Listening to Gary Rowett after the 1-3 collapse vs. Queens Park Rangers, it seems he could change both players and system for the next match away to Watford.
The shambles and lack of communication was a key reason for the goals Queens Park Rangers scored. You can blame Jacub Stolarczyk, but he is not the one doing the errors. Ben Nelson is the player to point at. He lacks vital skills in certain situations and struggles to read the game the way he should.
Ben Nelson is not a player to trust as a talisman in the back. He can be in there with a routined player alongside him to guide him, in that back four. However, he seems far from consistent at this level. He struggles with his positioning and struggles to read the game in the way he should. Caleb Okoli is a bit similar to Ben Nelson, but still a much better player in duels and tackles. He is a defender with a previous life in Serie A. Together with a more experienced player, Okoli is a proper option. Listening to people pointing at Caleb Okoli, you start wonder what for. He has done well, not been involved in any shambles and had good games. Ben Nelson is the player to remove. To be honest, he is only an emergency cover if Vestergaard, Lascelles or Okoli are not available. Hamza Choudhury is even a better alternative as a central defender than Ben Nelson.
The goalkeeper situation can also be addressed. At this time, Jacub Stolarczyk is the only solution. Asmir Begovic does not have the same range and is not the shotstopper needed. Jacub might have a distribution problem. You can solve this by sending a clear message from the bench. Tell him to just play the long ball out. Avoid short distribution on the floor.
Continue reading “Gary Rowett’s Tactical Decisions: A Look Ahead”
