Cochise
Steve Carr
Things I learned from this tour:
Firstly, I actually like the new home kit and the gold away kit. Secondly, we finished with 9 proper homegrown players on the field against Atletico, we should be damn proud of that.
So far as the football goes, we probably looked our most dangerous when having the #10 breaking past the #9 and the times when Mason drifted forward past the pair. The front four never truly clicked into gear over the course of the two games, however we were up against two very good teams, whilst fielding experimental lineups. Lamela in behind Janssen/Harrison did work well, but I was more encouraged by how he wanted to also get past the striker and bear down on goal. Something that I haven't seen him do enough of. Edwards and Onomah looked better fits in the wide roles than Chadli and Carroll, whilst Son showed flashes of ability. I liked that Janssen is as aggressive at pressing as Kane and has the physical presence to hold up the ball, something we have lacked when without Kane.
Further back, it's fair to say that Wanyama has taken to this system as expected and we are much the stronger for his inclusion. Winks could probably step in ahead of Carroll and Mason in the next 6 months, he will only improve with game time. It's harsh, as Mason was good against Atletico.
It's probably not fair to make judgements on the defence, but I will say that I was suprised by the improvement in Yedlin, whilst disappointed with Trippier's two performances. CCV looks the pick of the three lads that played at CB, Walkes was quite assured back there, whilst Ball didn't really impress at CB or at DM.
Firstly, I actually like the new home kit and the gold away kit. Secondly, we finished with 9 proper homegrown players on the field against Atletico, we should be damn proud of that.
So far as the football goes, we probably looked our most dangerous when having the #10 breaking past the #9 and the times when Mason drifted forward past the pair. The front four never truly clicked into gear over the course of the two games, however we were up against two very good teams, whilst fielding experimental lineups. Lamela in behind Janssen/Harrison did work well, but I was more encouraged by how he wanted to also get past the striker and bear down on goal. Something that I haven't seen him do enough of. Edwards and Onomah looked better fits in the wide roles than Chadli and Carroll, whilst Son showed flashes of ability. I liked that Janssen is as aggressive at pressing as Kane and has the physical presence to hold up the ball, something we have lacked when without Kane.
Further back, it's fair to say that Wanyama has taken to this system as expected and we are much the stronger for his inclusion. Winks could probably step in ahead of Carroll and Mason in the next 6 months, he will only improve with game time. It's harsh, as Mason was good against Atletico.
It's probably not fair to make judgements on the defence, but I will say that I was suprised by the improvement in Yedlin, whilst disappointed with Trippier's two performances. CCV looks the pick of the three lads that played at CB, Walkes was quite assured back there, whilst Ball didn't really impress at CB or at DM.
