Key

[jonboyswan]

Has anyone noticed that the manager has been trying key as this "inverted full back" ala stones at man city recently? Do we think it's working? No doubt key is at his best when driving forward but back to goal and in the congested midfield i feel he takes one touch too many and regularly loses it. I felt he tried to play that role in the first today which unfortunately with the pompey press was all wrong. The keeper and 2 centre halfs were struggling for options to pass out to and to me a simple back 4 was what was required. A work in progress i feel.

 

[Smurph]

Interesting observation.

Not sure if we've got the cover needed for him to play this position just yet.

Will be interesting to see this evolve overtime. I do like him going forward the way he has in recent games.

 

[WentToSchoolWith]

He's been our best outfield player this season in my opinion. There's definitely been aconscious decision to have him move inside, as he frequently pops up in midfield; I wonder if this is to allow Tymon more freedom on the left, as we can shuffle across in defence with Key a little less wide.

Definitely gives the ball away too much, but he's so exciting and dynamic that I'll allow that part of his game. Just needs to learn when to go hollywood, and when to get rid

 

[mrploppy]

Noticed? Yes - Coventry away was when I noticed it first. It's discussed on the other forum.

My opinion - and it applies equally to him as anyone else - he gets caught in possession too much. Happened again today (second half?) and put us in trouble immediately.

 

[Swans Jack]

His improvement in attacking has been a great watch over last few weeks+. If he can sort out his final end result and stop giving away the ball as much as he does he will be a star that many will notice. Williams compared him to Bale. It's a far stretch but I get where he is going with it. Especially where Bale first started on the pitch and ended up. Again Key is not Bale, but he has grown really fast and showing a positive side in the team.

 

[jonboyswan]

Yeah agree with all the above, my only worry is time and place. I felt this role by key especially today did affect Cabango on the right side of defence with no out ball and very little cover. A fan infront of me was slagging darling off first half for being lazy and not pushing out further to give the keeper more options but in hindsight prehaps he had to remain closer to cabange due to the space. However i doubt many teams will put 4 up top against us like pompey did, was impressive untill their energy went

 

[Copamundial]

Has cost us recently against Leeds and again today,

 

[Swans Jack]

Yeah agree with all the above, my only worry is time and place. I felt this role by key especially today did affect Cabango on the right side of defence with no out ball and very little cover. A fan infront of me was slagging darling off first half for being lazy and not pushing out further to give the keeper more options but in hindsight prehaps he had to remain closer to cabange due to the space. However i doubt many teams will put 4 up top against us like pompey did, was impressive untill their energy went

I'll give Darling a free pass. He was noted for being sick in the week and was taken off on Wednesday. Defo agree with cover for Cabango caused issues. Though it's interesting to note, that when Key and Ronald started playing on same side a few months ago it seemed they was getting in each other's way. At present it seems to work with them combining when on the same side and key is coming inside to attack at times. More composure, to his game and he is future star. On a side note. Peater-Harris. I can't make my mind up if he helps or hinders. There is something there. He is slow and bumbles but has his moments.

 

[jonboyswan]

I'll give Darling a free pass. He was noted for being sick in the week and was taken off on Wednesday. Defo agree with cover for Cabango caused issues. Though it's interesting to note, that when Key and Ronald started playing on same side a few months ago it seemed they was getting in each other's way. At present it seems to work with them combining when on the same side and key is coming inside to attack at times. More composure, to his game and he is future star. On a side note. Peater-Harris. I can't make my mind up if he helps or hinders. There is something there. He is slow and bumbles but has his moments.

That right side is definitely an issue at the moment and we dont seem to have found the righy formula yet. Regarding MPH, this may sounds alittle ridiculous but he reminds me of Tom huddlestone alittle with his lazy style but strong physique. Personally i see his future as an 8 with some legs around him but he will be long gone from us by that point.

 

[Swans Jack]

That right side is definitely an issue at the moment and we dont seem to have found the righy formula yet. Regarding MPH, this may sounds alittle ridiculous but he reminds me of Tom huddlestone alittle with his lazy style but strong physique. Personally i see his future as an 8 with some legs around him but he will be long gone from us by that point.

I get the comparisons with Huddlestone. As you said by the time he gets to a level we will never know if he does become something or not. I'm more hoping for Eom to now start ahead of him. He was on the left and Ronald on right. We are missing solid creative 10 though. No doubt Eom has been said he could and should play there, but we need 10 desperately.