Leeds vs. Crystal Palace match thread

On Thursday night, Richards and to some extent Ahanor would shoot out to the midfield area and beyond, chasing the ball and looking totally lost. This would leave the remaining two CBs exposed with a huge amount of space between them, then together with the wingbacks pushing forward, felt we could be quite vulnerable. We got away with this on Thursday night but felt we will be punished against a prem side. Although, I watched it on TV and you can’t always see the running off the ball, the CB’s seemed very disciplined and were supported by the wingbacks. Three weeks for them to work on it further, can only be a positive thing.
This is why Richards has been poor until the Leeds game, he was way out of his comfort zone in the previous games, pressing further up and covering for the absent Khalaili. Against Leeds he was far more comfortable, in his usual role sitting deeper, blocking and not having to worry about the space behind, of which he doesn't have the pace to recover. He's fairly solid when it comes to the latter method, whether Sage thinks Richards can play a higher line remains to be seen, but I have strong doubts.
 
This is why Richards has been poor until the Leeds game, he was way out of his comfort zone in the previous games, pressing further up and covering for the absent Khalaili. Against Leeds he was far more comfortable, in his usual role sitting deeper, blocking and not having to worry about the space behind, of which he doesn't have the pace to recover. He's fairly solid when it comes to the latter method, whether Sage thinks Richards can play a higher line remains to be seen, but I have strong doubts.
Agreed and in due course, assuming Sage stays, I can see Richards losing his 1st team starting spot to one of the other CB options.
 
This isn’t an anti Daichi post, because he’s looked much better recently as one of the 10s. All I ever wanted was a more solid partner for Wharton in the engine room and we have that now. But Kamada and Pino, when both at their best, aren’t comparable imo. Pino has a much higher ceiling and delivers impact - killer passes, assists, goals and free kick threat. Kamada, while solid positionally as you say and keeps things ticking well, will never have that impact. Pino has been coming on well and looks a class above - we simply must keep playing him.
Kamada has been involved in the buildup for 5 of our 6 goals this season. As many as he has been in either of the previous two seasons. If Sarr cements his place again, he will be a good rotation player for either Pino or a midfielder
 

Holmesdale Online Shop

Back
Top