Left Back

[Salopian]

I admit that I wasn't able to hear the commentary or see any high/low lights. What I have picked up is the manager's expressed disappointment at conceding sloppy goals again from failure to concentrate.

The names mentioned were Bassong and Olsson, at fault for the first and second goals respectively, although others may also have been at fault. Both the two players are vastly experienced, so it is a little surprising.

I make no comment about Bassong, but I make the observation that Olsson has a little history of this. After his family bereavement early in the season, it was not surprising that his mind wandered a little, but it seems to have gone on, and it was his seeming lack of concentration and failure to get into proper position which has cost us quite a few goals and some points.

I am not hammering him, and I was relieved when he didn't sign for WBA in January, but I wonder if it is time to give him a rest and let Garrido have a turn? I am not suggesting for the next two (big) games necessarily, because normally I rate Olsson well above Garrido and it could be a difficult decision.

It could be that the manager will be able to work on Olsson's positioning, and solve the occasional problem, but Alex Neil is clearly concerned about the issue of giving away goals.

 

[Canaryboy]

The unwillingness of Hughton, Adams and now Neil to use Garrido make me wonder whether something has gone on with him behind the scenes. He should, on paper, be an excellent player for a club at this level. I'm surprised he hasn't been used more.

 

[morty]

Its tricky (to quote Run DMC)

Olsson is a better player than Garrido, but its obvious his head isn't right.

In theory Garrido could walk into the team, but isn't.

But the managers hand may be forced, Olsson is making too many errors.

If he is dropped It wouldn't surprise me if we never saw him again.

 

[Beauseant]

The reason Olsson stays in is because of his attacking flair which Garrido can't replicate. He's a liability defensively but with Johnson on the left side of midfield he's needed as an overlapping player.

 

[Canaryboy]

The reason Olsson stays in is because of his attacking flair which Garrido can't replicate. He's a liability defensively but with Johnson on the left side of midfield he's needed as an overlapping player.

That actually makes perfect sense.

 

[Wiz]

AN doesn't do diplomacy, he tells players the facts to their faces as he see's it.. ..that'll do me nicely!  

 

[splutcho]

Wiz has got a man crush on Alex Neil 

 

[Beauseant]

So have I! :wub:

 

[Wiz]

Wiz has got a man crush on Alex Neil 

That I do my friend, I had it with Lambert too!

 

[Monty13]

The reason Olsson stays in is because of his attacking flair which Garrido can't replicate. He's a liability defensively but with Johnson on the left side of midfield he's needed as an overlapping player.

I don't have anything to back it up other than what I have seen, but imo Garrido is the much better crosser of the ball. I always assumed Olsson is keeping him out because Garrido just doesn't seem to be able to deal with pace.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

The unwillingness of Hughton, Adams and now Neil to use Garrido make me wonder whether something has gone on with him behind the scenes. He should, on paper, be an excellent player for a club at this level. I'm surprised he hasn't been used more.

Im not sure Hughton really rated Garrido, rememebr reading someones posts on here or that other site after we'd signed Olsson, but were still playing Garrido that they had been sat in earshot of Hughton and he was very critical about Garrido's game.

I like Garrido, but I think its a simple as Olsson is just the better player and last year never did anything to warrant being dropped.

Hughton (I think) did try and play him at centre-mid in one game and gave up. Think if there were problems with him he wouldnt have tried that

 

[Canaryboy]

Left mid I think it was, remember that game. Garrido was terrible there and lasted half a game, if we are thinking of the same game.

In fairness to Garrido it says more about Hughton that he'd play Garrido left wing with Olsson at left back, rather than vice-versa, seeing as Olsson can actually play left midfield and has done for Sweden.

 

[The Great Mass Debater]

Yeah, I think its more the pace issue. Olsson has the pace to attack and get back and also defend, Garrido doesnt. Think the idea would be Garrido could still offer his delivery and that Olsson would also be able to attack, but that this wouldnt be the case the other way around

 

[eatonparkboy]

To be honest, I think Ollson has been awful since he arrived and I think we wanted to believe that he was such a top player because he was a Swedish international. But Elmander played and scored for Sweden when he was with us so that means nothing.

Garrido cannot be any more of a ball watcher than Ollson which is why he is always on the wrong side of his man. And all our full backs have a tendency to give the ball away. It's just where they do it that is more important.

 

[Safri15]

Surely with Garrido at left back and Olsson at left wing, if and when Garrido goes forward Olsson can drop back and cover him, and vice versa. I would quite like to see them both play and just say you are both on the left, no specifics on who is doing which job. One forward with the other covering the defensive duties at all times. Would take some work on the training ground to ensure they are both on the same page, but I think this could be very effective.

Garrido does have a quality cross on him and seem to remember him being a bit of a dead ball specialist. We desperately need a corner taker that can deliver a decent ball consistently (other than O'Neil), so really would like to see Garrido on the pitch for this reason alone!

 

[Din]

The reason Olsson stays in is because of his attacking flair which Garrido can't replicate. He's a liability defensively but with Johnson on the left side of midfield he's needed as an overlapping player.

This.

I actually don't think Olsson has had a bad season at all anyway. I don't think he's been anywhere as good as he was last season, but I certainly don't think he's been bad. I'd say he's been consistantly average, with the odd good game in there and the odd bad one as well.