₦airaland Forum

Mickael2:
point of correction. Khedira is not a limited passer at all, he had an average passing percentage of 87.2% in the Euros. I agree with what you said about the tactical part but even in such a system the runner is never a limited passer. In the semifinal, Can who played that role had a passing percentage of more than 80 as well, Onazi is getting closer to 70 not 80 and that is a major problem. You are making it sound as if Ndidi cannot pressure high up the field? If we really want somebody who can do what Khedira does then it has to be Ogu, if we want someone who can do what Kroos does then we have to play Ndidi. Mikel should be playing the Ozil role with little defensive responsibilities, even if Mikel has to start as the deep lying playmaker, Onazi still isn't the best runner we have, his passing stats are just too poor

LOL.. Passing is not one of Sammi's greatest assets. His stats could be up to such percentages because of the team he plays for.
Real Madrid got rid of him because of this limitation which was exposed in the el classico and got Toni Kroos after that dreadful game Barca beat them 5=0...

Ndidi can press but not as good as Onazi. Remember Ndidi is a CB by trade who was converted by Genk to a DM.
His energy levels can't be compared with Onazi who was trained as a CM...
Am sure you will understand my point.

tbaba1234:
Is this stats for one game 51 passes? That is not a good measure. You need more to properly assess.

I believe both Ndidi and Onazi can play together.

He averages 51 passes per game and has a percentage success rate of 74%,while Ogu averages averages 59 passes per game and has 85% success rate out of those 59 passes.
He's basically twice the passer Ndidi is.

tbaba1234:
These are the passing stats of Onazi, Ndidi and Ogu.

Ogu has the best passing stats.
Ndidi uses more of long balls
Onazi has a higher passing % than Ndidi.

This is exactly what I've been saying. Alot of people overrate Ndidi's play making abilities. Especially his passing,while Statistically it doesn't add up.
Ive followed his stats closely and I can tell he is not a very good passer and this should be no surprise becaus he was trained in his early days as a CB.
However, he is incredible in ariel duels and some other defensive aspects.
Ogu juts like I pointed out earlier is the best passer out of the DM s....

Mickael2:
Just had to add my voice here about Onazi. Onazi and Mikel have both combined briliantly when we have another midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation which Keshi used, first it was Mba and then Babatunde, but the AMF we are using these days plays more like a Suport Striker than an actual AMF so the imbalance is there. If we had another midfielder in there, maybe Aluko for example who will fall back to defend or who moves with the ball then Onazi will start with Mikel, but recently it is usually just Mikel and Onazi in the middle and this has exposed Onazi's defencies, the results? 2 failed Afcon qualifying campaigns, so it's time for an upgrade. I always make reference to what someone said here not long ago, if we are going to play a 3 man midfield then I don't have any problem with Onazi, he called it a marker-ball carrier-runner system or so, but if we have basically 2 persons in midfield then Onazi won't work, his passing abilities is just too poor. A DMF is a position that does not really need 'trust', if a CB gets the ball, there is no other passing outlet for him na,he must pass to the DMF

Your points are well noted.
But you have to factor in that Rohrs favoured formation is 4-2-3-1 formation. Which is the German national team's formation. Its not strange for Rohr who has worked within the DFB setup for a while to employ this formation.

Coming to the midfield analysis in this formation, it requires a double pivot of a play maker and a runner.
Germany played with Schweinsteiger as the deeplying playmaker while Sammy Khediera is the runner....
Shweinsteiger is required to recycle the ball and hit long passes to the wingers and forward runners to setup a lightning quick counter. While Khediera presses high up the field and distrups the opposition from getting to mark out Shweinsteiger, just like Gattuso used to do for Pirlo and later Vidal at Juve.
The Germans really on Khediera's incredible big engine to drive them from midfield. Midnight you, Kross can do same job Shweinsteiger used to do.

Coming to Nigeria, Onazi could just be our Khediera while Mikel our Shweinsteiger. With either Iwobi or Etebo playing the Ozil role.
In this role, onazi doesn't really require to be a pass master since he has a Mikel playing beside him. His job will be to take away markers from Mikel, while Obi sets attacks from deep... Just like Onazi, Khediera is not a pass master but he uses his energy to steam role teams.

Alot of teams who play 4-2-3-1 formation most times have a player who is limited in passing range in a double Pivot.
Just like Arsenal plays with Carzola the deep lying playmaker and Couqline the energetic but limited passer.

Let's not throw Onazi away yet. He could add alot to the team in a dual pivot role.

TheGoodJoe:
Yes. I always rated Onazi but after Mickael2 made a strong debate on how the team plays and the importance of a passing DMF in the modern game, I agreed Ndidi is the better choice. If we control the game better, we would not need much defending.

If it's choice between Ndidi, John Ogu and Eddy. I think John Ogu could be better when playing out from the back...
His pass % stands at 84% from 59 passes, while Ndidi has 74% from 51 passes.

Also let's not be top quick to push Onazi out. This team is used to playing with Onazi, he has the confidence of the defenders and the other midfielders.
His partnership with Mikel haven't been so bad over the years.
We must be careful not to tweeker too much with the team dynamics. Its very important. Just saying...

TheGoodJoe:
My point is clear. Best finisher stays up front. Although I am impressed with Ideye's passing skills. Nacho upfront. Flanked by Simon and Victor Moses. With Iwobi Behind them. Mikel and Ndidi in midfield.

One word for this, Fiyahh.

................................ Iheanacho (CF)
................................ Iwobi (AMF)
S. Moses (LMF)................................. V. Moses (RMF)
......................... Mikel (CMF)
............................... Ndidi (DMF)

You went for Ndidi ahead of Onazi? That's a surprise, You've always rated onazi

TheSuperNerd:
Liverpool Ovie Ejaria Will Play For Nigeria,
NFF President Pinnick Assures

https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image-17.jpg?fit=952%2C952

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has assured Nigerians that England youth international Ovie Ejaria will play for Nigeria at senior level.


Ejaria trained with the Nigeria U-17 team of 2013 but failed to make the team to the World Cup in Dubai, where Nigeria emerged as champions. The 18 year old has however made giant leap in the last six month.

He was handed his premier league debut by
manager Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool 6-1 trashing of Watford, and he is already an international for
England at youth level. As a matter of fact he
could line up for England U19s against Nigeria in a friendly tournament in South Korea later this week.


However Pinnick is confident that the 18 year old will defend the colours of Nigeria at senior level as he is very much in the plans of manager Gernot Rohr.


”We are monitoring his progress and Rohr is well aware of him. We are not in any rush to call him up. His club career for now should be his focus but if Rohr says he wants him, we will secure him” He told Owngoalnigeria.com.


”He will play for Nigeria, we are very confident,
his case is less complex than the rest”.


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/11/07/liverpool-ovie-ejaria-will-play-for-nigeria-nff-president-pinnick-assures/

Let's hope Pinnic's Warri connection helps secure Ovie. Am not too confident to be honest.

marutimon:
Everyone seems to have forgotten to note that Fred Friday also made team of the season.

Two Nigerians made the Scandinavian team of the season.
John Owoeri ended the season in Sweden as the top goal scorer last night. Never knew he still played football.

TheSuperNerd:
Looollll.... "Basaksehir"

LOL... This is actually the correct spelling Başakşehir. Imagine getting to type this whenever I want spell their name.. Lol

BascoVanVeli:
but he is not on a modest club, IBB is on top of the turkish league with 2 points. It's the same as leicester last year, when a team is doing good the chances are few, the turkish cup has not yet kicked off for the big clubs and so right now the chances of playing are not great. Still Musa had offers even before this season and with his performances for Nigeria i am sure he will have alot of teams chasing him. I must agree that he has a bad agent, i still ask myself how did we get here, with all the big clubs that have been mentioned by his name.

Ba******(spelling) is a small club. They are not in the class of Beskitas, Galatasary or Fenerbache. They are currently punching above their weight at the moment.
Don't you think his current situation will put off potential suitors?

tbaba1234:
On their way to Nigeria, Iwobi and Ihenacho on the plane from london

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwnOvxOXgAEzdZR.jpg

These two guys love themselves. This is the kind of relationship we like to see in the team. Not the kind where people won't like passing the ball to each other.

Icon4s:
It doesn't matter.

Club is club, national team is national team. we know the capabilities of our defenders. I am not bordered.

I also have confidence in the crop of goalies we'll be having in camp. Thank God its a home game. Our opponents are more likely to be on the receiving end.

I am more concerned about how our Forwards will combine well upfront to produce the much needed goals.

Our forwards will definetly creat changes. Their defence is not exactly world class. However, we must be weary of turning the game into a shooting game. If that be the case, we may be looking at something like a 2=2 draw.

We should be looking at scoring and keeping them from scoring.

tbaba1234:
I hope Elderson is not injured. He played Europa league and the game before but is not even on the bench today..

He could be injured. He was subbed out in the Europa league at the break, I think.

BascoVanVeli:
U sounded like an hater when u dismissed Musa saying he couldn't hold down a spot in Turkey, just like I would sound like one if i said the same thing about Mikel or Iheanacho. Yes the statement about him not holding a spot is true but there are circumstances which we all know to be the reason. All the same i am sorry if u r offended as that is not wat i'm about.

Now I see where you misunderstood my point. Am a realist. If you have have been following my posts, you will know.
Musa's move to Turkey have set his career back. That's the truth.
He is rated as the 4th choice Rb by his club,for whatever reason which is surprising to every Nigerian.
An African not getting games at a modest club in Turkey and being rated by this club as 4th choice, realistically,will not get a look in by decent clubs in any of Europes major league. That's the Gospel truth.

However, if a trusted person with connections recommends him to a club. He may be offered a trail durring which decisions would be made.
A lot of factors could come into play.... Factors ranging from internal politics, work permit and probably signing him could block the pathway for a local talent.....
Its quite a long shot... That is why the npfl is an option for him. A plan B.

I suggested Rangers because the coach Imama, is a national team coach. He will over watch his growth like he had done with a fledgling Chisom Egbuchulam and a recuperating Obinna Nwobodo.
Playing in the Caf champions league and Npfl will give the experience which will lead to a rebound back to main stream Europe like Ifeanyi Mattew. He's just 20...
I know why I took my time in writing this.

It's been a week to forget for our defenders. Mainz conceeded 6 in the Europa league with Balogun posting a very low mark overall.
Omeruo scored an own goal yesterday.
Balogun's error lead to Mainz conceeding their 3rd goal today.
Elderson's form is patchy so far this season.
Our Right back is unstable.....

I understand the Algerians are happy to know Ikeme will be MIA.
Their strategy will be to shoot on sight and trouble whoever will be in goal.
Rohr has a lot of decision to make and work to do this week.

TheGoodJoe:

That is why I asked, is it you that made that post. I know you are too knowledgeable to type that. I understand it was an honest mistake.

Funny enough, I was the one who typed in a hurry not you. Lol

BascoVanVeli:
Contempt in my dictionary means not showing respect. I don't feel u showed respect so that's that, i didn't defame u in anyway that is how i see it.

Last night you called me out for suggesting Musa Muhammed should come back home if he can't find a good club in a decent country.
You first said I insulted Musa with my suggestion, some other posters told you I said nothing wrong but you had none of that. You went ahead to post I made the comment out of contempt.
You were way out of line. If I didn't come out with a strong statement, you would erroneously brand me a Musa hater or someone who held contempt for the player.
How can I hold contempt for Someone who I rate as a future eagles captian

joseph1013:
Wasn't this what started the discussion? You mentioned agents!

Certainly I meant manager not agent. My mistake

joseph1013:

Pogba = Mino Raiola
Ozil = Erkut Söğüt
Iwobi = Emeka Obasi,
Iheanacho = Stellar Group
You're better off having professionals as agents.

You listed their agents. Here's their managers
Pogba =his mom Ozil =mustafa Ozil Iwobi =Chuba Iwobi (his dad) Iheanacho =James Iheanacho

TheGoodJoe:


goldfish80, is it you that wrote this post?

Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, Iheanacho's agents are Stellar Group, Gareth Bale's agents.

Agent is different from manager. Pogba's mom is his manager while Riolaia is his agent.
You typed in a hurry

krattoss:
I can tell u that Rohr can manage information and players.. was it keshi or oliseh.. I think they must have been having a beef with Moses and this ebuehi guy...

kudos to rohr... see how he managed the case of Isaac success, victor Moses, and even Mikel obi... I bet not all his predecessors can handle that amicably.

Rohr is a good manager. He's committed in developing a new super eagles team.
His experience and commitment is quite glaring.

tbaba1234:
Sometimes, agents are like second parents to players especially youngsters. Plus, the agent knows more about the game than the boy.

Obviously agent play major roles in a players career. Although I prefer the agent being a parent of the player.
Like pogba and his mom, Ozil and his dad, Iwobi and his dad, Iheanacho and his dad.. Etc

tbaba1234:
Yea, i think there was a report about the fact that the statement was released by his agent.

The agent believes that this is not the best time for him to honour the invitation.

His family should be speaking for him not the agent.
Things like this are the reason it's best to have a parent act as the manager of the player.

Is this for real?

EBUEHI NO-EAGLES SAGA: ROHR REVEALS FULL DETAILS
http://africanfootball.com/news/661952/EBUEHI-NO-EAGLES-SAGA-Rohr-reveals-full-details
by Staff Reporter
Sunday Nov 06, 2016. 17:04
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has revealed Tyronne Ebuehi will honour another invitation after he first rejected a chance to play against Algeria so as to focus at his Dutch club.
Rohr specially opened up that the 20-year-old ADO Den Haag defender as well as his parents had accepted he should honour the call-up for the Algeria match, but the player’s agent blocked the move.
“He’s a very good, young player, a right back. His agent did not want him to come yet because he is still very young, he has only played four, five games for the first team of Den Haag,” Rohr narrated.
“His agent believes that it’s too early for him to play for Nigeria, that he should first stablise at his club.
“But the player wants to come and next time, he will come.
“He said yes he will play for Nigeria at first, but then the agent came into the picture and made some observations.
I also spoke to his parents and they also wanted him to come too.”

BascoVanVeli:
The dream is always to get paid doing wat u love. Money is always a factor when it comes to jobs in general, people have mouths to feed.
The original comment was made with contempt, why would anybody expect Musa to drop from the best team in Turkey to Nigeria, when there are so many other countries in Europe. If the npfl is so good why we not clamoring for Mikel to come also. To me it was just a method to dismiss Musa, there was nothing good or ok about that comment.

This is good news. Great news! 
If his minders cannot find a decent club for him in a decent country, he should come back home and sign for Enugu Rangers.
Playing in the Npfl and Caf champions league could prove vital in his development. 
The structure in Rangers will be most suitable for him. Imama being with the national team will take care of him properly. 
I hope Imama speaks to him in camp.

Of course he should be playing in Europe. But if such opportunities aren't forthcoming what's his fall back option? 
Would you rather he hangs around in Europe playing for a pub team in the name of playing in Europe? 
Top clubs in Europe would hardly look the way of a player who couldn't hold down a spot in Turkey for Ba*******(spelling) 
Npfl should be his fall back option, no matter what you think about our league

These were the comments I made which you interpreted as being made with contempt. Something must be definitely wrong with your understanding and cognitive reasoning if after going through my comment and you believe I made it out of contempt. Contempt for what?
I've defended Musa Muhammed here more than anyone. I called for the Nff to speak to his club and get to the root of his plight because I see him as a future super eagles captian.
A couple of weeks later, out of the blue am showing Contempt towards the same player.

I think the Nff should come to the aid of this young man. Such a big talent should not be made to waste away at a road side club in freaking Turkey. Something just has to give this coming transfer window.
The Nff should take a cue from Germany on how they handled the case of serge Gnabry at Arsenal. Immediately after the Olympics, DFB made a lot of noise then pressured Arsenal into letting Gnabry leave due to lack of playing time, using wolfsburg as a front to get the boy back to Germany.
Is it not time someone at the nff atleast pickup a phone and call his club's hierarchy to seek an explanation why Musa Muhammed is never even on their team sheet after pulling ranks to deny him an opportunity to play at the Olympics. For goodness sake, this guy is a future super eagles captain, someone should be putting a phone call now! .

That's the comment I posted in September. Somehow am showing contempt some weeks later towards the same player.
Please don't defame me again with that rubbish talk of contempt.

tglobal:
My recollection of AFCON 2008 is that we hardly created chances in that tournament and Yakubu still managed to score. Our only chance against Ivory Coast fell to Obafemi and he missed. Maybe that is why Berti Vogts refused to start him subsequently.

We presented a very poor team in Ghana 2008. From defence to attack the team was dogshit.
Imagine that lumber Jack called Junior Agogo out foxing our defenders and somehow scoring, knocking us out when we had a man advantage for the greater part of the game.
It was an Afcon not to remember.

BascoVanVeli:
Ur insult could never have been directed at me as i am not Musa. U r trying to make it seem like he won't get offers in Europe as he is not that good. Like i said don't use npfl to cover shade, is it only Musa that u want to bring back home? Why don't u wish that on ur favorite player. The boy is trying to be a bread winner for his family and u are wishing him owed salary and i'm the wierd one for opposing it, go figure.

Unbelievable! Wow! Just wow...
I never knew I was shading Musa by suggesting he came back home to the Npfl if he fails to secure a deal in a good club in Europe.
Accept my sincere apologies.

BascoVanVeli:
Say wat u want but playing in Nigeria will be a major step back for this boy and yu knw it. Don't hide behind our league to make insulting comments like that. So what about Celtic and the host of other clubs who wanted him? Not only Musa, why not Ighalo and Onazi?

Btw his club is number one on the log in Turkey, this isn't any club.

You feel insulted because I said the Npfl should be Musa Muhammed's fall back option?

safarigirl:
You did not answer on the internationals who play in the Israeli league....that was just generalisation

And Zambians in PSL? Lol, the ones thst were starstruck by Mikel and Iwobi? Give me proper internationals abeg

Is Zambia not a country? Those same Zambians were African champions just 4yrs ago,beating stars bigger than Mikel and Iwobi.
I hope ure not asking me this because you want to measure the Isreali league and Psl with Portugal 3rd tier?

BascoVanVeli:
What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Y didn't u ask 4 a list of internationals in every country? All I said was that he is in the 3rd division and for that u r sending me homework.

I thought you were talking up Portuguese 3rd tier.

BascoVanVeli:
God forbid, no disrespect to the npfl but this boy needs to be playing every week in Europe.

Of course he should be playing in Europe. But if such opportunities aren't forthcoming what's his fall back option?
Would you rather he hangs around in Europe playing for a pub team in the name of playing in Europe?
Top clubs in Europe would hardly look the way of a player who couldn't hold down a spot in Turkey for Ba*******(spelling)
Npfl should be his fall back option, no matter what you think about our league

TheSuperNerd:
High Flying Turkish Side Declares Super Eagles Defender Musa Muhammed Surplus To Requirement

https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/image-14.jpg?fit=1024%2C682


Super Eagles right full back Musa Muhammed has been told to search for a new club in January by high flying Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.


Since joining the team last summer, the 20 year old Nigerian is yet to make a single appearance for the Turkish side, and he is presently viewed as the fourth choice right fullback of the team.


So far he has just five professional appearances to his name in over one year at the Turkish side, and the table toppers in Turkey have made it clear that his services are no longer required.


”Yesterday when they played Galatasary, I spoke with a member of the team shortly after the game which they won 2-1 away from home to maintain their fine start to the season. I asked
about Muhammed’s situation and I was told he
has been told to leave” Turkish journalist Adnan
Adem told Owngoalnigeria.com.


”As a matter of fact, he is aware he is not needed even before the start of the season, one wonder why he stayed behind. It’s a pity but he hasn’t really grown”.

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2016/11/05/high-flying-turkish-side-declares-super-eagles-defender-musa-muhammed-surplus-to-requirement/

This is good news. Great news!
If his minders cannot find a decent club for him in a decent country, he should come back home and sign for Enugu Rangers.
Playing in the Npfl and Caf champions league could prove vital in his development.
The structure in Rangers will be most suitable for him. Imama being with the national team will take care of him properly.
I hope Imama speaks to him in camp.