Dave Edwards

[Deutsch Wolf]

I'm not disagreeing with you, and like I said I'm happy we're now performing a world apart from what we were in November. I've acknowledged that our goals against column is banged out of whack due to a four or five game spat of defensive shitness, but I'm not concerned about the defence as Ken has sorted that out. But do you think our scoring record this season is good enough?

I don't, but I think you can attribute that in large part to us not having a striker fit for purpose (or compatible with our style of play) for over 25% of the season. Stick Leon Clarke up top on his own for a run of games in any team in this division, or make them play a winger up there who can't shoot, or a couple of loan signings who never fit in, and you'd see a similar serious drop off in goals.

We do need more of a contribution from midfield, McDonald being on 0 goals is not acceptable, Van La Parra should easily have 4-5 goals by now but has none, Edwards should be scoring more than one in six if he is being played in that position, etc.

By the way our goals scored column also took a whack in the horror run. One goal in five games was it, and that was a cross by Henry? Discount that run from the analysis as it appears to be a complete anomaly, and suddenly the goals per game doesn't look *that* bad.

 

[Boozad]

I don't, but I think you can attribute that in large part to us not having a striker fit for purpose (or compatible with our style of play) for over 25% of the season. Stick Leon Clarke up top on his own for a run of games in any team in this division, or make them play a winger up there who can't shoot, or a couple of loan signings who never fit in, and you'd see a similar serious drop off in goals.

We do need more of a contribution from midfield, McDonald being on 0 goals is not acceptable, Van La Parra should easily have 4-5 goals by now but has none, Edwards should be scoring more than one in six if he is being played in that position, etc.

By the way our goals scored column also took a whack in the horror run. One goal in five games was it, and that was a cross by Henry? Discount that run from the analysis as it appears to be a complete anomaly, and suddenly the goals per game doesn't look *that* bad.

Relying on Clarke was scandalous, he's no right to be anywhere near this level (something we all knew) and was never going to be the answer. Ken tried to solve that with Wood, Sagbo and Graham but now hopefully has with Afobe. But I do think it's the midfield that are letting us down when it comes to goals. There are five of them on the pitch so need to weigh in more, and if Dave had converted all of his chances he'd be miles out in front as our top scorer. Van la Parra is the same and our central pairing (whoever has been partnering McDonald) have come up woefully short.

I think it's unfair to single out Dave at the moment - not implying that you have personally Dan - when we need more players giving that extra bit to make us more of a threat up top.

 

[lemonjelly]

Interesting debate, & have to say initially I agreed with Booz's first comment. We appear to be an anomaly in the top half at the mo.
I was having a similar conversation with a mate at the weekend. However being me, I was trying to make it all positive. Rather than rely on 1 or 2 players being 20 goals a season, we potentially have a number of players who "could" get into double figures. Sako & Dicko should. Edwards is halfway there. RVlP, if he finds his shooting boots & takes confidence from 2 recent goals has it in his locker to get towards 10.

If we have 5 players on the verge of double figures, that means we're not reliant on one or two, (or one & reserve strikers), plus it splits responsibility around the team, and we're looking at 50 goals per season from that group.

Heard an interesting stat at the weekend, allegedly Price was the only outfield player not to score last season. Dunno if true?

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Only proper regular who didn't score. Elokobi/Davis/Ismail didn't, depends what cut off point for games you're using.

 

[YoungWolf]

Yeah that might be true, all the defenders definitely scored.

Afobe should be looking to get ten before the end of this season.

 

[fizzwolf]

Edwards and VLP have missed a few this season that were harder to miss than score. Assuming they had scored them and Dicko hadn't been injured Sako being on Eurosport now (add the expected goals from Afobe) we would/will be there or there abouts in the goals scored column.

 

[North West Wanderer]

Such an important player for our system. Not the most gifted, but certainly one of the most important we currently have.

Provides the support Dicko needs, and the screen for Price and KMac.

Fair play to him.

 

[Langers]

Nice to see you on here again, NWW.

 

[North West Wanderer]

Thanks. Shall see how it goes.

 

[lemonjelly]

Such an important player for our system. Not the most gifted, but certainly one of the most important we currently have.

Provides the support Dicko needs, and the screen for Price and KMac.

Fair play to him.

I think there are other aspects that Edwards brings. I think he's one of the leaders in the squad now. He's an experienced player, including international. Seems he's having a role of mentoring some of the less experienced players.
In example, it has been noticeable that he (along with others) were always talking to & encouraging Iorfa on his debut, supporting him, giving tips, advice etc. Penk has mentioned on another thread how young our team is currently. I don't think that is a problem, but the experienced pro's have a role to play in supporting the less experienced players coming through. When that is done well (as appears to be the case with Iorfa) then we all reap benefits!

 

[andyc225]

Edwards is a very good player for what we do at this moment in time. I know I've slated him in the past but he does bring a lot off the pitch as well as his recent good form in front of goal. Unfortunately the sentimental part of me needs to go out of the window because he's a player we should be looking to upgrade on in the future. There are too many occasions when he makes little impact on games.