But can those players make those passes? I know we find Rashford every time but not everybody plays the long ball in behind simply because they can’t and if we spam that pass we lose all control.
At least it's not just me
I think he's fine footballing wise. Nothing crazy but his link up play had definitely gone up a notch at Dortmund although it was already better than given credit for at Salzburg. He's even a decent dribbler when he's on a run. But the issue for me is rather how he moves and which spaces he occupies. He only ever goes for goals.he's not dragging defenders out of position for others to attack the free space, he's not coming short to participate in one twos or offer a solution when a team mate is under pressure, etc. Instead he always speculates for the final ball. But you can't play that direct as a top team and it is clear that a Guardiola team in particular is even less direct - and it was usually proven successful in the past.
To be fair Benzema is on completely different level to him, however you look at it.
Not his fault but taking all the goals and the spotlight might imo.
Bernardo and Gundogan have zero issue pinging those balls. Gundo used to do it alot at Dortmund, its a weird one cause its clearly not tactical, every game Pep is like "I told them pass to Haaland more", I'm not expecting prime KDB or Bruno like passes but sometimes much easier straight balls are on and our midfield don't take the risk, yet play the same ball for Foden with ease when he plays.
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I'm expected to pick crocs for my next boot deal. Not as lucrative though
It also helps that Benzema shows for the ball and wants to solve problems for his team mates.
Probably onto something.
| Suarez | 2013-14 | Liverpool | 33 games, 31 goals, 17 assists | 48 G/A | 1,45 G/A per game |
| Henry | 2002-03 | Arsenal | 37 games, 24 goals, 25 assists | 49 G/A | 1,32 G/A per game |
| Drogba | 2009-10 | Chelsea | 32 games, 29 goals, 13 assists | 42 G/A | 1,31 G/A per game |
| Salah | 2017-18 | Liverpool | 36 games, 32 goals, 11 assists | 43 G/A | 1,19 G/A per game |
| Cole | 1993-94 | Newcastle | 40 games, 34 goals, 13 assists | 47 G/A | 1,18 G/A per game |
| van Persie | 2011-12 | Arsenal | 38 games, 30 goals, 13 assists | 43 G/A | 1,13 G/A per game |
| Shearer | 1994-95 | Blackburn | 42 games, 34 goals, 13 assists | 47 G/A | 1,12 G/A per game |
| van Persie | 2012-13 | Man Utd | 38 games, 26 goals, 15 assists | 41 G/A | 1,08 G/A per game |
| Haaland | 2022-23 | Man City | 24 games, 27 goals, 4 assists | 31 G/A | 1,30 G/A per game |
I think it is less about attempting the 40% chance over the 100% pass (in such a scenario I reckon he'd go for the pass) and more about how he would rather run the channel where the chance might end up than to offer himself as a passing option for someone who might get a better opening than the channel he is working instead. He doesn't show for the ball unless it's to get on the end of things.
Even this 2nd half season-form should be more than enough to break it.
There’s no doubt barring an injury. Even in this ‘lean’ spell, he’s got 3 in 5. Or 6 in 8.
It's a really weird situation; like oil and water. By now I can't tell who is in the wrong or if they can actually meet in the middle - I bet he'd vary his actions if he had more faith it was worth it, but it really looks like he's lost a lot of the zest to be here or there that he had when everything was new and fresh. If he's asking himself if there's even any point to doing X, Y or Z, half the battle is lost because the conviction of purpose is out the window.
Beginning to get the feeling you don’t like him
It’s a bizarre one really, 5 pens and a triple hat trick. Accounts for more than half his PL goals & gives the impression he’s been significantly better than what he has in reality.
CR7 - 07-08, 31 goals and 7 assists in 34 appearances with a g/a of 1.12 too.
For sure, he'll fall back into being a 25-30 goal per season striker I think.
Tbf I don’t think I ever heard him claim to do so
It's cherry picked to the degree I cut it off at 40 total contributions.
Ah that makes sense, was wondering why cr7 didn't make the cut, it's interesting no one has contributed 40 g/a with less than 10 assists
That’s the thing though; that element of the team not necessarily playing to his strengths, or vice versa. And it’s impossible to tell.
Yep. Weird guy. Him, his wanker dad, and his shit affiliation with the worst clubs can all feck off.
