04-13-2018, 09:19 AM
(04-13-2018, 08:45 AM)DJC link Wrote:I’m not convinced that our defence is too tall/slow but there are other issues, such as lack of experienced midfielders (I didn’t think we’d miss Gibbs as much), that are more critical.
I'm not saying our midfield doesn't have problems, they do.
Our forwards have problems too.
Both of the above are basically due to the fact we have a lack of options in those areas.
The reason i talk about our backline is because unlike the other 2 areas, our problem is picking a balanced backline from the abundance of defenders we have on our list. Its a different issue to the other areas.
(04-13-2018, 08:18 AM)Lods link Wrote:Yep
....but speed is also only another variable.
Our blokes being outbodied, pushed off the ball, tackles broken etc means we're also lightbodied and 'weak' in comparison to many of the opposition.
It's another area where Weitering and others are struggling at the moment.
That may need another year or two of physical development....or it might never come!
Yes, speed is another variable.
As i've said, its about matchups. More often than not its height and/or speed that means we don't have the right players/matchups. I'd argue that those 2 are key factors for picking a backline.
If you are too small to spoil a tall forward, it doesn't matter how quick you are.
If you are too slow to keep up with an opponent leading/running with the ball, it doesn't matter how tall you are.
Sure, other areas help define ideal matchups, as you've mentioned, but if we can't get the basics right, what hope do we have?