jones wrote:
Auba never battled CBs for the ball even when his work rate was highest and he was pressuring opponent wingers near his own corner flag. That was never his game and its a major reason he's barely ever injured, its also the reason why Laca who's a midget wins more headers and 50:50s than him. It's probably also why Lacas finishing went to complete shit here, he was a poacher at Lyon but got too much into the centre back battling ruining his body and acceleration in the process.
Laca was slow on arrival and injured with that knee injury. And now hes older he's just slower less agile. He never had any spring now he just looks like hes playing in 2 inches of molasses.
Auba last season was happy to physically compete for the ball. He hasn't been doing that all season. He came back against leeds and knocked their player on his ass in a 50:50. And Instantly i thought great he's on it today. Later he went on to take on the defender and rifle the ball in the oppsite top corner. He hasnt been attempting things like that this season. But you could tell his attitude was on point for the rest would fall into place.
I'm not suggesting hes a battering ram like giroud he just has to compete. Disruption is a huge part of the game. If he gets a long ball hoofed up to him its just his job to put off the CB as much as he can. So the ball breaks free an maybe we nick a goal as opposed to their CB cushions a header to their midfield who then launches a counter.
