Some bits some EPL index...
Spurs attacking transitions
Probe, probe and probe some more…
...Exactly what I been trying to say:
Stop playing Holtby as a #10, and that it should be Dembele over Paulo - who desperately needs a break.
AVB has a lot of work to do.
Spurs attacking transitions
Tottenham’s inefficiency from their historically trademark blistering quick attacking transitions was alarming throughout the game and the first half in particular. Wasteful would be an understatement, embodied by Erik Lamela, who lost possession of the ball a total of 18 times (more than any other player) the majority during his over ambitious dribble attempts in transition.No Spurs’ player looked to take the responsibility of driving the team forward, until the 61st minute introduction of Mousa Dembele who was bright in his attempts to drive transitions forward at pace, attempting 3 dribbles; completing 100% of them. It seems if Tottenham are to become more effective in regards to their attacking transitions the Belgian International is key as he possesses exceptional dribbling ability at speed.
Probe, probe and probe some more…
As harsh is this may sound. Paulinho and Holtby in particular did, well, nothing. Nothing at all. Lewis Holtby playing in the number 10 role touched the ball just 37 times, all in areas which didn’t affect play, created 0 chances from open play and often shied away from any physical contact or duel.
Holtby often vacated his position (shaded area) to play deep and as a result not only fizzled out of the game, but left Roberto Soldado hanging with no link from midfield to attack. As a result, Soldado touched the ball just 28 times (as many touches as goalkeeper Hugo Lloris) and managed 1 shot throughout the game (off target.)
Paulinho also failed to add any quality to the team’s probing play in another inefficient display. 67% of his passes were played sideways with as little risk as could possibly be applied, and with him constantly being found in advanced areas like in the image above, surely he must look to add some creativity into proceedings? The Brazilian International has looked a shell of his former self from the beginning of the season and looks to be suffering from fatigue and a loss of confidence. Consequently, Tottenham were toothless in the middle of the park and lacked any sort of guile in the middle of the pitch as Soldado stood a frustrated, £26 million bystander before he was substituted on the 61st minutes.
...Exactly what I been trying to say:
Stop playing Holtby as a #10, and that it should be Dembele over Paulo - who desperately needs a break.
AVB has a lot of work to do.