|
|
Post by aberbeeg on Aug 30, 2023 13:46:19 GMT
Is Page looking to “save his job” by picking the likes of Moore\ Morell ? No wins in the last 12 moving onto these two games. Playing it safe it seems.
|
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 30, 2023 13:56:54 GMT
Not sure where to start on this squad......echoing what most have said already on here. Where is Harris after being called up to almost every squad over the last year? Perfect chance against Korea. Why even bother with Morrell and Moore? They can only play against Korea, but surely this is a chance for others? Lack of width in the team. Why not Hedges or Matondo to cover James' absence? What exactly has Cullen done to deserve a call up now? Why call up Sheehan over someone like Charlie Savage who's started VERY well in League 1. I lost faith in Page a while ago, but I despair even further with things like this. Thank f*ck I can't be bothered with Korea. Sheehan has 220 EFL appearances to Savage's 20. If we need someone to steady us up and keep things ticking I'd rather play Sheehan. Perhaps if we're chasing a maverick goal then maybe the youngster would be a better option. I'd have called up both with the intention of starting Sheehan against Latfia personally |
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 30, 2023 13:58:07 GMT
Struggling to follow some of this - 'so you have restricted yourself to Bradshaw (mmm), Cullen (ffs - nowhere near international level!) or Broadhead (he is ok but average)' - are you talking about off the bench options? Yeah I definitely think we should have taken another forward, but I think it would be the wrong time to recall Colwill - who's only just starting to find his feet after a really poor season, so I'd prefer that he continues to knuckle down and be the main man for the u21s. I don't think it's a massive shock that Matondo (who still hasn't started a league game this season let's not forget) is excluded, I think he has a lot mor to prove - a decent argument could be made for or against, but I do think it's a mistake not to bring in a replacement for James - Hedges would have been the other obvious candidate. So I take your point that the bench will be pretty shocking, but even had a Matondo or Hedges been called up, the likes of Broadhead and Bradshaw would probably have had stronger claims to be the impact sub options. So I'm not sure this reaction is warranted tbh Respect your opinion and the fact that Colwill and Matando are finding their feet but they have shown good, very decisive moments and that is all we need from a bench. Latvia are 1-0 up against us - you'd prefer Colwill to innovate something - first time shot or first time pass. We are 1-0 up and Latvia are coming at us - Matando's pace on the break (other side to Brennan or even replacing him late on) would concern Latvia. Those other bench option just don't have that do they? You may have seen Cullen, Bradshaw and Broadhead far more than me but when I have seen them they do not produce special moments. Broadhead's goal versus Croatia was great but it was poor from Croatia not to mark him. I am not arguing about him as one of the bench options - but we need variety and the fact Page does not seem to recognise that really confirms to my mind that he is hapless as a coach. Just my opinion and I may be totally wrong but I am not looking forward to Latvia! The squad was selected before Matondo & Colwill scored their recent goals. When the squad was selected neither had done anything of note worthy of a call up. Important to remember that. 2 weeks ago no one on here was putting Colwill or Matondo in their predicted squads so it's nothing to get angry about imo |
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 30, 2023 13:58:45 GMT
The keeper situation is dire and a massive concern but I'm not sure what else Page can do at the moment although calling up a kid for squad experience wouldn't a bad idea rather than the same guys each time, they're not going to all play. Defence is where I think we're probably strongest now if they're assembled properly and the team is set up right, can't fault his selection here. I wouldn't have called up Morrell, he's suspended for a game and last time out against Latvia he came on and nearly threw it away for us, he hasn't exactly covered himself in glory since then. Slightly unpopular opinion but I don't really see the point in calling up Sheehan. If we don't call up Sheehan who do we start vs Latfia? |
|
|
|
Post by marsvolta on Aug 30, 2023 13:59:15 GMT
Is Page looking to “save his job” by picking the likes of Moore\ Morell ? No wins in the last 12 moving onto these two games. Playing it safe it seems. He won’t save his job by picking Morrell and Moore. Even if those two did contribute to helping us beat Korea, I doubt that would help his case if we lose to Latvia |
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 30, 2023 15:57:28 GMT
Anyone still think we are not in a transitional period?
Our squad is shite, hopefully he’s focusing on building with the under 21s
|
|
|
|
Post by hooky on Aug 30, 2023 16:10:36 GMT
Why hasn't the U21 squad been announced?
Anything to worry about?
|
|
|
|
Post by hooky on Aug 30, 2023 18:32:48 GMT
Matando picked for Rangers critical European tie vs PSV Eindhoven but not good enough for Wales.
mmmm
|
|
|
|
Post by jbt95 on Aug 30, 2023 18:36:05 GMT
Anyone still think we are not in a transitional period? We aren’t in transition when our least capped player in a starting XI has played in 2 major tournaments! |
|
|
|
Post by surge on Aug 30, 2023 18:40:15 GMT
GK - x4
RB - x2
RCB - x4 (plus Ampadu)
LCB - arguably x0, arguably x2
LB - arguably x0, arguably x2
CM - x3 (plus Jordan James, Morrell suspended for Latvia)
RM - x5
AM - x1
LM - x1
ST - x4 (Kieffer suspended for Latvia)
Not going to lie, I had hoped we would enter this phase after this Euros but injury, certain players not making the step-up and maybe something else too making this really tough ask for us.
Maybe something else too? Well German football are having serious conversations at the moment about not having developed a center-forward for the national team, but this is probably a separate topic.
|
|
|
|
Post by hooky on Aug 30, 2023 19:10:47 GMT
Comment from tonight's game:
That's the first sign of Rabbi Matondo's pace causing PSV bother. The wee Welshman scampered away down the left and you could see the defenders panic.
|
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 30, 2023 19:12:27 GMT
Matando picked for Rangers critical European tie vs PSV Eindhoven but not good enough for Wales. mmmm Literally wasn't even starting for them when the squad was picked. Chill |
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 30, 2023 19:41:32 GMT
I think when we first started phasing out the 2016 players we had a promising crop coming through who we thought would compliment the old guard well up until their retirement (they sort of have as they got us to two tournaments). However, now that the 2016 group have moved on for the most part, I think it's fair to say the majority of the younger group coming though (come through 2018-2020) haven't quite lived up to the hype
Ampadu - Think we all saw him as a top flight player in the making, and looks like that won't happen until next season at the earliest, although I do expect him to reach his potential
Brooks - Through no fault of him own has been held back. Still think he will reach his potential
Woodburn - We thought he'd be in that Brooks/Ampadu level, but looks like he'll be a Champ level player at most
Mepham - Championship is his level, but I think that's about what we expected
Wilson - I think he'll plateau as being a low end PL player, but might yo-yo a fair bit
Rodon - Had hoped he would be a bit better in the PL, and still may play a few more games there one day, but no more than that
Connor - Has fulfilled his potential
Ward - Massive let down, no longer looks to be the heir to Hennessey
Smith - Not an international level option
Tyler - Very big disappointment after a lot of promise under Bielsa. Not an international level option
DJ - Has probably outperformed his hype in some ways, but that technical improvement we hoped for never came
Morrell - Think we thought he'd be a Champ level mid. Could do it but won't be anything more than that
Matondo - Only 22 so time is on his side. Promising start to the season, but can only see him being a Champ level forward
Then we've had another batch coming up under them (coming through 2021-2023), and again for the most part we haven't seen them kick on and fulfill the promise
Levitt - A lot of promise, but seems a bit stuck in the Scottish pyramid. Not sure what will happen next for him
Cabango - Fast rise and early plateau. I think he'll end up getting a fair few caps as a solid Champ level CB
Colwill - If you asked me a month ago I'd have been pessimistic, but promising signs recently. Still think he's capable of being a Premier League player one day
Neco - The best of this batch. Looks like he'll have a decent PL career. Championship at worst
RND - Injuries held him back at the worst time. Could be having a debut PL season. Let's see how he bounces back
JJ - Concerning that he's being moved out of CM, a position of concern. A lot of games under his belt, so I think he'll come good. Might need a loan tho in the end
Broadhead - Late bloomer, but very encouraged by his performances at Champ level. I think he could end up being a better player than DJ and have a good Wales career
Harris - Jury is out. All promise and no pudding at the moment
Cooper - Not really sure what to expect of him tbh
Compare this to our Euro 2016 squad where we had 4 stars in Bale, Ramsey, Davies & Allen, supplemented with a solid PL contingent - Ash, Chester, Wayne, Taylor, Ledley, Vokes, Hal. It's disappointing to see we don't have the PL regulars of old, but that's just the level we're at now and I think we need to adjust our expectations
|
|
|
|
Post by iot on Aug 30, 2023 19:58:49 GMT
Comment from tonight's game: That's the first sign of Rabbi Matondo's pace causing PSV bother. The wee Welshman scampered away down the left and you could see the defenders panic. I watched a fair bit of that first half. Rabbi had a great turn and run that the comment refers to in your post, but has had a 'mare since then where the PSV full back has had his number. He seemed drained of confidence towards the end of the half |
|
|
|
Post by cogancoronation31 on Aug 30, 2023 21:09:32 GMT
Rangers hammered 5-1 in the end, and Rabbi substituted five minutes from time.
|
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 30, 2023 22:19:31 GMT
Anyone still think we are not in a transitional period? We aren’t in transition when our least capped player in a starting XI has played in 2 major tournaments! Are you fucking mental we’ve lost one of the best internationals in the world along with our best playmaker and our other top talent is on his way out. Name 3 players that are as good as them and are a straight swap and I’ll agree with you? Jordan James? Luke Harris? 😂 It’s such a one eye view that this is pages fault. Unbelievable. We’ve got NO better players!! |
|
|
|
Post by jimexotic on Aug 30, 2023 22:34:59 GMT
The keeper situation is dire and a massive concern but I'm not sure what else Page can do at the moment although calling up a kid for squad experience wouldn't a bad idea rather than the same guys each time, they're not going to all play. Defence is where I think we're probably strongest now if they're assembled properly and the team is set up right, can't fault his selection here. I wouldn't have called up Morrell, he's suspended for a game and last time out against Latvia he came on and nearly threw it away for us, he hasn't exactly covered himself in glory since then. Slightly unpopular opinion but I don't really see the point in calling up Sheehan. If we don't call up Sheehan who do we start vs Latfia? That is a very good question, even with Sheehan, it highlights the mess that that position has become. I'm 40 and I can't ever recall a time where central midfield has looked so bleak. I just think with how we're set up we'd need a big performer to come in alongside Ampadu, someone who will use the ball economically and wisely. I love Ramsey but he isn't going to do that, he's often looking for things that would work with better players. We're in a real mess when it comes to central midfield because there's nobody I'd trust right now to come in and give us what we need, not Sheehan, not Jordan James, as much as I love the idea not Savage. Whoever comes in is more likely to end up looking basic as hell, chasing shadows, getting caught in possession and it's not just because of their ability but how we seem to set up now, with the exception of Dan James I've seen nobody in our team recently that is able to make something happen, give the opposition something to worry about and relieve the pressure from us and I include Brennan and Ramsey in that. We're just not set up to bring out the strengths of certain players, we look diluted, basic and predictable. To answer your question, as dumb as this may sound, I'd go with Charlie Savage. I don't think he'd do any worse than Sheehan, Levitt, Smith, Morrell, J. James and I think he might step up and look the part. I'm basing that a lot on his dad, the youth teams he played and developed in and his desire and ambition to play for Wales, my gut says that he'd put in a better performance than any of the others. |
|
|
|
Post by fiveattheback on Aug 30, 2023 23:08:56 GMT
The four keepers thing is almost certainly as a back up in case Wayne doesn’t make it, agree that it would be better to bring a youngster in though. Although correct, that's one of the most depressing pars I've ever read on Apostle. Hoping that Nottingham Forest's 36 year old 3rd choice keeper can make it. Has it really come to this? Fuck it, call up George Ratcliffe of Pontypridd or something. Nathan Shephard is playing at Dundalk isn't he? That's a decent level |
|
|
|
Post by aberbeeg on Aug 31, 2023 6:00:02 GMT
We aren’t in transition when our least capped player in a starting XI has played in 2 major tournaments! Are you fucking mental we’ve lost one of the best internationals in the world along with our best playmaker and our other top talent is on his way out. Name 3 players that are as good as them and are a straight swap and I’ll agree with you? Jordan James? Luke Harris? 😂 It’s such a one eye view that this is pages fault. Unbelievable. We’ve got NO better players!! Many poor teams over the years have done a lot more than expected with a good manager. Unfortunately we have a very very limited manager that has been exposed by his opposition on numerous times. We may not have the likes of Bale to win us games anymore BUT having such an average manager certainly isn’t/ hasn’t helped us. |
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 31, 2023 6:34:27 GMT
Are you fucking mental we’ve lost one of the best internationals in the world along with our best playmaker and our other top talent is on his way out. Name 3 players that are as good as them and are a straight swap and I’ll agree with you? Jordan James? Luke Harris? 😂 It’s such a one eye view that this is pages fault. Unbelievable. We’ve got NO better players!! Many poor teams over the years have done a lot more than expected with a good manager. Unfortunately we have a very very limited manager that has been exposed by his opposition on numerous times. We may not have the likes of Bale to win us games anymore BUT having such an average manager certainly isn’t/ hasn’t helped us. Name one welsh team that has? We haven’t got a decent side we need younger players making their mark at club level and being brought through the system. At the moment there is no exciting talent like your bale, Allen, Ramsey, Hennessy look what those guys did at under 21 level. Less so bale as he was too good. |
|
|
|
Post by jbt95 on Aug 31, 2023 7:12:21 GMT
We aren’t in transition when our least capped player in a starting XI has played in 2 major tournaments! Are you fucking mental we’ve lost one of the best internationals in the world along with our best playmaker and our other top talent is on his way out. Name 3 players that are as good as them and are a straight swap and I’ll agree with you? Jordan James? Luke Harris? 😂 It’s such a one eye view that this is pages fault. Unbelievable. We’ve got NO better players!! Yea but it’s not like Bale, Allen & Ramsey played every single minute of every single game for years on end. There were plenty of games where Allen and Bale were missing in 2021 & 2022. |
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 31, 2023 7:19:08 GMT
Are you fucking mental we’ve lost one of the best internationals in the world along with our best playmaker and our other top talent is on his way out. Name 3 players that are as good as them and are a straight swap and I’ll agree with you? Jordan James? Luke Harris? 😂 It’s such a one eye view that this is pages fault. Unbelievable. We’ve got NO better players!! Yea but it’s not like Bale, Allen & Ramsey played every single minute of every single game for years on end. There were plenty of games where Allen and Bale were missing in 2021 & 2022. Yes when we had a fit Hennessy, Ledley, edwards, ash, chester, Davies, Taylor, Gunter We had great players surrounded by good players Now we have a few good players surrounded by mediocre |
|
|
|
Post by jbt95 on Aug 31, 2023 7:48:10 GMT
Yea but it’s not like Bale, Allen & Ramsey played every single minute of every single game for years on end. There were plenty of games where Allen and Bale were missing in 2021 & 2022. Yes when we had a fit Hennessy, Ledley, edwards, ash, chester, Davies, Taylor, Gunter We had great players surrounded by good players Now we have a few good players surrounded by mediocre Those players have not played for years (other than Wayne H) |
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 31, 2023 7:53:55 GMT
Yes when we had a fit Hennessy, Ledley, edwards, ash, chester, Davies, Taylor, Gunter We had great players surrounded by good players Now we have a few good players surrounded by mediocre Those players have not played for years (other than Wayne H) Hennessy, Davies, Gunter, bale, a good ramsey, Allen We’ve lost them regardless so seems silly point to make that they didn’t always play. Bale won most games on his own and he played. |
|
|
|
Post by allezlesrouges on Aug 31, 2023 8:13:12 GMT
Apparently Levitt would have been in instead of Sheehan if Levitt wasn't injured. That does inspire me even less, as I had assumed Sheehan was in because he was the next best option after Morrell at this point, but apparently Levitt is rated higher which surprises me
|
|
|
|
Post by jimexotic on Aug 31, 2023 8:18:19 GMT
Apparently Levitt would have been in instead of Sheehan if Levitt wasn't injured. That does inspire me even less, as I had assumed Sheehan was in because he was the next best option after Morrell at this point, but apparently Levitt is rated higher which surprises me It's bleak isn't it. I can't remember feeling so unenthusiastic about our midfield options. |
|
|
|
Post by njdragon on Aug 31, 2023 8:18:31 GMT
Why no sorba?
Has something happened? He’s playing regular and wasn’t included on the last squad
|
|
|
|
Post by jimexotic on Aug 31, 2023 8:23:36 GMT
Why no sorba? Has something happened? He’s playing regular and wasn’t included on the last squad I'm not really following him closely this season but I'm guessing he's been pretty quiet in a truly awful Huddersfield team. No idea what his attitude is like at the moment but I know he ruffled a few feathers last season and I've seen him post without thinking on social media on a number of occasions. The whole vibe of the team, the sqaud, Together Stronger, it just seems to have vanished, no big players, big personalities, it's all too passive. |
|
|
|
Post by dai on Aug 31, 2023 8:36:45 GMT
Apparently Levitt would have been in instead of Sheehan if Levitt wasn't injured. That does inspire me even less, as I had assumed Sheehan was in because he was the next best option after Morrell at this point, but apparently Levitt is rated higher which surprises me No surprises about this. Of course he's going to pick Levitt if fit. He doesn't pick or play players based on form or experience. There's no logic, and never has been. |
|
|
|
Post by garynysmon on Aug 31, 2023 8:38:24 GMT
Although correct, that's one of the most depressing pars I've ever read on Apostle. Hoping that Nottingham Forest's 36 year old 3rd choice keeper can make it. Has it really come to this? Fuck it, call up George Ratcliffe of Pontypridd or something. Nathan Shephard is playing at Dundalk isn't he? That's a decent level Very true. But if we’re going to pick a fourth choice keeper that’s not going to play anyway, I’d rather see the Cymru Premier get the rub if the League of Ireland is the alternative. The lad has 9 U21 caps and is only 22 so he’s no scrub. |
|
