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 an experienced player alongside him. Nelson struggles with his positioning and do not 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 to wonder why. Okoli has done well, not been involved in any shambles and been good. Ben Nelson is the player to remove, if Jannik Vestergaard becomes available again soon. To be honest, Nelson should not be playing if Lascelles or Okoli is available. Hamza Choudhury is another player who can play in this area of the field. Harry Souttar is also a better alternative.
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 the 38 year old is a cover to call on if Jacub is not fit. 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”
