Every single team at this level has a defensive midfielder, that doesnāt contribute many goals or assists. The bit I agree with is we donāt need two of them.
6 Likes
Elliott Watt was the best ādefensiveā midfielder in the division last year. He didnāt score a single goalā¦.but he did contribute 15 assists.
Replace ādefensiveā for ādeepā or āholdingā and the picture changes. Those players need to progress the ball even if their strength is breaking up play.
6 Likes
Absolutely.
Elliot Watt is a top player. Far too good for L2.
I mentioned on here we should sign him on loan a few years ago (having watched him play for Wolves U23ās). A few months later he joined Carlisle on loan and had an excellent loan spell there.
2 Likes
Just some stats to back that up, rolled back for the last time this discussion was had 
Just take āKinsellaā out and swap it for " a defensive midfielder". The players around them in this squad might be though.
Threads there and already happened if youāre interested in my replies and posts to that comment 
And for context, you failed to quote the reply to that from @ShropsSaddler which was absolutely spot on 
2 Likes
Absolutely nailed it. Iāve been saying the same on here for about 5 years mate - and met with a lot of pushback!
1 Like
Yep, thereās a world of difference between playing in a deep role as determined by tactical selection, and completely lacking the ability to play forwards. Dean Keates is another example in his Graydon incarnation.
1 Like
I completely agree with the majority of your sentiments Geordie. I can see the utility in playing a defensive midfielder in a team that doesnāt necessarily need to be reliant on creating and scoring yet still can be as equally effective and influential on the teamās performance. The only exception and concession that I would make for this would be someone like Adam Chambers. He did not score or assist much at all in his time with us but I would argue that without him in that Dean Smith team, the success of that team would have been considerably different.
*Edit: I wrote this without seeing your recent post in relation to Adam Chambers @CompletelySaddled
Kinsella poor footballer but with 100 pct effort. Said before would be surprised if he stays in efl. Comley far better
Adam Chambers scored 2 goals in 288 appearances for Walsall. If we can find a fit and younger version I would be delighted.
2 Likes
I donāt see him dropping lower than league 2. Heās a limited, average league 2 player. Does one job very well.
Regardless of this I wish him all the success in the world. If he were to prove me wrong Iād be really happy for him.
1 Like
I think another team in league 2 will pick Kinsella up
Everyone is talking about 1 or 2 of Comley, Stirk and McEntee in front of a back 3, but Riley played in that position (on his own) in the second half on Tuesday night. Wasnāt really pushed by Leamington so canāt really judge his defensive/break-up play, but I thought he made a fist of getting us on the front foot either by a simple pass to Hutch or Milan just in front of him, or spreading it out to the wingbacks or front 2. Made us look a lot more attacking.
If Knowles is MSās first choice at RWB, could this be the niche for Riley?
2 Likes
I wouldnāt absolutely play a Riley there - I think I, and others, are commenting on what Sadler will most likely do.
I donāt think you have to be as cautious when you have 3 at the back.
McEntee didnāt play as a defensive midfielder either.
Played more as a number 8, linked up with Knowles really well on the right hand side and played a big part in DJās goal.
I have my doubts whether he will stay in the efl. Time will tell
The system in both halves was much more a :-
3-1-4-2
Personally and I know most wonāt agree but for me it gives Hutch and the wing backs far more freedom to play if there are 2 holding players.
Two attacking players in the middle and all of a sudden the wing backs have more defensive responsibilities than they would if there are two.
The keys is having holding players not simply defending players.
Stirk and Riley are both capable of playing forwards and defending but I think Sadler is set on McEntee playing alongside Hutch with one behindā¦.
1 Like
Insanity. Simply isnāt good enough to do that in League Two. Glad it worked against Leamington though.
2 Likes
Absolutely this.
To expand, one the last few years (and especially under Flynn) - we had almost a back 5 rather than having wing backs, and then two deep holding players who didnāt want to go forward. So very, very negative.
I could get behind 3142 - but itās very niche and relies a lot on the quality of playersā¦