Other than keeping his head down a little too much he has been very good. And, what, he's like 25 or 26?Originally Posted by 125_TFC
Other than keeping his head down a little too much he has been very good. And, what, he's like 25 or 26?
The interesting move at this point will be to see how Carver adjusts to the reality that teams are just packing the back against us. It's hard for Robert and Ricketts to be effective as wingers if the opposition has nine or 10 guys sitting back, which has been the case against both New York and Columbus.
Ricketts is doing alright - but I hope he steps it up and becomes more of a force. I remember the question: Who would you rather have Guevara or Ricketts. It's an easy one right now - Guevera and Robert are both way ahead of Ricketts. It's still early though and Ricketts is younger so we'll see how things go.
He made some good runs first half right infront of the Northend. There was one time Jimmy B wasn't to happy with RR for sending in a poor cross instead of passing it to him in the corner.
RoRo is playing ok. I can see his faults and why he is not in the EPL however I am happy with him on the wing.
Well said.
Totally disagree.
Listen I'm not a Ricketts basher or hater. He isn't aterrible player but he is just an average joe at best.
Problem with Ricketts is that he signed after Robert and Guevera. When Mo signed Robert and Guevera everyone was saying we had the best midfield in the league. Then Mo signed Ricketts and there was alot of hype. After watching him play I think we have the best 2/3 midfield in the league and Ricketts isn't part of it. Maybe people thought because of his experience in the English league he would adjust easily to the MLS but he hasn't.
In his first game he blew a 4 on 1 chance. He didn't pass and he didn't shoot. Well I know why he didn't shoot beacause he has no force whatsoever in his shot. And why didn't he pass? Because the guy always dribbles with his head down. By doing so he never sees the open player or the opposing player coming onto him and eventually losing the ball. This constantly ahppened yesterday and in his previous games. Yes he can dribble buty for fuck sakes man they reach you in Soccer 101 to dribble with your head up. Just watch him on tapes and my point will be proven.
Like I said he isn't a bad player but has become a bashing boy because people realize that he is just average and there was to much hype when he came over. He is no where near the calibre of Robert and guevera.
But what people have to realize is that Ricketts isn't our problem They should be screaming more about our strikers. They are our problem and why we can't score. Both Dichio and Cunny should hang up the boots. If Carter brings in a striker who trully is a striker, than this team will be the most feared team in the league
I was probably victim of being overhyped as well but I would much rather he be in the line-up than not. A quick look at the stats shows that he drew 10 fouls while only causing 2. This in 323 minutes of play. That's an average head and shoulders above anyone else on the team.
http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/st....jsp?club=t280
Why do people go all hyperbole. I haven't once read anyone say RR was shit, or they hated RR.
The most damning thing I've read & posted is that he's overrated, overhyped & plays with his head down. Where's the shit or hate in that?
Can people not post an opinion without being misquoted?
One of the things I like about the new board is that people seem to be able to agree to dissagree without any animosity. That won't last long if people attribute the use of adjectives when they were never used.
Say what you mean, mean what you say. Don't misquote
Why do people go all hyperbole. I haven't once read anyone say RR was shit, or they hated RR.
The most damning thing I've read & posted is that he's overrated, overhyped & plays with his head down. Where's the shit or hate in that?
Can people not post an opinion without being misquoted?
One of the things I like about the new board is that people seem to be able to agree to dissagree without any animosity. That won't last long if people attribute the use of adjectives when they were never used.
Say what you mean, mean what you say. Don't misquote
Agreed.
Your analysis or RR is the same as mine. No one is saying he is shit or hate him. What we are saying is that he is overated and your right he always playss with his head down. That's why he never finds the open man and eventuallly loses thae ball to the opposing player. Also he has a very weak shot, no force behind his kick.
He is simply an AVERAGE Joe type of player and people have to come to that realization. You ain't goona get more than that from him.
Having said that, it is still good to have him in our lineup because he is better than our other options.
People who bash RR10 obviously don't know football....give the guy some time to gel with his new teammates...RR is class for me...he can take people on, he can make pinpoint passes...he'll find his form again with TFC and will become one of our best players
I'd say the people who point out RR's deficiencies have a different opinion than you. Having a different opinion than you, doesn't mean the don't know football.
I was impressed with Velez in Charleston, and, barring one (admittedly glowing) mistake per game in the first two or three games, he has looked right at home.
And I think what Ricketts brings is similar - he plays positionally exceptionally well, generates chances, has speed and creativity with the ball, but needs a little more time to adjust. When he's been out of his natural position (right side), he has been challenged a little more, but he is an asset to the team. I look forward to great things from him, and thought that he'd get at least one last Saturday!
does anyone have a link to the archived game? i can never find it through the cbc website
if anyone does could you send a pm? Please!
thx
RR drifts in and out of games...word of warning Rohan...watch you don't drift out of the first team. Everyone is screaming for a striker...if we go to a 4-4-2 we are going to drop a midfielder...who's on the outside looking in...RR.
“We changed the entire league’s opinion of the viability of soccer in North America. And then we blew it because we chickened out." —Tim Leiweke
Right now, I would drop Edu way before Ricketts, and possibly even Robbo. Just me tho.
Yeah, I notice this load of shit does nothing to counteract the game summary I posted above, where he touched the ball all of 11 times in the first half hour of the game and almost every time created something with it.
It's broad generalizations like "why he never finds the open man" that turn rank disagreement at this stage of a player being on the team into people later remembering him as performing sub standard. Again, I've quantatively present ed some evidence from the last game that he didn't underpform, and bhoybobby and giambac are presenting...what? their opinion that he runs with his head down too much?
Go through the games. Give us some examples by the minute. Prove it. What I see right now is a couple of guys who are being over-critical; yeah, you're right, that isnt' the same as "hating." But it's still pig-ignorant.
You want facts or stats I'll give them to you.
4 games - 0 golas
game 1 - 4 on 1 wuth Ricketts having control of the ball. Of course with his head down, he didn't realize he had 3 open palyers so he didn't pass. Of course with his head down he didn't see the opposing player and lost control of the ball.
On saturday's game he was set up several times and his lack of shooting force (can't even break a sheet of glass) , he wasted several scoring opportunities.
Shit, this guy came from the English league and he can't adjust to the MLS. That is sad. I'm tired of the bullshit that he needs time to adjust. He's a fuckin professional. How much more time does he need. H ewill soon hav eall the time he needs becasue if a new striker comes in anfd if Carver changes the system to ma 4-4-2 a midfileder will be sent to the bench. Sorry Ricketts it's you. He will then have all the time he needs.
See? He makes my point. He's complaining that Rohan Ricketts isn't scoring goals.
He's a winger, you imbecile. He had two goals in his first 44 appearances in English football. His job is to beat his man deep to the byline and cross the ball in, or cross over with the fullback to allow penetration, or to feed the ball into the oncoming attacking centre mid. Occasionally, it's to track bacl and defend on breaks.
It's not to score. Know the fucking game if you're going to try to anaylze a player's performance. Jesus wept, that was a clueless comment.
What's a gola?
As usual I’d say the truth is somewhere between the two extremes. To be fair I’d have to say you’d look at the rest of the wingers in this league(the non-dp ones and excluding our own players), see what they are doing and what Ricketts offers in comparison.
(not comprehensive)
Tier one:
-Fred – goes under the radar somehow but is probably DCU’s best player.
-Castro, Mansally, Nyassi – It’s practically unfair but true. Castro is a pretty smooth playmaker, both Mansally and Nyassi have produced and tortured defenders. SN can do no wrong it seems.
-Robbie Rogers – if he keeps up his current form at least
-Stuart Holden – USMNT player, great shot, only is going to get better
Second tier:
-Khano Smith – great wheels, decent feet, can’t cross
-Dane Richards – see above
-Alvares – if he’s on his game, he goes in the top category. If he’s off his game, he goes in tier three.
-Corrales – SJ’s “other” winger. Has some skils but generally is playing below billing
Third tier:
-Omar Cummings – good speed, has had some success this season, but hasn’t proved much long term and probably is getting plenty of help from Gomez
-Dominic Oduro – great potential, looks amazing one week but disappears after
Fouth tier:
The Josh Tudela kind of player ...
Where does TR fit? Well probably somewhere in #2, unless he gets really uninvolved then he’d have to drop to three. Speed and ball skills at his level are enough to be a good winger in this league. I couldn’t rank him next to the best though as they are generally more well rounded.
Last edited by ag futbol; 05-19-2008 at 08:28 PM.
0 golas,
0 assits
0 shots on net.
He will soon be riding the pines.
Your stats are bull shit because he hasn't been on any of the scoring plays. Did he blow a 4 on 1 opportunity in game 1? Answer the question. What was the excuse on the play??? Was he not set up several times on saturday and he didn't get a good shot away? answer the question.
Don't avoid the facts.
The only thing he has been on is ruining drives when he constantly loses ln. IF Carver goes to a 4-4-2 system, which midfielder comes out? Guevera, Robert, robinson or your Ricketts who hasn't done anything?
Who would you take off. Answer the question.
Good analysis.
Currrently I would have him in the 3rd tier.
Hate to say it but atm Edu.,, hes been invisable this yr.. but I think its due to the fact hes got 3 new MFs.. Guevara and Robert have been through it before (transfers and new plays/players) and I think Edu will catch up soon, but atm, I still think RR > Edu.
Yeah, fuck right off junior, we have no goals from running play in that time, so by your incredibly simplistic logic, we should also drop Guevara and Robert. And Robert and Guevara both had shots on net in the last game and didn't score, so they must be shit too, right. And both had clear chances, including Guevara shooting right at the keeper just minutes in.
Answer this question: How do you explain the entire premise of this thread, that I've actually analyzed some of his play minute for minute, while you're still busy backpedalling, as usual, to support an uninformed, juvenile, reactionary, damaging and ignorant opinion. Come on, Giambac, surprise us all by supporting your opinion with something significant for a change.
You've got nothing. Class dismissed.
lol interesting read so far
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Toronto 0 - Columbus 0 Game Blog
Posted by Joe Ross on May 17, 2008
The sting of that 2-0 loss in Columbus at the start of the season was still with me before the start of the match. Unfortunately outplaying the Crew in a 0-0 draw was not enough to erase that lingering bitterness. Next time around I’m looking for a proper stuffing.
How They Lined Up:
Toronto
----------------------------Sutton-----------------------
Wynne-----------Velez-----------Marshall-----------Brennan ( c )
--------------------------Robinson-----------------------
Ricketts----------------Edu----------------------------Robert
----------------------------------Guevara--------------------
-------------------------Dichio--------------------------------
Substitutes: Edwards, Tebily, Dunivant, James, Harmse, Smith, Cunningham
As expected, the team was unchanged from two weeks ago against New York. Judging from the way Carver’s been running the ship, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be waiting another match before seeing the debut of Olivier Tebily.
Columbus
----------------------------Hesmer-----------------------
Hejduk ( c )-------Marshall--------O’Rourke-----------Hendrickson
---------------------------Carroll---------------------------
Gaven-------------------Evans--------------------------Rogers
----------------------------------Schelotto-----------------
----------------------------Moreno--------------------------------
Substitutes: Gruenebaum, Iro, Garey, Ekpo, Hernandez, Zayner, Lenhart
The Positives
∙ After (in my opinion) getting out played by New York, Toronto controlled the play for the majority of the game, while neutralizing the threat of Schelotto. In fact, other than the Rogers chance, Columbus rarely threatened. The defending is miles better than the start of the season.
∙ Laurent Robert was Toronto’s most dangerous attacker. Lately the Frenchman has seemed content to stay way out left, hugging the touchline and launching in crosses. Today he was cutting inside far more often, making dangerous runs and pulling defenders along with him, creating space for his teammates. He also had TFC’s best scoring chance, putting a low skipping shot off the post.
∙ Sheriff Lobo was looking to shoot more often, especially from distance. Now, several of those were off the target, but just the fact that someone has the audacity to actually have a crack at goal is refreshing, especially with the way TFC has been struggling in the final third. The Honduran Maradona’s best chance was a sweet one-time volley at the start of the match that was well saved by the excellent Will Hesmer. I also loved how he refused to give the ball to Schelotto late in the match for a free kick. Twice he extended the ball out to him before pulling it back when the Columbus number 7 reached out for it. Guevara then handed the ball to the official instead. Cheeky bastard!
∙ After Robbie Rogers beat Marvel Wynne inside the box and slipped a shot through Greg Sutton’s five hole for what I thought was a sure goal, Tyrone Marshall came to the rescue and cleared the ball offline. It was the highlight of the Jamaican’s quality performance.
∙ John Carver brought Jeff Cunningham on in the 63rd minute for the (inevitably) ineffective Danny Dichio, instead of waiting until after 80th.
∙ Every game should kick off half an hour later than what’s listed on the match ticket. The majority of fans got in their seats before kickoff, and the atmosphere was ten times better than the New York match.
The Negatives
∙ Again, Toronto FC struggled in the final third of the pitch. Danny Dichio just isn’t quick enough for this formation. Guevara has an “F” listed next to his name on the team sheet, but we all know he plays more like a classic number 10, dropping back to pick up the ball and look to play defense-splitting passes that Dichio just can’t get onto the end of. The big number 9 is far more effective when playing next to a smaller striker in a 4-4-2. Now, it’s unfair to only point the finger at Dichio for the lack of goals, especially when he was being marked by the highly impressive man-mountain Chad Marshall. Both Rohan Ricketts and Mo Edu had excellent opportunities that were struck meekly at the keeper. But clearly I wasn’t the other one left frustrated with the strikers. This is a quotation from John Carver after the match:
“Again, I’ve been banging this drum from the start of the season we need to improve in certain areas and I still haven’t stopped looking as you all know I was home for a week and I did a lot of work to try and find somebody in that area. The guys who are doing the job for us at the moment are doing a good job but we need better and I think we all know that. It’s going to take time I have stopped working on it and either has Mo (Johnston)”
I think it’s safe to expect another forward after the June 15th deadline.
∙ Rohan Ricketts wasn’t exactly having a blinder out there today, but when the team needs a goal, is bringing on Jarrod Smith really going to make a positive impact? I’ve yet to see him do anything on that right wing that suggests he’s going to help create a goal. I’d rather have a tired Ricketts for the final ten minutes than a fresh Smith, even if Ro isn’t having his best game. Now, if the team was protecting a lead, that’s a different story.
Ratings
Sutton 7, Wynne 6, Velez 7, Marshall 8, Brennan 6, Ricketts 5 (Smith NR), Edu 6 (Harmse NR), Robinson 7, Robert 8, Guevara 7, Dichio 5 (Cunningham 6)
I think the Ricketts trouble with attacking his wing is leading to Carver switching his wingers more often and ending up with Robert down the right trying to get the ball onto his left and although he does succeed sometimes, why should he play at a disadvantage ??(longest run-on sentence of the blogging season)
cslion said on May 17, 2008 09:24 PM
for the love of God...can someone show Ricketts an old video click of Brett Hull taking a one timer...Ricketts needs to take a one timer when provided with a pass inside the box...
My only comment...in Montreal this weekend...forced to watch my first home game on the tube...so hard to tell if Ricketts is still my Welsh of this summer.
Can't wait to see if Montreal will open their new stadium vs Vancouver in style this Monday at 3pm...
Robbo got man o' the match, but in my mind Robert deserved it hands down.
Jloome ,
what other facts fo you need. You know fuck all about soccer and how to rate players. Get a life and take upo cricket with Ricketts.
Giambac...I think all I have ever read from you is complaints against TFC players. Do you like ANY players at all?
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Toronto 0 - Columbus 0 Game Blog
Posted by Joe Ross on May 17, 2008
The sting of that 2-0 loss in Columbus at the start of the season was still with me before the start of the match. Unfortunately outplaying the Crew in a 0-0 draw was not enough to erase that lingering bitterness. Next time around I’m looking for a proper stuffing.
How They Lined Up:
Toronto
----------------------------Sutton-----------------------
Wynne-----------Velez-----------Marshall-----------Brennan ( c )
--------------------------Robinson-----------------------
Ricketts----------------Edu----------------------------Robert
----------------------------------Guevara--------------------
-------------------------Dichio--------------------------------
Substitutes: Edwards, Tebily, Dunivant, James, Harmse, Smith, Cunningham
As expected, the team was unchanged from two weeks ago against New York. Judging from the way Carver’s been running the ship, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be waiting another match before seeing the debut of Olivier Tebily.
Columbus
----------------------------Hesmer-----------------------
Hejduk ( c )-------Marshall--------O’Rourke-----------Hendrickson
---------------------------Carroll---------------------------
Gaven-------------------Evans--------------------------Rogers
----------------------------------Schelotto-----------------
----------------------------Moreno--------------------------------
Substitutes: Gruenebaum, Iro, Garey, Ekpo, Hernandez, Zayner, Lenhart
The Positives
∙ After (in my opinion) getting out played by New York, Toronto controlled the play for the majority of the game, while neutralizing the threat of Schelotto. In fact, other than the Rogers chance, Columbus rarely threatened. The defending is miles better than the start of the season.
∙ Laurent Robert was Toronto’s most dangerous attacker. Lately the Frenchman has seemed content to stay way out left, hugging the touchline and launching in crosses. Today he was cutting inside far more often, making dangerous runs and pulling defenders along with him, creating space for his teammates. He also had TFC’s best scoring chance, putting a low skipping shot off the post.
∙ Sheriff Lobo was looking to shoot more often, especially from distance. Now, several of those were off the target, but just the fact that someone has the audacity to actually have a crack at goal is refreshing, especially with the way TFC has been struggling in the final third. The Honduran Maradona’s best chance was a sweet one-time volley at the start of the match that was well saved by the excellent Will Hesmer. I also loved how he refused to give the ball to Schelotto late in the match for a free kick. Twice he extended the ball out to him before pulling it back when the Columbus number 7 reached out for it. Guevara then handed the ball to the official instead. Cheeky bastard!
∙ After Robbie Rogers beat Marvel Wynne inside the box and slipped a shot through Greg Sutton’s five hole for what I thought was a sure goal, Tyrone Marshall came to the rescue and cleared the ball offline. It was the highlight of the Jamaican’s quality performance.
∙ John Carver brought Jeff Cunningham on in the 63rd minute for the (inevitably) ineffective Danny Dichio, instead of waiting until after 80th.
∙ Every game should kick off half an hour later than what’s listed on the match ticket. The majority of fans got in their seats before kickoff, and the atmosphere was ten times better than the New York match.
The Negatives
∙ Again, Toronto FC struggled in the final third of the pitch. Danny Dichio just isn’t quick enough for this formation. Guevara has an “F” listed next to his name on the team sheet, but we all know he plays more like a classic number 10, dropping back to pick up the ball and look to play defense-splitting passes that Dichio just can’t get onto the end of. The big number 9 is far more effective when playing next to a smaller striker in a 4-4-2. Now, it’s unfair to only point the finger at Dichio for the lack of goals, especially when he was being marked by the highly impressive man-mountain Chad Marshall. Both Rohan Ricketts and Mo Edu had excellent opportunities that were struck meekly at the keeper. But clearly I wasn’t the other one left frustrated with the strikers. This is a quotation from John Carver after the match:
“Again, I’ve been banging this drum from the start of the season we need to improve in certain areas and I still haven’t stopped looking as you all know I was home for a week and I did a lot of work to try and find somebody in that area. The guys who are doing the job for us at the moment are doing a good job but we need better and I think we all know that. It’s going to take time I have stopped working on it and either has Mo (Johnston)”
I think it’s safe to expect another forward after the June 15th deadline.
∙ Rohan Ricketts wasn’t exactly having a blinder out there today, but when the team needs a goal, is bringing on Jarrod Smith really going to make a positive impact? I’ve yet to see him do anything on that right wing that suggests he’s going to help create a goal. I’d rather have a tired Ricketts for the final ten minutes than a fresh Smith, even if Ro isn’t having his best game. Now, if the team was protecting a lead, that’s a different story.
Ratings
Sutton 7, Wynne 6, Velez 7, Marshall 8, Brennan 6, Ricketts 5 (Smith NR), Edu 6 (Harmse NR), Robinson 7, Robert 8, Guevara 7, Dichio 5 (Cunningham 6)
I think the Ricketts trouble with attacking his wing is leading to Carver switching his wingers more often and ending up with Robert down the right trying to get the ball onto his left and although he does succeed sometimes, why should he play at a disadvantage ??(longest run-on sentence of the blogging season)
for the love of God...can someone show Ricketts an old video click of Brett Hull taking a one timer...Ricketts needs to take a one timer when provided with a pass inside the box...
My only comment...in Montreal this weekend...forced to watch my first home game on the tube...so hard to tell if Ricketts is still my Welsh of this summer.
Can't wait to see if Montreal will open their new stadium vs Vancouver in style this Monday at 3pm...
Robbo got man o' the match, but in my mind Robert deserved it hands down.
Jloome ,
what other facts fo you need. You know fuck all about soccer and how to rate players. Get a life and take upo cricket with Ricketts.
Jloome,
I guess when you went to school a rating of 5 (50%) was good for you. You settle for a D- but for me it just doesn't cut it.
Take up anothe rsport like baseball where 50% average is considered good.
Time to wake up and realize your a loser.
All of a sudden, folks are reverting to the ways of the old board.
It's o.k to have opposing views on players, it doesn't make anyone right or wrong, just passionate footie fans.
Just think if RR'd lift his noggin, DD scored a goal & Robert did his stuff more consistantly we'd all be pals
ya RR is doing everything we brought him in here to do. Personally, I feel very confident and comfortable with him playing.. his experience is invaluable. So he's no Ryan Babel.. I don't think anyone expected him to be.
I'm amazed at how confident we're playing now, 1-2 passes, chips, working the flanks. There's not one game since away at DC that we've been outplayed. Seriously! We've played an attacking game, and done quite well shutting the game down when necessary. One of our weaknesses has been finishing, but again, aside from Gallardo, look at the rest of the mls.
The real challenge will be to see if these pussies can play well on the road. This is where team leaders need to step up and lead by example. With guys like Guevara hungry to score goals and be the enemy to the opposing fans, look to see a new fighting spirit in the reds.
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