Snowflake RoyalleonSnowflake Royal Yeah, discussed this with Hound a bit.
To me Ritchie hasn't actually created a lot, and at 36 hasn't convinced me he has the legs to start.
Yes, he's go two assists, but to me those were all about experience and touch, making the best of someone else's creativity, rather than him creating something.
And I can't get away from our game plan being a high intensity, high energy, high press. I doubt he can do that for 65 minutes.
Two assists is two assists and its striking the games where he's come on as sub the "high intensity, high energy, high press" hasn't occurred until AFTER he's come on.
People saying he should be able to play 90 mins otherwise we shouldnt have signed him are missing the point. It's how we effectively use him is the key part. Playing or not. We need more leaders on the pitch on the pitch - you can see how much we miss Williams.
I only disagree that the high press hasn't started until he's come on. It has faded out before he's come on and the changes have helped re-up it, but its certainly been there to start with. To varying degrees of success.
It's why I really wanted to see him get 60 minutes in one of the cup games. Prove his fitness in a low import match, or prove it over 3/4/5 20 - 30 minute sub appearances, fine. I don’t see training, so I want to be convinced he can start before we just chuck him in to the starting line up.
Play a different way, I have less concern. Play him at fullback, I have less concern.
from an intensity pov I think we've looked lacklustre all season apart from 30 mins here and there
