Match stats/analysis for recent Socceroo games

[highkick05]

That's true. It's because the squads selected have been awful. A lot of our best players were left in Europe. The last squad didn't have Irankunda, Toure, Iredale, Silvera, Luongo and that's just from the top off my head. It leaves no depth. That and the system doesn't leave much room for attacking players anyway.

Needs a bitta Tomi Juric !

 

[grazorblade]

Yengi is chalk and cheese when he is fully fit

 

[Herringbone]

I've got to hit the sack, but will answer this player first, Quicky.

Arzani, Arzani, Arzani!

He replaces Hrustic. Probably apart from shooting and being two footed he does everything else better than Hrustic - by some margin. Arzani has been on fire in the last three or so A L games - and he now does his defensive duties quite well. Comfortable on the left and right flanks too.

As an attacking midfielder, Jake Hollman, is a decent technician and grafter off the ball.

Although his discipline in positional play needs to improve, Segecic, also fits the bill, who has superior technique to Hrustic, but doesn't yet defend like Hollman, who is a defensive beast.

Robertson - based on the cameo he had for the Socceroos, and, reports coming from people I know off forum - but he appears not to want to play for Aus ATM. Volpato is another option, apart from not committing to Aus.

Even though he is battling Arzani for a starting position, Piscopo, has also shown some real technical class as an attacking mid/winger for Melb Vic.

Nisbet.

I would be keen to see Arzani and Chipperfield given a go

 

[Decentric]

I would be keen to see Arzani and Chipperfield given a go

Haven't seen Chipperfied - yet - but Grazor has kept me abreast on his development in Switzerland. The more depth we have, the better.

 

[Decentric]

When one compiles these stats, surprises show up.

Caceres has been criticised elsewhere as having little influence.

He won so many body on body duels and tackles against Bahrain, particularly later in the game. He reminds me of Mark Milligan, in that he reads the play quite well, and times his tackles well, just as an opposition player receives the ball - which is when a player is most vulnerable when receiving the ball.

Caceres also moved well to support fellow Socceroo ball carriers, to open passing lanes. He made it easier for teammates to have a target to pass to. Caceres also passed the ball a lot himself, making good choices from excellent vision and game sense.

Of course many are angry with Popa, because we aren't higher up the ladder, but if players are constantly missing goals from good positions to score, I don't think it his fault.

The three man CB defence is working well, both individually and as a unit. I reiterate, they are steamrolling the opposition forwards in heading, tackling and body on body duels - whilst rarely conceding free kicks. They just aren't scoring headed goals from stoppages in our attacking pen box.

 

[Quicky]

I think it's pretty clear we're defensively solid. We were under Arnold also.

I think we're dysfunctional offensively. I don't think we had many clear opportunities on goal. It was hit and hope mostly.

Our midfielders don't cope well when pressed. Our ball movement and decision making isn't quick enough when we win position and break. We need to be really positive and decisive and we can cause problems.

It's true our finishing hasn't been great either, but that may mean we need to create more to chances to compensate.

 

[highkick05]

I think it's pretty clear we're defensively solid. We were under Arnold also.

I think we're dysfunctional offensively. I don't think we had many clear opportunities on goal. It was hit and hope mostly.

Our midfielders don't cope well when pressed. Our ball movement and decision making isn't quick enough when we win position and break. We need to be really positive and decisive and we can cause problems.

It's true our finishing hasn't been great either, but that may mean we need to create more to chances to compensate.

Boyle and Goodwin.. Irvine in the box are about the most decisive and effective I have seen us play.
Dysfunctional is a good word for the rest of the crap I have witnessed.
Duke has no skill. By that I mean which ever way the ball land he just try's to make the most of it. You know you have those players who have just one thing in their bag that breaks past defenses. Dude just runs around.

 

[Quicky]

Boyle and Goodwin.. Irvine in the box are about the most decisive and effective I have seen us play.
Dysfunctional is a good word for the rest of the crap I have witnessed.
Duke has no skill. By that I mean which ever way the ball land he just try's to make the most of it. You know you have those players who have just one thing in their bag that breaks past defenses. Dude just runs around.

With the way we set-up in Popovic's system (I'm resigned to it, would prefer a back 4) I'd like to see us focus on really quick and effective counter attacks. Create more space so better quality less congested attacking opportunities.

We have the players for this. Toure, Irankunda and Goodwin could be devastating in quick counter attacks. Irankynda and Goodwin can defend well also. But it needs midfielders who can play a quick positive pass. Luongo will help if he gets picked. I really hope to see Robertson.

 

[Quicky]

I've got to hit the sack, but will answer this player first, Quicky.

Arzani, Arzani, Arzani!

He replaces Hrustic. Probably apart from shooting and being two footed he does everything else better than Hrustic - by some margin. Arzani has been on fire in the last three or so A L games - and he now does his defensive duties quite well. Comfortable on the left and right flanks too.

As an attacking midfielder, Jake Hollman, is a decent technician and grafter off the ball.

Although his discipline in positional play needs to improve, Segecic, also fits the bill, who has superior technique to Hrustic, but doesn't yet defend like Hollman, who is a defensive beast.

Robertson - based on the cameo he had for the Socceroos, and, reports coming from people I know off forum - but he appears not to want to play for Aus ATM. Volpato is another option, apart from not committing to Aus.

Even though he is battling Arzani for a starting position, Piscopo, has also shown some real technical class as an attacking mid/winger for Melb Vic.

Nisbet.

Yes Arzani is a good shout. His dribbling creates havoc. He doesn't have 90' in him though.

The others, I'd need to watch more closely but my feeling is it's a bit early for them.

Piscopo has been playing on the left for Victory.

 

[NicCarBel]

I would be keen to see Arzani and Chipperfield given a go

Insert joke about playing "The Old Boys" with the manager wanting to bring Scott back in the fold

 

[Decentric]

I've just finished compiling match stats for the Indonesian and Chinese games.

I've watched the replays, but haven't calculated all the stat percentages yet. They won't be too far away.

One phenomenon though, that I haven't compiled stats on, is how differently Right Back, Miller, and Left Back, Behich, play.

Miller is constantly getting caught with the ball at his feet when he runs with the ball or dribbles. He is constantly fighting to win the ball back if he loses it, and he has so much physical body on body contact with the opposition Full Backs when he progresses forwards, and the wingers when he is defending.

Conversely, the very experienced Behich, often wins tackles by getting a subtle foot in, and doesn't try and run with the ball as much. When he does ball carry, he does it at explosive speed and acceleration, ( like Bos), but is rarely caught in the far less instances when he does. Behich prefers to jockey and not commit, when opposition wingers have the ball. Miller commits much more.

Also, Behich loses the ball less when passing and moving in exchanges. He seems to read the play before it unfolds quicker than Miller.

I'm still not sure RB, or R WB, is Miller' s best position? Or I think he could play Geria's role as a Right CB in a back three. Although Geria is one of the best players in the team ATM in the 3-4-3 manifestation in Ball Possession. Miller is a very good header of the ball in 1v1 duels, and scores goals. As a RB he gives the Socceroos a lot of extra aerial power.

If Miller played CB in a back four at club level, I would be interested to see how he performs?

 

[dr. bellows]

I've just finished compiling match stats for the Indonesian and Chinese games.

I've watched the replays, but haven't calculated all the stat percentages yet. They won't be too far away.

One phenomenon though, that I haven't compiled stats on, is how differently Right Back, Miller, and Left Back, Behich, play.

Miller is constantly getting caught with the ball at his feet when he runs with the ball or dribbles. He is constantly fighting to win the ball back if he loses it, and he has so much physical body on body contact with the opposition Full Backs when he progresses forwards, and the wingers when he is defending.

Conversely, the very experienced Behich, often wins tackles by getting a subtle foot in, and doesn't try and run with the ball as much. When he does ball carry, he does it at explosive speed and acceleration, ( like Bos), but is rarely caught in the far less instances when he does. Behich prefers to jockey and not commit, when opposition wingers have the ball. Miller commits much more.

Also, Behich loses the ball less when passing and moving in exchanges. He seems to read the play before it unfolds quicker than Miller.

I'm still not sure RB, or R WB, is Miller' s best position? Or I think he could play Geria's role as a Right CB in a back three. Although Geria is one of the best players in the team ATM in the 3-4-3 manifestation in Ball Possession. Miller is a very good header of the ball in 1v1 duels, and scores goals. As a RB he gives the Socceroos a lot of extra aerial power.

If Miller played CB in a back four at club level, I would be interested to see how he performs?

Hibs have finally started playing him more at RCB in their back 3. Unsurprisingly, that switch in position has seen an improvement in his performances. Taken a long time for them to recognise it but better late than never. On the old forum, when I suggested Miller be tried at CB, someone replied that CCM had tried that and it hadn't worked. Hard to believe he was considered better at rb even back then.

 

[Decentric]

Without compiling stats for Teague, just looking at him on replay, he was outstanding!

On the ball Teague, live, seemed a bit too left foot dominant, ether one touch passing with his left foot a lot, albeit executing it superbly with perfect body shape. When scrutinising him more closely in the replay, he often receives with the right foot and left foot passes accruately it with very quick handling speed to advanced players in a better position.

What Teague doesn't do as much, is receive with the left foot and pass with the right foot, as much. When O'Neill came on he was so two footed in comparison. With O'N it is either receive left and pass right, or receive right and pass left, in rapidfire two touch passing. What O'Neill doesn't have is the fantastic one touch left foot passing of Teague.

It might be different with Teague's younger cohorts, but now Teague has appeared for the Socceoos, comparing like for like, I can't remember any player being as proficient at one touch passing as Teague, in limited time and space with his dominant left foot - ever.

At the 18 min mark, Ryan played a hospital pass a few meres out from goal that any other player would have coughed up. Two Chinese were closing him down, but Teague seamlessly and calmly passed out to Burgess in the clear with his phenomenal one touch foot passing , with perfect body position on his left foot one touch technique.

In 1v1 ball winning Teague was much better than I realised too watching live. Like Behich he won plenty of 1v1 body on body duels - tackling, body on body and heading - but they were more subtle than the likes of Miller.

Teague read the game well too. His defensive positioning is sound, making intercepts.

Like most Aus DMs, I'd like to see him check and show for the ball more energetically, when opposition are blocking passing lanes.

I can't believe in one game, Teague to me has pretty well overtaken all but Irvine and O'Neill for the DM position? He has improved a lot in the last year since I was watching him for the Under 23 Aus team a year ago.

I know there are a lot of fans of Triantis on here for DM, but Popa would have appraised them, Teague and Triantis, in Socceroo training games.

 

[Decentric]

Hibs have finally started playing him more at RCB in their back 3. Unsurprisingly, that switch in position has seen an improvement in his performances. Taken a long time for them to recognise it but better late than never. On the old forum, when I suggested Miller be tried at CB, someone replied that CCM had tried that and it hadn't worked. Hard to believe he was considered better at rb even back then.

As I've recently publicly stated, I'm quite unimpressed with the Scottish league, apart from Celtic playing superb football.

From looking at Hibs they've been unimpressive in Scottish Cup games I've seen. They don't seem to support the ball carrier proactively enough in possession.

Interesting that Miller is playing R CB in a back three though? Thanks for posting this, Dr B.

 

[Decentric]

Another surprise for the Socceroos, is Jason Geria.

Against the opposition the Socceroos have had, he is so proficient at v 1v1 ball winning - tackling, body on body, heading - plus jockeying - it is so tough for attackers to get around him. He is our best 1v1 ball winner.

JG is quite good at passing and moving in tight spaces, but can't execute the long diagonal pinpoint passes like Souttar and Circati, to break gegenpressing.

This R CB role suits Geria perfectly.

 

[dr. bellows]

Another surprise for the Socceroos, is Jason Geria.

Against the opposition the Socceroos have had, he is so proficient at v 1v1 ball winning - tackling, body on body, heading - plus jockeying - it is so tough for attackers to get around him. He is our best 1v1 ball winner.

JG is quite good at passing and moving in tight spaces, but can't execute the long diagonal pinpoint passes like Souttar and Circati, to break gegenpressing.

This R CB role suits Geria perfectly.

Agreed. It is ideal for Geria.

 

[dr. bellows]

Without compiling stats for Teague, just looking at him on replay, he was outstanding!

On the ball Teague, live, seemed a bit too left foot dominant, ether one touch passing with his left foot a lot, albeit executing it superbly with perfect body shape. When scrutinising him more closely in the replay, he often receives with the right foot and left foot passes accruately it with very quick handling speed to advanced players in a better position.

What Teague doesn't do as much, is receive with the left foot and pass with the right foot, as much. When O'Neill came on he was so two footed in comparison. With O'N it is either receive left and pass right, or receive right and pass left, in rapidfire two touch passing. What O'Neill doesn't have is the fantastic one touch left foot passing of Teague.

It might be different with Teague's younger cohorts, but now Teague has appeared for the Socceoos, comparing like for like, I can't remember any player being as proficient at one touch passing as Teague, in limited time and space with his dominant left foot - ever.

At the 18 min mark, Ryan played a hospital pass a few meres out from goal that any other player would have coughed up. Two Chinese were closing him down, but Teague seamlessly and calmly passed out to Burgess in the clear with his phenomenal one touch foot passing , with perfect body position on his left foot one touch technique.

In 1v1 ball winning Teague was much better than I realised too watching live. Like Behich he won plenty of 1v1 body on body duels - tackling, body on body and heading - but they were more subtle than the likes of Miller.

Teague read the game well too. His defensive positioning is sound, making intercepts.

Like most Aus DMs, I'd like to see him check and show for the ball more energetically, when opposition are blocking passing lanes.

I can't believe in one game, Teague to me has pretty well overtaken all but Irvine and O'Neill for the DM position? He has improved a lot in the last year since I was watching him for the Under 23 Aus team a year ago.

I know there are a lot of fans of Triantis on here for DM, but Popa would have appraised them, Teague and Triantis, in Socceroo training games.

The one thing that had me concerned about Teague is his marking. I haven't watched a lot of him in the AL but when I did see him I thought his marking left a fair bit to be desired. Excellent apart from that.

 

[booney52]

The one thing that had me concerned about Teague is his marking. I haven't watched a lot of him in the AL but when I did see him I thought his marking left a fair bit to be desired. Excellent apart from that.

When you talk about his marking are you meaning his marking of an individual player such as the opposing AM or are you meaning his patrolling of the space in front of his CBs?

 

[Decentric]

When you talk about his marking are you meaning his marking of an individual player such as the opposing AM or are you meaning his patrolling of the space in front of his CBs?

I took it as tracking runners when the other team has the ball.

 

[grazorblade]

I took it as tracking runners when the other team has the ball.

Teague on the ball was definitely eye catching, I didn't notice he favoured one foot in passing and the other receiving, that's interesting

I thought the midfield were slow to react in the second half when China forced a rare diving save from the edge of the box. I didn't see whose fault it was