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"just":2xsnsw9s said:
I'm also going to side with Bluebeard's and Tim's opinion, but not to such a degree.
I think Frank has been below par for practically all of this season and for part of the last. However, that is not to say he has been downright rank. He hasn't. He just hasn't found the form and hit the heights he did in our two title winning seasons, when he was absolutely superb. I also can't say I've noted any lack of physical effort on the pitch, but I do think his mind is perhaps not 100% right at the moment and I feel that maybe because he knows he is not going to sign the new contract and is intending moving on at the end of the season. I'm probably totally 100% wrong on that last thought, but it's a feeling I've had for awhile now.
At the moment, with players injured and missing, Frank walks straight back into the side, no questions. But if everyone were fit and available and we were playing a big game against big opposition? Well, that is a different call altogether based on his form this season.
Who would you leave out? Ballack? No way does he deserve to be dropped on current form. Not only has he played really well, he's looked a real leader for us in the absence of JT and his set-piece delivery around the box is superb. Makelele? Righty oh! Haven't you watched how he's played in the last two games since his return? And Maka always, but always, performs in the really big games. Essien? Arguable. Like Lamps he hasn't been at his best this season either, but personally I'd be loathe to leave him out of a massive game because he is capable of winning so many midfield battles on his own. In the tackle Essien holds the fear factor. Other players are frightened of him.
One thing's for sure it would give Grant a welcome selection dilemma. And though I believe he would try to shoe-horn Frank in somewhere, I don't think it would be at the expense of any of those I've listed above. Not on his form this season.
I think Frank has been below par for practically all of this season and for part of the last. However, that is not to say he has been downright rank. He hasn't. He just hasn't found the form and hit the heights he did in our two title winning seasons, when he was absolutely superb. I also can't say I've noted any lack of physical effort on the pitch, but I do think his mind is perhaps not 100% right at the moment and I feel that maybe because he knows he is not going to sign the new contract and is intending moving on at the end of the season. I'm probably totally 100% wrong on that last thought, but it's a feeling I've had for awhile now.
At the moment, with players injured and missing, Frank walks straight back into the side, no questions. But if everyone were fit and available and we were playing a big game against big opposition? Well, that is a different call altogether based on his form this season.
Who would you leave out? Ballack? No way does he deserve to be dropped on current form. Not only has he played really well, he's looked a real leader for us in the absence of JT and his set-piece delivery around the box is superb. Makelele? Righty oh! Haven't you watched how he's played in the last two games since his return? And Maka always, but always, performs in the really big games. Essien? Arguable. Like Lamps he hasn't been at his best this season either, but personally I'd be loathe to leave him out of a massive game because he is capable of winning so many midfield battles on his own. In the tackle Essien holds the fear factor. Other players are frightened of him.
One thing's for sure it would give Grant a welcome selection dilemma. And though I believe he would try to shoe-horn Frank in somewhere, I don't think it would be at the expense of any of those I've listed above. Not on his form this season.
Just, that's a very fair and accurate assessment of the situation.
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Guest_Brian M_*
