Leon Osman - The Cahill Demise

[ianefc]

He is just too slow and along with Neville we a so suseptable to the counter attack it is untrue as they must be the slowest CM pairing in the prem, Also when we knock it long they dont have the speed or stamina to keep up wth play and once they have caught up with play they then are not quick enough to get back into position should we surrender possesion. Its worrying and I think there will be a game where it really shows and unfortunately I think it will be on Sunday the thought of Allen, Gerrard and Sahin making them 2 chase the ball for long periods (although I doubt the RS TRIO will actually be doing anything effective with the ball) but by the hour mark they will become very leggy and it will cost us.

TOO slow, TOO old and the dont have the stamina, we are desperate for to Modern day CM's

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Fine bit of knee jerking on here. For me Osman has been very good this season, and is a big factor in the style of play we've adopted. I think I'm right in saying his pass completion rate in the final third is the 2nd best in the league. He'll never be a box to box player making tackles all over the shop, or indeed someone that makes hollywood passes.

What he does very well though is keeps possession, offers an option to his team mates and keeps us ticking over. In that regard he's been fantastic. If you look at any team playing 4-2-3-1 (as we do), they have one defensive midfielder and one deep lying playmaker. Osman is that player, and he's doing a good job thus far.

Whilst he's certainly not in the class of a Xavi, Alonso or Pirlo, that is clearly the role that's been ear marked for him by Moyes, and thus far he's doing it well.

 

[Fensta]

Blame Moyes for Ozzie's lack of form, you don't play 2 lightweights in midfield and expect them to be great.

 

[Chang Elephant]

I thought he was man of the match against QPR. Like watching a combination of Messi and Ya Ya Toure.

 

[Slavan]

goes missing in games to often, ok player but never had any consistency.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Blame Moyes for Ozzie's lack of form, you don't play 2 lightweights in midfield and expect them to be great.

Like Xavi and Iniesta you mean?

 

[Goat]

Like Xavi and Iniesta you mean?

They arent lightweights, they might be small, but they hardly allow themselves to be bullied off the ball.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

They arent lightweights, they might be small, but they hardly allow themselves to be bullied off the ball.

Bet they would be if they played on a cold night in Stoke.

 

[kenada_blue]

Fine bit of knee jerking on here. For me Osman has been very good this season, and is a big factor in the style of play we've adopted. I think I'm right in saying his pass completion rate in the final third is the 2nd best in the league. He'll never be a box to box player making tackles all over the shop, or indeed someone that makes hollywood passes.

What he does very well though is keeps possession, offers an option to his team mates and keeps us ticking over. In that regard he's been fantastic. If you look at any team playing 4-2-3-1 (as we do), they have one defensive midfielder and one deep lying playmaker. Osman is that player, and he's doing a good job thus far.

Whilst he's certainly not in the class of a Xavi, Alonso or Pirlo, that is clearly the role that's been ear marked for him by Moyes, and thus far he's doing it well.

This.

He's one our most composed and technical players looking to play it on the floor.

He is lightweight and can go missing, but he's not been bad.

 

[collymcd]

Bit harsh on Ossie here. He's obviously got his limitations like strength, speed range of passing and perhaps stamina. But in fairness to the fella he's one of our more technical players, has absolutely superb close control and can receive and lay off the ball in tight situations. I would agree that he's not performing like he can so far this season but the caveat to that would be how good I think he can perform when at his best.

On a side note, what was the story with Baines and Pienaar being so gash yesterday? More so Baines. First bad game I've seen him having in a long time.

 

[BleedBlue]

I thought he was one of our better players in all honesty. All in all he's been a mixed bag in the middle of the park, some good games, some bad games...I think we'll see the best of him when Gibson and Fellaini return.

what alot of wan* in this thread, and mine does'nt even get a look in.

^^^ that the only reasonable response Ive seen so far. not going to read the rest of it

ossie been fine this season

 

[Christiffa25]

Osman is a squad player... Always has been always will be... IMO.

Away games like qpr are the worst to play ossie CM. Hes effective on the ball going forward 90% of the time but very weak defensively, gets by-passed very easily and weak in the tackle. Yes playing with Neville is not helping but even with Gibson there its not ideal as his weakness will still be exposed. Little bit different when were playing at home in control of the game more but still not ideal and leaves us open to counter attacks.

For me excellent player to have on the bench who can come on and play multiple posistions. Can cover injuries ect but weak in weak out at CM he's gonna be exposed...

 

[Thorny]

I am hoping that this season proves to Moyes that he needs to get rid of the deadwood in the squad. Neville, Osman, Hibbert, hopefully Anichebe too, Mucha, Gueye (will never make it), Vellios (Moyes obviously doesn't rate him), etc. Would get a few million for that lot.

Our squad is paper thin...don't think we can afford to let go of that many players...

He's definitely on the decline at a rate of knots.

Pity we've got nobody to replace him with.

Barkley? I'd rate Barkley and Osman about the same....with Barkley to improve and Osman to decline

I also have taken into consideration the fact that he has had the 'priveledge' of partnering Neville in midfield, but his personal game has reeked of a man, not able to dictate a game on the big stage anymore.

Privilege.

 

[micknick]

He's not a boss right midfielder. He's not a boss left midfielder. He's not a boss central midfielder.

He is a boss centre attacking midfielder.

He's played 99% of his career in one of the first three positions, including this season. That's the problem.

But we have bosser players that can play behind the striker and not so many that can play in the middle.

 

[McBain]

Bit harsh on Ossie here. He's obviously got his limitations like strength, speed range of passing and perhaps stamina. But in fairness to the fella he's one of our more technical players, has absolutely superb close control and can receive and lay off the ball in tight situations. I would agree that he's not performing like he can so far this season but the caveat to that would be how good I think he can perform when at his best.

On a side note, what was the story with Baines and Pienaar being so gash yesterday? More so Baines. First bad game I've seen him having in a long time.

Hes played alot of footy so far mate. Probably just a tad knacked.