If so many people think that De Silva is going to turn the team around when he comes back and that one player is so important to us winning a game, then shouldn't we be alarmed that the other 10 players taking the field are of such a poor standard that we can't win a game without him? Also, how is De Silva going to help our unbalanced and pedestrian defence from getting carved open by pacey forwards?
he breaks up a lot of the play, makes some good tackles and protects the centre backs very well. If teams cant play through him they will lump the ball in the air to the forwards which will be ideal for Moore and Souza.
Not only that But what does it say about Simon Davey when this instrumental player suffered a long term injure six months ago and as of yet has still not been replaced as is clearly evident by a right back's inclusion in central midfield.
If your midfield can't keep the ball then the defence will struggle. If you have a midfielder that can, and can use that in attack then yes, it will help the defence. Da Silva gives you this ability. Your right, 1 man doesn't make a team, however Man Utd wouldn't have won the league without Ronaldo for example. Your best player missing is going to have a big affect on any team in any division.
He will do that, but only to an EXTENT. He's not superman for gods sake. Surely those around him should be doing much much more? Does it not worry anyone else that we are pinning so much on a single player who is recovering from a serious injury? This is not a criticism of De Silva as I believe he was our best player before he got injured but I am raising questions about the failure to replace him and the fact that the whole team seemingly ceases to function without him.
RE: If your midfield can't keep the ball then the defence will struggle. Agreed Dan, but are we saying none of our other players are capable of keeping the ball? Ronaldo scored 40 goals though mate which is a direct impact that no one else could have done, but keeping the ball, breaking up play and bringing it forward should be within the capabilities of whoever replaces De Silva as well as the likes of Howard.
I know what your saying. Hassle obviously does not have the composure, ball skills or vision of Da Silva or any half rate midfielder for that matter. Im not saying Da Silva is the answer to all our prayers, but you've got to be honest, with him in the side it will make a massive difference to the defence, midfield and attack.
RE: I know what your saying. Yeah he will make a difference, he's a class player. It just bugs me that the rest of the team are collectively unable to cover his absence.
De Silva is playmaker he controls the pace of the game (hope Colace is the same) Hassell is a defender playing in midfield breaking up play and expecting Howard to do the rest. Howard should be free to make late runs into the box, thats when he looks effective and scores goals.
Best midfielder in league imo Always has time on the ball, never rushed into playing - that shows a good player. He not only breaks up the play, but he isn't bad going forward either. Hassell sits too deep and is useless going forward. The only thing he can do well is tackle, but that's not enough for that role. It wouldn't be bad had we a natural holding player as a temporary replacement, but the gulf between De Silva and Hassell in that position makes us so much weaker. In my eyes it's the most important position on the field, so to have a right back playing there is just suicidal.
