Altidore - plank!


Status
Not open for further replies.
His play for the "goal" was absolutely superb. Thought he played really well in the 2nd half overall tbh. He will definitely prove to be a good signing for us.
 
He brought us back in the cup match and has been dangerous in the PL matches so far. To be worth the money, he needs to get a couple (that count) to help secure some points, but his quality is obvious and against mid-table teams, jozy and fletch will do the job!
 
After his 6 month professional contract at Inter Milan came to an end Ben Greenhalgh was released from their academy and now plays for the thistle
 
- Altidore has excellent strength and balance, and uses his body very well.
- He has quick feet and good burst in small spaces, especially for a player as big and strong as he is.
- But not great speed in the open.
- Is reasonably deceptive, and can occasionally be downright tricky.
- The above combine to make him good at creating space for a shot.
- Is a good, but not great finisher. Seems to be improving actually, his recent goals against Bosnia were class.
- Good ball control when he sees the pass coming. But oddly, if he is not expecting the ball he sometimes looks like his legs are made of solid iron (see for example the deflection off his leg just before Arsenal's first goal).
- Bang average in the air.
- Above average passer.
- Not comfortable carrying the ball forward in open field.
- Clever and frustrating to the defenders with off-ball movement when his team is possessing the ball. Sometimes appears lazy when his midfield is struggling.

So then, if his midfield is not possessing the ball; if he has a couple clang off his leg when he isn't expecting; if he's getting all his service in the air; and if he's having to drop deep too much...then fans will say "no ball control, slow, shite finisher."

On the other hand, if Sunderland are controlling the centre midfield and Altidore is allowed to stay forward and annoy the centre backs; if service is coming to his feet and not his head; and if he is getting chances to display his strength, balance, and finishing...then he'll look like a quality forward.

We will see some of both this season. I will predict more than 6 goals. Double digits, just. Let's say 11.
 
Whickham has struggled to start under 2 different managers now so that says something.Altidore looks a handful and its good to see some players with a physical presence in the side,quick feet for a big lad as well
 
Whickham , has not got it never will in this leauge, ALTIDOR YOU MUST HAVE BEEN AT THE WRONG GAME PURE CLASS .
 
This isn't necessarily a criticism but they are both fannies for the size of them! Think they could actually put themselves about a bit more, work a little harder and be more of a threat. (Altidore & Wickham).

Well it is a criticism but I just think we could get more out of them/they could give me.

For Altidore, hopefully this will naturally happen given time. For Wickham, I think it's simply an attitudinal problem.
I don't suspect he'll score more than ten, you might even be right on six, but IMO he is a good team player. People wont like this comparison, but he does look a bit like a young Heskey to me and I don't think thats a bad thing.
his
 
Three - Bruce, O'Neill and Paolo.
Whickham has struggled to start under 2 different managers now so that says something.Altidore looks a handful and its good to see some players with a physical presence in the side,quick feet for a big lad as well
 
- Altidore has excellent strength and balance, and uses his body very well.
- He has quick feet and good burst in small spaces, especially for a player as big and strong as he is.
- But not great speed in the open.
- Is reasonably deceptive, and can occasionally be downright tricky.
- The above combine to make him good at creating space for a shot.
- Is a good, but not great finisher. Seems to be improving actually, his recent goals against Bosnia were class.
- Good ball control when he sees the pass coming. But oddly, if he is not expecting the ball he sometimes looks like his legs are made of solid iron (see for example the deflection off his leg just before Arsenal's first goal).
- Bang average in the air.
- Above average passer.
- Not comfortable carrying the ball forward in open field.
- Clever and frustrating to the defenders with off-ball movement when his team is possessing the ball. Sometimes appears lazy when his midfield is struggling.

So then, if his midfield is not possessing the ball; if he has a couple clang off his leg when he isn't expecting; if he's getting all his service in the air; and if he's having to drop deep too much...then fans will say "no ball control, slow, shite finisher."

On the other hand, if Sunderland are controlling the centre midfield and Altidore is allowed to stay forward and annoy the centre backs; if service is coming to his feet and not his head; and if he is getting chances to display his strength, balance, and finishing...then he'll look like a quality forward.

We will see some of both this season. I will predict more than 6 goals. Double digits, just. Let's say 11.


Decent post and most of it is true.
The main thing about Altidore is he has a style to his game and you can actually see what he's trying to do in general play. He may not always do it but at least you can see what he's trying to achieve. His team mates should be able to improve as they get more of a steady consistent understanding.

With Wickham it's different, there doesn't appear to be any consistent game plan. His style is very random and changes through the game and from game to game. I think he's had too many different "masters" since he came here and ever changing instructions have left him confused and lacking any real direction.
I haven't changed my view since first seeing him play. He could've developed a "back to the defender" type game like quinny to use his big frame more. If someone asked me what his style was i honestly couldn't answer. It appears to be run around a lot and hope for the best. I don't think it's all his fault either, far from it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Back
Top