I was thinking if, and that's a big if for now, Lamela comes in, could it spell the end for Lennon?
I’ve always thought that Lennon's style of play isn’t too suited to a 4-3-3 (he doesn’t cross well, he doesn’t shoot well or often enough and he doesn’t read the other attackers particularly well) and it really showed on Sunday when he made good runs but took way too much time to release the ball.
Don't get me wrong, I like the fella a lot and his tracking back to help out Walker is superb I just think that his time might have come, especially if we get Willian as well.
If we'll get our targets, in my opinion we'll be lining up like this with lots of rotation in midfield (Sandro, Capoue and Holtby).
Chadli--------------Soldado---------------Lamela
----------------------Willian-----------------------
----------Dembele-------------Paulinho----------
I'd love Lennon to stay, since he'd be a major threat coming in running at knackered defenders for the last 20 minutes of a difficult game but I doubt he'll accept a place on the bench with a World Cup coming up.
What's your opinion on the matter?
The end for Lennon?
posted on 21/8/13
Well we can't afford to keep haemorrhaging HG players - there are much bigger candidates than Lennon in that respect. Defoe, Naughton for two
posted on 21/8/13
I agree, letting Townsend go on loan last year was a big mistake as we had no similar cover.
If Lamela and Willian come in, and hit the ground running, Lennon and/or Townsend will almost certainly be left on the bench or will look to leave. And this is all assuming Bale is going!
posted on 21/8/13
comment by Vertonghen Groove *100% WUM free* (U1546)
posted 31 minutes ago
Sounds good as a fan...but whether Siggy, Lennon and Townsend would be happy not playing in the PL is another thing
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Obviously that was the simple solution.
Players are in form, out of form, injured. It will change throughout the season. If you play well you'll keep your place.
At the end of the season you assess, or even January. Are Lamela/Chadli a success? Has Lennon upped his game? Is Townsend good enough.
posted on 21/8/13
I think based on last season where he got a run of games and looked very dangerous, has been impressive this pre-season and I think he can make the step up, AVB sees him more so I trust his opinion,
I'm a fan of Andros :
posted on 21/8/13
With a World Cup next year, everyone will be looking to get every possible chance to impress...being seen as a squad player or second choice isn't going to get you on the plane.
There are players making tactical moves this year to ensure they get regular first team action, I've no doubt ours will be any different, whether it fits our plans or not.
posted on 21/8/13
Lennon barely gets a sniff for England even if he is playing well for us.
He could be absolute dynamite for a club he goes to, almost certainly a big step down in terms of stature, and he won't get near it - Hodgson is a brand man.
At the end of the day he's under contract. If he stays, he can either:
A) Sulk, not get in the team, and have zero chance if going to Brazil.
B) Play his way in and give himself the best opportunity he can
posted on 21/8/13
Worst case, he isn't getting a game come January. He could either be sold then, or loaned out. Ditto Townsend, or even Chadli.
Until we know where we stand with the new boys, we'd be cutting off our noses to sell now
posted on 21/8/13
Thudd
In general, Lennon is usually underrated. Even in our last game - he won the penalty that proved decisive, he created the best chance of the first half for Chadli, he created a reasonable chance for Soldado (though perhaps should've cut it back to Siggy). And as has already been mentioned, he provides fantastic defensive cover.
However, we can't overlook his lack of goals. Particularly if we lose Bale, and particularly if we go 4-3-3. We need all our front players to be chipping in with goals, and sadly that's something we just can't rely on Lennon providing.
I hope he goes nowhere, he's an important part of our team and can help unlock defenses (particularly on the break), but I'm not sure that once all our business is done, he'll be considered 'first choice'.
posted on 21/8/13
Lennon is an excellent first teamer and even better sub
posted on 21/8/13
I have always been a Lennon fan because I think opponents worry about his pace so much. I have lost count of the amount of players that have been booked or sent of trying to stop him BUT over 8 years at a club is a long time in the modern game and I think he will be a casualty this season.
I doubt if he is tht worried about the WC be logical. If he goes he wont get a game, England will be their normal crap selves and it will be 3 weeks less holiday he gets. I know if I were him I would not be bothered one way or another.