Haha
I can see what Lennon is trying to achieve and with the right players it is a very flexible system, the main thing is the players have to work hard and put in a shift, we can't afford any slackers, when it's done right it's very good to watch.
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:agree:
Ridiculous extremes as usual, it seems he is either ‘never good enough’ or a ‘superb player’.
As usual the truth is somewhere in between. I think Slivka could be a very important player for us, and I think we should be patient and give him a run to see how he can develop... but the fact is that he hasn’t done that much in a Hibs shirt yet.
I'm unsure what people want or expect from slivka in all honesty. Last season he wasn't given a decent run in the side and was chucked in for big games out the blue on a few occasions and he mostly performed well. He's not overly fast and not overly aggressive in his play but he is neat and tidy and has a bit of skill about him. People were saying mallan would benefit from having a proper defensive mid in Milligan behind him maybe it's the same for slivka?
Slicks was signed as Dylans replacement. He was never going to feature much last season while Dylan was still here. He has the skill and the talent he just needs regular game time in the right role to get his confidence to the required level.
The important thing is we need someone who can do the catching and ferrying. That takes skill but more importantly technical competence. The art of taking a pass, taking a touch and then moving it on positively is subtle but crucial. We are not good at recognising it in the Scottish game but Dylan had it and I think Slivka does too
I think this is his problem - not that he’s not like Dylan, just that no-one seems to know where he should be playing. Technically Slivka is great: he’s skilful, especially for someone of his stature, and his distribution is superb. There just seems to be a ton of indecision about what his position is. I also think he needs to be more ambitious with his passing, and attempt more defence-splitting passes (which he’s clearly capable of).
Don’t think I’ve ever wanted someone to succeed as much as I do Slivka.
Lithuanian EDG
I like Slivka but. I think he needs to be more physically assertive in games and not be afraid to put himself about. For someone who’s about 6’4” and built like Ivan Drago he couldn’t tackle a fish supper.
The difference is that Slivka’s still relatively young, has a bit of skill about him and it’s easier for him to adapt/improve his game. And Bartley is actually a better footballer than he’s given credit for IMO (though he does suffer from nosebleeds in the final third!)
We’ve got a gap in our midfield, it’s up to him to play his way into it on the training pitch and on the park.
Totally respect your opinion except for the fact its absolute nonsense.
Slivka is enigmatic but you know what? He’s a young guy adapting to a totally new culture and style of football. He’s doing ok and has made decent contributions. At worst he’s been a good squad player whilst here, at best I think he could be very good.
It was always going to be hard getting like for like for McGinn and McGeouch, Slivka seems to have a bit of both players about him. Technically very good, gets space to receive and give a pass, quick thinking, good feet and capable of making runs into the box like we seen yesterday when his shot hit the bar, having Milligan there will only help him and Mallan get that space and freedom to create.
Good post and I agree that someone like Milligan next to him is an ideal foil - time and time again yesterday Milligan won possession and his outball was Slivka who was then able to get forward and use the width of the pitch with his passing. If you watch the whole game back it's also clear to see he has a good engine on him as more often than not when he started attacks by playing a pass out wide, he got into the box with Flo.
I saw folk accusing me of hyperbole when I said he was/is a superb player but it's subjective at the end of the day and we all have our opinions on players. I think Slivka is a superb player and needs a run of games in a balanced midfield - which he has not had due to having the likes of SJM and Dylan ahead of him. I hope he continues to shine this season.
Last season's 3-5-2 worked so well because we had the perfect 3 in midfield, we didn't need a DM because the spare CB was able to step up at times to cover. With the midfielders we have now it seems like Lennon is trying to change to having a DM in Milligan, playing a 4-5-1/4-3-3. Which means you don't necessarily need direct replacements for McGeouch or McGinn.
IMHO, from what I've seen, our best 3 in midfield currently is Milligan, Slivka and Mallan. I like Slivka, he's not a direct replacement for McGinn or McGeouch, but he doesn't have to be in this formation. Hopefully he can get a run of games and show his qualities.