I look at how Spurs have improved with the introductions of their youngsters-
Kane, Bentaleb, Mason.
3 players I considered as being acts of desperation by Sherwood/Pochetino- really not good enough
But all of them have really improved Spurs by solving specific issues and addressing specific roles. None of them are played in several positions. They have a direct function and in doing them they are aiding the team and improving as players.
Even Wenger's use of Coquelin to address a particular functional problem is something Roberto doesnt seem to want to do.
Roberto uses the same players all the time, in all situations. Barkley/Mirallas/Naismith/Lukaku/Eto'o all take turns doing all the advanced roles at any time in any game. Barry is CDM, CB, LB, CM. Barkley has had a shift further back also. Baines has been in central midfield.
Roberto (who i still support fully- i feel any talk of him facing the axe is silly. give him to the end of the season) has his system. he has his footballing principles- a way the game must be played. So he can actually picture the system at work regardless of personnel i imagine? To me it just seems rather at odds with what he's doing of rotating players into every position as if EFC are some kind of olden day total football Ajax team.
If Naismith is the best option to fulfil a WINGER'S function at the club at the moment- GET A WINGER, or change the system.
I know this is why I'm so frustrated. It's easy to play as Barcelona when you're Barcelona. When your placing our current Everton shaped players into Barcelona shaped holes, it leaves a lot to be desired.
So if Roberto is not willing to buy players who will address the needs of the system- then change the system until such a point where our personnel can play the system.
Indeed, I agree, it has occured to me that there is from RM an expectation for the squad to be 'total football' players, and that is either him fooling himself or him just trying to fool us.
I mentioned it in the Deulofeu thread, that everyone at some point or other will be the saviour we require, so today it's Pienaar's turn. Having a capable left footer
On The Left of Midfield that can pass and importantly time a pass will see Baines back to old ways in no time, giving Mirallas a solid run down the right will open up the doors for Coleman. Time to do what we do best, clever one-two's on the flanks looking to hit the dreaded 'corridor of uncertainty' or work the ball
Quickly to the edge of the box for a strike to be pinged into whichever corner of the goal.
What is annoying is that Lukaku aint no Duncan Ferguson so looking for him with repeated looping aerial balls is doing him and us no good at all, Naismith wins his headers but thats where it all ends. (besides the occasional Mirallas nod of the gods)
So why we keep playing the soft sod balls high to the opposition CB's every game hopefully searching for inspiration and a huge dose of luck is beyond me. Fellaini plays for Man Utd now. Not us. We do not have that easy aerial out ball or last throw of the dice into the box option that we used to have. It's gone. He's gone. We need to stop it. Stop it NOW!
Set the players Free Roberto, your naff system is strangling them and sinking our club. Please let the players go free, let them play, they know how to play, take the reins off. Please for the love of the game, for football, for the collective mental torture you have us enduring please please let ther players play.
FFS !
