Effectiveness of Tim Cahill

[harryjam]

Bit of a debate on another forum on Cahill and how effective he is for us. People are saying he's better than you think on the floor, that we need him because of his commitment and ability to rough up opposing players. Others including myself believe it's time to move on from Cahill, that the 4-5-1 just doesn't work, that the player "in the hole" would be better if it was someone creative (Arteta/Barkley/Gueye?) who appreciates getting into space and can play a killer ball. Some people say, hang on, Cahill has scored 65 and made 35 in 240 games from midfield, he's valuable. But isn't this in a system which is totally based around him? How much more effective would we be if the "one in the hole" was someone that we weren't tempted to play it long to, instead we'd look to play it through the midfield and look for this creative outlet on the floor? What if the player in this position appreciated Beckford's pace and style of play to get in behind the defenders and was able to produce the ball he'd relish. Personally I think its time to move on from Tim Cahill, I appreciate what he's done for us and his commitment, the bullying he gave out to Vidic vs Man Utd at home, the way the game changed when he came on vs Man City, but I think we'd be a lot more effective with someone creative there.

 

[Merseyside Blue]

If we had money to spend then I would even consider shifting Cahill and moving our football on. He is not a creative influence with the ball on the deck for me, a lot of attacks break down with him on the ball, when a more intelligent footballer would play the first time pass, or the ball behind the defence.

What he does do of course is scrap for everything, hound opposition players around, and win near enough every header. Then of course he consistently bags 10 goals plus a season.

As it stands at the moment however we haven't a pot to whizz in, and we are in for another season of mediocrity by the looks of our lack of summer signings (thanks Bill).

I reckon this is about to be Tims last season of starting games, down to the fact there is nobody better in the current playing squad in his position.

Basically, until we have money to sign a midfield creator then Tim will do for me, for now!

 

[PeterMeter]

As long as we shift to a 4-4-2 when facing Bolton, Wigan and their ilk I'm fine with using him behind a lone striker. He should be used as more of an impact player in these games, but I really think it's time we moved on and set out to dominate lower half teams on the floor as we have every prerequisite for this in our squad.

Until we have a ready-made creative outlet to slot into that position I believe Cahill's got it marked though.

 

[andrewkgsmith]

I think Cahill's come in for a bit of slack lately.
As Peter said, against crap teams like Bolton we should shift to 4-4-2 and leave him out, but against bigger teams the 4-5-1 is effective and Cahill is the best man for the 4-5-1.
I don't know, I think that even though we have a small squad people need to realise the best idea is not to treat every team and game the same way.

 

[Summerskin]

4-4-2 at home against ****e = yes.


Nothing in this world quite beats an 89th minute Cahill header, though.

 

[Lien]

Crap teams like Bolton, teams like Bolton who we got 1 point off last season, and that was an injury time equaliser?

My point is, don't think of teams like that as rubbish. We may think we're better than them but until we actually prove that, I don't see much to gain from going around calling them gash.

 

[Lien]

As for Cahill, it's been my view for the past couple of years we need to eventually phase him out and this is probably that season. I have nothing but respect and, hell, admiration for what he's done for us over the years but I think the time has come where we'll be saying goodbye to him this season. I hope he can still do the business this year and I still fancy him to get a few goals here and there, to add to the already superb memories he's given us.

In terms of the tactical side of things, Moyes wants shooting with the brown stuff if he plays Cahill in CM in a 4-4-2.

 

[zimblue]

But we DO have the perfect creative replacement for his position already... Leon Osman.

 

[andrewkgsmith]

Crap teams like Bolton, teams like Bolton who we got 1 point off last season, and that was an injury time equaliser?

My point is, don't think of teams like that as rubbish. We may think we're better than them but until we actually prove that, I don't see much to gain from going around calling them gash.

Us being crap doesn't mean they're not too

 

[Lien]

Us being crap doesn't mean they're not too

It's all relative. I'd prefer not to denounce a team as crap who we barely managed to get 1 point from last year.

 

[andrewkgsmith]

It's all relative. I'd prefer not to denounce a team as crap who we barely managed to get 1 point from last year.

West Brom are taking the title.

 

[pezzer1]

Just remember Tim Cahill would run through brick walls for this club and has done many times, while other f@nnys refuse to play through the pain barrier. He always comes up trumps against the so called bigger teams. They hate playing against.
He is however coming to the end of his Career. Another 2 years tops I think but what do I know

 

[Lien]

West Brom are taking the title.

They certainly are.

 

[zimblue]

Depends a lot on who we've got to play around him. With (a fit and motivated) Yak, Pienaar and Donovan, then Tim is ace. With Anichebe, Beckford and Coleman, then we've got a problem keeping the ball in the final third.

 

[Frank Drebin]

Its easier if he's not classed as a midfielder. His workrate and tenacity is not enough to justify a midfield berth in a 4-4-2. If we just think of him as a forward in the hole or playing upfront running from deep then he's still a player. Only lampard and scholes i can think of off the top of my head are as good as timing late runs into the box to finish. Yes maybe he shouldnt start every game but thats what squad rotation is for. I love cahill and want him to finish his career here.