Fabregas and xavi both good examples, i dont agree with uncle buck that there is no place for them in the english game, but there are very few around especially at our level, where there is generaly more holding touch tackling players with box to box midfielders and creativity comming from the wings which is where i do agree with him.
Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
Unlocking the door
- Thread starter GuildGull
- Start date
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,071
I do think there is a place for them, just generally the English game puts them out wide.
I remember ready after the 1998 World Cup that Joe Cole would take Gazza's place in the centre of the England midfield, in reality the game changed and Cole ended up out on the left. The physical side means you need strong players in the middle.
I agree that the English game does tend to put them out wide (ie completely waste them).
Players like Joe Cole, Walcott, James Milner would all be played down the middle if they were Italian or Spanish.
If Messi was English, there is no way in a million years he would not have ended up a wasted winger.
But to say they do NOT exist anymore is guff. Just they are misused in the English game.
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,071
I do not think they are misused. The Zidane's and Gerrard's are what changed the game and so the more creative players either go wide or play in front of a 3 man midfield.
I personally think Joe Cole and James Milner would both be far better, more effective players if played down the middle.
Again, due to his size there is no way Messi would ever be played down the middle if he was English, and thus he would never have become the World Class player he is.
Again, due to his size there is no way Messi would ever be played down the middle if he was English, and thus he would never have become the World Class player he is.
That's a myth though isn't it? Look at Spain's midfield (best midfield in the world by a country mile) - practically all little blokes.
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,071
It is one country, and they still play with holding midfielders.
Germany have Ballack, a strong midfielder in the middle. The Italian midfield that won the World Cup was not overly creative, but it was strong.
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,071
In a West Ham side that was relegated...
He was good that season.
It would appear we are playing a derivation of a derivation of Catenaccio, namely Zona Mista...
And being a 1960's Italian ultra defensive formation, that would be seeking odd goal wins, this is what seems to be happening, but not with us scoring the goal
Marxo
Well-known member
Mata, Oscar & Hazard are quite good at playmaking. I reckon Jack Wilshere if he regains his fitness will be one of the best England's ever produced. He was already a playmaker when he was 16.
Chesney Christ
New member
Err.... WHAT?
Chesney Christ
New member
Are you suggesting Zidane ISN'T a creative midfielder? Am I reading that right?
Uncle Buck
Ghost Writer
- Jul 7, 2003
- 28,071
Blimey, this is an old thread.
If you look at Scholes for England he was an attacking midfielder. Post England and old age, he became a passing deep lying midfielder.
Zidane reinvented the central midfielder. Big and powerful and good on the ball.
I woodn't say that.
GingerBeerMan
3-0
- Dec 29, 2011
- 8,168
You had three years to come up with something and that's the best you could do?
BadFish
Huge Member
- Oct 19, 2003
- 17,937
at least he had a go you AJARst knocking him.
BadFish
Huge Member
- Oct 19, 2003
- 17,937
at least he had a go you AJARst knocking him.
BadFish
Huge Member
- Oct 19, 2003
- 17,937
at least he had a go you AJARst knocking him.