Gazza M wrote:
theo is an athlete first and foremost. ox looks like a player first, athlete second, which is the way it should be.
I know where you're coming from, and it's a much used phrase with Theo, but I do feel it's a little unfair.
The problem is he's constantly asked to play in a way that doesn't suit his strengths, his touch under pressure and in congested areas is not the best, his close control when running with the ball at top speed is also nothing special, and his passing is average at best, but to write off his technique as a footballer based on that is harsh, in my opinion. He's a really pure striker of the ball and can generate a serious amount of power with no back-lift, especially with his instep, ala Henry. His finishing when running at top speed is also very good, from a technical standpoint that's not to be sniffed at. He's also got good touch in and around the box. Ask most strikers to play wide and as deep as Theo has played at times, and it would highlight a lot of the weaknesses in their game too.
Look at this video of Theo at 14, 15 and 16, the technical quality of some of the finishes at that age is outstanding.
