by Red Soul » Wed Dec 07, 2005 3:00 am
Hmmmm.
Cisse - I simply don't think he's the striker that Rafa is looking for. I believe that Rafa's master plan is to build a squad that can put out a team to exploit opponent's weaknesses and combat their strengths. Rather than having a constant first team, with lesser quality back-ups for each position, he's concentrating on having as many options open to him as possible, so he can put out a tailor-made side. In this plan, there is obviously a requirement for a pacy striker, but for me Cisse doesn't quite fit the bill. There are far better out there. Cisse's pace and shot power seem to be his sole outstanding attributes, whereas his first touch, ball control, shot accuracy, passing and work ethic appear to be lacking. I think that Rafa doesn't see Cisse as a long-term answer to the position, yet the other forwards are definitely part of his plans. I think this is why they're getting extended runs in the first team, allowing them to build up a partnership with each other and an understanding with the other players, whereas Cisse is not. Crouch, although his goals return hasn't been too good, is proving excellent as a focal point for our attacks. He gets onto every ball lofted into the box, is adept at keeping the ball until midfield support arrives, and is very good at drawing defenders to allow other players to exploit the gaps they leave behind. Crouch will run all day for the team, albeit not as fast as Cisse.
Kewell - I'm hoping Kewell can come good this season. He's short of match fitness, and seems to have a bit of a mental barrier at the moment, probably because of his injury. Others are slating him for not chasing lost balls or making important tackles, but I'm of the opinion that this is not because of a lacking workrate, but of a very real fear that sudden changes of direction and acceleration, as well as challenging for the ball physically, could put more stress on his persistent injuries and cause a relapse, plonking the poor lad firmly back at square one. I think it'll take quite a few more games before Kewell is confident of how much a battering his body can take, especially in a league as physical as the Premiership.
Flo Po - he's definitely one for the future, but he's not quite the finished article yet. He's just returned from injury, and is a little short of match fitness. I think the best way he can learn is to continue to be on the bench, I'm afraid - he'll gain the experience he needs, little by little, but there'll rarely be a time when we're depending on him to squeak us out a result, which will take a lot of the pressure off him.