Rudoni …? (21 Viewers)

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
Ive maintained for a while our issues at the back were from losing Dennis Lawrence rather than any one player. Defence is more about systems than individuals IMO.

Exactly, and the system is more than just playing 5-3-2. How many goals did we concede playing 3 CBs and WBs?

The players have touched on it in interviews how we defend higher up and a few other things. The key takeaway here is that there’s been a significant shift in tactics and coaching that’s responsible for our form rather than a cosmetic change of formation.
 

shmmeee

Well-Known Member
Exactly, and the system is more than just playing 5-3-2. How many goals did we concede playing 3 CBs and WBs?

The players have touched on it in interviews how we defend higher up and a few other things. The key takeaway here is that there’s been a significant shift in tactics and coaching that’s responsible for our form rather than a cosmetic change of formation.

I think the main thing in our recent turnaround (aside from playing teams bang out of form) has been being more direct. I wonder if we’ll keep that if we go back to 433.
 

Chris1987

Well-Known Member
Only four clean sheets in 24 games with a back 4 this season - maybe Kitching would make a difference but it's been rough watching this year.

I also think the 3ATB formation helps free up the central midfielders in a way that isn't possible with 4 at the back and wingers.
But when you've got Collins behind a 4 including Binks and JDS it's a bit different
 

Telfer85

Well-Known Member
Part of the problem when playing the 433 was the link between the defence and midfield. We were giving possession away far too cheaply. Hence the signing of grimes and if rumours to believed this guy from Ajax. I think with grimes linking back to front we will be more effective.

Besides we won 3 games under FL with that formation before millwall, hull and Plymouth. The players now in better shape and more organised. As another poster pointed out we need to be flexible if we are going to be successful and switch as necessary. There are going to be games where different formation/personnel is required. If you get rigid and set in your ways teams will figure you out sooner or later.
 

Evo1883

Well-Known Member
Only four clean sheets in 24 games with a back 4 this season - maybe Kitching would make a difference but it's been rough watching this year.

I also think the 3ATB formation helps free up the central midfielders in a way that isn't possible with 4 at the back and wingers.
I'd argue we look fitter and sharper than at any point in the last 2 years now and could be a big difference for us should we revert to a back 4
 

baldy

Well-Known Member
Exactly, and the system is more than just playing 5-3-2. How many goals did we concede playing 3 CBs and WBs?

The players have touched on it in interviews how we defend higher up and a few other things. The key takeaway here is that there’s been a significant shift in tactics and coaching that’s responsible for our form rather than a cosmetic change of formation.

Just from reading page 1 of this thread & Robins constantly tinkering with tactics,formations & players,it's obvious they've all been managed & coached so much better now
 

Bristol sky blue

Well-Known Member
I’m very happy to have been proven wrong on him. Since Lampard has come in he’s been excellent; long may it continue!
Same here. He is developing into a real asset for us. Never doubted his ability, just his desire, but he clearly has that now and he is one of a number of players who deserve a lot of praise for raising their game.
 

fatso

Well-Known Member
Only four clean sheets in 24 games with a back 4 this season - maybe Kitching would make a difference but it's been rough watching this year.

I also think the 3ATB formation helps free up the central midfielders in a way that isn't possible with 4 at the back and wingers.
Kitching was a massive improvement over Binks.
Binks was given a run because he's good at bringing the ball out of defence and can link the defence with the midfield and has a good range of passing.
But his first job is to defend, and he's poor at defending! And I mean very poor.

Thankfully Frank realised that and dropped him, I honestly expect him to be moved on at the end of the season. I'd be suprised if he's still here next season.

Collins was another very week link, as was Dasilva, hopefully they will both find pastures new along with Binks come next season.
 

fatso

Well-Known Member
Ive maintained for a while our issues at the back were from losing Dennis Lawrence rather than any one player. Defence is more about systems than individuals IMO.
We definitely went down hill once Dennis Lawrence left after the Wolves F.A. cup quarter final, but even he couldn't help when we were picking Collins, Binks and Dasiva in a defensive unit.
Those 3 clowns should never play for us again.
 

covcity4life

Well-Known Member
We definitely went down hill once Dennis Lawrence left after the Wolves F.A. cup quarter final, but even he couldn't help when we were picking Collins, Binks and Dasiva in a defensive unit.
Those 3 clowns should never play for us again.
Da Silva and binks have both done well recently.
 

TomS91

Well-Known Member
Ah yes “be confident” 😂

He’s found a formation in 532 that gets the best from underperforming players. Rudoni is a wide midfielder and he’s good getting down the left and putting crosses in. When he was played centrally he looked lost. The flatter three lets him do that. Talk of him in front of Grimes and Sheaf is wrong I think and would go back to him looking lost

Simms and BTA need a partnership and are getting the ball earlier because we’re more direct which helps the midfield and defence out. The CBs in a three mean their deficiencies are hidden and MvE has licence to get forwards without worry.

Mostly though we’re a lot more direct and not relying on players to pass and move, which we’ve seen they can’t really do outside fits and starts.
Since Lampard has come in he’s enabled Rudoni to go from right to left and create overloads on either flank. He’s been much more effective. I think it can continue regardless of shape. At Millwall away Rudoni barely touched the ball in the middle of the pitch and he was the 10 in 4231 that day.

Lampard and Rudoni deserve huge credit for his form since Lampard took over.
 
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fatso

Well-Known Member
Yes they have

And you mean weak btw
Lol, typo, yes weak.

Collins, Links and Dasilva wouldn't get in the Leeds, Burnley or Shef Utd match day squad, that's the level we need to aspire to.
Although we need a squad with depth, those 3 aren't good enough to get to the playoffs, just look at our results recently once they were dropped.
 

covcity4life

Well-Known Member
Lol, typo, yes weak.

Collins, Links and Dasilva wouldn't get in the Leeds, Burnley or Shef Utd match day squad, that's the level we need to aspire to.
Although we need a squad with depth, those 3 aren't good enough to get to the playoffs, just look at our results recently once they were dropped.
Gradually upgrading squad is different to saying they should never play for us again though
 

fatso

Well-Known Member
Gradually upgrading squad is different to saying they should never play for us again though
We've outgrown them now.
Hence their omissions from the starting line up. They can offer cover from the bench this season bit I'd be suprised if they are here next season. Frank will want better.
 

clint van damme

Well-Known Member
Lol, typo, yes weak.

Collins, Links and Dasilva wouldn't get in the Leeds, Burnley or Shef Utd match day squad, that's the level we need to aspire to.
Although we need a squad with depth, those 3 aren't good enough to get to the playoffs, just look at our results recently once they were dropped.

The only way we'll be able to aspire to the levels of the 3 teams mentioned is if we get on the parachute payment gravy trainer or get bought by a rich Arab.

Until then change will be gradual.
 

fatso

Well-Known Member
The only way we'll be able to aspire to the levels of the 3 teams mentioned is if we get on the parachute payment gravy trainer or get bought by a rich Arab.

Until then change will be gradual.
Agreed, but there's always the upcoming Gyokeres transfer windfall, plus the probable sale of Sheaf which is likely to happen at the end of this season.

Offloading Collins, Dasilva and Binks will also free up wages that can be used to attract out of contract players.
Not to mention the wheeling and dealing that FL can do with the current squad, such as selling or offloading players like Allen, Eccles and , BTA (purely for example)

I fully expect FL to make wholesale changes at the end of the season and to stamp his mark on the squad.
 

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
The only way we'll be able to aspire to the levels of the 3 teams mentioned is if we get on the parachute payment gravy trainer or get bought by a rich Arab.

Until then change will be gradual.

I’ve been consistent on this point all season: we’re not as far off being a solid playoff to automatic team as we think.

We were 2-3 players off as the season kicked off and signing Grimes, we’re 1 or 2 starting players off being able to compete right up there.

A starting team of something like:

Dovin
MVE
Thomas
Kitching
Bidwell
Sheaf
Grimes
EMC
Rudoni
Wright
Simms

That team there is not far off being a top 4 team in the league.
 

Perennial Lurker

Well-Known Member
I’ve been consistent on this point all season: we’re not as far off being a solid playoff to automatic team as we think.

We were 2-3 players off as the season kicked off and signing Grimes, we’re 1 or 2 starting players off being able to compete right up there.

A starting team of something like:

Dovin
MVE
Thomas
Kitching
Bidwell
Sheaf
Grimes
EMC
Rudoni
Wright
Simms

That team there is not far off being a top 4 team in the league.
Agree with the bones of that team but you're picking Sheaf on reputation not this season's form . One of Eccles , Torp or Allen could claim a place ahead of him
 

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
Agree with the bones of that team but you're picking Sheaf on reputation not this season's form . One of Eccles , Torp or Allen could claim a place ahead of him

On reputation? He was our player of the season last year and he’s better than all the players you’ve just listed.

I’m hoping he comes back with a bang because he needs get over his injuries that he never really recovered from and it was clearly impacting his form.
 

jas365

Well-Known Member
On reputation? He was our player of the season last year and he’s better than all the players you’ve just listed.

I’m hoping he comes back with a bang because he needs get over his injuries that he never really recovered from and it was clearly impacting his form.
Sheaf has hardly had a decent game all season, I thought when Lampard arrived it might give him a boost, but he was playing awful before his injury. On current form both Torp and Allen would be in the starting XI ahead of Sheaf IMO. Torp has been transformed since Lampard arrived.
 

CovValleyBoy

Well-Known Member
I’ve been consistent on this point all season: we’re not as far off being a solid playoff to automatic team as we think.

We were 2-3 players off as the season kicked off and signing Grimes, we’re 1 or 2 starting players off being able to compete right up there.

A starting team of something like:

Dovin
MVE
Thomas
Kitching
Bidwell
Sheaf
Grimes
EMC
Rudoni
Wright
Simms

That team there is not far off being a top 4 team in the league.
I don't think Sheaf gets in our 1st X1
 

Para1140

Well-Known Member
We definitely went down hill once Dennis Lawrence left after the Wolves F.A. cup quarter final, but even he couldn't help when we were picking Collins, Binks and Dasiva in a defensive unit.
Those 3 clowns should never play for us again.
I agree on Collins but calling Binks and Dasilva clowns and should never play again. Come on they are both decent squad players in the right situation
 

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
I don't think Sheaf gets in our 1st X1
Sheaf has hardly had a decent game all season, I thought when Lampard arrived it might give him a boost, but he was playing awful before his injury. On current form both Torp and Allen would be in the starting XI ahead of Sheaf IMO. Torp has been transformed since Lampard arrived.

Sheaf has been playing with an injury and had been taking injections all season, he’s not been 100% fit at all.

With everyone fit and firing, he’s in the team comfortably and it’s not really worth having a debate on.
 

Chris1987

Well-Known Member
Sheaf has been playing with an injury and had been taking injections all season, he’s not been 100% fit at all.

With everyone fit and firing, he’s in the team comfortably and it’s not really worth having a debate on.
Agree. Previously though he was a starter regardless of his form. Now the midfield area is a lot more competitive and any drop off will see him not starting
 

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
Don't agree. He & Eccles are sitting it out for a while.
Potentially they are both on the transfer list.

Silly talk… 😂
Agree. Previously though he was a starter regardless of his form. Now the midfield area is a lot more competitive and any drop off will see him not starting

There’s this narrative that Shesf is a sick note and yes, he does get injured and miss around 20-30% of the season. However, his minutes per game is 83-84m per game which is about 10 minutes more than Eccles per game (last season).

The reason this is important is that Sheaf’s injuries are generally muscular and, without being an expert, probably down to overuse. Having depth at CM will allow us to manage his minutes better and reduce the amount he gets injured.

Lampard will almost definitely view him as a starter, he’s a lot better defensively than Grimes defensively (statistically) and that’ll allow Grimes to push forward and get a further forward to impact the games higher up with his passing.
 

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