Some of us have “bored on and on” for years ( ok well i have and many others ) about the need for collective pace and agility in the team. Doesnt mesn every player but quite a few. They also need to be able to pass accurately with one and two touch before quickly moving. We yet again lack that this season and especially in the defensive midfield area and that along with other factors like poor decision making and misunderstanding of roles and tactics ( coaching / communication ) its costing dearly. It was less of an issue when we sat 9 behind the ball in a narrow “low block” but now we are trying to keep the ball and play out thru the opposition press its proving to be a real problem.
Like I say, its also tactics and understanding of roles, and not taking responsibility but every game we concede with a simple pass behind our back 3 or 4 ( centrally or wide left ( our right back ) ). Runners not able or just not being tracked by the defensive midfield and/or not bad positioning by CBs etc.
Its not a panacea for everything but a Kante, Caicedo level of pace in one or two of our defensive midfielders would help a lot. Its made worse because Kilman aint quick ( not sure about Tobibo) and Mavrapanos positioning etc means attackers simply given too much space to move into.
But other issues too seen again last night. Coufal far too slow and was simply sidestepped twice by Gakpo although Todibo turning his back and not putting his body on the line didnt help ( not brave, physical enough suggestion?).
Then I lost count of the times Alvarez, Coufal, Soucek and up top Ings and last might Bowen give the ball back so quickly with poor passing decisions or options. Partly because we dont have the athleticism as a team to create space and options but also technical execution not up to it in too many players. Im comparing to Villa, Liverpool, Chelsea and City but we look a level below just in playing simple passes. As mentioned possibly down to lack of movement, pace and getting pressed too easily.
We left some gaping holes with recruitment and looks like we simply got the wrong type ( one paced every player recruited excluding Sommerville).
Loppy has snookered himself as he tries to get us play a high line, possession game without some key player profiles to do it effectively in the Premiership ( its much faster than la liga).
His only way to get results unfortunately may be to revert back towards sitting deeper again in a quasi Moyesball set up. Because currently we will concede 2 every game we are so open.
So fvcking depressing. I saw some little patches of play last night but still not enough cutting edge and chasing shadows trying to get near the ball as the young Liverpool Ressies passed it around us.
Finally Todibo? Not a difference maker based on that. Comfortable in possession, good passer and interceptions but not physical in challemges at all. A Kind of slightly better version of Aguerd