On Monday he seemed to be playing a little more central when we had 10 men and I thought he looked more interested.
I wonder if he would be any good "in the hole".
Pros
we know he's quick, can beat a man and has most assists for a couple of years now
Cons
Not physically strong enough, tends to hide. Questionable footballing brain.
Just wondered what you guys think
0
Comments
Keep him out on the wing. Would prefer to use Shelvey or Bailey if we're going to play a system with someone in behind the striker(s).
Hasn't one of our problems this season been swapping players around from their familiar roles into ones their obviously not suited to or comfortable with?
I hope that makes sense. Basically im saying no.
BUT can you imagine how frustrated he must get looking up to see that there is no-one supporting him by a) making an overlapping run b) getting into the box, or c) actually hitting the target following his delivery (some of which are sitters!!
Sam did alright, didn't he? .... and ran at the soft underbelly of their central defence - big lumbering CB's don't like that and apart from panicking and kicking lumps out of the player, don't really know how to deal with it. And it's got to be worth a few penalties.
It's certainly one way to unlock packed defences. Andy Reid used to play that role from time to time also, with great effect.
Whether we'd miss Sam out right, where he's doubled marked - which means we should always have a spare player available, right? - is another thing. Trouble is, we've been well and truly sussed by opponents who identify Sam as our most dangerous player, double mark him and cut off his supply.
Okay, if opponents then have Sam under lock and key, we surely must have a plan to use the space and spare man to our advantage. Do I see shaking of heads?
Start him out on the right as usual, but if like the Tranmere game we can't unlock a deep lying packed defence - then on comes Waggy wide on the right, and move Lloydie into the hole - specifically to run at their CB's.
Then we only need to find someone to take the direct free kicks from the edge of the box .....
Shelvey is the man for playing in the hole or if not him Waggy given that one thing he appears to be able to do is finish.
Bailey is the only player with a good clean powerful shooting ability
In the situation we presently find ourselves in, we need to think outside the box for a possible solution. If that involves playing Sam in the hole or Bailey up front, and it works, it could have a major impact on the future of our club. One things for sure, change is needed because we are drifting away.
three central midfielders doing the donkey work - or maybe Semedo holding and Bailey +1 operating centrally
Lloydy drifting and roaming in front of the defender
and two up top
As has already been said - Lloyd knows how to beat his man and if he can be taught to be direct and just attack he could be useful.
Sam needs time and space, something at a premium in that role. He isn't instinctive in his first touch and initial movement, and i suspect would be uncomfortable playing with his back to the opposition.