Just unreal what game some people watch
We certainly agree on that!
Just unreal what game some people watch
I’d also add to this fine post that Stephens knows how to manage match situations. Controlling the pace and tempo when possible.
Knowing when to press and when to hold the shape of the team.
He has the ability to play forward but often decides to play back or sideways as the team need to retain possession, not just give it back, especially as we are a c.40% possession team on average.
Chasing the ball tires teams so ball retention becomes hugely important.
Bridcutt was a great holding player but he didn’t have the ability to pass the ball much further than 20 yards and creativity was generally non existent. Stephens is a much more rounded player, hence our better results with him in the team.
Playmaker? I've never heard Dale Stephens referred to as a "playmaker" before, and I'm sure it would make him laugh too.
He's the defensive shield of the back 4. He's the water carrier. He plays in a position where - if he is to pass forwards - the pass has to be absolutely perfect, as otherwise it's a very risky pass to make.
I can understand the groans when he passes sideways or backwards, but the groans should be directed at the attacking players for not providing the movement, not at Stephens. I don't understand how people can't see that.
Lying deep or receiving the ball in deep positions doesn't make their role in the team as play-maker. Pirlo would hardly be categorised as doing a similar role as Fernandinho . I do agree that DS role is similar to a Busquets or even Fernandinho - neither of which would be described by anybody else as a playmaker in their respective sides, and neither of which are particularly well known for their forward play - doesn't mean that they can't do it, just that their primary role is not that. Your argument might have some legs if we played 4-4-2, but in a 4-3-3 you need at least one of your midfield 3 to do a defensive role 1st and foremost..
I’d also add to this fine post that Stephens knows how to manage match situations. Controlling the pace and tempo when possible.
Knowing when to press and when to hold the shape of the team.
He has the ability to play forward but often decides to play back or sideways as the team need to retain possession, not just give it back, especially as we are a c.40% possession team on average.
Chasing the ball tires teams so ball retention becomes hugely important.
Bridcutt was a great holding player but he didn’t have the ability to pass the ball much further than 20 yards and creativity was generally non existent. Stephens is a much more rounded player, hence our better results with him in the team.
There has been some very articulate putting to bed of the “Stephens isn’t good enough if we want to progress” rubbish on this thread
I’ll also take former professionals opinion that Brighton don’t score enough from midfield 2 goals in a season and a half.
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Nobody is saying Stevens is rubbish.
An observation that I made myself earlier today, but Stephens role now is to sit and shield so the other two in the three can attack. You should be pointing your finger at Bissouma, Propper, Gross and Kayal, not Stephens.
An observation that I made myself earlier today, but Stephens role now is to sit and shield so the other two in the three can attack. You should be pointing your finger at Bissouma, Propper, Gross and Kayal, not Stephens.
Nobody is saying Stevens is rubbish. May I ask all those who think Stevens is the bees knees how they think our midfield could be improved
This. All I’ve said is that his position is one where we could upgrade yet many take this as heavy criticism and that I don’t understand the holding midfielder role.
Bissouma and kayal have barely played
Propper I think has improved
Gross out injured so maybe biss and Kayal will get more game time
Stephens still not good enough though wasnt protecting anyone earlier in season when we were losing and conceding goals waste of time
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There are mix of negative views:
a) People who’d love to see an upgrade this summer over DS as our defensive midfielder. Yet respect he’s the best in that role just now.
b) People who can’t stand the player, feel he’s holding the team back and are angry every time CH picks him.
(Plus many of us who rate him).
Nonsense. He played in all the narrow defeats against the bigger clubs this season. Clearly did his job. We’ve been more porous lately, partly because he is trying to do the job that he and Propper were sharing up until mid December. I can think of one goal in nearly two seasons that I would attribute to Stephens, the second Burnley goal at the Amex.
Come on, point your scapegoating finger more specifically.
I can think of one goal in nearly two seasons that I would attribute to Stephens, the second Burnley goal at the Amex.
Man City's first in the home game last year: he lost possession in our own half.
But I agree with the general thrust of your argument, he's one of our most important players. I don't think we'll find it easy to replace him for the money the Albion has