Bierhofka

[Brihodge]

Ok, so last year Bierhofka was playing mostly at left mid, and I just don't see him playing there. Obviously with Schneider on the right he's not going to be able to play there, but he was just worthless on the left. Any ideas on where he should be incorporated into the squad? Or if he should be? My opinion is that he's just not ready to be starting yet, i cringed last year every time he got the ball because you knew exactly what he'd do: run the ball down the left flank, try to bring it back to his right and lose it. Any thoughts?

[olafgb]

i can't agree with you. Bierofka was not only Bayer's best striker last season (as left mid!) but also one of the few positive players. The right mid is occupied by Schneider, there is no way for Bierofka to pass him. So, the position he can play in Leverkusen is left mid, wherehe's competing with Babic. Bierofka practically played left mid throughout his Bundesliga career - at 1860 Cerny was occupying the right mid position. Currently Augenthaler prefers Babic as he's a real left footed player - personally I prefer Bierofka, he's a good guy with all skills you need to have to play this position. Actually I can't even think of a better German for the NT on this position at the moment. You're right though - his typical move on the left wing is to go to some steps to the middle and then shoot from 16m, but he scored several goals with this move.

[aloisius]

I too prefer a natural left-footed player to play on the left side if there is a decent one in the squad. Babic is more than decent. I think Bierofka is better on the right and he could get a chance to play there. If Ponte plays poorly than Schneider could be moved to the centre. I can see both of your points. Bierofka’s move from the left to the middle can mean a good shot on goal, but it also means he gets him self into thick traffic where he often losses the ball. I like him better on the right where he can use his speed to get away from his opponents and not bump into them as he often does when he cuts in from the left. I think that’s where he will get most of his playing time.

[panicfc]

Okay I'm in the Olaf camp.

I think Bierofka is better than Babic all around, and needs to play on the left. He is a positive influence in the team and needs to play.

He's one of my favorite players from what I saw last season, and I was hoping to get his jersey this year - no luck " 4 Juan" so I got called "juan" by my friends.

[olafgb]

Originally posted by panicfc

I was hoping to get his jersey this year - no luck " 4 Juan" so I got called "juan" by my friends.

Too bad your real name isn't Don, huh? ;)

[panicfc]

Originally posted by olafgb
Too bad your real name isn't Don, huh? ;)
Oh geez, it couldn't get much worse could it.