Colin has some more numbers up. This is interesting in that it replicates what The Times did fairly recently. In summary, we overestimate the value of ’star’ players. I have been suggesting as much here for some time, but with a coach like Roy Hodgson the system is king.
What is the current perception of Micah Richards and Richard Dunne? Not good is it?
How are Man City playing? Open, with lots of attacking players.
When Micah Richards and Richard Dunne were getting all the plaudits, how were Man City playing?
That was theirP38 W11 D9 L18 F29 A44 season. As sort of botched attempt at what we’re doing now. They were very cautious. It made their defenders look very good. Now they are open and people think their defenders have lost form. Same defenders; different system: different perceptions.
This won’t apply for most teams because most teams are quite balanced, but the general fact remains that teams are somehow a function of how 11 footballers interact. It is not a linear thing where you can rate each player out of ten then tally the marks. It is organic, mysterious. But one player, unless he is very, very good, is not *that* important.
We do really need to keep Hangeland though….
Dan has spotted that Danny Murphy’s contract may soon be extended. That man’s a future manager. I think I read that he’s doing his badges. You can really see how spending time working with Hodgson could be a huge thing for Murphy if this is how he sees himself developing.
Other minor notes: Lee Cook has now gone back to QPR and Hameur Bouazza is now on loan at Birmingham City.
Finally, and this is (literally) yesterday’s news, but those lovable rogues at Kettering are fighting back. Good on ‘em.
