Neville

[Nebbiolo]

Seeing his awful distribution last night made me believe that the time has come for Moyes to admit that his mate is just not cutting it at the moment. Even Jags, not the best passer, seems to fill the utility role far more fittingly than Neville. Is it time for our Nev to have a stint on the bench?

 

[TX Bill]

Yes.

I wanted to see Hibbert in at right back last night.

Traditionally, Neville has been thought of as a more "offensive" option from that position than Hibbert. I've always felt that Hibbert's been a better defensive player.

Since Neville really isn't giving us much offensively, I'd like to have Hibbert back there.

Neville's distribution has been awful over the past 4 or 5 matches, not just last night. Hibbert's time has come.

 

[Bainsey]

Should be playing Hibbert at RB now, and i never thought i'd say those words.

 

[Welton Toffee]

I like Neville

*end of post

 

[TX Bill]

I like him too Welton, when he's on.

Unfortunately when he "winds up" to make a pass, I hold my breath wondering where it's going to end up and what color shirt will be in possession.

He's just going through a bit of a dry patch right now and will work his way out of it I'm sure.

Everyone bangs on Hibbert because his crossing has traditionally been woeful (although has improved somewhat) but Neville's crossing recently hasn't been much better.

As it stands, I don't think we lose anything by having Hibbert get a run of games for awhile.

 

[The Dude]

I still prefer Neville to Hibbert, mainly because Neville is a leader - I don't think some people realise the influence he has when he doesn't have the ball - he's always shouting at one player or another, telling them where to be etc.

Yes his passing has been a crap lately, but Hibbert isn't the worlds best passer either.

 

[TX Bill]

You're right Dude.

Hibbert certainly isn't the world's best passer and is often guilty of hoofing the ball aimlessly up the field.

That said, in my opinion, he's a better defender than Neville. So as Neville isn't adding anything offensively, let's improve the position defensively.

Good point though about the leadership aspect of it. That's undoubtedly one of the reasons he's the captain and probably one of the first names on the teamsheet.

 

[Nebbiolo]

I still prefer Neville to Hibbert, mainly because Neville is a leader

That's an excellent point. Nev is a leader and eager to take responsibility. All in all, he seems like a great guy.

However, there can come a point when that leadership could be undermined if it becomes the case that the team believes he's not actually very good at football. If we lose a couple of games because of his mistakes, then expect that to affect how others view him (especially if Moyes keeps playing him).

From my point of view, last night whenever he got the ball, and had space, my heart sank. I just knew nothing would come of it, other than Brann regaining possession.

I don't like the opinion I've just offered because I do admire the guy. I just wonder whether he's more suited to teams like Wigan, Sunderland, Fulham et al.

 

[Namdrater]

Neville and Arteta have better movement down the right hand side than Hibbert and Arteta do. Also, Neville tries to play the ball along the ground a lot more than Hibbert does. Hibbert though, I'll admit, is better defensively and I'd rather have him lined up against City than Neville.

 

[Number_25]

It's a funny thing about Mr P. Neville. He can't pass at the moment but he still knows all the tricks! He's a very good captian and he loves playing for us. Hopefully him being 30 he could still be at the Club when his carrer... Assistant Manager anyone?

 

[TX Bill]

Perhaps his confidence is down a bit and it's effecting his play.

I'm with you Nebbiolo in that I feel the same way when he looks to play the ball forward.

But he certainly also had matches where he was very dangerous coming down the right, making good passes, supporting his midfielders, and making overlapping runs that lead to good crosses and chances on goal.

We just haven't seen a lot of that lately. You don't want to kick him when he's down by yanking him from the lineup. But then if you're Hibbert, you wonder what you've got to do to get a game.

 

[TX Bill]

Neville and Arteta have better movement down the right hand side than Hibbert and Arteta do. Also, Neville tries to play the ball along the ground a lot more than Hibbert does. Hibbert though, I'll admit, is better defensively and I'd rather have him lined up against City than Neville.

Especially as one Mr. Martin Petrov did nothing against us the entire match the last time we played them. Most of that due to Hibbert's play.

 

[SuitsBlue]

watching the match last night i said get hibbert on, at least he over hits passes.

 

[TX Bill]

Funny I noticed that too. The team as a whole had several passes that didn't quite reach their intended target.

Yak's always good for a few passes that are over hit though.

 

[Number_25]

Especially as one Mr. Martin Petrov did nothing against us the entire match the last time we played them. Most of that due to Hibbert's play.

Moyes would probably stick Hibbert at the Right-Back and then P. Neville at the defense Midfield area where he is intended to go in my eyes