I want him to take Jacobson's starting spot. He can do what AJ does and more
Kwadwo Poku [Midfielder]
- Thread starter einwindir
- Start date
I don't know how you can watch poku and Jacobson and think AJ needs to start. Poku holds the ball and dribbles through defenders. AJ gives it to the other team
I'd like to think section 215 helped with that. When we saw him getting instructions before he came on, we started Poku chants, just to find out about 6 other people around us said they loved Poku too.
Do we know Poku can win the ball back like AJ? AJ is crap going forward but that dude knows how to tackle and recover the ball for his team, very effectively might I add. If we ever switch to the diamond, his need for going forward will diminish. It's hard with just him and Mix right now.
Did you watch last night? What Good is winning the ball if your first pass is a turnover.
And that's a fair point, but take into account that KC was pressing us really well and the fact it's only him and Mix together in the middle because Calle was nowhere to be seen. If we switch to a 433 (my dream) or a diamond (strong possibility), then that relieves AJ of some responsibility. I don't think it makes sense to take someone out of the XI when they do contribute positively to the team, especially because they're learning to play together. It's about minimizing what he's bad at. Putting another midfielder or two near him helps that.
To get to the Poku-Mix discussion, their best attributes are going forward while also working for the team defensively. But how many times did Mix whiff on a tackle or misread a pass? The team didn't suffer that badly because AJ is normally back there sitting in front of the defense. Is Poku going to be there? Does it even matter? Just because you're willing to work for the team, doesn't mean you're actually good at defending.
I see Poku as a destroyer and he can muscle his way through anyone, which is great. NYC needs that kind of skill, power and mentality. However my guess is that Kreis doesn't think Poku knows (yet) what to do with the ball after battling though others. AJ does have the mind for the decisions but possibly doesn't have the right physical tools.
I think a 2 man deep midfielders (2 DMs) using AJ and Poku or maybe Poku/Mix might be a great combo.
I think a 2 man deep midfielders (2 DMs) using AJ and Poku or maybe Poku/Mix might be a great combo.
Jacobson's stats on whoscored are not pretty in any phase. Dispossessed six times, that is dangerous for your DM. Low passing percentage, one tackle, one interception. That ridiculous missed shot. No reason not to play poku.
The double pivot of Xabi Alonso and Busquets worked wonders for Spain for years in a possession-oriented setup. Not sure we have the right personnel for it though. As Tom has pointed out, Jacobson isn't very reliable and he's supposedly the best DM on the roster. I'd like to see Mix and Poku together but only if they have a good understanding of when the other will venture forward. Otherwise it could be a disaster.
defensively jacobson is fine. its once he wins the ball/ we attack, we might as well play a man down. with him in our midfield vs. KC, useless. our defending was good, minus one mishap, but we need to create chances. not asking him to become a playmaker, but i'd rather see someone in the lineup who is useful for our attack, can get in the right position and keep possession. we have mix, villa and velazquez to make the right through ball/ create the point of the attack, with nemec as our target.
Poku as little as we've seen in the regular season, offers much more but i feel is a bit more of a defensive liability opposed to jacobson, but im ok with that. i could be wrong though.
Poku as little as we've seen in the regular season, offers much more but i feel is a bit more of a defensive liability opposed to jacobson, but im ok with that. i could be wrong though.
I'm not so much defending AJ's inclusion at the sacrifice of Poku, as much as I'm trying rationalize why Kreis continues to pick AJ over Poku.
I agree with you guys but my guess is Kreis thinks AJ can perform the duty he sees better than Poku. It's up to Poku to show him he is mistaken.
I agree with you guys but my guess is Kreis thinks AJ can perform the duty he sees better than Poku. It's up to Poku to show him he is mistaken.
I would expect someone who was strong defensively to show up in the stats that way, but AJ does not. One tackle, one interception. He doesn't even pass the eye test, teams are just as able to attack us right through the middle as down the wings. Look at Colorado, they had multiple chances created from Jacobson's area
I agree Kreis is patient with younger inexperienced players and I am ok with that. He's letting guys with MLS experience play as the other guys get acclimated.
I suggest you rewatch the game to see how many times AJ disrupts their attack and/or wins the ball back.
I will look out for that going forward. I feel like I have been watching him to see if I am missing something. All I see are missed passes and turnovers.
IDK if MLS is popular enough for people to put it on the internet to download, but after my midterm on Thursday, I'd be more than happy to rewatch it and break down his performance - I love that shit.
I love analyzing the game and talking about strategy, so please don't take my disagreement here as a sign of animosity. I am happy to have someone to talk about this with.
Is this is a serious question? With MLS Live I can watch every MLS game for the last 5+ years any time I want.
