Re: Michael Talia
I totally agree, I think he gets completely lost when he has to look at both his opponent and the ball coming in. Seems to get caught in two minds and react very slowly if one of the variables change.
He has also been poor when deciding to run off his man when a long ball is coming in, thinking he can intercept or spoil as the 3rd man up but totally misreading where the ball is coming in and the time it takes him to get there. I've seen him try to do this and still be running in 10 metres from the contest, while leaving his man running back to the goal square for an easy goal on a couple of occasions.
I think he does a few things ok but he has these few weaknesses which are huge for a defender and I don't think any amount of coaching can teach a player to have awareness like an Easton Wood or Bob Murphy.
I totally agree, I think he gets completely lost when he has to look at both his opponent and the ball coming in. Seems to get caught in two minds and react very slowly if one of the variables change.
He has also been poor when deciding to run off his man when a long ball is coming in, thinking he can intercept or spoil as the 3rd man up but totally misreading where the ball is coming in and the time it takes him to get there. I've seen him try to do this and still be running in 10 metres from the contest, while leaving his man running back to the goal square for an easy goal on a couple of occasions.
I think he does a few things ok but he has these few weaknesses which are huge for a defender and I don't think any amount of coaching can teach a player to have awareness like an Easton Wood or Bob Murphy.
Comment