Eye-Witness Accounts From L.A
For a country that has given us the moon landing, powered flight, the computer chip and Steven Seagal, you’d be forgiven for assuming that there couldn’t possibly be anything else our American cousins could think of that could further improve our miserable little lives. Step forward, then, WFRF reader, SeattleSpursGuy, who’s just returned from Los Angeles where he’s been watching the chaps in real life, Dolby surround-sound action. Here’s his comprehensive field report…
Our Man in the USA
*On the practice, I had mentioned Jan V. and he is the real deal. So comfortable with the ball; he could slot into a midfield role in a pinch. The practice was very lively; the lads looked relaxed, but focused on the session. It moved along with a purpose in each phase. AVB was clearly in charge and I saw no signs of any lack of respect for him or his methods. In a word, it looked “professional” out there.
*Two notable things: There was a phase where the nets were set about 20 yards apart: a keeper in each goal and two teams looking to score or defend crosses sent in by Freund and VDV. Gomes made a batch of top class save then did his ankle and limped off. So is Gomes in AVB’s plans? It was a handful of plays but Gomes looked good for those. We shall see. And there was a Bentley sighting. He was acting the fool, running about in some kind of Speedo, Man-Panty get up. What he wears shouldn’t matter much, but since he has reputation for not being serious about his game, the “look at me” outfit seemed a strange choice. But a very good, organized practice over all.
So, the game. 1-1 and some things to consider: It’s a friendly, 5000 miles from home; 90 degree heat for AVB’s 1st game against actual competition, who are a team 20 games into its competitive season. We have 1 striker, and were missing Sandro, Parker and caulker and had youngsters like Kane, Carroll and Townsend coming in; Harry un-favorites Jenas, Bentley and Bassong (playing LB) getting time, and long term injured in Daws and Hudd returning. Yet in blogs and Facebook pages I saw a bunch of moaning about not tearing them apart and romping 7-nil. Those people need to remember what pre-season is for: fitness and learning AVBs’ system. The score doesn’t matter. Chill.
*Vertonghen is the business. All the physical tools and can read the game. Turned back several attacks by simple positioning. Dare I say, King-like? Early days but he is very, very impressive. He and Kaboul show the makings of great partnership. That said, it isn’t there yet. The high line system will take some time to gel. There is a learning curve. Robbie Keane (of all people) beat the high line a few times and would have buried a couple back in his heyday, but this is the learning season and nothing I saw suggests that our CBs won’t have a big season. The rest of the defense was what you’d expect: Walker got forward well and recovered defensively by virtue of his speed; Bassong was something of a liability but was playing LB, so it was understandable, and the defense improved a bunch when Benny came on in the 2nd half.
*So the attack: bit of a cluster really; was it 4-3-3, 4-4-1? I swore it was a 4-6 for a while. We were attacking with verve and Bale, oh my, Bale; no longer a boy. This is a beast of a man, people. This is someone with infinite skill and power, coming into his physical prime. We are very lucky to have this talent and he will have a monster season. And is Bale our new forward? He was wearing #9, which probably means nothing, but he was playing in a very advanced position; kind of an inside left forward. I think AVB will move Bale around the pitch a bit, but it will be with more purpose than Harry’s “run around” idea of tactics. His goal was well taken off a very nice cross from Siggy, one of several the Icelander made…and several he missed. And the absolute sitter he pushed wide for the go-ahead. So, a mixed outing for him but, hey, pre-season and we’re working out the kinks. He is clearly a talent and he will prove that this season.
*So, up front, no surprises; we have JD and nothing else. This made it hard to evaluate the rest of the attack. JD can’t hold the ball or bring in others, so this hampered the overall attack. This isn’t a slam on JD; it’s not a role he is suited for, so it should surprise no one he wasn’t very effective. That said, he spurned a couple of very decent chances, which probably would have buried if he were in form. So it will be the same old JD; worth keeping around, but not a Top Four mainstay striker. The game would have been very different if Ade were in; he would have laid a couple off for Siggy or Bale, so no surprise we seemed a little toothless. I’m sure AVB has noted this and is working on more strikers.
*As for the rest, Dawson and Hudd looked pretty good on their return. Daws defended comfortably, but the MLS is a “hit it long” league and heading the ball out is pure gravy for a player like him. Can he play the way AVB wants? And Thud hit some nice passes, which he can do but his overall slowness was also obvious. I wonder about his role, but I also think if Parker or Sandro were in with him he would have the freedom to make those passes. I want to see more of Big Tom.
*I also want to see more of Carroll; smallish and weak but he has the eye. He can be a player if he bulks up a bit. Townsend looked more assured and he could play a role. Kane, well, he’s eager, but the few times I’ve watched him I don’t why people talk him up. Maybe if I saw some Millwall games I’d get it, but he hasn’t shown much so far in Lilywhite. Time will tell.”
-SeattleSpursGuy
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