Obsessive North Korean football fans would be interested to know that today's game is in Middlesbrough, where their famous upset against Italy took place. Well done Daniel, delighted for him after not getting a cap last time. Is he going to be first choice at the Euros, or are they resting players?
Slightly odd this game, the majority of the players won’t be first pick, in Lingard’s case he’s not even in the squad, neither is JWP who was warming up when Saka got injured who won’t play either. It does beg the question what the point of the friendly is, I understand you don’t want your starters injured but then just don’t bother with the game in that case.
Well I can only presume it was arranged well in advance when we didn't know that Chelsea and United would get to European finals, but yes, it does seem odd from an English perspective to play this game now seeing as it's been a draining season (saw a stat that England's squad has played far more minutes than any other in the whole tournament). According to the comms, the Austrians haven't decided all their starters though, hope Bachmann is their #1
Yeah I forgot about the CL final and that couldn’t have been planned for. That said, the female pundit just said “it’s all about giving linegard a run out and I hope Ollie Watkins comes on too” Sorry but am I going completely mad? Why is it about giving players who aren’t even in the 26 a runout? Who does that benefit? I also appreciate they might still make it due to injuries between now and next Sunday, but that still makes them back up players?
A good profile on Bachmann written by a Stoke-on-Trent paper today. Released by Stoke City, now destined for Premier League and Euros - The rise of Daniel Bachmann - Stoke-on-Trent Live (stokesentinel.co.uk)
Congrats to Dan. His big smile is infectious and he is by all accounts a great lad to have around the changing room. Delighted to see his patience is paying off.
Thanks, that was a good read. I didn't realise he'd had a couple of bad knee injuries in the past, or that he had a Batman tattoo!
Courtesy of @reids this is Bachmann's GK stats v Foster's stats. They both have put up very similar numbers shot stopping wise, with Foster claiming 1-2 more crosses a game but also has been out of position more either on or off the ball. His positioning has been slightly more aggresive. Bachmann's distribution has been more risky but also lead to either a FK, Corner or Shot within 20 seconds of him distributing the ball which indicates a tactically aware goalkeeper who can read the pitch well. Courtesy of @reids this is Bachmann's GK stats v Dahlberg's stats. Dahlberg has claimed more crosses than both Bachmann and Foster whilst also taking a significantly higher starting position, hinting to him being more capable of sweeping the ball. He's also been more capable on the ball than Foster but not as well as Bachmann has done this Season. However, like vs Foster Bachmann's passing has lead to tangible end product regularly. Courtesy of @reids this is Bachmann's GK stats v Johnstone's stats. This is an interesting one. Both goalkeepers have claimed a similar number of crosses, whilst Johnstone has been found out of position regularly leading to dangerous situations. Johnstone's positioning is deeper than Bachmann's. Also, Bachmann's shot stopping has been found to been of a better quality and as discussed earlier his passing is more risky but provides better end product. Final Thoughts: I was surprised at how well Bachmann has scored with his cross claiming but his passing pretty much tallies in with what we've seen. His shot stopping seems about right too when using the eye test. His passing has been very good but it's also worth noting that this is against lower quality opposition who will naturally give away more space to smart runners such as Sarr to then create more Positive Outcomes. Based on what we have and who we're linked with, I would say Bachmann is currently our best option while Dahlberg can certainly grow more with his distribution. If he does, that will give Bachmann serious food for thought.
Alas don't have access to that data but it's a good point. Does however highlight Foster's regression regardless.
Yep, Franco Foda has confirmed it, fingers crossed nothing unusual happens between now and the first game!
It’s lovely to see a player, whose career did appear to be drifting, seizing the opportunities he’s been given and then some! Just as Sierralta did too. It’s stories like this that make sport so life-affirming.
Was very good v Slovakia with some very good saves and safe handling. Wasn't worked much in the air and passing was merely OK. Extremely vocal and marshalled those ahead well as a result. Dubravka had a blinding game himself to deny Austria.
CONGRATULATIONS DAN Starting in first Euro Comp today. Look forward to a masterclass performance from our EPL Austrian International gk. You’ve waited a long time in the shadows - your time is now !