ToffeeWeb - Season 2007-08

The Mail Bag

Central midfield

Flicking through the analysis of the Boro match it was obvious that most people were disappointed again with the pitiful performance of our central midfielders. Personally I didn't think Neville was THAT bad but I take the point given that he has been in other weeks and Jagielka was certainly not on his game.

It left me wondering though whether these players are truly unsuited to midfield positions or simply the kind of midfield positions they're being asked to play? When Gravesen and Cahill are fit to take on attacking duties can Jags, Neville and Carsley fill in defensive midfield roles and look better quality players?

Carsley certainly excelled in the past when limited to a defensive role and simply asked to give a short pass to more creative forces when in possession. I think the problem is we're looking at Jags and Neville as utility players rather than specialists.

They may be utility defenders, but in midfield I'd argue they have one position and that's the anchorman. It's what's being asked of them that's making them seem bad players, think Lampard and Gerrard playing together for England (two attacking midfielders asked to share defensive duties and failing badly). To a certain extent they may be victims of circumstance and I'd be wary of writing them off before giving them a chance in their true role.

ps: Neville's still a way better full-back though.
John Holmes, York Posted 02/10/2007 at 08:11:31

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Ernie Boyce
1 Posted 02/10/2007 at 14:15:33

Totally agree, and would add that the strikers are also victims of the current circumstance.

Tim Lowe
2 Posted 02/10/2007 at 14:50:34

I think carsley is unlucky to have lost his place in the side. He would be my choice for a centre mid role alongside a more attacking player (ie. cahill) which would mean his role would be solely to break up the play which he is the best at the club for doing. Neville to right back and jags as a versatile reserve

John Holmes
3 Posted 02/10/2007 at 15:14:48

Not sure Carsley has lost his place Tim. I think he’s just being used sparingly. Legs aren’t what they were and all that.

George,London
4 Posted 02/10/2007 at 15:43:40

Yes,in my opinion, Carsley’s legs have certainly gone- that isn’t to say that he can’t do the job for once(but only in a limited capacity).
I think the problem with Jagielka and Neville is that when they’re playing CM together, they’re to similar.

At least when Carsley partnered Neville, he was clearly charged with the responsibility of sitting in front of the back four and breaking up attacks where as Neville was charged with collecting the ball from deep and distrubuting (to the best of his ability) to our more technically gifted players.

However, with Jagielka and Neville both seem to be suffreing an identity crisis. Their two roles are indistinguishable(too seemingly themselves). Neville’s not disciplined(or good enough at tackling)to sit but Jagielka has to much energy and athleticism to be wasted doing what is a very difficult but relatively(to other positions) sedatary job. Hence lie’s the problem.

I would have thought Neville would have taken the initiative (being captain and self-professed midfielder after all), but he hasn’t. Jagielka I can understand as he is naturally a defender but he showed against Blackburn, that with application, he can fulfill that fulcrum role- i would like to see how he would fare with gravesen or cahill beside him.

Rich Larnder
5 Posted 03/10/2007 at 01:21:35

If we start with a midfield three of Gravesen, Arteta and Cahill/Stevie P then we are only asking our anchor man to play a 10 yard pass to someone who is able to use the ball more effectively.

The trouble at the moment is that we’re asking Neville, Jags and Cars to play ’proper’ passes at the business end of the field - something they are clearly not capable of.

I’m hoping that the return of Gravesen and Cahill will see our midfield play improve dramatically. Here’s to hope!!