catanzaro

1 minute ago, Frank Raphael said:

Do you mean there is more to his game than set pieces? You've worded it as if you think he's not good at free kicks which is insane. 

Yes, to your first question.. and...sorry I’m not good with words.. and... I’m not insane

2 minutes ago, AJ said:

Yes, I agree, will we really get bang for buck value?

I dont believe he will just walk into McGinn's position. We also have Sanson, who I am expecting and hoping to kick on next season.

In Smith I trust.

I think JWP gives Sanson the standard to aim at. As you say Smith knows what he is doing if this is legit.

43 minutes ago, Jas10 said:

Best example of a DLP is Pirlo. 
AC Milan played him as the deepest midfielder and he was the playmaker, one of my favourite players ever

In front or beside him, they had Gattuso. The aggressive, tenacious harrier/disruptor/destroyer. He would do the “dirty work” and pass the ball onto to the more skilful, fair players.

And then Seedorf, quality and creativity on the ball with a keen eye for goal.

Ahead of them, they had the likes of Kaka and amazing strikers such as Crespo & Shevchenko.

 

So, if we are looking to emulate that kind of midfield/system, I can see Luiz developing into Pirlo’s role. I am not comparing the players, just the role or responsibility. When on form, Doug has shown that he has an excellent eye for a pass, great touch & quality on the ball and can break up attacks too - we saw the best of him when he made a huge contribution in keeping us in the league.

McGinn could possibly take on that Gatusso role and has some similar traits. Not as good defensively (yet) but better in an attacking sense. He does have that ability to constantly pressure opponents and knick the ball off them.

Sanson could probably take that on too.

Our CAM, Jack or Buendia, would take on the Seedorf role…

 

I’ve just wondered whether that is the kind of midfield system Deano wants and it did work during the beginning of the season with Barkley in form and McGinn and Luiz behind him and in decent form.

It was a very disruptive season and consistency and lack of form became an issue. Hopefully it won’t be like that next season. I would still like to see some strength/physicality and ability to control possession in there so not averse to a new DM or MF at all.

For me, the crux of this is who can be our Gatusso... my gut tells me that Tro is right... we need someone either from our youth squad or an astute signing... but so far I can’t see who that player will be from our current first team....... I’m half Calabrese, half Irish, so Gatusso is one of my all time heroes 

2 minutes ago, TRO said:

Bar the error, Nakamba give us a glimpse of what a CDM looks like.....a better version ,bless him.....would do us fine....His ball winning at times was crucial.

McGinn's pressing up front, was just like his old self, he is not a midfield holding player....Luiz showed similar signs of being a better player further forward.

A top  class CDM with a football brain and leadership skills, will transform our team....it would be my priority signing, and one of the Marquee ones.

Luiz and McGinn's future is further up the pitch.

I couldn’t agree more with this.. it would help release the creativity Dean wants from us

2 minutes ago, The Fun Factory said:

I think our inconsistency is shown by the fact we have only drawn 3 games all season. So we basically either win or lose. I first started to watch Villa regularly in the  early to mid 2000s when virtually every game I went to at Villa Park seemed to be 1-1 versus nonentity sides like Middlesboro, Charlton and Portsmouth and to be last on MOTD. Good times. 

MON mantra.. if you can’t win.. don’t lose..

3 minutes ago, doaflip said:

Think we only have 3 or 4 players good enough for a European push.

Massive investment needed in the summer and I include replacing the coaching team in that if we intend to progress.

... last year we only had 3 or 4 players good enough to stay in the league.. don’t agree about the coaches.. surely this is progression..

I miss him

3 hours ago, The_Steve said:

We honestly could have won this 3 or 4-0. The scoreline flatters Arsenal.

I wasn’t able to watch the game, but I’ve just caught the Sky 3 minute highlight.. and I thought the same as this.. on another day those chances go in for us..

1 hour ago, cheltenham_villa said:

I thought similar about his running into the box, hes nearly always an option and often makes the striker run when Watkins is out wide. I think Dean would play him ahead of Davies if Watkins was injured.

I’m no expert on centre forward play, and I am a Watkins fan, but I think you are right about this, and I reckon he’d be great.. sort of reminds me of Yorke with his ability to stay calm in front of goal.

Agree with the comments on here.. Konsa has been great all season; we’ve got a great player on our hands.

It’s the hope that kills you

Agreed.. I have to live in bloody Southampton.. so I don't care how we do it.. we need to win

6 hours ago, ender4 said:

Plus England's best CB, Argentina's best GK, probably England's best GK (even though he's injured lol) and Egypt's second best player.

... and Ireland’s best player 

2 minutes ago, LondonLax said:

 

 

Ollie is their second coming of McGrath..

I can’t be the only Villa/Browns fan.. I’m never going to stop drinking.. what a night!!! 

I bet these boys are having a good time!!

I still can’t get over how good this is.. 

take a break and watch the Ghana Lions do their 'I don't Know' chant... you'll feel better..

1 hour ago, newhavenhibby said:

Lennon would have rested him for more difficult opposition. Most of the second half they were comfortably 2 goals to the good and coasting so no need to bring him on in Lennons eyes.

Livvy have some tough "tacklers" at the back so not worth the risk. 

Thanks for the insight 

29 minutes ago, one_ian_taylor said:

While I've been a regular observer, I haven't posted here for literally years. But the chance to be part of history by posting in this thread was too good to pass up...

...and it would be nice if the signing happened too

I can relate to this.. I love this thread.. 

maybe it’s a self sabotage thing.. Southgate’s thought process..

...move from Villa... to Middlesbrough.. 

.. yeah I’ll take a penalty boss!..

... I could be a great England manager..

He’s actually scared of getting it right!!!