Just watching the league one playoff. Two goals in a minute. One from a lob over the top and the equaliser was a curled pass in behind. Derby got from back to front very quickly on Sunday, just as many other clubs have, even Reading killed us with 3 passes at their place earlier in the season. This reflects badly on us. Yes it was evident that we needed a big lad up top before Moore arrived, but overall our football has been so slow and ponderous. No one to drive us forward and lead by example and play a killer pass, and no striker with real pace to scare defenders.
Slightly off topic, how's Hakeeb Adelakun playing for Scunthorpe? We were linked with him in January. He's a pacy winger, and would probably solve some of what you're saying.
Looks like he has plenty of pace, nice touch round the Rotherham player and perfect pass to set up the 2nd goal, doesn’t seem to mind to put a foot in if needed also, which is good for a winger.
I’d agree, as per the thread I’ve just started there’s a lot of bang average play going on around him but Adelakun looks quite pacy and pretty good.
We missed Ryan Kent this season in my opinion. Whilst what he did with the ball was often frustrating, he would cover 30/40 yards regularly in games to get us up the pitch quickly and out of danger. We lacked that this season and at times just sat under waves and waves of pressure. The opposition had nothing to worry about. I think in League One having pace, both physically and mentally, is often the reason for success.
Pace isn't the be all and end all or Bobby Moore would have never made the grade. If you can read a game you don't need lightning pace. A good player anticipates danger and moves to lessen it.
I thought thats what isgrove would give us, but it wasnt to be. Certainly hope we can see the old isgrove next season cos he was a major player the last time we were in this league
Yep, I think it's more than just the running speed of a player that gives the team pace. By that, I mean the speed of thought, seeing the pass early, anticipating where a team mate will be when you've made the pass rather than waiting for them to move. I think that's where our last promotion side was so good when it got going and confidence increased - Hourihane, Winnall, Brownhill, Fletcher, Hammill seemed to be on the same wavelength, movement all the time to the point where opposition midfielders and defences didn't have a clue whom to mark or pick-up, it was a joy to watch. None of them were lightening quick as individuals. Quality players in a quality team generally play more effective and faster football.
Agree, you've only to watch some of our victories in Dec 2015/Jan 2016 to realise that its about intent, speed of thought, a willingness to allow players to get forward and quick, positive, incisive forward passing. Take Cardiff away, for example, as I recall, the second, third and fourth goals were all various kinds of quick breaks from back to front and yet the only player with any real pace in that team was Kent.
You can have too much pace. If you don't have the technique and skills pace is irrelevant. You must have an end result. If a player with pace can't get the ball in to the danger zone he isn't doing what he is there for.