07-03-2021, 23:54
(This post was last modified: 08-03-2021, 00:00 by Slick_Footwork.)
(07-03-2021, 23:13)Zinman Wrote: I can agree with the criticism of Periera to some extent...but he was fantastic when he had players running ahead of him into space, whether that was Diangana, Robinson, Furlong and occasionally HRK. Now there's nothing ahead of him except a static Diagne, nobody looking to run into the channels behind the defence, so he ends up having to either pass sideways or hit a hopeful cross into the middle. If we are going to rely on crosses to the big man up front, why is Allardyce playing the wingers on the wrong wing so they can't deliver from the bye-line?
That's the dilemma with Pereira...
As you allude to, he is capable of picking that killer pass. But that's offset with his lack of work rate, pressing and non-existent defensive contribution.
But I feel as well as the lack of options, he's also struggling with the pace of the league. He had presentable opportunities today and just ended up picking the wrong pass or being ponderous so he had to turn backwards. When you don't have that extra yard of pace, you have to adapt your game to be suitable for the Premier League and I don't think he's bothered.
Look at Jarrod Bowen at West Ham, when they signed him from Hull he was absolutely prolific in the Championship. However he's gone to West Ham and played a team role. Said Benrahma is having to do the same thing too because that's what it takes to succeed in this division. I'm not sure Pereira has that will to win. He's still swanning about like we're top of the league. Also he looks like he's carrying a few extra lbs as well.
I think he's the type of player who will end up going to the Chinese or Saudi league and being the star man... Taking the easy route...
As for the wingers, I think the idea is for them to cut in and shoot. Also because they couldn't beat an egg, Sam wants the full backs to get past them and put crosses in. It certainly seems to be a feature of the play how high and wide they have been since he come in. However it doesn't help when most of Furlong's crosses go completely out. So he'd probably be best to just play the wingers on their proper sides.