Now that we are about to step into yet another campaign of WC qualification we'll see more activity, interest, debates and yes, arguments about the team, its roster, tactics, coaches, games, ... etc. Which is what energizes us all.
I thought I'd make a few remarks on this edition's difference from the last one, the opportunities, and what we should look forward to.
1- TM selection.
CQ's selection this time around, compared to 3 years (for WCQ) back feels different. Unlike the last time this time I see more youth energy in the team, which is a major positive. One of my bones with CQ the last time was how he mostly over-relied on aged players and didnt bank enough n our youngsters' drive and energy.
This time, though, he has. And I must add that what has made this easier for him is the level of experience some of our youngsters have gained in the past 3-4 years. Azmoun, Jahanbakhsh, Ezatollahi, PAG, Beyranvand, Shojaeian, ... not only have become more integrated into our team, but thanks to their exposure and involvement in the first teams pf their clubs, are among the more reliable players. Subsequently we can expect more energy and drive from TM this time around
The other difference is addition of a second bankable forward to the team. The last time, the only top performing and dependable forward was RGN. This time around, while RGN may have slightly lost sight of the goal, he still has retained his trademark dogged, high energy running characteristic which makes himself available for his team mates behind him. And now, we have another reliable forward who will provide extra options in the air for different modes of attack; Azmoun.
I know pp fans would like to count on Taromi. But he hasnt proven himself aganst decent defenses yet. He has the potential. But his recent drama
I predict more use of the 4-3-3 formation by CQ than the uncomfortable 4-2-3-1, using pacey and skillful wingers like JB and Amiri on the flanks allow alternative options if CQ wants to change from something like Dejagah / Hajsafi wingers who are more physical and direct.
The problem or confusion starts when we reach midfield. Lots of good players and lots of options. But I fear CQ may try to fit in as many favorites as possible which may actually under-cut our maximum potential. Would two DM's for example help move things along in a 4-3-3 ?
With inclusion of Rafiei and Shojaeian, both of whom are very skillful as an attacking/creative midfielder, I hope we can finally say goodbye to the slow and now aged Shojaei. I am still hoping Rahmani can pull up his socks and regain his marvelous form to get the call up. The one that easily over-shadowed and dominated Rafiei's performances in Foolad. So we know he is capable of much more.
And with the exciting Ezatollahi, we have the making of a fantastic midfilder who can be used in both defense and offense. That too for many years to come.
In the defense, another stark contrast is now we have too many LB choices to pick from. Which is a welcome headache. Aghaei, Naseri, Mohamadi and even the ill-fitting (for LB) Hajsafi are at CQ's disposal.
Central defense is pretty much the same; older and wiser, but with youth support, should be ok.
2- The group
I feel this group is even a couple of notches easier than the last time, especially with Syria in Lebanon's place. So I sincerely hope CQ doesnt leave qualification up to the very last game, like the last time. We cant rely on a fluke Korean defender's miskick or mistake to help us get the necessary points.
Most established teams aim to gather as many points as possible, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Why? Because you cant leave things to the last day or be assured of doing it under massive stress at the late stage what you wouldnt do in early stages, under far less stressful circumstances
And I think it is high time we started behaving like established teams.
Because lets face it. Getting three point games against the likes of Qatar and China is imminently easier and doable than leaving the required three points for the last game AT KOREA..
I thought I'd make a few remarks on this edition's difference from the last one, the opportunities, and what we should look forward to.
1- TM selection.
CQ's selection this time around, compared to 3 years (for WCQ) back feels different. Unlike the last time this time I see more youth energy in the team, which is a major positive. One of my bones with CQ the last time was how he mostly over-relied on aged players and didnt bank enough n our youngsters' drive and energy.
This time, though, he has. And I must add that what has made this easier for him is the level of experience some of our youngsters have gained in the past 3-4 years. Azmoun, Jahanbakhsh, Ezatollahi, PAG, Beyranvand, Shojaeian, ... not only have become more integrated into our team, but thanks to their exposure and involvement in the first teams pf their clubs, are among the more reliable players. Subsequently we can expect more energy and drive from TM this time around
The other difference is addition of a second bankable forward to the team. The last time, the only top performing and dependable forward was RGN. This time around, while RGN may have slightly lost sight of the goal, he still has retained his trademark dogged, high energy running characteristic which makes himself available for his team mates behind him. And now, we have another reliable forward who will provide extra options in the air for different modes of attack; Azmoun.
I know pp fans would like to count on Taromi. But he hasnt proven himself aganst decent defenses yet. He has the potential. But his recent drama
I predict more use of the 4-3-3 formation by CQ than the uncomfortable 4-2-3-1, using pacey and skillful wingers like JB and Amiri on the flanks allow alternative options if CQ wants to change from something like Dejagah / Hajsafi wingers who are more physical and direct.
The problem or confusion starts when we reach midfield. Lots of good players and lots of options. But I fear CQ may try to fit in as many favorites as possible which may actually under-cut our maximum potential. Would two DM's for example help move things along in a 4-3-3 ?
With inclusion of Rafiei and Shojaeian, both of whom are very skillful as an attacking/creative midfielder, I hope we can finally say goodbye to the slow and now aged Shojaei. I am still hoping Rahmani can pull up his socks and regain his marvelous form to get the call up. The one that easily over-shadowed and dominated Rafiei's performances in Foolad. So we know he is capable of much more.
And with the exciting Ezatollahi, we have the making of a fantastic midfilder who can be used in both defense and offense. That too for many years to come.
In the defense, another stark contrast is now we have too many LB choices to pick from. Which is a welcome headache. Aghaei, Naseri, Mohamadi and even the ill-fitting (for LB) Hajsafi are at CQ's disposal.
Central defense is pretty much the same; older and wiser, but with youth support, should be ok.
2- The group
I feel this group is even a couple of notches easier than the last time, especially with Syria in Lebanon's place. So I sincerely hope CQ doesnt leave qualification up to the very last game, like the last time. We cant rely on a fluke Korean defender's miskick or mistake to help us get the necessary points.
Most established teams aim to gather as many points as possible, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Why? Because you cant leave things to the last day or be assured of doing it under massive stress at the late stage what you wouldnt do in early stages, under far less stressful circumstances
And I think it is high time we started behaving like established teams.
Because lets face it. Getting three point games against the likes of Qatar and China is imminently easier and doable than leaving the required three points for the last game AT KOREA..
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