Portland Timbers Roster Analysis: Midfielders
by Ryan Gates on Nov 30, 2011 1:11 PM PST
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It is that time of the year to start speculating on exactly what the Portland Timbers' roster needs are for the next year. For starters we need to take a look at the most used formations by John Spencer and the Timbers and then fill in what the Timbers still have on the roster.
Formation(s):
The Timbers employed a 4-4-2 for almost the first half of the season. Without going into too much detail on the other positions the midfield is there to link the defenders with the attacking players. Ground breaking thought there but it really seemed like during the middle of the season the Timbers completely forgot about that fact. In the 4-4-2 that Spencer employed he used a diamond midfield where the two central midfielders had two separate roles. One was to be more of an attacking threat while the other was meant to sit back and patrol right in front of the central defenders.
The outside mids roles were to use the length of the field and attack down the wings. Once they were deep enough they would need to get the ball into the penalty area and if they were stymied they need to pull the ball back and try and start the processes of swinging the ball to the other side of the field.
The Other formation used towards the end of the year was a 4-5-1. The biggest difference between the 4-5-1 and the 4-4-2 is the fact the addition midfielder in the central area of the field. What this does is in essence adds two attacking mids instead of 1 in the 4-4-2, or can add 2 defensive mids to clog the middle of the field.
It goes without saying the Timbers need their central attacking mids and defensive mids to be able to receive a pass in traffic and be able to maintain possession
What the Timbers Have:
According to the descriptions above and how the Timbers played in each formation here is what the Timbers have already covered.
- Speed on the wings- Sal Zizzo and Darlington Nagbe
- Defensive Midfielders- Diego Chara, James Marcelin, Jack Jewsbury, Eric Alexander
- Attacking Mids- Darlington Nagbe, Kalif Alhassan and to some extent Diego Chara
- Possession Based Mids- Diego Chara, Kalif Alhassan, Eric Alexander, and Darlington Nagbe
What the Timbers Need:
- Outside mids who can create goal scoring opportunities
What the timbers need is for better wing play. The attacking process in a 4-4-2 revolves around the wings and that could be the outside defenders or mids. In the 4-5-1 it too relies upon the wings but more so upon the target forward and a quick counter attack. Either way the Timbers need to address the lack of production from their outside players.
There are a variety of ways the Timbers could address this issue. First they could sign a starting quality outside wing(s) and force Zizzo and Alhassan to earn their playing time. Second they could outside backs and move Mike Chabala and Rodney Wallace to midfield, in Wallace's case I think it is his better spot.
In the end the wing play needs to improve either through signings, trades or movement within the roster for the Timbers to be a playoff contending team.
RCTID
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Stick with 4-4-2
Maybe we should run with a 4-6-0 to cut back on those offsides penalties?
OK maybe not… I think service into the box is clearly a problem. Agree that our speed on the wings is above average good and like what Kalif can do from a possession standpoint, but we don’t really have a thread the needle passer anywhere in there.
I’d like to see us stay committed to the 4-4-2 and try to pick up one more wing with some passing skills. My inclination is to want to put Nagbe forward with a bigger guy (Cooper/Dike) so that we get both a target forward and someone who can create up top. I think Kalif has shown he can be a good distributor and will settle in as one of our better deliverers on the wings. Pair him with another guy who can bend it in and I think we can make some noise.
Footnote: while I love Zizzo’s speed on the sideline, I saw him put his head down and dribble into a wall too many times. I don’t think he has the instincts of a distributor, but I like him a lot as a “change of speed” sub.
I know this is off topic...
But gotta love Merritts tweet:
MerrittPaulson Merritt Paulson
Young DP player signed soon. world-class potential..big addition for us and league. turning 20 soon. no announce until ITC approved #RCTID
I know
Pretty crazy…. Now we got to go figure out who it is..
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
salary cap hit for youth DP
When DP is 20 years old or younger it is $150K, 21-23 years of age it would be a $200K hit. If we sign this person I wonder if he would be a DP because of transfer fee and not salary (ie Chara)?
Jose Adolfo Valencia?
I’ve heard his name. He’s colombian and 19, about to turn 20 on Dec. 18th. His dad played for Bayern Munich so comes from strong pedigree…matches up with all of MP’s hints….idk
I'm 99% certain it's Valencia
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 30, 2011 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
Ever see him play?
I’ve never seen any highlights of him. Is he worth all the buzz to those that have seen him?
I find that interesting
Because he is a forward and that would push Perlaza or Nagbe out of the forward spot and means we are carrying 5 Forwards and 4 can start….
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Not surprising though
Even if it’s not him I’d still bet on it being an attacking player. Not many 19 year old defenders that would make an impact right away.
Correct
I don’t mind the attacking nature but I don’t think it addresses the issue of the Timbers’ wing play last season. Which is really what needs to improve as well as the continuation of better defense we saw in the last third of the season.
And yes Almost Awesome is right, Nagbe will be a wing if we sign a DP at the forward slot. Unless of course Valencia can play the wing but all the videos I have seen have him up front…..
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Edwin Movil's name is still being kicked around too
He might well be one of the Colombians Gavin was looking at, just not the one they were ready to sign. It’s entirely possible that he was the one Gavin was saying he wanted to make sure “fit into our system.”
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 30, 2011 5:48 PM PST up reply actions
Link!
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 30, 2011 5:54 PM PST up reply actions
Either the Spanish writers at goal.com read this blog
or there’s something to this.
I’m giddy with excitement either way.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Nov 30, 2011 6:02 PM PST up reply actions
Valencia played a few games on on the wing for the Colombian U-20 team
It does look like his usual position is as a striker, but we don’t necessarily have to play him there.
by trk on Dec 1, 2011 9:27 PM PST up reply actions
It's true, he's only 19.
He can’t have already settled on a position for the rest of his career.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Dec 1, 2011 9:35 PM PST up reply actions
If we sign a DP forward
I’m pretty sure that signals Nagbe’s future as a wing. At the very least his near future.
volatilelyle.com
by almost awesome on Nov 30, 2011 4:30 PM PST up reply actions
Vids
#7
http://youtu.be/CtG4dnWT5L8?t=18s [just that goal]
http://youtu.be/duON5Ong9Tg?t=39s [beautiful goal]
The pedigree:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssJ-jK7FxgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ur0s2PLMtU
And for kicks, Santa Fe was the team that experienced the rogue dog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psJMsuQkyb8
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
That guy is only 19?
Yikes.
I love Portland because everyone here takes things so seriously, sort of.
by yepyou'reright on Nov 30, 2011 8:38 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think I heard somewhere
probably on this blog, that Sal Zizzo’s injury might keep him out for a big chunk of next year.. In that case, we should probably think of Nagbe as the starting right wing, which is kind of where I like him better anyways.
I’m thinking we see Alhassan, Nagbe on the wings and Jewsbury as CDM and Chara as CAM with Perlaza and Cooper up top, or maybe the new DP. I don’t see the Timbers letting go of or cutting minutes for Perlaza because of his close relationship with Chara.. probably a big reason we were able to bring in Diego in the first place. I know they’re all professionals and they should know how the business works, but I’d like to see that chemistry stay intact as well if it’s possible at all.
I know Spencer has mentioned that he is a fan of an attacking 4-3-3 (big reason why we wanted to play Ajax last year, to see it up close) but he just doesn’t have the personnel for it yet. Still wouldn’t if the roster stays the way it is now, but of course we could be looking at a very different Timbers squad within the next couple months, so we’ll see…
I agree about Nagbe on the right wing
Especially if Spencer tells him he has the freedom to drift inside when he wants to. He is great on the ball getting out of tough spaces (including along the sideline) and he is great passing the ball in tight spaces in small triangles along the ground (so is Chara) but I cannot say I remember how good his crossing is.
I felt at times last year when Alhassan/Chara/Nagbe passed/dribbled the ball around on the deck good things happened (Wallace’s goal after Alhassan’s dribbling, Chabala’s goal after passes between him and Nagbe). Alhassan is a decent crosser as are Chabala and Wallace at times (who all play on the left).
I actually really like Perlaza and having him/Cooper/Dike/Johnson/El Trencito as options up top I think is pretty solid (assuming Johnson and Dike are healthy).
if he could convince cooper to stay in and around the middle of the penalty area
we have the personnel for it, but coopers style does not match his size, he likes the wings too much…
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
we need to actually start a defensive mid
Sure we can PLAY Jewsbury there but that doesn’t mean he’ll actually play any defense. Marcelin is a much better true CDM than Jack, plain and simple. Jack is our captain on the field but with Nagbe, Zizzo, Chara and Alhassan starting He is the odd man out IMO because Marcelin is much better at actually playing a defensive role. I think we need another possession midfielder alongside Chara to make things work. I don’t think our wings are the problem at all. It starts first with our CB’s actually being capable of NOT skipping the midfield and ends with having confident players in the center to distribute, ala Chara.
Marcelin is better on defense
but he can’t pass at all really.
He showed some promise towards the end of the season, see DC away as an example.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
I don't get it
Yes, Cooper was our leading scorer, but I feel Nagbe would be a huge upgrade over Cooper at the forward position.
I may be way out of line here, but the consensus seems to be that Nagbe will be best used out on the wing next year… didn’t he try that early this season.. and it didn’t look pretty. Nagbe needs to be in the center, attacking mid or forward. Throw nagbe in with the new world class DP, maybe in a receded forward role, more of a playmaker.
What y’all think?
Born in Maryland,
Lived in D.C,
Lived in Florida
Lived in Pheonix...
...Fell in love with Portland
Rose City till I Die.
One/two missing pieces...
Looking at our squad I think we are fairly well suited for the 4-4-2 diamond if Chara plays the defensive midfielder role. He seems to have the ability and mentality to break up the flow of play in front of the back four, and he also has shown solid ability in distributing from defense and dictating the flow of the game. I think that we are one offensive weapon away from being able to contend.
Obviously we could benefit from an upgrade at any position but with the money we will have at our disposal and the caliber of player we will be able to attract given that we are in the MLS, we realistically can afford one, possibly two game changing players. The great thing about being in the MLS is that the disparity between the average positional players is not that great and young guys like Nagbe and Alhassan have the potential to grow into very effective players as they mature. I also agree with The_Rel, that Zizzo is a nice option to have coming off the bench in the 75min to bring that change of pace and potentially exploit a tired defense.
As much as Kenny Cooper works on the pitch, I’m not sure if he is the type of player that complements our other offensive pieces. He just doesn’t look the part to me, so I would be happy if the income DP was a more suitable complement to Nagbe and Alhassan. I would also love to see a young attacking midfielder with touch and ball control and the ability to find an overlapping Perlaza or Nagbe or Alhassan as they are timing their runs into the box. I think we should look to build our offensive identity around our young players with potential (primarily Nagbe & Alhassan). Both of those guys have loads of creativity, control, touch & pace and I would love to see our possession take on more of a one-touch and move look. Many of the most successful teams internationally adopting less direct offensive tactics and going toward a “total football” approach.
This would be my ideal (and realistic) formation for next season.
Perkins
Palmer Brunner Horst Chabala
Chara
Nagbe Alhassan
DP
Perlaza
DP (Valencia?)
I think we have most of the pieces we need to compete for a deep playoff run. I don’t think we are far away from a contender. The other option would be to have Nagbe fill that attacking midfield spot and get someone to come into the RM spot.
I don't think it's realistic
because Jewsbury has proven himself capable of getting some playing time. Your formation makes sense, but that has to be maybe Jewsbury at CDM and Chara at CAM.. maybe El Trencito ends up as the other striker next to Perlaza.
All-Columbian attack! Ataque Cafetero!!
Standing pat is not an option with the midfield
We need more maturity and production from the wingers. We can’t expect the same amount of goal scoring from Jack, so it is crucial that we add players to the
wings, even if it’s just for depth and more competition.
Timbers must also be able to change the pace of the game in midfield. This means passing accuracy and possession. It makes no sense for Zizzo to put his head down and sprint straight ahead with the ball when we’re up a goal or two late. Same can be said of Kalif trying to dribble through three defenders. When you can’t change the pace of the game and it’s high octane for 70’, the last 15’ or 20’ is going to be bunker ball if ahead or anemic attack if behind. That means more late goals conceded or only a 70’ game if the other team is ahead.
We also need more toughness in CDM. Chara shouldn’t be fouling as much and putting out fires if he’s going to have a bigger attacking role. Jack got bossed around late in the season when we needed toughness there most (see Houston Adam Moffat). Maybe Jack was injured or tired, but that’s why either Marcelin or Alexander need to step it up. Can’t rely on Jack there all season.
If the midfield is essentially the same and their performance about the same, the Timbers results will be about the same regardless of who they add at striker.
I love Portland because everyone here takes things so seriously, sort of.
by yepyou'reright on Dec 1, 2011 9:47 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Exactly
You said everything I was trying to say but better.
A young DP forward will just get us the same results as last year if we do not upgrade the wings.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Yep
We played a lot in the attacking third and defensive third, but not much build up or control in the middle third. Don’t know what the possession numbers were exactly, but it sure seemed that way. It was either too much direct, route 1 stuff or bunker ball. Sometimes one extreme to the next during the same match. That needs to change.
I love Portland because everyone here takes things so seriously, sort of.
by yepyou'reright on Dec 1, 2011 11:19 AM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
Totally Agree
Way too much Route 1 and then Bunker ball.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Chara as CDM...
I was thinking more of Chara in a CDM role (breaking up opponents offensive flow in front of the back line), but also distributing and quickly turning defense into attack through the midfield. While I thought Jewsbury did an admirable job for us last season I don’t see him as having the skill set to pair with Chara, Nagbe and Alhassan (3 young players with potential who I think we will continue to see in midfield). Also, when you watch the video of all our goals this past season, you notice that Jewsbury has something like 5 goals hit in from outside the box and I think 3 penalties. It might be unrealistic to expect him to have similar goal production next season with the same opportunities. Many of those shots took deflections and one can never tell how the ball will bounce. I was more impressed with his set piece (dead ball) deliveries but I also thought Chabala did an admirable job there as well. Where Jewsbury comes up a little short is in his physicality, on the ball skills/control and distribution from open play.
I agree with your assessment of Zizzo running with his head down and Alhassan trying to go it alone, but I see those as more a combination of young guys trying to assert themselves in a new squad and a young team trying to find it’s identity. I would hope that Spencer would play to our strengths and allow guys like Nagbe, Chara and Alhassan to hold possession more and allow our offensive buildup to happen through their creativity. Also, both Chabala and Palmer played well for us without having much time gel with the squad and without an offseason to figure out how exactly we might use them.
I would personally love to see us use our fullbacks for some of that wing production that has been mentioned. I think that both Chabala and Palmer have the ability to get forward and track back when possession is lost. I haven’t seen enough of Chris Taylor to know what he has to offer but I assume it would be good to bring in some competition for those spots as well. But, if we do not upgrade our LB and RB spots I think we would still be competitive. Depth is probably more needed there.
It sounds like we are getting Valencia and I suspect he will be used as a forward with Perlaza, possibly splitting time with Cooper. If that is the case, I still think we are one piece away from contention and that would be the playmaker, traditional #10 type player. Part of me feels like that could be Nagbe because I think that is more how he was used at Akron and also because his style of play seems to be more suited to an advanced central role (ala David Silva at Man City, or Luka Modric at Tottenham). He can get out of tight spaces and find overlapping players very well. He can also handle playing out on the wing but I think that is just an indication of the quality he possesses, I do not think that means it is his natural position.
So, If we could bring in a wing and move Nagbe to the middle, that would be fine, but I’m also not so sure Nagbe is ready to have the offense run through him. Assuming he is ready and has a full, healthy offseason to prepare that could be where we see him this season. I think a very handy player to have on the right would be this young kid Lionel Messi… you may have heard of him. :)
Realistically, I would love to pry one of the youth from one of England’s larger club’s academies. It would be nice to get a kid who can’t break into the starting XI at a club like Liverpool or Chelsea and give them a run out, even if it is only on loan for the season. Someone like Raheem Sterling comes to mind, although I think he is too young yet. And, the more I think about it, I just want the Timbers academy to catch on and blow up and start growing and selling some of our own talent.
Think we tried that last year
with Kerrea Gilbert, who was training with Arsenal. Shame that didn’t work out, but it’s worth another shot, right?
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