Sadly he is a victim of competing with Son for that central role. Son was largely ineffective out on the left wing and produced good outcomes playing centrally. Think we’ll see Richy start centrally and Son revert to LW with Werner benched, Werner seems to generate polar views but was average against WH even if he produced one of the few moments of genuine quality.I am just going to throw this stat out there - do with it what you want.
Richarlison has started 17 league matches: 12-3-2 = 39 points, 2.3 points per match
In the 13 games Richarlison has not started: 5-3-5 = 18 points, 1.4 points per match
Even if you discount the first 10 games of the season - Richarlison started 7 of the them - Richarlison's recored as a starter: 6-2-2 = 20 points, 2.0 points per match.
This is what makes me wonder what would happen if we sold Richy and bought another CF. What happens to Son. Does he go back out wide. I’m skeptical if playing him on the wing again would be the best move for him at this stage. So if he stays at CF then what happens to the new CF we get? Back up one/rotation option ones assumes as we are hardly going to drop Son.Sadly he is a victim of competing with Son for that central role. Son was largely ineffective out on the left wing and produced good outcomes playing centrally. Think we’ll see Richy start centrally and Son revert to LW with Werner benched, Werner seems to generate polar views but was average against WH even if he produced one of the few moments of genuine quality.
That's a good shout - but I wonder if part of the reason for Son playing central is that he has less tracking back to do than when out wide? Werner / Johnson / Kulu are often required to support the full back defensivley, and are up and down the pitch more.This is what makes me wonder what would happen if we sold Richy and bought another CF. What happens to Son. Does he go back out wide. I’m skeptical if playing him on the wing again would be the best move for him at this stage. So if he stays at CF then what happens to the new CF we get? Back up one/rotation option ones assumes as we are hardly going to drop Son.
All that being said I would be very tempted to start Son out wide and Richy upfront for our game this weekend.
I honestly prefer it when we have Richy up front - he gives us a focal point, he can hold up the ball and is strong.
For sure I think you’re right, that is probably part of it. Age and stamina probably plays a part in that also. Plus I think the role of the WF in this system to keep the width doesn’t necessarily suit him stylistically.That's a good shout - but I wonder if part of the reason for Son playing central is that he has less tracking back to do than when out wide? Werner / Johnson / Kulu are often required to support the full back defensivley, and are up and down the pitch more.
Remembering back to the start of the season Son and Udogie combined really well down the left with those little reverse passes in the box. I'm not sure Udogie has got on the same wavelength with either Werner or Johnson, when he's played on that side, and as a result has seemed more ponderous than I think is natural for him.I get that it's not always the best option, but I personally don't think Son out wide is near as bad for us as many seem to think. It puts two genuine goalscorers in our front three with him and Richarlison, and ensures good delivery from either wing with Johnson on the other side.
I'm with you there.I honestly prefer it when we have Richy up front - he gives us a focal point, he can hold up the ball and is strong.
I get that it's not always the best option, but I personally don't think Son out wide is near as bad for us as many seem to think. It puts two genuine goalscorers in our front three with him and Richarlison, and ensures good delivery from either wing with Johnson on the other side.
Think Son is fine centrally except where a team employs a low block and concedes possession to you. In that instance he just doesn’t have the presence and like yesterday drifts away and leaves us effectively without a CF. While Werner is getting slammed for not getting in on the balls acros the face of the goal we also didn’t have a CF in there.He managed OK for years when Kane was in the middle. I just don't see Sonny as a reliable central striker because he blows so hot and cold. He also doesn't pose any aerial threat or find good positions in the box. Tin hat applied.
Agree, think he’s been carrying a knock though so has only been able to manage 10 mins.I honestly prefer it when we have Richy up front - he gives us a focal point, he can hold up the ball and is strong.
I think you're right.He managed OK for years when Kane was in the middle. I just don't see Sonny as a reliable central striker because he blows so hot and cold. He also doesn't pose any aerial threat or find good positions in the box. Tin hat applied.
Agree so question becomes do we keep him as a squad option or cash in for a decent chunk of change and get someone more suitable to Ange’s system.Richarlson is another in the squad who is good but not quite good enough for where we want to be.
This is 100% correct.I get that it's not always the best option, but I personally don't think Son out wide is near as bad for us as many seem to think. It puts two genuine goalscorers in our front three with him and Richarlison, and ensures good delivery from either wing with Johnson on the other side.
I think we would be far better signing a competitor to him rather than replacing him. We have enough money and enough players we can ship out to fund another striker. Veliz is clearly going to be loaned again after his limited minutes, hopefully he will be ready for us to step up for 2025/2026 seasonRicharlson is another in the squad who is good but not quite good enough for where we want to be.