Completely agree, Houghton.
But overall it looks quite a strong team from Trap. I'd have went with Long instead of Doyle, I don't think Doyle would work as well with Keano as Long would.
Its madness that Doyle keeps his place in the starting 11 despite falling well off form this past year. Just makes no sense, what does it say to the other players pushing him to start, despite how well they do they just wont start ahead of Doyle???
On current form and over the past year Doyle should actually be 5th coice striker behind Walters, Long and Cox. Its these small differences that'll cost us. Walters should surely start against the Croats but we know he wont Doyle will and he'll do nothing???
Its these small differences that'll cost us.
---------------------------------------
Cost us what exactly? Winning the tournament? Objectively looking at Ireland's players what would you expect them to achieve?
Now, don't get me wrong, if I was picking the team from Ireland's available players I wouldn't pick the same team as Trapattoni but for the first time in 10 years and only the 2nd time since 1994 (and imho with players who aren't the same quality as a lot of our previous unsuccessful squads) we're at a major tournament, why are we looking for negatives?! He's had sections of the media on his back from practically day one and yet despite this has moved Ireland from 41st to 18th ranked team in the world controversially losing a WC qualifier before winning one to earn Ireland a place in the last 16 in Europe. Does he pick the best Irish players? Not always in my opinion. Does he pick the best Irish team? It's hard to argue otherwise.
Cost us our chances of being competitive! Doyle isnt contributing on a par with Long or Walters, even Trap said after last nights game that we were more dangerous when we brought walters on as he takes pressure off the midfield with his excellent strength and hold up play. Doyle and keane are too similar and make the same runs and drop deep and wide except keane is prolific and Doyle isnt! Doyle needs dropping, the Ireland team (like any team) needs to be picked on form, to just pick the same 11 for 2 years is far too simplistic and we struggled badly last night in the first half with this formation! Team needs freshening up and to discard Walters, Long and McClean from the starting 11 on the basis that htis current 11 formed the mainstay of the team in qualifiers is cutting off our noses and we'll be caught out against the big boys!! Simple as that...
Big Walters and Long could, if given the chance, really blossom at this tournie, especially Walters, he must be the Republic's find of the season! I think Trapp is playing cute, theres no way hes going to leave Walters out. Big Walt is just the boy to unsettle the likes of Italy and Spain. Trapp will play him! The Republic will go for fast, direct footy, thank the Lord! I expect them to make extensive use of the wingers, McClean and McGeady who will both be told that they must double back more or lose their places. The Republic could cause a shock at this tournament which I believe will mark the end of the current fashion for "Basketball Soccer" and the ushering in of a more direct style. I fancy France, Germany, England, Ukraine and maybe Holland to do well.
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Time to stand up and be counted Kevin Doyle
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posted on 4/6/12
Completely agree, Houghton.
But overall it looks quite a strong team from Trap. I'd have went with Long instead of Doyle, I don't think Doyle would work as well with Keano as Long would.
posted on 4/6/12
Its madness that Doyle keeps his place in the starting 11 despite falling well off form this past year. Just makes no sense, what does it say to the other players pushing him to start, despite how well they do they just wont start ahead of Doyle???
On current form and over the past year Doyle should actually be 5th coice striker behind Walters, Long and Cox. Its these small differences that'll cost us. Walters should surely start against the Croats but we know he wont Doyle will and he'll do nothing???
posted on 5/6/12
Its these small differences that'll cost us.
---------------------------------------
Cost us what exactly? Winning the tournament? Objectively looking at Ireland's players what would you expect them to achieve?
Now, don't get me wrong, if I was picking the team from Ireland's available players I wouldn't pick the same team as Trapattoni but for the first time in 10 years and only the 2nd time since 1994 (and imho with players who aren't the same quality as a lot of our previous unsuccessful squads) we're at a major tournament, why are we looking for negatives?! He's had sections of the media on his back from practically day one and yet despite this has moved Ireland from 41st to 18th ranked team in the world controversially losing a WC qualifier before winning one to earn Ireland a place in the last 16 in Europe. Does he pick the best Irish players? Not always in my opinion. Does he pick the best Irish team? It's hard to argue otherwise.
posted on 5/6/12
Cost us our chances of being competitive! Doyle isnt contributing on a par with Long or Walters, even Trap said after last nights game that we were more dangerous when we brought walters on as he takes pressure off the midfield with his excellent strength and hold up play. Doyle and keane are too similar and make the same runs and drop deep and wide except keane is prolific and Doyle isnt! Doyle needs dropping, the Ireland team (like any team) needs to be picked on form, to just pick the same 11 for 2 years is far too simplistic and we struggled badly last night in the first half with this formation! Team needs freshening up and to discard Walters, Long and McClean from the starting 11 on the basis that htis current 11 formed the mainstay of the team in qualifiers is cutting off our noses and we'll be caught out against the big boys!! Simple as that...
posted on 6/6/12
Big Walters and Long could, if given the chance, really blossom at this tournie, especially Walters, he must be the Republic's find of the season! I think Trapp is playing cute, theres no way hes going to leave Walters out. Big Walt is just the boy to unsettle the likes of Italy and Spain. Trapp will play him! The Republic will go for fast, direct footy, thank the Lord! I expect them to make extensive use of the wingers, McClean and McGeady who will both be told that they must double back more or lose their places. The Republic could cause a shock at this tournament which I believe will mark the end of the current fashion for "Basketball Soccer" and the ushering in of a more direct style. I fancy France, Germany, England, Ukraine and maybe Holland to do well.
Page 1 of 1