Smith or Fletcher to partner Scholes at CM?

Discussion in 'Manchester United' started by Dark Savante, Dec 19, 2005.

  1. DigitalTron

    DigitalTron New Member

    Apr 4, 2001
    Arlington, VA
    Dmid is one of the most tactically challenging positions on the field, it's definitely not a glory position, but it requires a reading of the game that takes a long time to master.

    I must admit that Fletcher certainly has looked better positionally this season than last. He seems to be learning the role and understand where he needs to be. At the moment he's doing a servicable job, and will continue to improve.

    Tactically, Smith is thrust into a position that usually takes about 3+ years to understand, and he's having spotty results. But that's to be expected. When the Smith to Dmid experiment began I mentioned that I didn't know if he was possibly past the time to make the switch. But, IMHO, he's started to grasp the basics, which is quite good given his limited time understanding the position. Problem is ... he's being held against a Legend in Keane, and is being placed on a world class stage at United ... so his mistakes are vividly obvious. BUT, he has the savvy, motor, attitude, grit, leadership, dedication, and ability to be very good at that position, if he's given the time to truly learn it. I voted for Smith, because if he is given 3 years (this being year 1) to learn this position--granted that is unlikely--I suspect he'll become one heck of a player for United.

    But, he needs to take the position this season, and by the end of this season he needs to have shown such improvement to solidify his place in the lineup. He's not going to become a great Dmid overnight. I feel that Fletcher may become a decent Dmid, but Smith may become a great Dmid. My fear is that Smith may not be given the opportunity to concentrate on reading the game for the 3 years neccessary to become good at it.

    -Digital
     
  2. DutchFootballRulez

    Jul 15, 2003
    Baltimore, MD
    Club:
    FC Barcelona
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Not to mention Smith's mentor in central midfield play has been moved to Celtic.
     
  3. Soccerholic

    Soccerholic New Member

    Mar 6, 2001
    Mile High
    :D :D
     
  4. Soccerholic

    Soccerholic New Member

    Mar 6, 2001
    Mile High
    For me, it comes down to positional sense. Fletcher's is decent and Smith's is poor. Fletcher is comfortable as a CM and, unfortunately, I don't think Smith ever will be.
     

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