[Archived] Player Review 2008

[Plastic Head]

Keepers

Friedel. No better in the Prem this season. Hopefully can keep it up for a while yet. Personally responsible for 10 points at least. 9.5/10

Right Back.

We don't have any.

Left Back.

Warnock. Realistically we couldn't hope for a better left-back. Solid all season if a little impetuous at times. Given more licence to get forward would be more of an attacking asset. 8/10

Ollson. Very limited starts and may need a loan to get some experience. 4/10.

Berner. Simply not good enough. 0/10.

Centre Backs.

Samba. A little wobbly around Christmas but generally a good season. Becoming more experienced now and should be a regular for some time. Tends to be drawn out into full-backs positions at times and needs to stop chasing players out there. Regular goal threat. 7/10.

Nelsen. Thought he was over an injury nightmare but clearly wasn't and cost us at times. Seems to be coming back to best in the last few games. 5/10.

Ooijer. Got over his leg break well and put in some good performances at centre back until picking up another injury. Not a full back though.6/10

Kish. Never really let us down and unlucky not to play more. Surprisingly still only 26 and a useful member of the squad. 6/10.

Henchoz. Never figured and should retire now. -/10.

Right Midfield.

Bentley. Shone at times this season and clearly our most talented player on the ball. Our most likely source of goals in many games and contender for player of the season. Faded a little towards the end and needs to decide his future. 8.5/10.

Left Midfield.

Pedersen. Awful in the early part of the season and clearly lost confidence. Kept plugging away (mainly because we had no-one else in his position) and gradually improved. Needs to be back to his best next season. 5.5/10.

Centre Midfield.

Emerton. Works harder than anybody, used as defender and centre mid at times and continues to be a valuable player. Frustrating lack of end product lets him down. 7/10.

Tugay. More cameos than match winning performances these days at age 37. Filled in at well at times, much better at home than away in what looks likely to be his final season. 5/10.

Vogel. Brought in to help out and did a good enough job in the circumstances. Looks an ordinary Prem player at best. 5/10.

Reid. Finally got back from injuries. Some decent performances in the middle, but not back to his best. Has struggled when asked to fill in at right back. 5.5/10.

Mokoena. Seems to me he is only useful in a defensive role in a 4-5-1 formation. Might as well get rid and spend the wages on someone else. 4/10.

Dunn. Plagued by injury as expected. He is the only centre mid player we have who will get into good positions going forward. Hopes for an injury free season next term seem remote. 5.5/10.

Forwards.

Santa Cruz. Great goals return from Roque, despite a sparsity of supply at times. Does a lot of leg work as well and the key player in the team at present. 9/10.

McCarthy. Looked short on form and confidence for much of the season. Sulked and looked to want away but now seems likely to stay. Hopefully he will now get back to his best. To be fair, Rovers lack of creativity let him down all season. 5/10.

Roberts. Loads of physical presence but not so much skill. Always causes problems but just lacks a touch. Useful but not the future surely. 6/10.

Derbyshire. Supersub needs to learn from Roque if he is to make the big time long term. 5.5/10.

Rigters. Some truly dire efforts when called upon. Will surely be on his way in the summer. 2/10.

That makes Brad my player of the season......

[grizfoot]

Bit harsh on Vogel there since he's only played a handful of games, pretty difficult to judge him on thoose games alone.

As you mentioned in goal Friedel's had another great season, saved us many a time we'll just forget thoose couple of mistakes against Arsenal & Big Club because he's obviously earnt us far more points than those minior mistakes cost us.

Defensively we've been poor too many times this season. Conceding 5 to Wigan along with 4 against Big Club is simply not good enough. Samba was magnificent towards the beginning of the season but dipped in form slightly, seemed to be improving again towards the end of the season. Nelsen has had a few cracking games but then again he's had some bad ones that have cost us. Warnock has been constantly good at left-back and probably our best defender of the season. Emerton played at RB for the majority of the season, brilliant support going forward but vunerable at times in defense. Also a shout out to Ooijer and Zurab (we'll just forget that 45 minutes he had against City) who've stepped in when needed and done a very good job.

Midfield, well our main goal-scoring and creativity as come from Bentley throughout the season earning him a England call-up in the process and a summer of transfer rumours ahead no doubt. Pedersen had a real bad run where he couldn't seem to buy a goal, but his performances have improved vastly towards the end of the season which gives us hope for next season. Central midfield has been a bit of a problem area for us especially since Savage departed in January. We've tried numerous different combinations in there, yet not one of them have seemed to work completely right hence why it's been switched round so much. Also what's been lacking from the central midfielder area is goals, we've only had Tugay chip in with 2 and Dunn, probably our best performing CM, with 1.

Upfront finally it's our player of the season, Santa Cruz, who's been our main goalscorer with 23 goals in all competitions this season which is terrific return for his first season. Despite having a poor season Benni has still got 11 goals to his name. Along with 6 goals from Derbyshire, who provides us with a dangerous weapon of the bench. Then there's the enigma that is Jason Roberts, in general play he's good, he bullies defenders all day long but he falls down with his habit of fluffing chances he really should score. Then again if he was able to finish of these sort of chances he'd be worth 5x as much and probably not even be at Rovers.

On the whole the majority of the players have had a good season. But I feel we've been particualry let down by some terrible defending at times. In the summer we must address the central midfield issue, we definately need a box-to-box midifeld capable of scoring a decent amount of goals. Also a player who's natural position is right-back would be helpful.

[Lurid Coat]

I agree with most of your views and ratings. However, I feel that Ooijer has been our best centre back this season, and I think it's a pity that he hasn't been called upon when Samba and Nelsen have looked out of form. I also believe that Vogel is more than just an "ordinary Prem player at best", I think he's been a breath of fresh air in the centre of the park, with a great workrate and some very good passes. Also, keep in mind that he's probably far from being in his best form, after almost a year without playing competitive matches!

Rover of the year for me: Friedel, closely followed by Santa Cruz.

Finally:

Berner. Simply not good enough. 0/10.

Blasphemy! The man is a legend!

[Mr. E]

Friedel - legend/10

Defense - disappointing. Warnock has done well, though sometimes gets beaten easily at the back. Samba and Nelsen had a few solid games at the beginning, but then matched that with really poor and shaky performances. Oiijer, while far from perfect, is better than both. Emerton/Reid I guess did as best as they could on the right.

Midfield - inadequate. Bentley is in a class of his own, but Dunn/Reid failed to live up to expectations, and despite a few quality games MGP was just really poor. We need to change things up big time here.

Attack - good, but could have been even better. Santa has scored an amazing amount of goals...but as much as people will disagree I think he has some big noticeable faults in his game. He doesn't shoot nearly as good as he can head it, and every time he gets the ball he looks to pass it back instead of beating his man. But maybe I expect too much. Roberts has been a very hard worker, scored probably our best goal this season vs Bolton, though as mentioned his touch isn't too good. Benni's attitude hasn't been right, his form has suffered, but he's still the most naturally gifted player in our team. If he can get back to his best we'll have a truly awesome attack next season.

[Parsonblue]

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department is the strongest area of the club. Brad is untouchable as the number one, Brown looks a reasonable backup despite his infrequent reserve outings while Nielsen has made huge progress in the reserves this season.

Full-backs

We desperately need a specialist right-back. Ooijer is a better centre-back than full-back but of the three players used in this position he has been the most consistent from a defensive point of view. Brett has been good in the position going forward but defensively is not the best. Reid is just not a full-back and I worry that he might be given that role on a long term basis. Warnock has been steady on the left if prone to error. Olsson is developing into a fine young player who can operate anywhere down the left. Whether he can step up to the next level remains to be seen but lets hope he can. Berner is useful experienced cover.

Centre-backs

I would have liked to have seen Ooijer and Zurab play more together as I believe they are a strong pairing. Nelsen and Samba have played extremely well at times and on other occasions have been awful. With Winnard, Nolan and Flynn failing to make much impression in the reserves, the senior four are likely to be unchallenged next season and the management must make sure they get the best pairing.

Midfield

I believe that this is the real weak area of the team.

Bentley has been superb but is now beginning to try to do too much and his future at the club remains uncertain.

Pedersen has been dreadful for the majority of the season and we badly need to add someone to the squad to challenge for the wide left position. Treacy and Peter have both been plagued by injury but when fit neither has suggested that they are of Premiership standard.

Tugay, magnificent player that he has been, technically the best I've seen at Ewood since Bryan Douglas, is coming to the end of his career and needs to be replaced.

Dunn is not the Dunny of old and doesn't seem to have the pace to get away from players anymore.

Brett works hard but I don't think he has the vision to play centre midfield.

Vogel, needs a pre-season and more games before we can make a true assessment. So far he has been OK but no more than that.

Mokoena is an experienced player to have as a back up but, in truth, he plays better when he has a run of games rather than coming in for the odd game.

We are desperate for a wide player with pace who can beat a full-back and cross with a good degree of accuracy and we need a play-maker in the centre of the midfield who can score goals.

Attack

Santa Cruz has been brilliant.

Roberts is not a Premiership finisher no matter how hard he works. He simply won't score enough goals at this level and for me, is too easily knocked off the ball for a guy of his build.

McCarthy has been a dreadful disappointment. He has all the skill in the world but his workrate is highly questionable. I'm still not convinced that he and Santa Cruz can work together.

Derbyshire has struggled with injury. He is a good finisher but is he strong enough to play in the middle?

Rigters has been a gamble that hasn't paid off. He hasn't even impressed in the reserves so I suspect he may be on his way.

All in all I believe the squad have done exceptionally well to finish seventh but will require some major work in the transfer market if we are to maintain this let alone build upon it.

[LeftWinger]

An interesting fact about the "ordinary Prem player at best".

Since Vogel has got into the team we've played 6 games.

He's completed 90 minutes twice, and been subbed in 4 games.

In those 6 games we've conceded 10 goals.

In the 466 minutes Vogel has been on the pitch we have let in 4.

In the 74 minutes played when Vogel has been subbed - we've let in 6.

[T4E]

That is very interesting. Could it be because we take him off when we're looking for a goal and thus go to a more attacking formation?

How many have we scored with him on/off the pitch?

[joey_big_nose]

I would agree with all those ratings apart from Vogel. He is no world beater but easily our most comfortable midfield player.

All in all I think we do have good to excellent players available for every position bar Right Back (although Emerton is decent), Central Midfield and Left Wing. If we address this then we will build strongly into next season.

We are looking very good going into next year imo.

[Rob of the Rovers]

Freidel - I can only think of two mistakes all season. I wouldn't swap him for any other keeper in the league.

Defence - A real cause for concern. The blind faith that Hughes continues to show in Nelsen and Samba is puzzling. In my opinion, Ooijer and Zurab should have been our first choice pairing for the second half of the season. It sends out completely the wrong message that players can perform badly, suffer injury or suspension, but then walk straight back into the team when their replacements have performed well!

Warnock has done well, although he still makes the odd mistake, but he was a bargain and will hopefully be our left back for the next five years. I don't understand why Emerton was moved away from right back, he has performed well in that position and links up really well with Bentley. Reid is an awful right back!

Midfield - Bentley is our obvious star turn and the shining light in midfield. Pedersen has had a poor season, but I think he is a vital cog in the team, with a fantastic work rate, threatening set pieces (okay, they normally hit the first man but when he gets it right we generally score form them!) and an aerial presence. The key to his game is scoring goals, and seeing as though he seems to have rediscovered his finishing ability, I'm expecting a good season from him next time around.

The central positions are more worrying. Dunn has done okay, although it would be good to see him contributing more goals, and Vogel has looked decent. Reid has unfortunately reverted back to the player of four years ago. Hopefully a good pre season and a bit of confidence will see him return to form, as we need an energtic, physical presence in there.

Attack - It's all been said about Santa Cruz. I just hope he can repeat it next season. Roberts has done well, I know he has a frustrating ability to hit the ball straight at the keeper but as a defender I would hate to play against someone so strong. I also think if you asked our other strikers who they would like to play with, they would all say Roberts. McCarthy has committed himself to the club with his new contract. Hopefully this will lead to an upturn in performance and attitude, as he is still the best finisher we have.

Overall, I have been quite critical, but I still beleive that 7th place is a fantastic finish. It just goes to show the potential in the squad if we can get everyone performing at the top of their game at the same time. In order to progress, I feel we need a ball-playing central midifielder and some pace in attack or midfield.

[laughatthedingles]

Friedel - Solid and dependable, wouldn't swap him for anyone really 9/10.

Ooijer - Has done a good job, was at the heart of the defence during our most solid period 7/10

Warnock - Gives his all, good player, needs to stay on his feet a little more to improve 8/10

Samba - His form has been up and down to say the least, at best he's brilliant, at worst he's ridiculous 7/10

Tugay - Not figured much, time to go for our turkish delight 6/10

Nelsen - Cost us early on, not improved much since 6/10

Emerton - Gives everything wherever he plays, our best right back and Bentley misses him when he's not there 8/10

Vogel - A little early to judge, looks like he could be decent.

Santa Cruz - Superb. 10/10

McCarthy - Not sure if his heads in the clouds or stuck up his ass, still bagged a few. 7/10

Bentley - Superb, another with his head where it shouldn't be at the moment 9/10

Gamst - Early season form a joke, not much better now 6/10

Zurab - Dependable and was in defence with Ooijer during best defensive period, unlucky with appearances 7/10

Reid - struggled since he's come back, not a right back either 6/10

Mokoena - time to go 6/10

Henchoz - who? goodbye Stephan.

Rigters - Too little to judge, what has been shown is not encouraging.

Gallagher - 'To stand still is to go backwards in football' - goodbye.

Dunn - When in form was very good, miss him when he's not there 7/10

Berner - Oh dear! 5/10

Derbyshire - Not got enough to his game, but will score more than Roberts 6/10

Roberts - Tries but fails 6/10.

[ihateburnley]

I disagree with a few of the ratings. My only changes would be:

- Vogel - I think he looks like a good player and surely is still getting used to the way. Lets also not forget that previous to his transfer he had not played a lot of football in the last couple of years. (6/10)

- Dunn - I think his rating of merely 0.5 more than Tugay is very unfair. Dunn has played a lot of games despite injuries and adds much needed creativity in the middle. (6/10)

- Roberts - Didn't throw the towel in when being consistently overlooked earlier in the season. Has worked very hard, linked up well with Roque - just needs to work on his shooting. Remember our front two are a partnership. (7/10)

[LeftWinger]

That is very interesting. Could it be because we take him off when we're looking for a goal and thus go to a more attacking formation?

How many have we scored with him on/off the pitch?

Good question. Just had a quick check and its:

With Vogel (466 minutes) - Scored 6, Conceded 4

Without Vogel (74 minutes) - Scored 2, Conceded 6

[1864roverite]

Some of the ratings are spot on.

For me Berner/Henchoz and Tugay are gonners. Gally and Rigters may just follow as quickly. Likewise Enckleman.

I can see Roberts potentially moving on, it wouldnt surprise me if Dunny left as well.

If we keep Bentley then we definately need a right back and central midfielder.

[Hasta]

McCarthy - Not sure if his heads in the clouds or stuck up his ass, still bagged a few. 7/10

Really.

3 goals from open play in 30 appearances. I'd be looking at 4/10 tops.

[Hughesy]

Says alot about the importance he has had when playing. I think he looks very, very promising and it looks to me that Hughes has found another bargain. Yes he hasnt stood out as head and shoulders above everyone but after 10 months out he has equipped himself very well and once fitter will only get better.

An interesting fact about the "ordinary Prem player at best".

Since Vogel has got into the team we've played 6 games.

He's completed 90 minutes twice, and been subbed in 4 games.

In those 6 games we've conceded 10 goals.

In the 466 minutes Vogel has been on the pitch we have let in 4.

In the 74 minutes played when Vogel has been subbed - we've let in 6.

As for this season. Key men I think are Santa Cruz (10/10), Bentley (8.5), Emerton (8), Samba (8) & Brad (9).

Also a very good season for Warnock probably 7.5/ 10. Poor this season from Pedersen, McCarthy & Nelsen compared to last season, but all improved as the season went on. McCarthy had a tough season but I trust the man to back to his best next year.

[Plastic Head]

Not enough contrary views !!!

All I would say about Vogel is does anyone think he is an above average player in the Prem?

....and at 31/32 he isn't getting any better. He did OK.

[Sandiway Blue]

Not enough contrary views !!!

All I would say about Vogel is does anyone think he is an above average player in the Prem?

....and at 31/32 he isn't getting any better. He did OK.

I think he has been getting better with each game.

The time to judge him will be come xmas when he has played half a season and got used to the pace of the premiership.

[krislu]

Samba 7/10 and Reid as good as Dunny in centre mid?!

[1864roverite]

Plastic H

you have to give him some credit as he hadnt played for a substantial amount of time.

I dont see the point of remaining negative about Vogel.

[JAL]

Plastic H

you have to give him some credit as he hadnt played for a substantial amount of time.

I dont see the point of remaining negative about Vogel.

Like Dunny both simply havent done enough we cant just keep waiting and waiting and waiting until they come good can we, for me Hughes needs to replace them both along with Nelsen and MaCarthy.

[Plastic Head]

Samba 7/10 and Reid as good as Dunny in centre mid?!

You might have a point there.

Just looked at the stats and Dunn played a lot more games last season that I remember.

Admittedly a few were as sub but he featured in 31 of 38 games....must be a while since he played so many in a season.

Add an extra .5 onto Dunnys score....

[Plastic Head]

Plastic H

you have to give him some credit as he hadnt played for a substantial amount of time.

I dont see the point of remaining negative about Vogel.

I'm not negative...just not positive

[tony gale's mic]

Like Dunny both simply havent done enough we cant just keep waiting and waiting and waiting until they come good can we, for me Hughes needs to replace them both along with Nelsen and MaCarthy.

I'm beginning to wonder if Vogel's done anything to you or your family, you seem to have held a bizzare grudge against him from the start.

The only games Vogel has looked poor in have been the times when the whole team hasnt performed either.

But anyone who's seen our better performances since he joined surely could see the effect he had, he brought a bit of composure to our midfield and has excellent vision. Dunny has had a whole season, Vogel was out for a year and has had a few games, I struggle to see how you can possibly compare the two. And even then he's looked pretty decent overall.

The style of his play indicates that having just turned 31 he should easily be able to play for a couple of seasons yet, I think pair his attributes and experience up with a genuine attacking force in midfield and we could have an excellent midfield partnership.

[joey_big_nose]

I'm pretty comfortable that Vogel is going to be decent next year. My only real reservation against him is he is not a big guy and not that tenacious in the challenge so he can't really be expected to be a real "enforcer" who allows his partner in CM to concentrate on the attacking stuff.

Whoever partners him in the middle is going to have to be pretty defensively competant also - more like say Reid or savage pre-injury rather than Tugay.

He also seems the sort of character who is going to work extremely well in a 4231 but not so good in a 442. He is a "behind the halfway line" sort of guy.

I really feel we should be looking to play 4231, it suits our players well and it is an extremely efficient and solid attacking formation. Our inspiration should be Zenit from last night - plenty of pace and width from the very attacking full backs (got those already in Emerton and Warnock), two solid holding midifielders (got one in Vogel, need one more), intelligent wide attackers (got one in Bentley, need a pacy left sided one - FARFAN!), a highy technically calpable target man (Cruz can become this if he alters his game a bit) and an intelligent attacking midfielder/support striker to link things up (McCarthy's future?).

People look at 4231 as a defensive formation but, as Zenit showed, it means you can often get 5 players in and around the opposition penalty box without hugely compramising the defensive side of your game, and it natuarally creates the sort of little triangles for clever short and incisive play.

I think with the right additions we should be looking in this direction.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Anyone else think Ooijer has been our best centre back this season?