11-09-2015, 15:33
Firstly, I would also LOVE Gamboa to magically turn into the international class attacking full back we all desire - but what evidence points to this being a possibility? Not what I have seen of him in the flesh certainly. I admire you optimism, and maybe, just maybe it will work out......but i think having him in your first 11's is a wee bit unrealistic.
Anyway - I personally think an attacking front three of Berahino, Rondon and McManaman should pose real threat. With both wide men able to drop deeper to fit into TP's defensive philosophies. Yacob is a natural holding player and Fletchers ageing legs mean he should also play a more defensive role - the leaves space for one creative midfielder who is allowed to play further forward - which at the moment is still Morrison (love Jimmy, but we really need some additional creativity please JP)
At the back again - well a bit more interesting - with an attacking front three you dont need the full backs to push on as much - i think Brunty and Dawson do good jobs in this role (much prefer Dawson as a full back to a centre back). Evans to start surely, and there is no doubt that he is a step up in quality from any defenders currently on the books (not good enough for a champions league team, but could be a first choice centre back here for a number of years). Gmac is his partner at national level - so makes sense to play him next to Evans. The conundrum is Chester?? Where does he fit in? I would love to think that he is Gmacs eventual successor at centre back because he seems to be highly rated by both Hull and Welsh fans in this role - but there is no rush to get him in the team, even at £8 million - how times have changed.
Keeper - hard to say as Boaz not only has the best name in football, but has done a solid job for us (compare to previous reserve keepers - Márton Fülöp anyone??) but I imagine that Pullis may want a more commanding penalty area presence so Lindegaard may get a go??
That leaves a bench of Lambert (is the man lame? hope not), Olsson (great to have on the bench), Chester (as discussed), Myhill (or Lindegaard), Gardner (does everything ok, but nothing brilliantly - happy for him to be on the bench), Gnabry (who knows?? Looked ok against PV but not any where near as quick as I had hoped - maybe a fitness thing), McClean (who could be one of our most talent less signings for a number of years BUT does show for the ball and tracks back like a dog - so lets not get on his back too much yet) then any of Anichebe (is he still here?), Gamboa (see my note above), Sessegnon (will never play for Pullis), Pocognoli (see Sess, although mystifying).
Big weakness's in the sqaud and first 11 no doubt....but if we can get SB back involved, and Rondon continues to progress (and score a few goals) then small chinks of positivity can start to shine through?????
Anyway - I personally think an attacking front three of Berahino, Rondon and McManaman should pose real threat. With both wide men able to drop deeper to fit into TP's defensive philosophies. Yacob is a natural holding player and Fletchers ageing legs mean he should also play a more defensive role - the leaves space for one creative midfielder who is allowed to play further forward - which at the moment is still Morrison (love Jimmy, but we really need some additional creativity please JP)
At the back again - well a bit more interesting - with an attacking front three you dont need the full backs to push on as much - i think Brunty and Dawson do good jobs in this role (much prefer Dawson as a full back to a centre back). Evans to start surely, and there is no doubt that he is a step up in quality from any defenders currently on the books (not good enough for a champions league team, but could be a first choice centre back here for a number of years). Gmac is his partner at national level - so makes sense to play him next to Evans. The conundrum is Chester?? Where does he fit in? I would love to think that he is Gmacs eventual successor at centre back because he seems to be highly rated by both Hull and Welsh fans in this role - but there is no rush to get him in the team, even at £8 million - how times have changed.
Keeper - hard to say as Boaz not only has the best name in football, but has done a solid job for us (compare to previous reserve keepers - Márton Fülöp anyone??) but I imagine that Pullis may want a more commanding penalty area presence so Lindegaard may get a go??
That leaves a bench of Lambert (is the man lame? hope not), Olsson (great to have on the bench), Chester (as discussed), Myhill (or Lindegaard), Gardner (does everything ok, but nothing brilliantly - happy for him to be on the bench), Gnabry (who knows?? Looked ok against PV but not any where near as quick as I had hoped - maybe a fitness thing), McClean (who could be one of our most talent less signings for a number of years BUT does show for the ball and tracks back like a dog - so lets not get on his back too much yet) then any of Anichebe (is he still here?), Gamboa (see my note above), Sessegnon (will never play for Pullis), Pocognoli (see Sess, although mystifying).
Big weakness's in the sqaud and first 11 no doubt....but if we can get SB back involved, and Rondon continues to progress (and score a few goals) then small chinks of positivity can start to shine through?????