Rewind To Podcast First Season
Nominees of top 3 players & 1 odd Rankings = Count(Top 3) - Count(1 odd)
Perhaps this is your first time hearing about Colney Talk podcast - hi there!. Well, I thought I share a bit of my byte size insights and why I created this unique format. Whilst we regard MOTM as the standard, I believe 2 additional players are worth highlighting hence my top 3. And with a sport that is ruthless with in-game mistakes, there is often a player with more mistakes than most making him the odd 1.
So my criteria for nominations are based on a number of factors: key player in the game, influential on goal-scoring chances(think pre-assist & assist), disruptor against the opponents (defensively and offensively), game day tactician, and impact player (off-bench). It is often an easy pick with certain players. But only in a handful of games[having a completely dominant display.
The image above is a snapshot of all nominees I called, each game. Here are some interesting notes I thought I'd share:
While we know the obvious superstars in the team - Odegaard, Saka, G. Jesus, it is also refreshing to confirm the consistency of the players, with eye test. More importantly, we need impact players within the squad - ala Reiss, Vieira & Smith Rowe, or we bring in another Trossard-like gem.
It is very different how GK are evaluated in games; either he doesn't have much to do when the defense neutralizes goal-threatening shots. Or getting pelted with shots. But when Ramsdale stands out, he is really exceptional.
Perhaps our defensive weakness weren't exposed as much. But it was not the right side(even with injury-absentees). Ben White is a work-horse for our defense. But has somethings technically to get better at.
Least versatile position is CDM and right winger. With Jorginho lacking speed, we need another CDM/CM NOT Rice to give us cover - Is that Mo? If Reiss is designated to winger position, maybe we have to talk about striker then.
The “low-key” quiet and consistent performers in the team include: Ben White, Big Gabi & Jorginho ( shortly after integrating to the squad). Partey, I think has gotten harsher criticism the most; perhaps because of the his level of quality. And his mistakes costing us with minimal cover.
Arteta is elevating this team much quicker than we realize. More importantly, it is now considered the culture of this club.
One of the main things I’m going to be conscious of is how the team “adapts” - in games and throughout the season. So we’ll need to get comfortable with “not sexy” performance. Although, I’m excited to see how unpredictable the team will look.
This helps challenge any confirmation bias heading into the new season and look to have a few more players like Trossard, Kiwior as sure starters but key to squad plans each week. I'm looking for a few squad player surprises. Vieira has started showing flashes.
So hopefully these are interesting to you or spark a health debate - great. Join me in the season and enjoy the pod.
COYG!
