Douglas Higginbottom wrote:PrezIke wrote:Dameerto wrote:I don't think Southgate will drop Sterling 'just' because he doesn't score, he's using him as a decoy for Kane to drag defenders around and create space. (and Sterling's experience under Pep means he's anticipating things much better than the Rag/Spurs players.
Was about to post something similarly.
What observers don't realise is that Raheem creates constant problems for the defence, even if he doesn't score. His influence on the attacking end is constant, as he rarely disappears, works his arse off to get involved, and makes highly intelligent runs that can be "dummies" to create space for other attackers.
Sterling is also quite strong and can hold up, or win those battles for the ball on the ground against anyone other than the largest centre halves for the most part, which is common because he usually gets to the ball first due to his pace.
Rashford, maybe is technically stronger as a finisher and more composed in those sitatuions, but he is more invisible and doesn't create as much as Raheem who makes defenders panic far more.
One observation I've wondered about is that due to the makeup of Raheem's body -- similar to why I think Yaya's physical size as he aged caused him problems with workrate. Sterling is a bit stocky and jittery in his motions, rather than smooth like Lingard and Rashford. I wonder if that plays a role in his finishing, because you have to be smoother to have good technique, but that also makes the other two more deliberate and slower compared to Raz who utilises that jittery style to good effect rapidly winning the ball or making quick movements that defenders struggle to follow.
Agree largely but one thing Rashford is NOT is a good finisher. His record shows that. He also runs well and creates panic but often lacks composure with the final pass or shot.
You are right that Rashford is inconsistent with his shooting and can lack composure. To explain where I am coming from -- on that last goal he last scored for England, and some others he's taken I recall, including watching him take some free kicks -- he has what appears to me to be better technique when striking the ball than Sterling.
Sterling still has good technical skills with the ball at his feet, i.e. ball control, dribbling, first touch, etc. but struggles to get the kind of bend that Rashford seems more capable of at this point. Lingard is more composed than both and seems the media want to hype him up after the last game, but I don't see him having the attributes elsewhere to become THAT good.
Sterling we know has the intelligence as well to make fantastic runs that either create chances for others, or provide opportunities to shoot, but when he's presented with tough, fast paced decisions whether to shoot or pass in that moment, I think he still lacks confidence about finishing and it affects the outcome.
Southgate seemed determined to get him a goal last game, not taking him off and trying to get him that goal from the set piece. Wonder if he starts next game. Could see him wanting to bring him on to run at tired defenders and hope he can get one that way.