No idea why people are arguing against Ian Wright's opinion on this. I think he knows what he's talking about and notices the character traits of someone that could be a lethal striker. It's worth you guys reading player interviews and how they feel about being played out of position.
How they feel and how effective they'll actually be are two different things. I think this idea he plays on the 'wing' is a bit confusing anyway because he, nor are any of our attackers are fixed to a position, especially as RVP is very much a false 9 at times.
I also feel running from the inside towards the centrebacks on a diagonal is far more likely to allow him the space he needs to run in to then fronting up a centreback and charging at them in the middle, centrebacks just need to stand their ground then. And if he really wants to be played through the middle then he has to take his chances more often, like the one he struck against Vorm in the Swansea game in particular.
If we have the misfortune of RVP being out at all, then it's worth a try because the next alternative is Chakma but I wouldn't want us to lose the effectiveness RVP clearly does give us by putting Theo up there with him, for most of the time.
Coming in from a diagonal wide angle restricts your options. In most cases, you will have to hit it across the keeper and when your right footed you can't bend it around the keeper. Look at Theo's first shot on goal which narrowly missed. Struck well, plenty of power, beats the keeper but it bends just wide. How many times have we seen that happen with Theo? If he's coming in from the left, that shot would tuck in much like Henry's first goal for us this season. Coming in on your good foot at that angle makes a world of difference to a strikers confidence.
Take Ade for example. Terrible first touch, poor left foot, pretty average at finishing, missed a lot of sitters but had some pace, power and when coming in from the right, he'd just bend it around the keeper and hit it low. He was predictable with his finishing. Would never attempt a chip or go near post, just low and bend it around the keeper and that's what he was talking about when he said he discovered the art to finishing. Henry told him to aim for the far post and he does it all the time and the angle usually works in his favour. Knowing that gave him super confidence. If Wenger had tried to get him to always finish on his weaker foot his confidence in front of goal would have been shot to pieces. It's the same for any player coming in on their weaker foot. We've seen Wilshere pass up the chance to shoot with his right and RVP used to do it all the time. If Theo played on the left side, I think his strike rate would improve by far. He'd probably go for more long range belters as well. It makes a difference. Just watch how other players react when on their weaker foot.
We shouldn't change the formation for Theo, but we don't suit this formation, or at least, we're playing players that don't. Ramsey shouldn't be at the hub of our attack. I like what Alan Davis said on the Tuesday club last week and he summed it up perfectly. We should play Rosicky there or forget it.
People keep saying being played out of position doesn't make a difference but play Rosicky on the wings and see how ineffective he'd be. There are numerous examples of this and Rosicky is a versatile midfielder. Theo is a limited striker. That's not always a bad thing. We need that direct approach sometimes. He's terrible on the flanks. Not saying he's be world class there, but could he be any worse than Chamakh or Park? Adebayor was shocking at finishing , had the touch of a rapist and zero intelligence when it came to timing of runs but he was able to score 30 goals for us in one season. I think Theo has a lot more going for him compared to the other strikers I mentioned and I agree with Wright on this one.
didn't bergkamp say that rvp is no number 9 and would do better player deeper?Originally Posted by Power_n_Glory
Despite his antics on Sunday in the 2nd half Theodore still looks like a bench player to me. Saying that he may improve and become more effective for the team once Sir Jack comes back into the team and starting threading those killer balls through to him on a regular basis.
Theodore thrives on excellent service that much is clear.
Can you understand why Bergkamp would make that argument for RVP?
of course everyone can.
but to suggest he would better than the position that has given him 50 goals in 12 months is not the sign of a man who is correct.
Would it be crazy to suggest that team as a whole would probably benefit from him playing in a deeper role? I think Dennis was looking at the team as whole.
I think Theo is booed because more than any other Arsenal player (it used to be Arshavin) he epitomises our frustrating team. When he is good he suddenly looks world class but much of the time he looks like he doesn't have a clue what he is supposed to be doing (relatively speaking). We are used to seeing world class. now we are seeing the fine margins between talent and genius.
Putting the laughter back into manslaughter
The high profile move to us and the World Cup debacle killed his rep.
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