Don't think our problems have been up front. They've always been about the right passes/runs from midfield which can break the oppo defence. Our front players will score given the right service. Not enough craft or energy in midfield. So maybe that missing piece really is a 10.
I think it’s borderline impossible to have a decent backup striker in the A-League tbh. With squad size and cap space being so limited, why would you pay a bloke decent money to play maybe once or twice a season? Alternatively, why would any decent striker sit on a bench for 99% of the season for peanuts? That’s why backup strikers across the league are all kids or has-beens.
We are in the incredibly fortunate position where unlike most teams in this league we have multiple other players who could easily fill that role should they be required. Nabbout, Leckie and at a stretch Tillio have all got what it takes to lead the line. Getting in any decent backup for JMac would be a waste of cap space imo.
Totally agree, ultimately the best strategy is to have a winger thats capable of doing the job.
Someone like Matt Simon, memes aside, is pretty rare. Simon was a different type of 9 that was semi competent and totally change the way you attack, but also was never going to command massive wages and understood his role.
Think we'll struggle to make the six at this rate. We are poor and getting worse.
It's not a lack of decent players, though we could do with a few ins. It's how they are being used and coached.
I really hope people start to open their eyes as this coach is taking us backwards. He’s only been successful early on with an inherited squad and favourable league circumstances.
We need open our wallet to make the best of this season, if not it’s going to be a top 4 finish.
Some adblocker is preventing me from watching the stream on my laptop but I don't know how to get around it. But doesn't seem as though I'm missing too much.
FFS let's get rid of Kisnorbo.
I thought it was clear by reading my full message that I’m talking out of my ass.
Nix look dangerous, so it’s a deserved lead. We can’t even cross a ball in the box.
I just re-read Petrillo's comments about him. It seems to have changed from what I recalled...
"We are excited to welcome Richard van der Pucciarelli to the Club, with the Dutch attacking midfielder signing a two-year deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season."
A leaking defensive and non existing midfield were certainly issues to be addressed.
However I do feel that at times that we downplay how dysfunctional our big $ front three can be. Even towards the end of the season still not recognising each others runs or play to one another other strengths. JMAC is unable to hold up the play under pressure, our only option is the long ball to Nabbout - which then results in plenty of hit and miss crosses.
With the jury out on Leckie, JMAC (yes yes he scored a couple, missed plenty and vanished too many games for my liking) and Nabbout were both below their high standards last season and you have to wonder why that is?
A good genuine AM, one who can play on the wing as well can give a new dynamic to the forward line.
Looks to be the exact kind of player we should be targeting. Still a good age, has played a lot of football at a high level, versatile. Here’s hoping he comes down here and meets expectations. We’ve developed a pretty decent visa midfield now