Hibby Bairn
29-12-2011, 09:25 AM
Centre defence is terrible at the moment but need confidence and protection to develop together.
Playing both Towell and Stevenson as defensive, deep midfielders is nonsense. Too far away from forwards and no central support to wide men (1-2's, switching play, retaining possession etc) and as a result the forward players get isolated with little option for passes and we inevitably lose the ball.
Stevenson has done really well the past month and puts in a great shift, wants the ball at his feet and looks to play in others. But he is too deep and defensive. He can play in others if given the chance further up the field and can retain possession. He will make himself available for a pass.
Get him further up the part and stick Murray in as a defensive sitting midfielder in front of the centre backs. Tell Stevenson to work across the pitch but 20 yards further forward. Link with wingers and forwards and retain the ball. Go back if needed and recycle the ball. Tell Murray just to break up play and defend and then feed the ball to others (preferably full backs or wingers).
Keep it simple man. It is a simple game.
Playing both Towell and Stevenson as defensive, deep midfielders is nonsense. Too far away from forwards and no central support to wide men (1-2's, switching play, retaining possession etc) and as a result the forward players get isolated with little option for passes and we inevitably lose the ball.
Stevenson has done really well the past month and puts in a great shift, wants the ball at his feet and looks to play in others. But he is too deep and defensive. He can play in others if given the chance further up the field and can retain possession. He will make himself available for a pass.
Get him further up the part and stick Murray in as a defensive sitting midfielder in front of the centre backs. Tell Stevenson to work across the pitch but 20 yards further forward. Link with wingers and forwards and retain the ball. Go back if needed and recycle the ball. Tell Murray just to break up play and defend and then feed the ball to others (preferably full backs or wingers).
Keep it simple man. It is a simple game.