playing it through the channels to Rafael, interchanging with Jones and Rooney well.

 

[Sylar]

He took the kick free kick yeah? I think he also benefits from having Welbeck ahead of him tbh because it means he can do the quick stuff going forward knowing Welbeck will be there running on to it and stretcing play.
Was unlucky not to score, thought the keeper made a fantastic save. Also was robbed off a chance by the ref blowing too early after the Hernandez foul. Good to see him doing well after his "average" comments earlier.

 

[Hannibal]

Good workrate but still lost the ball once or twice in dangerous areas. Doesn't have the awareness of someone like Rooney even though he isn't a midfielder by trade.

Needs to pass the ball forwards rather than sideways. Other than that he is definitely improving.

It's about time you upgrade your TV or change the pathetic stream you watch 3pm games. Cleverley completed 56 of the 57 passes attempted(98% pass completion). His forward passes stats are 29 out of 30. The only ball he gave away throughout the game was a long raking pass forward.

This is how to spot football fans who have an agenda against the players of the club they claim to support.

 

[Amar__]

Well said Hannibal, haters gonna hate. At least don't comment anything if you don't have anything to brag about instead of imagineing things he didn't do.

 

[Hannibal]

Well said Hannibal, haters gonna hate. At least don't comment anything if you don't have anything to brag about instead of imagineing things he didn't do.

Sometimes you wonder if some of these posters get paid to denigrate United players. How can anyone say Cleverley gave the ball away & most of his passes were sideways passes? A lie detector software needs to be added to this site.

 

[Comsmit]

What you posted is not really true Cleverly was playing as a regular for a top side at the age of 22 Carrick was in middle of an in an out season for west ham at same age. In fact if you look at their records they are very similar in the progress they have made.

Bit late as I've been away but.....I said he is nowhere near his ability at the equivalent age, not progress career wise. And he isn't so I would say that is actually true.

 

[RedRonaldo]

This is what I want to see from him.

 

[Stack]

It's about time you upgrade your TV or change the pathetic stream you watch 3pm games. Cleverley completed 56 of the 57 passes attempted(98% pass completion). His forward passes stats are 29 out of 30. The only ball he gave away throughout the game was a long raking pass forward.

This is how to spot football fans who have an agenda against the players of the club they claim to support.

The sideways pass thing is always funny to me. People see the pass sideways but dont see why it was passed sideways and what happened next or even 2 passes later. They just see the pass sideways and have a whine about it. There are passing patterns that player practice continuously on the training pitch and once you have seen them you recognise them in a game. One routine is short short through, all on the deck. The first pass moves the opposition players, the second pass is to position the third pass which exploits the moved defenders surrendered space. I mention that because its the easiest one to spot. There are others which can be as many as 7 passes long and are also practiced endlessly at training. The sideways pass Cleverley often uses exploits the third man running routine which West Ham made great use of in the early 80's.
Go have a look at footage of Ray Wilkins in his pomp, he did the same thing.

 

[ArmchairCritic]

The sideways pass thing is always funny to me. People see the pass sideways but dont see why it was passed sideways and what happened next or even 2 passes later. They just see the pass sideways and have a whine about it. There are passing patterns that player practice continuously on the training pitch and once you have seen them you recognise them in a game. One routine is short short through, all on the deck. The first pass moves the opposition players, the second pass is to position the third pass which exploits the moved defenders surrendered space. I mention that because its the easiest one to spot. There are others which can be as many as 7 passes long and are also practiced endlessly at training. The sideways pass Cleverley often uses exploits the third man running routine which West Ham made great use of in the early 80's. Go have a look at footage of Ray Wilkins in his pomp, he did the same thing.

No offence intended but this made me laugh.

 

[Backrow Singer]

The sideways pass thing is always funny to me. People see the pass sideways but dont see why it was passed sideways and what happened next or even 2 passes later. They just see the pass sideways and have a whine about it. There are passing patterns that player practice continuously on the training pitch and once you have seen them you recognise them in a game. One routine is short short through, all on the deck. The first pass moves the opposition players, the second pass is to position the third pass which exploits the moved defenders surrendered space. I mention that because its the easiest one to spot. There are others which can be as many as 7 passes long and are also practiced endlessly at training. The sideways pass Cleverley often uses exploits the third man running routine which West Ham made great use of in the early 80's.
Go have a look at footage of Ray Wilkins in his pomp, he did the same thing.

Agreed. For me, Cleverley is the sort of player who those who have played the game tend to appreciate more than those who haven't. He is always available for the ball, knows where the space is, and we know that he is capable of getting forward when given the opportunity. I hate to use the phrase 'keeps things ticking over', but that is what he does for me. As a midfield myself, players like that are a joy to play with, and hopefully he can continue to progress over the coming weeks and months.

 

[Nighteyes]

When people can't find anything else to criticize about Cleverley's performance the 'He passes sideways' brigade are around in full force. Even before the Villa game he was nowhere near as bad as some were making out and played some very good passes.

 

[Rossa]

His stamina is really impressive these days. Last season he looked knackered after 60-70 minutes and faded badly from games. Now he keeps running at full pelt for 90 minutes straight. He also looks quicker than before. I really like his one-two touch passes too. I've been very critical of him, but if he can keep this up, he may have sorted part of our midfield problem.

 

[Red Dreams]

has really improved. wonder what Moyes said to him.

 

[Irwinwastheking]

My problem with his is that he seem to have everything in his game but just doesn't seem to be able to tie it all together and impose himself on games often enough. He's one of the lads that I'd most like to make it here too so hopefully he'll make that connection and press on.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

He said himself that he felt his performances were average this season. He knew he had to step it up. A good player, and I'd keep him around, but will never be good enough to be a regular in a side challenging for trophies.

 

[Irwinwastheking]

I can't figure out if you're trying to be sarcastic Cunto.

 

[Stack]

My problem with his is that he seem to have everything in his game but just doesn't seem to be able to tie it all together and impose himself on games often enough. He's one of the lads that I'd most like to make it here too so hopefully he'll make that connection and press on.

The bit thats missing from his game for me is the ability to run at players with the ball. I wonder if thats why he doesnt appear to impose himself?. In the last few games he has driven forward with the ball a few times which I wonder is one reason some have warmed to his efforts in recent games?.

 

[Lawman]

Agreed. For me, Cleverley is the sort of player who those who have played the game tend to appreciate more than those who haven't. He is always available for the ball, knows where the space is, and we know that he is capable of getting forward when given the opportunity. I hate to use the phrase 'keeps things ticking over', but that is what he does for me. As a midfield myself, players like that are a joy to play with, and hopefully he can continue to progress over the coming weeks and months.

Well to be fair I've played the game and I'm not his biggest fan. I'm not saying he's a bad player but I don't think he's good enough to be an automatic starter in a top team. And some of his performances this season were really piss poor I'm glad he's had an upturn in form recently though. But for me he lacks far too much to be a top player in my opinion (hope I'm wrong) I hope we buy someone better to replace him in centre midfield.

 

[marjen]

The sideways pass thing is always funny to me. People see the pass sideways but dont see why it was passed sideways and what happened next or even 2 passes later. They just see the pass sideways and have a whine about it. There are passing patterns that player practice continuously on the training pitch and once you have seen them you recognise them in a game. One routine is short short through, all on the deck. The first pass moves the opposition players, the second pass is to position the third pass which exploits the moved defenders surrendered space. I mention that because its the easiest one to spot. There are others which can be as many as 7 passes long and are also practiced endlessly at training. The sideways pass Cleverley often uses exploits the third man running routine which West Ham made great use of in the early 80's.
Go have a look at footage of Ray Wilkins in his pomp, he did the same thing.

I agree in principal about your sideways passing argument but the bolded part is a load of crap.

You don't practice seven passes long patterns in open play in training. Matches don't play out like that. You practice passing routines to raise your awareness and improve your passing ability and confidence in executing different sort of passes. Of course sideways passes can move opponents around but you can't practice set routines of seven passes predicting where people will run. This is not chess.

The reason why Cleverley chooses the sideways pass is he's had a look up, and

a) didn't find a good option in front of him

b) were put under pressure so decided to keep possession

c) wanting to keep possession and calm down the tempo of a match

or d) didn't trust his ability enough to execute the forward pass.

When he's played poorly, it's option D that looks the most likely explanation to me. He's looked like he's shirked away from the responsibility of driving us forward. That's been my main gripe with him.

He's a midfielder, his job is partly to play through opposing midfields, but I've got no qualms with any of the first three reasons for choosing the sideways pass.

 

[Stack]

I agree in principal about your sideways passing argument but the bolded part is a load of crap.

You don't practice seven passes long patterns in open play in training. Matches don't play out like that. You practice passing routines to raise your awareness and improve your passing ability and confidence in executing different sort of passes. Of course sideways passes can move opponents around but you can't practice set routines of seven passes predicting where people will run. This is not chess.

The reason why Cleverley chooses the sideways pass is he's had a look up, and

a) didn't find a good option in front of him

b) were put under pressure so decided to keep possession

c) wanting to keep possession and calm down the tempo of a match

or d) didn't trust his ability enough to execute the forward pass.

When he's played poorly, it's option D that looks the most likely explanation to me. He's looked like he's shirked away from the responsibility of driving us forward. That's been my main gripe with him.

He's a midfielder, his job is partly to play through opposing midfields, but I've got no qualms with any of the first three reasons for choosing the sideways pass.

You clearly have never coached or been coached. The bolded bit is referred to as a "rolling ball set play". Its something pro players around the world do in coaching sessions put on in pro leagues around the world.

Also, next time you watch a game, any game you will see moments where a player passes a ball to a team mate who one touches it straight back. Its done to move the opposition defenders. Every time the ball moves players move. Every time a pass is made a defender moves to cover the pass. By making that short give and go an opposition defender is moved, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters. When they have been moved it can open up a passing channel for the ball to be played in to.

You clearly havent got a clue.

 

[RedPhil1957]

Bit late as I've been away but.....I said he is nowhere near his ability at the equivalent age, not progress career wise. And he isn't so I would say that is actually true.

How can you judge that Carrick's ability was far better at same age, were you watching a lot of west ham? If so you might have noticed Carrick spent much of the time playing in reserves or on treatment table year WH got relegated and the next season playing Championship football (1st division) at same age Cleverley was a regular member of a side either finishing 2nd or 1st in premier league.

To break through from reserves to first team at a club like United is incredibly hard and we have 3---- Evans, Cleverley, Wellbeck all who joined club at a young age. Its about time supporters were proud of them all instead of constantly trying to downgrade them as players.

 

[marjen]

You clearly have never coached or been coached. The bolded bit is referred to as a "rolling ball set play". Its something pro players around the world do in coaching sessions put on in pro leagues around the world.

Also, next time you watch a game, any game you will see moments where a player passes a ball to a team mate who one touches it straight back. Its done to move the opposition defenders. Every time the ball moves players move. Every time a pass is made a defender moves to cover the pass. By making that short give and go an opposition defender is moved, 1 meter, 2 meters, 5 meters. When they have been moved it can open up a passing channel for the ball to be played in to.

You clearly havent got a clue.

I play football at quite a decent level myself.

And I'm well aware that players play quick short passes between themselves to move opposing teams around.

It's not why Tom Cleverley's played like shit this season though. And it's not why he was reluctant earlier on to thread passes through opposition midfields.

As I've said, I've got no problems with Cleverley choosing the safe option or moving the ball around when there's no forward pass on. My problem is that he's been shirking away form responsibility even when clear cut forward passes into our strikers are on. It makes it very difficult to play through teams when your midfielders are so afraid of moving the ball forward, and it invites pressure onto us.

 

[Elliott]

I play football at quite a decent level myself.

How decent?

 

[marjen]

How decent?

Norwegian third division.

Meaning decent enough to train 5 to 6 days a week.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I play football at quite a decent level myself.

And I'm well aware that players play quick short passes between themselves to move opposing teams around.

It's not why Tom Cleverley's played like shit this season though. And it's not why he was reluctant earlier on to thread passes through opposition midfields.

As I've said, I've got no problems with Cleverley choosing the safe option or moving the ball around when there's no forward pass on. My problem is that he's been shirking away form responsibility even when clear cut forward passes into our strikers are on. It makes it very difficult to play through teams when your midfielders are so afraid of moving the ball forward, and it invites pressure onto us.

Well said

 

[Lawman]

I play football at quite a decent level myself.

And I'm well aware that players play quick short passes between themselves to move opposing teams around.

It's not why Tom Cleverley's played like shit this season though. And it's not why he was reluctant earlier on to thread passes through opposition midfields.

As I've said, I've got no problems with Cleverley choosing the safe option or moving the ball around when there's no forward pass on. My problem is that he's been shirking away form responsibility even when clear cut forward passes into our strikers are on. It makes it very difficult to play through teams when your midfielders are so afraid of moving the ball forward, and it invites pressure onto us.

Agree Marjen it's what's annoying with Cleverley is choosing to keep safe instead of trying to have an impact on the game he becomes a passenger for us and is weak physically. I hope he grows in to his role but right now he shouldn't be a starter in our best 11. That he does start is through no fault of his.

 

[marjen]

I think in the last few appearances he's come out of his shell and he's slowly starting to stamp his authority on matches.

He'll need to take his game in that direction if he wants to have a future here.

 

[Amar__]

Really good performance from Tom today IMO, I am really pleased with his form at the moment.

 

[Dargonk]

Thought he played well today. Showing a bit more intensity as well which is good as he has needed to stamp his authority on games far more in the past

 

[Kostur]

Good performance, worked his ass off, that's what I'd like to see from him. Maybe a bit less shy passing too, but I thought it was ok.

 

[Isotope]

Well, Jamie Redknapp was playing at decent level too.

 

[Comsmit]

How can you judge that Carrick's ability was far better at same age, were you watching a lot of west ham? If so you might have noticed Carrick spent much of the time playing in reserves or on treatment table year WH got relegated and the next season playing Championship football (1st division) at same age Cleverley was a regular member of a side either finishing 2nd or 1st in premier league.

To break through from reserves to first team at a club like United is incredibly hard and we have 3---- Evans, Cleverley, Wellbeck all who joined club at a young age. Its about time supporters were proud of them all instead of constantly trying to downgrade them as players.

Carrick was already at Spurs when he reached the age Cleverley is now, and he was maturing into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League under Martin Jol. At Spurs he began to display his amazing range of passing in an attacking side, catching the attention of Ferguson and his scouts. You could see the talent he had when he broke into West Ham's first eleven, you can't use the club's status as a measure of how good he was at that time.

Like I said I'm referring to ability. Cleverley is a product of United's academy, but this is at a time when the engine room is at its worst in recent memory, so naturally he has been afforded plenty of opportunities to stake his claim. That he hasn't yet achieved this is in due part to his inconsistency, but also his lack of noticeable improvement as a footballer in the past year.

As for your last sentence I'm sorry I don't buy into that brand of sentimentality, and you are wrong to knock people for not displaying some kind of blind loyalty to academy graduates. I've never set out to "downgrade" any academy player, merely provide an honest opinion of how I view their ability and potential.

 

[MrMarcello]

How can you judge that Carrick's ability was far better at same age, were you watching a lot of west ham? If so you might have noticed Carrick spent much of the time playing in reserves or on treatment table year WH got relegated and the next season playing Championship football (1st division) at same age Cleverley was a regular member of a side either finishing 2nd or 1st in premier league.

To break through from reserves to first team at a club like United is incredibly hard and we have 3---- Evans, Cleverley, Wellbeck all who joined club at a young age. Its about time supporters were proud of them all instead of constantly trying to downgrade them as players.

Very harsh against Carrick and overly stating Cleverley. Carrick played in 30 league matches the year you cite he was often injured and/or playing reserve matches; played 128 league matches from 2000-04 (150 in all). He was also voted to the PFA First Division Team of the Year the following season playing 35 league matches (the only year he spent below Premiership level). Apparently good enough that Wenger was in for him in summer 2004 but (according to resident Arsenal supporters) pulled out when Vieira refused to depart.

Evans and Welbeck are certainly quality talents but Cleverley is easily a notch or two below. With proper midfield signings the past 2-4 seasons, he'd probably not be getting many games if any, assuming he would still be with the club which is probably unlikely. It's not being against a player but seeing the obvious. I personally hope Cleverley develops into a solid player worthy of numerous appearances for the club, but I find it highly unlikely.

 

[Lawman]

Trying hard here I see he is good at keeping possession with a lot of 5-15 yard passes but what else? Defensively he is weak losing 50% of his tackles and physically not the strongest, he doesn't create many chances for forwards or score either. I just don't see it in Tom Cleverley as hard as I'm trying I think he is a massive weak link in our team.

 

[shaggy]

Dunno how to judge Cleverley. Not developed as we had hoped and I think he's mid-table standard. If that's correct then it was a decent performance.

 

[marjen]

Trying hard here I see he is good at keeping possession with a lot of 5-15 yard passes but what else? Defensively he is weak losing 50% of his tackles and physically not the strongest, he doesn't create many chances for forwards or score either. I just don't see it in Tom Cleverley as hard as I'm trying I think he is a massive weak link in our team.

He's a bit too neat and tidy and doesn't have any real standout qualities, but the worst thing is how easy it is for him to go into hiding and let others do the job for him.

Was having a decent run of games up until this. In his defence he's played the whole 180 minutes in three days so that's bound to take some effort.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Thought he was good. Not great but did his job well enough.

 

[Lawman]

He's a bit too neat and tidy and doesn't have any real standout qualities, but the worst thing is how easy it is for him to go into hiding and let others do the job for him.

Was having a decent run of games up until this. In his defence he's played the whole 180 minutes in three days so that's bound to take some effort.

Wasn't a direct link to this game Marjen but since he's broke through I just don't see how he's good enough as he never tries anything but a simple pass its like he passes over responsibility time and time again.

 

[marjen]

Wasn't a direct link to this game Marjen but since he's broke through I just don't see how he's good enough as he never tries anything but a simple pass its like he passes over responsibility time and time again.

I thought I could see some more balls from him and willingness to take things on himself the last matches.

Back to square one today.

I simply think he's not going to be much more than a squad player for us as soon as we sorts out the midfield. A good one, but a squad player.

 

[Lawman]

I thought I could see some more balls from him and willingness to take things on himself the last matches.

Back to square one today.

I simply think he's not going to be much more than a squad player for us as soon as we sorts out the midfield. A good one, but a squad player.

If we get two more midfielders of quality I don't even think he'll be a squad player with Carrick Fellaini and two others.