mart » Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:39 pm wrote:While the injuries has been problematic, the biggest problem this season has been that he has been played out of position. He is far more effective when played on the right or just behind the striker(s). If we keep playing him like we do now we waste his talents, as in his current role he is just an average player. Obviously he is at the end of his career and probably wont be available for every game next season, but if we use him wisely i'm sure he can do a great job for a few more seasons.
Without doubt. We have wasted him for the last 3 years (since Alonso left) as the lack of a passer in midfield meant he was forced to come back deep to get the ball... taking him away from the area where he is most effective...between midfield and attack (the hole).
Stevie doesn't have the mobility of old.. but hes far better than what he is showing with us at the minute because hes restricted by the lack of quality in the team meaning he has had to play out of position. Hes even more shackled when there isn't a holding player (which there hasnt been since Lucas got injured).
Hes still world class, the performance against everton was sublime, but hes not being allowed to show it more often due to the paucity of quality in midfield especially.