Football 2011-2012

[eFestivals]

When you put more focus on player A, player B,C,D,E etc get more space so its not simple just to mark scholes out of the game....

I never said it was.

I can't be bothered to check, but my memories of watching the highlights have me thinking there was lots of footage of Scholes in huge amounts of space before he scored but none after he scored. I wonder why?

[eFestivals]

I get all that but you're still missing the most important point.

The reason Mascherano and Henry have struggled (I disagree that Fabregas has) is because they aren't trained in the Barca way. Its a very different type of football they teach at La Masia. Three things - total football as introduced by Cruyff, typical one touch Spanish football and Italian defending which Guardiola learned when he played in Italy.

Players like Busquets are not great players, but they know how to play in a great team because the learned how to at La Masia. They do their job.

And on Scholes - Messi said "At La Masia his name is mentioned a lot. Hes a teacher". Similar opinions from Guardiola, Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Fabregas - who were all also trained at La Masia.

Is Scholes trained in the Barca way?

My point proven by your words, thanks very much.

People, not just Utd fans, rightly corrected you for saying he "can't pass straight".

Something I was saying within a specific context, a context you've now agreed with me on.

Any error here was not mine.

They are. They're very similar.

Not a jot - at least, not a jot he ever shows on the pitch.

Can you not understand that if you do rush and hassle these players, Scholes, Messi, Xavi, Ronaldo, Iniesta, Modric, Pirlo, Ronaldinho etc, you'll be taken out of the game, either ran by or passed by, leaving gaps in behind, which is even worse as it puts the entire team on the back foot?

If you were talking about some play that is moving forwards in attack, or where the defence were not organised to try to repel an attack, what you say would be of more relevance.

I was talking about a very specific situation, of all 22 players just about fixed to the spot, and Scholes pinging the ball to and fro, waiting for his moment to do something more telling.

In that situation, the overall result will be less damaging if he's put under pressure in some way, rather than in no way - and QPR on Saturday was the clear proof of that.

Your philosophy would have people running all over the place chasing down shadows in some sort of shapeless mess, like an under 10s match.

Nope. Your philosophy has the opposition not bothering to arrive at the ground, cos there's no point, cos Scholes is so untouchable he's won the game 15-0 before it's even kicked off.

[eFestivals]

Great players can be flexible enough to play in any system.

yeah, I can just see Tony Adams Bryan Robson exchanging passes with Messi before rounding every opposing player at least twice before curling it into the top corner.

And you want to think me ridiculous....?

edit: for better baiting.

Edited April 11, 2012 by eFestivals

[eFestivals]

Yeah I can't really comment on that has I haven't seen it... But its pretty obvious that you limit the space Paul Scholes has around the area... That would always be a no brainer... ]its a game of percentages that one...

I wonder why this no-brainer isn't registering with some no-brains?

Would it perhaps be they're too busy eating hay and going neigh?

[pink_triangle]

My 2 quick opinions scholes is still great and man utd but wouldn't have been a regular for Barca in the last few years. Walcott should have gone to the world cup. but if messi thinks England would have won with.him there, he clearly plays much better than he understands.

[thetime]

Aaaaahhhh bryan robson now that was a player.

[The Nal]

Nope. Your philosophy has the opposition not bothering to arrive at the ground, cos there's no point, cos Scholes is so untouchable he's won the game 15-0 before it's even kicked off.

[eFestivals]

but if messi thinks England would have won with.him there, he clearly plays much better than he understands.

Yep, and a point that applies to Pep, Xavi, and every other 'insider' that comments about any player.

At the end of the day, their opinions are no better than yours or mine. They're just as able to be wrong, as proven by every top manager when they shell out loads on a dud.

If, as someone said above, "great players can play within any system", it means that fergie doesn't know the basics. Cos after all, berba is a great player - yet fergie believes he can't play how he wants Utd to play.

Edited April 11, 2012 by eFestivals

[eFestivals]

Wrong again. You play against a team. You play according to your strengths and weaknesses and their strengths and weaknesses. If they have Xavi or Scholes in the team, you don't take them on at their own game in midfield. These players want you to go tight, its an invitation to them.

at no point did I say that the answer was to go tight, only that the answer is not to sit off them and let them do whatever they want. There's more than one way of pressuring a player with the ball.

What is beyond all doubt is that a player's ability to influence any game is unlimited if nothing is being done to try and control their influence.

[strummer77]

Was hoping for a brad Jones red card, would have been good to see an ex wrexham keeper playing at wembley. I find players like jones odd, happy to stay 3rd choice and pick up a wage. Can't help but feel some of these players will regret it when older.

[thetime]

Jones isn't a great example of that though. He's only third choice because his son had and died of Leukaemia so we gave him compassionate leave, told him to return whenever ready, and signed Doni. His son died and now he's back. One of, if not both, him and Doni will be gone in the summer...

[strummer77]

Marvelous news his son was born this week, so much tragedy in football lately(like everyday life), shows money does not give you everything. Makes me count my blessings my 2yo is so healthy.

[thetime]

Yep. That penalty save last night, and the win after his error, meant a lot to him.

Been an odd year in football hasn't it? A very odd year.

[The Nal]

Been an odd year in football hasn't it? A very odd year.

[strummer77]

They're all odd years.

[thetime]

I dunno. On so many levels this feels like it's been an odd season. Illnesses, racism scandals, top teams thrashing each other...

[kaosmark2]

I dunno. On so many levels this feels like it's been an odd season. Illnesses, racism scandals, top teams thrashing each other...

[The Nal]

I dunno. On so many levels this feels like it's been an odd season. Illnesses, racism scandals, top teams thrashing each other...

[kaosmark2]

Last season was whacky too. Rooney banging slappers and then asking to leave, Torres, Carroll, Ray Wilkins, The Hodgocaust, Giggs shagging who he wants, Keys and Gray sacked etc etc.

[thetime]

Last season was whacky too. Rooney banging slappers and then asking to leave, Torres, Carroll, Ray Wilkins, The Hodgocaust, Giggs shagging who he wants, Keys and Gray sacked etc etc.

Edited April 11, 2012 by thetime

[thetime]

I think you remember them more when they're your club though.

Or in my case, when it's not my club is remarkable....

Edited April 11, 2012 by thetime

[strummer77]

Some things never change though, man utd are top and liverpool are still without the prem title!!

[kaosmark2]

Seasons not over yet mate, and you have probably put the jinx on them haha.

Be interesting what happens now they have a chance of a cl place, could still go balls up!

[The Nal]

Still to sensationalist at times, but I like it more.

[strummer77]

You're far too cynical. Are you trying to tell me that QPR vs Swansea tonight isn't going to be the greatest sporting event of all time?!