Originally Posted by
The Modfather
My first post today was more focussed on the midfield and where Newell fits, or possibly doesn’t. I said he wasn’t solely to blame for the midfield issues and had mitigation when in a two up against a 3 etc. I also explained my opinion that he’s a good but inconsistent player, but I feel he makes the midfield less than the sum of its parts despite his ability. The post you’ve quoted was a reply of mine to someone specifically talking about the issue of losing the midfield.
On the games I listed. Those were games I felt the midfield, including Newell, struggled in. There were others like Killie opening day or the 3-2 win v Hamilton etc where I felt the midfield (and the team, but this thread is about Newell/the midfield) struggled for large parts within the game. I didn’t include them as wasn’t trying to go over and above with negative examples.
On the stats, they are of course important. However they show that Newell makes more tackles and interceptions than anyone else, while also creating the most chances. Those stats would appear to show that Newell is our best defensive midfielder as well as out most creative one. However I’d not make a case for Newell in either category or have him in defensive midfield before Gogic or attacking midfield before Murphy. I think Gogic & Irvine can play together, but it doesn’t really work Newell playing with either or both. As I say, a good but inconsistent player, but I think he makes the midfield less than the sum of its parts despite his ability.