[Albion] Propper

[sussex_guy2k2]

Let's be clear, there are only 4 players in the entire league that play in midfield that have more than 1 league goal this season. Yes, we'd like more but there also has to be some understanding that this simply wasn't their job under CH, and it doesn't really seem to be a primary focus of their job under Potter. The bigger issue is that the two in front don't seem to be scoring many at all i.e. Mooy and Gross the last two games. Hopefully that would change with Trossard back.

 

[symyjym]

One of the reasons that contribute to a lack of goals from our midfield is the lack of speed through our transition phases into the final third. Last season and into this season the amount of times we check back, assess options, try to control the attack must be a high proportion of our attacks leading to opposition players getting back into a good shape, leading to that second ball on the edge of the area getting snuffed out. Burnley equalised because of the speed of their transition from their half, 2 or 3 passes to a shot and a goal – I really don't see us doing this that often, hence very few chances for Stephens or Propper to get shot opportunities.

It's not like Stephens and Propper are blazing really good edge of the D chances over every game, the odd half chance maybe, but not clear cut get it on target chances. Potter has a lot of work on his hands to turn Potterball into something our forward players can turn into fast instinctive chance creating football.

Proppers one against Shampton had him hanging his head in shame. It told me all I needed to know but I hope I am wrong.

Agree with your breakdown though.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Pröpper had a chance to get a shot off from the edge of the area in the first half at Newcastle but looked for a pass. That was a massive frustration for me, he had a clear sight of goal and the ball perfectly under control. That's where he should have been hitting a shot. There were a few off balance speculative shitters from range in the second half when we got more and more desperate, but that one first half was the real chance.

 

[blue-shifted]

Let's be clear, there are only 4 players in the entire league that play in midfield that have more than 1 league goal this season. Yes, we'd like more but there also has to be some understanding that this simply wasn't their job under CH, and it doesn't really seem to be a primary focus of their job under Potter. The bigger issue is that the two in front don't seem to be scoring many at all i.e. Mooy and Gross the last two games. Hopefully that would change with Trossard back.

But it’s not just this season is it?

Stephens and Propper haven’t contributed goals or assists the whole time they’ve been here. Worse, they just don’t look as if they will ever deliver quality in the final third . Propper in particular has got forward more often this season, but just has not looked like he believes he can find the net. They are not bad players by any means and they shouldn’t take the blame for our lack of goals alone, but our competitors for the drop have players in centre mid who have and surely will contribute goals.

 

[sussex_guy2k2]

But it’s not just this season is it?

Stephens and Propper haven’t contributed goals or assists the whole time they’ve been here. Worse, they just don’t look as if they will ever deliver quality in the final third . Propper in particular has got forward more often this season, but just has not looked like he believes he can find the net. They are not bad players by any means and they shouldn’t take the blame for our lack of goals alone, but our competitors for the drop have players in centre mid who have and surely will contribute goals.

Look, you have a potential argument that they should start scoring more under Potter because, in simple terms, they're both given a bit more license to venture forward. But if you're using their time as a central midfield pairing under CH as a part of your argument then it shows a naivety regarding the tactical limitations our previous manager placed on both of them. It doesn't take a genius to realise that it's really difficult to score goals when you're camped on top of your CBs in a deep lying team throughout a 38 game season and, quite frankly, I'm surprised any players scored goals in that side considering just how defensive we were.

I do appreciate that it is a worry Propper hasn't scored yet - it seems we've drained him of all scoring knack over the last 2 and a bit years - but his past record shows there's potential there as does the fact that he's started to get into positions to score this year. Hopefully one goal will help him regain the confidence needed to start taking him chances more regularly. But none of this takes away from how pivotal he is to our team, both under the previous manager and definitely under this one.