Cibaman wrote:
Silva's a concern for me. I hadnt realised just how slight a figure he is until I saw him in the flesh. He's obviously exceptionally skilfull, I'm just not sure that he's strong enough for the PL and that he might not be another Robinho signing (although without the attitude). On Sunday his introduction turned the game in Sunderland's favour, he lost the ball far too easily.
Early days I know. He'll adjust to the pace of the PL, just not sure about the physicality.
Everything else about City's start to the season has gone as well as could reasonably expected given the changes made, not just to personnel but to the tactics and formations. But Silva's a worry.
Silva is a top talent and slight but there are two key differences between the Spaniard and Robinho. Silva has some ‘fight’ in him and he doesn’t have mental health problems. I have a feeling Silva will be introduced gently. We could do what United do with Berbatov – only play him against the poor teams.
I think a problem we have at the moment is that, for some reason, we keep passing the ball to Silva when he has his back to goal and no one is in front of him. Let’s face it, he’s not a player who is going to do anything with the ball in that situation.
I don’t think his introduction turned the game. I think Sunderland felt that it was their day so they went for it and they got the bit of luck they needed. I still cannot believe we did not win that game.
Meh, I am not worried about Silva. If he is a success, then great. If not, we have enough quality in the squad to deal with it.
I am very happy with Yaya Toure. A proper footballer. Often midfielders in this country can only do one of the following – pass, tackle and shoot. Yaya can do them all. Top, top player.
We will get a better idea of how the team will operate once Balotelli, Boateng and Kolarov are fit. I was sat close to where Kolarov was defending at White Hart Lane and I was very impressed with how he made defending against Lennon look very easy, even though he was carrying an injury.
Kolarov and Boateng will provide some much needed width and attacking threat. With Richards and Lescott at FB, we lack balance.
I also feel Mancini’s formation will be more effective when Balotelli plays. The two support forwards are struggling to being effective while Tevez plays as a ‘false No9. With Balotelli being a striker, as well as a wide player, we should be more slick upfront with him as sone of the support forwards. It will make us more direct, as well as adding a bit of pace to our attack. Also, when Tevez fetches the ball, Balotelli will ‘took-in’ and play as striker, so we will look a bit more fluid.
Lots of options this year. 5 years ago the options were: Vassell as a striker or winger? Sun JiHai at FB or in midfield <shudders>?
Talk about taking the michael!
