[Dead Fingers]

Continue

old thread
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541425

[footyfan1]

I'm taking it the "What will HSV do without vdV?" debate will continue???

[Bigpapa42]

Well, its going to be all but impossible to directly replace van der Vaart. There are not many players of his caliber out there. I'm just wondering who will take his role? Putsilo is still on loan, I believe, and is supposed to be a creative midfielder. Don't know who else Hamburg have that could play that spot, unless Jol is intending to change that formation, which is entirely possible.

[footyfan1]

Originally Posted by Bigpapa42

Well, its going to be all but impossible to directly replace van der Vaart. There are not many players of his caliber out there. I'm just wondering who will take his role? Putsilo is still on loan, I believe, and is supposed to be a creative midfielder. Don't know who else Hamburg have that could play that spot, unless Jol is intending to change that formation, which is entirely possible.

It's not only entirely possible, it's very probable.

[Wastl]

Depends on which formation you mean

They definately won't play a 4-4-2 with "raute", as they tried in a few games, but last seasons 4-2-3-1 could still be back, though it could change to a 4-3-3 as well. The players all play multiple positions, so I wouldn't necessarily expect a set formation.

Right now, without any new guys, I'd say it looks like this:
---------------Rost------------
Boateng--Reinhard--Mathijsen--Atouba
---------Jarolim---de Jong----------
---Pitroipa---Trochowski----Olic------
--------------Guerrero-----------

Though Olic could also play as a second forward, which would put Trochowski on the left wing, or Trochowski is pulled back to turn it into a 4-3-3. Zidan could play as well, but apart from that I don't see anyone challenging for a position in the starting lineup.

[Bigpapa42]

What about Kompany?

[Wastl]

Word around the team was that he lost his spot to Reinhardt, and now he's gone to the Olympics anyway. Jol definately prefers him as CB, which is good, because there is no need for him in the defensive midfield and he has been better at defense anyway.

Demel is another one who could play but doesn't really have a spot. He's behind Boateng as RB. Both can play on the left side as well and are likely much better than Atouba, but it doesn't look like Jol is interested in playing one of them at LB.

Completely forgot about Castelen, so Zidan is not the only offensive player who could challenge for a spot. Though if I remember correctly he's still recovering from injury.

[Syriaman]

Did Sharbini move to HSV?

Thanks.

[Bigpapa42]

Looks like Kompany is coming back to the club after trying to stay with Belgium at the Olympics. Wonder if Hamburg will discpline him at all?

[Vfbstuttgartfan]

Surprisingly impressive start for HSV tonight, coming back to snatch a draw away to Bayern after having been two goals down. Not bad, they certainly played much better than I expected.