Physicality problem, especially midfield

The_Bhoy · Jan 31, 2025

Leone Naka Fan said: ↑

OK about height (but we adored Brown who was the same as Iwata), but people were noticing his buff arms. He was well built and had pace. A taller DM might not have that, and with our CB-s last night, a quick DM could have helped stop goal number 3.

Best solution to the problem would be a CB with lots of experience at DM, because we will only occasionally need a DM.
Click to expand...

When’s Ajers contract expire?

The_Bhoy · Jan 31, 2025

Taz said: ↑

Two thoughts on this.

Xavi & Iniesta are both 5'7 - not exactly 'phyisically imposing, but that didn't stop them from winning 8 or 9 La Ligas, 4 Champions League titles, 2 Euros and a World Cup, side by side in CM.

On the other hand, not everyone is Xavi and Iniesta.
Click to expand...

Busquets behind though definitely helped them get on with their jobs

The_Bhoy · Jan 31, 2025

Mr Shelby said: ↑

I also see this said a lot though, that getting a player who fits the description is going to be difficult. It may be but I don't think it's impossible. I just feel as though we obviously don't view it as a concern, which is strange.

I think we'd all take any of those players you mentioned there but they were very elite level. I'd take cannavaro or Baresi at 5ft 9 for CB but at our level we won't find someone with their ability and at that height within our budget. Or anywhere tbh as those players are so few and far between and generational talents. We need to be able to even the playing field at European level and a few more aggressive, physical players would help with that.

You've even said yourself there that this argument always comes up against teams with more resources and that's why we need to try and be more aggressive or defensive at times as the technical players we can afford will always be outmatched by 80% of UCL opponents. There needs to be a balance for us. These teams now not only have better technical players as they always have, but physicality wise too. Whereas in days gone by we could always be relied upon to at least trump sides on the latter. Now we don't and regularly get bullied. You even see it happen domestically at times.

Right now we have some good technical players but I think what people are asking for is just one different option. Plenty of teams across Europe have it, not just the very best. I don't even think a monster or a brick shithouse, whatever term you want to use, is needed. We just need a player or two who can win a tackle or a second ball or header in the middle of the park. Help screen the defence a bit. Right now we have noone capable of that. It's a glaring inbalance.

Even brugge, the guy Onyedika would be the type we should be scouting for. Good engine, strong and aggressive. I'd be astonished if we can't find some options that fit that description. European football is full of these types of guys and we currently struggle to match it at times.

Doesn't need to be Makelele reincarnate. There's a difference between an out and out CDM who's all about defending, and having a CM who is capable defensively, can get about the pitch and track runners/pick up 2nd balls. I'd like to think we could find a player who fits that role as that's more what's needed. For me.
Click to expand...

To be fair after 1 or 2 games I thought Soro was gonna be the next kante

Mr Shelby · Jan 31, 2025

PaulM1888 said: ↑

I wouldn’t be adverse to signing the next Wanyama, obviously, but it’s not the cure for all our ills is basically what I’m getting at.

Not every successful side has a 6 foot 4 18 stone African at holding centre mid. If you watch Engels Bundesliga highlights, for example, you’ll see someone more than capable of doing the physical tackling side of a centre mids game but also with the technical ability to start attacks thereafter. He’s shown that in flashes at Celtic and with time he will get better.
Click to expand...

Aye I don't think we need a 6ft 4 brick shithouse though that's kinda what I'm saying. I don't think an out and out CDM is gonna be bought by Rodgers.

What we do need is someone with at least some defensive nous and ability to put a tackle in. We don't have that atm.

I thjnk he sees a different future for Engels. Could be wrong. And regardless we'd need someone who's maybe a bit more prepared for the here and now.

celtic warrior · Jan 31, 2025

Luis1967 said: ↑

The two you’ve named wouldn’t cope with that on Wednesday.

Although we do lack physicality in certain areas I thought we actually got stuck in a bit at times on Wednesday especially after we got a goal back. They didn’t like it either. Seemed to stop it second half though.
Click to expand...

Mate Rogic talent wasn't just his ability to hit a ball.

Fitness was his down fall but he was otherwise a very good physical player and was hardly weak on the ball.

I will always defer back to the absolute chaos he was causing with his pace and pressing against Man City and his ability on the ball that clearly showed physically he was a specimen. Just after 65 minutes he was blowing out of his *

JC Anton · Jan 31, 2025

What was noticeable is how quickly we turned over possession v Villa..

Don't think there's an easy answer to that tbh, without a change in tactics and ethos.. as long as we try and play our own game v teams who have better players we'll likely come up short.

We lost an incredible amount of 50/50s too..

constant · Jan 31, 2025

JC Anton said: ↑

What was noticeable is how quickly we turned over possession v Villa..

Don't think there's an easy answer to that tbh, without a change in tactics and ethos.. as long as we try and play our own game v teams who have better players we'll likely come up short.

We lost an incredible amount of 50/50s too..
Click to expand...

Same thing happened in the Hun Cup Final and 3-0 game at Ibrox. Needs addressed and quickly.
Either sign a monster DM or play two DM's.

Leone Naka Fan · Jan 31, 2025

The_Bhoy said: ↑

When’s Ajers contract expire?
Click to expand...

One * of a shout. Home grown at club as well.

The_Bhoy · Jan 31, 2025

Leone Naka Fan said: ↑

One * of a shout. Home grown at club as well.
Click to expand...

That’s how we roll, sell them and get em back for peanuts

Physicality problem, especially midfield

The_Bhoy

The_Bhoy

The_Bhoy

Mr Shelby Moderator Moderator Gold Member

celtic warrior

JC Anton Get yer, hats, scarfs badges & tapes

constant

Leone Naka Fan

The_Bhoy