Fitzhugh Fella Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 In the light of Puncheon's rather underwhelming performances in our last two games as Adam Lallana's replacement would it make sense to use the loan period to get in a short-term back up? Don't know how long AL is going to be sidelined but it is one crucial area we don't seem to have adequate cover.....or do we? Is there anyone out there we could get? (Not having a go at Puncheon here as I don't think playing wide on the left is his best position) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I believe we signed Yago Falque for just this kind of purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I thought Falque had been earmarked for this role, but on his solitary outing does not look up to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWD Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Seeing as Falque, De Ridder, Puncheon, Chaplow and Fox can all play there, and Holmes and Dickson to possibly return if necessary, I would be seriously shocked if we brought anyone else in to play LM. Especially seeing as AL's injury isn't that bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkish Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I'm glad we are still writing players off after one game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I believe we signed Yago Falque for just this kind of purpose. Great minds, or just sad bastards spending too much time on here ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Garrett Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Lallana is suppoosed to be pretty much fit now. If we can't find a player to fill in for him if he's injured for the odd game then we have problems with De Ridder, Chaplow, Guly, Puncheon, Falque, Fox, Holmes, and Dickson who could all play there if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 In the light of Puncheon's rather underwhelming performances in our last two games as Adam Lallana's replacement would it make sense to use the loan period to get in a short-term back up? No it wouldn't make any sense at all. Our only existing loan player is to cover for exacty this position. He had one half a game soon after he came in, looked skilful but easily pushed off the ball. Has been training with the squad now for a few weeks and if needed now is the time to utilise his undoubted skills. Punch should not have been played on the left, even Adkins could see this and was swapping him around yesterday when it was clear it was not working. If we were really stuck I would seriously consider playing Chung in AL's position and having Billy or Guly up front, but from what we are hearing AL may be back on Tuesday anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Great minds, or just sad bastards spending too much time on here ? Maybe a bit of both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 If anyone can find a player even close to Adams ability who is avaliable and doesn't mind not even getting in the matchday team when Adam is fit ....then I'm all for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulwantsapint Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 What about playing 4312/diamond with sharp & Chung up front & rickie in the hole Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Originally Posted by Fitzhugh Fella In the light of Puncheon's rather underwhelming performances in our last two games as Adam Lallana's replacement would it make sense to use the loan period to get in a short-term back up? No it wouldn't make any sense at all. Our only existing loan player is to cover for exacty this position. He had one half a game soon after he came in, looked skilful but easily pushed off the ball. Has been training with the squad now for a few weeks and if needed now is the time to utilise his undoubted skills. Punch should not have been played on the left, even Adkins could see this and was swapping him around yesterday when it was clear it was not working. If we were really stuck I would seriously consider playing Chung in AL's position and having Billy or Guly up front, but from what we are hearing AL may be back on Tuesday anyway. It makes a lot of sense to me, but trying to fill the boots of what could be the Championship player is a practical limitation I doubt we would solve. One thing that stood out against Leeds was that we rely so heavily on Lallana to take us up through the gears and raise our game. Ricky and Chung did exceptionally well for the goal, but equal praise has to go to Leeds defence. Lallana for me is the difference between automatic and top 6 along with Ricky. I don't believe we can get another Lallana but I do believe we can use him and mange him to our benefit. I would not even consider Lallana as a start for the next 2 home games, giving him maximum recuperation for that groin injury. I would sit him on the subs bench if fit and try and avoid risking him until Millwall away where the need may be greatest. Groin strains are notoriously difficult to give the definitive all clear unless looking back upon. That's why even if we felt it was all ok against Ipswich or Barnsley I would have him on the bench, not prepared to slightly risk him unless needs dictate on the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 No it wouldn't make any sense at all. Our only existing loan player is to cover for exacty this position. He had one half a game soon after he came in, looked skilful but easily pushed off the ball. Has been training with the squad now for a few weeks and if needed now is the time to utilise his undoubted skills. Punch should not have been played on the left, even Adkins could see this and was swapping him around yesterday when it was clear it was not working. If we were really stuck I would seriously consider playing Chung in AL's position and having Billy or Guly up front, but from what we are hearing AL may be back on Tuesday anyway. I am told Adkins never saw him play before he was brought in. I don't think he will get in before DeRidder etc. In any event Chaplow on the left, Guly on the right has worked this season. Puncheon like Lallana is best on his wrong side and has never been that effective wide left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 If anyone can find a player even close to Adams ability who is avaliable and doesn't mind not even getting in the matchday team when Adam is fit ....then I'm all for it. ^ This Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 4 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I believe we signed Yago Falque for just this kind of purpose. Had completely forgotten about him - apologies - but not sure he is up to the job. If AL can keep fit for the rest of the season then we should be fine but he is more injury prone than average and as he is so vital and adds width it is a worry. Yesterday v Leeds our lack of width was almost painful to behold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainchris Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 I'm glad we are still writing players off after one game. Just one game?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Lallana is suppoosed to be pretty much fit now. If we can't find a player to fill in for him if he's injured for the odd game then we have problems with De Ridder, Chaplow, Guly, Puncheon, Falque, Fox, Holmes, and Dickson who could all play there if necessary. This is a player that I hoped might get a run this season, good crosser and always thought he might make the move upfield from LB to make an impression, if only as stand in/sub for AL.I don't think he has had the opportunity this season,and when he did,in the League Cup he did not seem motivated. Attitude,sulk ? Whatever the reason I think it a shame as he showed potential last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pimpin4rizeal Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 think it could be worth trying yago in a home game to see what he can do. the leicester game he played in we was awfull all over the pitch. so hard to judge him yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Not many clubs have cover for there top players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norwaysaint Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Yes, I think we should definitely get somebody to loan us somebody who can ably replace the best player in the league. I'm fairly certain that most Premiership teams have got someone of Lallana's quality who they don't really need in their squad. I'm also very concerned that Puncheon didn't take the opportunity in 46 minutes yesterday to show he can play as well as the best player in the league. We should never play him again and get somebody else to do the job as he's clearly not capable. And if that person that we get in on loan can't show that they are as good as Lallana in 90 minutes, we should send them back to their parent club and get someone else in of Lallana's quality from somewhere else. Sometimes I wonder what the **** Adkins and Cortese are doing if they can't do something as simple as this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatvianTolix Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 What happened to De ridder??? where is he? have not seen him in competitive footy for some time. is he injured or down the pecking order? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Not many clubs have cover for there top players. As we saw with even Spurs today, without Parker and Bale they were pretty dire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Falque can't play out wide. Stick Chappers on the left (he did well there the last time Lallana was out for an extended period) and Guly, de Ridder or Puncheon on the right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ulstersaint Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Falque can't play out wide. Stick Chappers on the left (he did well there the last time Lallana was out for an extended period) and Guly, de Ridder or Puncheon on the right Makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 unless we sign messi (who lallana makes look sh1te) there is no cover for lallana, he is god lol, cant believe the premiership hasn't realised it yet ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 unless we sign messi (who lallana makes look sh1te) there is no cover for lallana, he is god lol, cant believe the premiership hasn't realised it yet ...they have, Wolves tried to sign him when we were in financial trouble and there was a rumour that Everton came in for him last minute after they sold the Spanish fella to Arsenal. To be fair he hasn't been outstanding in every game this season. He started off like a house in fire but he then played with an injury and was well below his best. He then was off injured and when he came back he took quite a while to find his feet. At his best he is absolutely top notch, but some scouts could easily have missed that if they came to the wrong games. Long may that continue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Yes, I think we should definitely get somebody to loan us somebody who can ably replace the best player in the league. I'm fairly certain that most Premiership teams have got someone of Lallana's quality who they don't really need in their squad. I'm also very concerned that Puncheon didn't take the opportunity in 46 minutes yesterday to show he can play as well as the best player in the league. We should never play him again and get somebody else to do the job as he's clearly not capable. And if that person that we get in on loan can't show that they are as good as Lallana in 90 minutes, we should send them back to their parent club and get someone else in of Lallana's quality from somewhere else. Sometimes I wonder what the **** Adkins and Cortese are doing if they can't do something as simple as this. Lamberts best player in the league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Had completely forgotten about him - apologies - but not sure he is up to the job. If AL can keep fit for the rest of the season then we should be fine but he is more injury prone than average and as he is so vital and adds width it is a worry. Yesterday v Leeds our lack of width was almost painful to behold. So you write puncheon off after two games and Falque after a Cameo role in one. Jeez! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEVMAN Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Lamberts best player in the league.Calm down Roger i think that post was a little tongue in cheek mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Bald_Si Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Simple answer - back up for Lallana is Puncheon. Puncheon's a quality player, much in the same mould as lallana, and I think his movement is on a par with him. So he's had a couple of bad games, still doesn't change the fact he's a more than capable replacement for the boy Lallana. Having said that, for me, an on form, fit puncheon should be starting evey game for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Puncheon looked ok on his first appearance back but since then he has become steadily more ineffective. Counter that against how well De Ridder played in the two consecutive starts he had and you've got a glaringly odd decision by Adkins. You can only assume that De Ridder has really struggled to impress in training recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Just one game??Yes, I believe Falque has only played one game (actually, not even a whole 90 minutes) for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 As we saw with even Spurs today, without Parker and Bale they were pretty dire.They certainly were not dire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Adkins and Lallana have both said was close for Saturday and should be fit for Saturday. Puncheon was not good on Saturday, but looked good when first came back in, clearly decent player and good enough for back up. The spurs lad has been injured and is now fit again. De Ridder cant even get in the squad - with Lallana injured. Other wide options - Guly, Chaplow, Fox/Harding, changing forward shape with Lee/Sharpe? Can't see Adkins looking to bring another player in now for Lallana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickG Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 fit for Tuesday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 What about playing 4312/diamond with sharp & Chung up front & rickie in the hole How is 4-3-1-2 a "diamond" ? By definition the "3" is a straight line without a point, which would make it a triangle. -X-X- --X-- X X X XXXX --X-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Yes, I believe Falque has only played one game (actually, not even a whole 90 minutes) for us. Correct as far as I'm aware. Leicester at St Mary's I think. No Lallana or Lambert in that one and subbed after 56 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austsaint Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Simple answer - back up for Lallana is Puncheon. Puncheon's a quality player, much in the same mould as lallana, and I think his movement is on a par with him. So he's had a couple of bad games, still doesn't change the fact he's a more than capable replacement for the boy Lallana. Having said that, for me, an on form, fit puncheon should be starting evey game for us. Agree with you. Puncheon is a quality player, though left side is clearly difficult for him; he looked way better after switching to the right side - he also seemed to be having trouble with his boots at one stage!!!! I hope he remains at least in the 16 for the rest of the season. Does anybody else think Guly played quite a good half at Elland Road - apart from the yellow card incident where he seemed to be collected on the shin and tried to return the favour. Got stuck in though; some nice touches and the header was the only other scoring near thing apart from SRL's goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 4 March, 2012 Share Posted 4 March, 2012 Some of Puncheon's best performances have been left sided, albeit when we loaned him to Millwall. He doesn't do well out wide but much better when narrower. If he was less stop-start with his running he'd probably do well in the middle but he's a little too hesitant with his effort if he's standing still sometimes. FWIW I think our midfielder has enough flexibility to cover the left side with what we've got, but if we could get a good Prem player on loan as cover, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 5 March, 2012 Author Share Posted 5 March, 2012 So you write puncheon off after two games and Falque after a Cameo role in one. Jeez! You should read my posts a little more carefully, I have said neither of those things. Merely Puncheon does not shine in that particular position and Falque seems to have slipped off even Adkins's radar - that does not constitute writing either player off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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