Try Ortiz on the right

[Danny 0]

Well, clearly his strengths are more defensive ones as opposed to attacking. He's a decent tackler, has an excellent first touch and works hard on the flank - supporting the attack and defence. As such, in games where we perhaps would be less inclined to dominate and thus possibly not want to play a more attacking player/winger; Ortiz should offer us an option there.

 

For example, in Malmo the other week, he had a good game in a match where we had to be conservative as opposed to gung ho - especially when we had men sent off.

 

I guess I just expected a winger who could beat players and be an attacking threat. He's clearly not that kind of winger. Nevin pointed out something I've been saying since he signed - all he does is turn back. It's not an especially constructive style of play.

[Danny 0]

I really don't think he's done that badly - and that was before the goal tonight. Possibly some people have heard teh word 'winger' mentioned and think we've sign Arjen Robben. He looks solid, without being spectacular, composed and technically quite good - first touch etc. He's not got blistering pace or a half dozen stepover trick in his back, but you don't really get that for the money we're paying these days.

 

We have a top class defender for 800k, tbf.

 

But you are right, I think winger and I think Robben or suchlike.

[craig 5,199]

I watched the Bayern/Zurich game the other night and they played a right footed player on the left wing (Ribery) and a left footed player on the right wing (Robben) so this does work and it does work well (Robben scored a peach and Ribery had a couple of decent chances too).

 

However, for it to work, you need to have quality players. I am not saying that Ortiz isnt quality but he certainly isnt of the quality of the aforementioned players. They have great turning ability and the speed at which they cut inside has the defender already beaten, plus they can also still go on the outside with confidence in their weaker foot which I dont think Ortiz has.

 

I think he would actually be more effective in NEITHER of those positions - I thought he looked more comfortable when he played slightly more centrally last night. But that means dropping either McCulloch or Edu..... would any of us prefer to give Ortiz a shot instead of one of those two ? I would play him instead of McCulloch (as I thought Edu did OK last night).