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Subject: [U21] Cymru U21 talk
Question 1..I hope so.
Question 2. Aint got the time, I think gabrielli done an amazing job for us with the players we got so he get`s my vote .
Question 2. Aint got the time, I think gabrielli done an amazing job for us with the players we got so he get`s my vote .
I'm happy to do it again, been a more sobering second half of the season but I'd like a qualifying campaign at least. The MIDs and ATTs we have are what they are but eager to give it a second go. Been a little more stretched for time over the last few weeks but hoping to be out of that the other side of Easter.
A 0-1 loss to Indonesia this morning, not a bad result looking at their squad compared to ours. Most U21s have a quality goalkeeper and we’re back to square one on that front, while also not having loads of striker depth to take them on either! Mash is improving in goal quickly though, he’s already up to very good and there’ll be more competition as more players develop this season. Up front it’ll be Bishop with a rotating cast, see how we go with them but our defence should keep us in a lot of games. With a shift to Welsh players in the league over the last season now too in the short term we might not have the depth of options but in a few seasons time the difference will be noticeable.
I wish you lots of success in tomorrow’s World Championship qualifying match!
Go Cymru!
Go Cymru!
Apologies all - a bit of a manic few weeks in the real world but finally through it now. I've kept an eye on SK, primarily focusing my efforts on the U21s but hadn't been able to get much of a sit down with it yet! A 3-2 win over bottom seeds Thailand to start the campaign off, a good result overall. Most teams will have a better keeper than us so shots that get on goal will probably be an issue in this campaign but will do my best to set up accordingly. 3 points to start though at least!
Cymru 1-5 Portugal
Reverted back to the old 5-2-3 for this one against the group's second seed. Positive that we got another goal given that we're a bit underpowered at striker, obviously not nice to concede 5 but we have an 18yo keeper and I guess he's only going to save so much. Any thoughts from anyone on setting up in these games with Argentina to come as well? Our defenders are comfortably our best players, we're going to struggle to keep the ball in midfield with who we have in the middle of the park but it might be a case of adapting this formation slightly to a version where we have the DM and 4 at the back just to try and make it less of a siege.
Reverted back to the old 5-2-3 for this one against the group's second seed. Positive that we got another goal given that we're a bit underpowered at striker, obviously not nice to concede 5 but we have an 18yo keeper and I guess he's only going to save so much. Any thoughts from anyone on setting up in these games with Argentina to come as well? Our defenders are comfortably our best players, we're going to struggle to keep the ball in midfield with who we have in the middle of the park but it might be a case of adapting this formation slightly to a version where we have the DM and 4 at the back just to try and make it less of a siege.
It's a tough one, we do seem to lack a bit of quality outside of defence. Obviously i can't see the players skills, but i think i'd probably go with the idea of being as tough to beat as possible.
I used the 523 a lot, but i was lucky to have some great defensive players with passing and playmaking, so it kind of worked. I think in the portugal game the mids just seemed to get outclessed. Not good enough to play through the opposition and not enough defensive skills to stop the opposition.
I think i'd focus on some defensive skills in midfield and probably go more to a 532 with a narrow 3 in midfield and two fairly narrow forwards. I think wingers at U21 level are difficult to use. I don't think many have enough skill to really be sucessful at this level; they always have a weakness.
I would prioritise def and pace in the midfield, but try and get as much PM and passing in there; with the hope to counter attack. I wouldn't be that worried about tech unless they can also give the defensive and PM skills. Use the midfield as the first line of defence.
You could also switch to a 433 or 442 with the same kind of philosophy, but again i'd be looking to be tough to beat in the first instance and just hope to nick something on the break. Bishop looks a great player, so at least there is someone to aim for.
I hope that doesn't come across as too pessimistic, but i think you have to be realistic.
That said, its not like i did anything much while U21 manager, so what do i know?
I used the 523 a lot, but i was lucky to have some great defensive players with passing and playmaking, so it kind of worked. I think in the portugal game the mids just seemed to get outclessed. Not good enough to play through the opposition and not enough defensive skills to stop the opposition.
I think i'd focus on some defensive skills in midfield and probably go more to a 532 with a narrow 3 in midfield and two fairly narrow forwards. I think wingers at U21 level are difficult to use. I don't think many have enough skill to really be sucessful at this level; they always have a weakness.
I would prioritise def and pace in the midfield, but try and get as much PM and passing in there; with the hope to counter attack. I wouldn't be that worried about tech unless they can also give the defensive and PM skills. Use the midfield as the first line of defence.
You could also switch to a 433 or 442 with the same kind of philosophy, but again i'd be looking to be tough to beat in the first instance and just hope to nick something on the break. Bishop looks a great player, so at least there is someone to aim for.
I hope that doesn't come across as too pessimistic, but i think you have to be realistic.
That said, its not like i did anything much while U21 manager, so what do i know?
No I think that's completely fair! It's difficult, we had a really good crop of outgoing midfielders, now it's the defence which is strong but we don't really have the players to win 1v1s to move the ball up the pitch. It's just a balance of where they sit - plenty to take forward into next weekend though. If we can hold onto the ball a little better, Mash will concede for sure but the fewer shots at him the fewer will go in I guess. He's the best balanced of our keepers at the moment on GK/Pace together and developing quick, between him Orphan, Bromage and Jacobs it'll be up for grabs between whoever becomes an outstanding choice over the next season or so.
Orphan will get GK training until the last round or two of the league. I'm hoping i can get away with playing Curtis outfield for pace until then. In the week that i play you and Blue together Curtis will have to go back in goal, so keepers will be back to pace.... i think his talent is decent, so it's just about injuries now.