What does Harry do with Niko Kranjcar?
Football FanCast guest columnist Kevin Roper wonders what Harry Redknapp should do with Niko Kranjcar.
I have seen some one sided games in my time and Harry Redknapp will watch this game back and wonder how the hell they failed to add another three points, in their efforts to cement a place in next season’s Champions League. They certainly look good value for it and on this evidence; they certainly look the most likely.
There was an array of excellent performances out there, however it was Niko Kranjcar that stole the show, for me, once again and he turned in yet another sparkling display; the Croatian is certainly making that left side role his own and he is certainly going to give Harry Redknapp a dilemma of sorts especially with Luka Modric soon to return.
So the big question set to face Harry Redknapp is what does he do with Niko Kranjcar? With Luka Modric finally resuming full training and likely to return to the first team fold in the next fortnight it will be hard for Harry to leave such a worldly talent on the bench, despite the heroics of his fellow countryman. Will Harry be tempted to move Kranjcar into the centre, even if it is at the expense of another excellent performer this season, Tom Huddlestone.
I just don’t know how Harry can afford to drop Kranjcar given what he brings to the team. Villa couldn’t handle him when he drifted into the centre and nobody seem to be able to track his runs and many times he was left with the freedom to unleash the wicked shots that he possesses in armoury. Kranjcar is an all action midfielder, has the ability to get from box to box, however is extremely gifted with the ball at his feet and can pick a pass; Niko finally looks settled in the team and it would certainly be a shame to take him out of it now when he is having such a big influence on the team.
So what should Harry do and is there a case to play Niko in a more central role on Modric’s return, or are both players too similar to be in the same team, therefore it is a case of one or the other?
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Yeah, but what a great problem to have? I think our best midfield (when fit)is probably Modric, Kranjcar, Palacios and Lennon. But I still think the Hudd and even Bentley will still have their parts to play this season. On a separate note, I was pleased to see Danny Rose on the bench today, hearing good things about this kid..
I would think Hudd could be used selectively, depending on opposition. He lost possession too easily during the Villa game (but so did Palacios, esp during first half). We could be more heavily punished by sterner opposition. But it’s a great problem to have indeed. I’m just sad Pav isnt given a run-in at all, I think we’re too predictable pumping balls to Crouch and Pav gives something different.
REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL – TOP 3. Absolutely. Some of us have been saying this since Krancjar arrived, of course
Krancjar-Modric-Palacios-Lennon. And given we havent got to play Arsenal, Chelsea or United until APRIL, it’s going to be a great season!
The question of course is whether we change tactics to accomodate everyone. Think about not just the players here but also out on loan, we have a mountain of attacking options. I always like the chelsea 4-3-3 of Mourinho times. Defoe at the head with the choice of 2 of Keane, Lennon, Modric, Kranjcar, Bentley, Dos santos. Play 3 in the middle where you would have Huddlestone, Palacios, Jenas with the possibility of O’Hara and Livermore being added. Oh yeah lets not forget if we can convince him to stay taarabt plus Bostock, Rose and Townsend who I think will be making the step up next season.
yeah put kranjkar in the middle modders on the left.isnt that what happens for croatia?the pair are so technical it will help keep possesion having them both in midfield,
I think Harry will simply have to decide who starts depending on the opposition. Kranjcar has to start the next game he has been on world class form. Modric may have to wait for his chance. However, I don’t think either of them fit the mould to play through CM.
ashmann, kranjcar plays on the left and modric in the center off a 442 formation for croatia. they know each other well and has the potential for some slick football with palacios as a holding mid and lennon to the right.
4312 with niko in the hole and modric to the left lennon to the right & palacios covering the back 4. imo they could both be played to great effect.
Dont even think about dropping Hudds because all this will do is make him go fat there is another way and this is it .GOMES CORLUKA HUDDELSTONE DAWSON BASSONG LENNON PALACIOS MODERIC KRANJCAR DEFOE KEANE OR CROUCH. Ekotto is starting to let goals in and teams are targetting him Bassong could do his Job and give us more height and we would have a centre half that could pass and shoot or maybe two with Dawson.
Harry as a big dilemma on his hands. I have to give it to Huddlestone the kid as been playing pretty well, because at times palacio commits to many error in the middle of the park. Not to say he’s not a good defensive med but his error are a liability and Huddlestone is not a Essien or palacio type of player he’s polish to play cm but i say he needs to be dropped, he doesn’t have that Makelele or Essien mentality to stop play and help the defense( which palacio has). Niko should play in front of palacio so he could roam around freely. Just look at his Pompey day when he played the CAM position was unbelievable. Luka internationally play the cm but in England he’s better suited to play the flank. spurs midfield should be Lennon palacio Niko Modric