Raul Meireles

[Shaggy]

said similar myself about his distribution, wasn't fussed when we signed him either, didn' t understand why we signed him with the way we set up we really didn't need him. Terrible distribution, big difference between having time and space in Portugal and at international level, different story in the premier league.

Said as much in the initial Meireles thread about being worried about him adapting to the pace and tempo of the league. Thus far it ain't happening. Roy is not doing him any favours playing him out wide though, baffling!!!??

I don't think there's an issue with his suitability for the league. He's a tough lad, can look after himself...the big issue for me is can he pass a football. It's different having to do it when marooned on the right, so I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see him in his proper position. But tonight was unforgiveable, out of position or not.

[Shaggy]

I agree but my problem with signing Meireles is that he's not a creative player. He plays well in possession and flows within the offence but he's not an initiator. I don't understand why we never went for Van der Vaart who would have been a much better fit and that has nothing to do with hindsight. We clearly needed a playmaker next to Gerrard, whether it's a deep lying one or an attacking midfielder. Instead we bought a grafter with a nice touch and played him out wide.

We really do need a proper playmaker. Big time.

[Rudo]

said similar myself about his distribution, wasn't fussed when we signed him either, didn' t understand why we signed him with the way we set up we really didn't need him. Terrible distribution, big difference between having time and space in Portugal and at international level, different story in the premier league.

Said as much in the initial Meireles thread about being worried about him adapting to the pace and tempo of the league. Thus far it ain't happening. Roy is not doing him any favours playing him out wide though, baffling!!!??

Slightly more mobile, pacy version of 'the little prince'?

Tippy tappy bull****, alright on the ball but little bite and end product?

[Arn]

I'm not really judging any player this season because we have a **** manager that play so many of them out of position.

It just isn't fair to judge them.

Get in a manager that play them in their right positions and it is fair to judge them.

[Fredo]

I'm not really judging any player this season because we have a **** manager that play so many of them out of position.

It just isn't fair to judge them.

Get in a manager that play them in their right positions and it is fair to judge them.

Poulsen?

[squaddie]

His passing was crap tonight granted. But it wasnt like the players around him were giving him many options. I think its clear to see hes got intelligence as a footballer, plus hes got wicked shot on him. Play him in position and give him a bit of time... i reckon he will become a good player for us.

[Arn]

Lucas and Meireles are almost the exact same type of players. Play one of them together with a playmaker and he would play much better.

[danperkins]

I don't think there's an issue with his suitability for the league. He's a tough lad, can look after himself...the big issue for me is can he pass a football. It's different having to do it when marooned on the right, so I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see him in his proper position. But tonight was unforgiveable, out of position or not.

completely agree with everything you've said, his passing is horrific and he is being played way out of position, it is just all wrong. Wrong Wrong Wrong.

Even though he has looked really bad, i don't wanna judge him without seeing him centrally. But he seriously needs to sort his passing out, its aimless ****e at the moment and giving away posession most of the time.

On a side note, i have noticed that when teams work hard and put us under real pressure like Wigan did tonight, how uncomfortable and panicky do we look in possession? We are lucky to string 3 passes together before the inevitable hoof, so frustrating.

[danperkins]

Poulsen?

Very valid point, he is woeful though and at least he has been given a shot in his natural DM position.

[Reece]

JimBoardman Jim Boardman
RT @JimmyRiceWriter: Meireles was forced off through illness.

[banditos]

Very valid point, he is woeful though and at least he has been given a shot in his natural DM position.

I think you'll find Poulsen's natural position is Left Right Off.

[Fredo]

JimBoardman Jim Boardman
RT @JimmyRiceWriter: Meireles was forced off through illness.

Could explain his poor showing.

[banditos]

Our football made him physically ill. Or was it just Roy's tactics?

[danperkins]

I think you'll find Poulsen's natural position is Left Right Off.

I already posted where he should be and this is being generous. If i had my way i'd throw him into a meat grinder.

[JohnDoe]

Lucas and Meireles are almost the exact same type of players. Play one of them together with a playmaker and he would play much better.

Meireles can't play as a DM, he's just a bad fit. Put him in Chelsea and he'll be great in their system. He's a 4-3-3 player.