A balanced Team + 5 Viewpoints

Before I start, I would like to assure Omar that I personally do not put you at fault for the defeat (I am sure all the rest feel the same way inside) so please cheer up! We can't improve without making mistakes!

Ok well let me start. I remember commenting at the end of the game against Tour D France that we had a very balanced team with JC (pls pardon my abbreviation since I used to call his bother JR so I call JinChuen JC) at left back. Point to note is that with other right-legged players at left back, we tend to push inwards and everytime we are pressured to the outside we can only weakly clear/pump the ball. In a way JC gives us option at the back to pass sideways instead of pumping up. And we can balance it with a more defensive right back.

Second observation is that JC really flourished while playing LB as he would have more space to explode into the flank (like Bale!). This was made possible especially with Manfred drifting inwards to the forward area. In order to maximise our asset, I recommend we play a pendulum swing style and allow JC to push forward at every attack. It may sound complicated but it is simply the defenders and DM shifting to the left if JC is caught out during counter attack. And JC is going to recover asap (there is a reason he gets IPPT gold ok?).

Third observation is that most of our goals scored by Manfred and Yiwen were accomplished when they cut in from both flanks. And that's where they both are at their most dangerous. Sorry Manfred, I think you are more lethal cutting in from the flank.

Fourth observation lies in Kiong's best position which most of us agree on as the Supporting Striker or AM. No disagreement there and I was quite sad to see Kiong running out of space on the Right wing against Zespol.

Fifth observation is that we lack the presence in the box (literally no one there). Nonetheless we are not a team that plays with a typical centre forward. And with Kiong's there in support for the flick-on and crosses firing from both flanks I would highly recommend our best headerer of the ball - Kahwoon to be the striker! I suggest this not only because he can head the ball in a god-like manner but also for his pure athleticism. I can foresee him chasing the defenders down from the front most as well. And he would provide an ideal running target for our forwards to pass to.

My first blog and my 2-cents worth of opinion. Hope you like it and please feel free to comment!

-'5