[dim view]

Siberian Spireite, on 16 February 2025 - 03:48 PM, said:

Why ?back to the drawing board?? Are people not allowed to express opinions? Oldaker could be so much more effective if he was braver with his choice of pass and went forwards sometimes.

Their manager's views and the video suggest to me that he is effective and is following instructions to stay deep 'cos Naylor is currently the player selected to go forward to assist the 3 and mix it - with mixed results over a couple of games. Oldaker got tried further forrad, in the 3, last season and he wasn't in the games.

I personally think he has to improve defensively rather than magic up some acceleration and vision in the final third, it's easier. If he does then he'll be in big demand but he's currently one of the reasons why we have a soft underbelly.

[DIFH]

jonnythespireite, on 16 February 2025 - 12:50 AM, said:

Explain why Oldaker is essential.

He?s the pass and move man, comfortable on the ball and always available. Don?t forget these players given a game plan and it?s not by chance that he?s been ever present practically this season.

I?ll give you he ain?t a ball winner but our big gripe for me is the one pace we play at.

[spireitetoo]

DIFH, on 17 February 2025 - 09:06 PM, said:

I?ll give you he ain?t a ball winner but our big gripe for me is the one pace we play at.

Which for oldaker is a big problem, he holds onto the ball far too long, plays too many sideways and backwards balls, and offers very little in the final 3rd.

[jonnythespireite]

DIFH, on 17 February 2025 - 09:06 PM, said:

He?s the pass and move man, comfortable on the ball and always available. Don?t forget these players given a game plan and it?s not by chance that he?s been ever present practically this season.

I?ll give you he ain?t a ball winner but our big gripe for me is the one pace we play at.

Yep. He passes and moves it sideways and backwards and creates very little. He does this very slowly too allowing opposition to remain in position. As someone else said he needs to be braver and quicker.

[DIFH]

spireitetoo, on 17 February 2025 - 09:13 PM, said:

Which for oldaker is a big problem, he holds onto the ball far too long, plays too many sideways and backwards balls, and offers very little in the final 3rd.

Who does in the mid field, Cook?s main gripe on Saturday was that Madden was isolated, Oldaker is more of a defensive midfielder but at least he?s the best with free kick?s.

Who would you have in his position ?

[spireitetoo]

DIFH, on 17 February 2025 - 09:39 PM, said:

Who does in the mid field, Cook?s main gripe on Saturday was that Madden was isolated, Oldaker is more of a defensive midfielder but at least he?s the best with free kick?s.

Who would you have in his position ?

Mandeville looked better when playing there

[rodney]

DIFH, on 17 February 2025 - 09:39 PM, said:

Who does in the mid field, Cook?s main gripe on Saturday was that Madden was isolated, Oldaker is more of a defensive midfielder but at least he?s the best with free kick?s.

Who would you have in his position ?

Mandeville? Banks

Madden was isolated because we played one up front and kept 2 holding midfielders on who were clearly shattered / doesn?t get forward.

[Mr Mercury]

jonnythespireite, on 17 February 2025 - 09:33 PM, said:

Yep. He passes and moves it sideways and backwards and creates very little. He does this very slowly too allowing opposition to remain in position. As someone else said he needs to be braver and quicker.

He?ll play the right pass but two seconds too late or too slow rather than zip it along, which of course given our knowledge of the game compared to Cooks is trite.