by bigmick » Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:55 am
Most would agree that Sami is probably not the player he was a couple of seasons ago as age kicks in. This is not insurmountable however, Sami would be by no means the first player to redefine his game in the light of a serious reduction in pace. Often this metamorphasis takes a season or so to take place though, players you used to be able to ease out manage to wriggle free and get round the back, where you used to give yourself a yard start for a through ball you now need three etc etc. The most worrying thing, particularly for goalkeepers, strikers and centre-backs is a reduction in agility, notably in 'spring'. This too can be overcome but in the Hyppia -v- Terry near post tussle at Cardiff which led to the second goal, Sami will now know he needs to use his strength to work harder on Terry BEFORE the ball arrives. Its a painful lesson to learn but he can no longer rely on his spring against these blokes, he must resort to cunning and know-how. Sami is probably in that season of transition right now, thinking about his game and the way he can redefine the way he plays next season.
A good example of redefinition is Pelligrino. Completely lacking in any pace whatsoever and devoid of spring. He can't play in the Premiership surely? 'Course he can. With know-how, expertese and experience he has silenced the doubters on this forum within three games. Note how when Ferguson caught him with the slightest touch of his hand in the face, Pella stops and looks like he's been hit by Tyson. Cue ref giving Ferguson a talking to and sending the aesthetically challenged Scot apoplectic with rage. Experience and know-how all in one.
Keep 'em both I say and get another top-class pacey one to join the four. Sami can do the transition, particularly with Pelligrino's help.
"se e in una bottigla ed e bianco, e latte".