Rob Fielding says Darren Moore’s selection of three upfront was puzzling. Here are his thoughts on the opening day defeat to Rotherham United.
Why the switch to three upfront?
If there’s one topic that dominated the post-match discussion it was Darren Moore’s decision to switch to 3-4-3 for this game. It comes after Vale’s switch to two upfront last season helped them to promotion and prompted a fine run of form from Lorent Tolaj, played in his correct position (while Jayden Stockley also looked to flourish there too). There’s a few problems with three upfront as I see it:
- Moore himself said he played “three number nines” up there – which surely means two were therefore out of position.
- The front three left Vale a man light in midfield. In the first-half Rotherham were able to pick up lots of clearances from the Vale defence as a result. The Valiants looked so much better in the second-half when Ryan Croasdale came on to add that additional body.
- Finally, Lorent Tolaj, in particular looks a different player when played more centrally as his second-half display showed.
For this Vale fan, I would start with our best pairing if fit – Stockley and Tolaj. Waine would be a good bench option, along the lines of Antwoine Hackford last season, where his pace could upset tiring defenders late on. Paton is competition/back-up for Tolaj. While there is cover for the other forwards, as I mentioned in the summer, there is no back-up for Stockley, and I really hope he stays fit this campaign as he is vital to the team.
Why no Walters?
Rhys Walters was one of the stand-out stars of the final third of last season. Many Vale fans were keen to see how he would adapt to League One as he looks to have the game to thrive. Many would start with the midfielder – so it was strange to not even see him in the squad. Darren Moore said there was no injury issue so it’s decidedly odd not to see such a talent at least involved on the bench. Although Funso Ojo has done well to come back into contention, he is now 33 years of age – the nineteen year old Walters represents the future. Surely he would have been a better option for the bench?
Keeper cover urgently required?
It hasn’t been the start to his Vale career that Marko Marosi would have wanted. He made an error against Birmingham City in the home friendly and his weak punch helped Rotherham score their second. Youngster Arron Davies has potential but is probably not ready to provide competition for a starting place right now. So, Marosi will continue to play unless Moore moves in the transfer market or Ben Amos returns from injury.
I’m of the view that a player needs more than two games to show their worth but even so, the lack of back-up options is worrying. I’m going to critique my own view here – it’s all very well giving players a run of games to prove themselves but what if, after that run of games, they still aren’t up to it? Two games may be too soon but what if Marosi is still a weak link ten games in? I do hope he comes good but should he not, Vale really need a credible alternative until Ben Amos returns.
Re Rhys Walters.
Could be any number of issues why Rhys wasn’t included which may or may not be football related. While fans want to know, some things have to remain in house.
To be fair to the keeper he played 2 games for Cambridge both goalless then got injured and was out for the 24/25 season so give him a chance I think the biggest 2 mistakes playing 3 4 3 and leaving out Croasdale
Ron – to be clear, my feature does say he needs more time. What I’m trying to say is – we shouldn’t allow more time and have no options at the end of that time. So, I fully agree he needs more time. I always think some fans are too quick to judge. However, as a fall-back, there should be realistic, experienced cover in place so if he is still not cutting it after ten games or so we have another option. What we shouldn’t do is give him ten games, allow the window to shut and have no options available then.
Does anything Darren Moore does surprise anyone anymore? What annoys me is, almost every supporter I spoke to before the kickoff was of the same opinion, WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING. There was no logic to anything he was doing, team selection or the formation. After just 5 minutes Rotherham had picked up two poor clearances on the edge of our box which better teams would have put away. Everyone could see we were struggling in midfield yet Moore did nothing. We were struggling all over the pitch yet Moore does nothing, he just crouches down as if he’s some tactical genius DOING NOTHING while the game drifted away. Debrah for the first goal, there were no excuses. The ball traveled a long way yet he was still unable to get himself adjusted to get a head on it. The second goal was no better, if we had been up against one of the better team’s in this league and we could have been 5or6 down. Moore in his post match interview, at no point does he mention any of it was his fault, which to me makes me think he thinks his team selection was correct. We have now gone full circle, insane team selection, mysterious tactics, and playing out from the back. Just pick your best players in their best positions and keep a settled team!
Keeper Marosi’s flap that led to Rotherham’s 2nd goal was very disconcerting. It prompted me to post earlier than the Vale should immediately sign another experienced keeper on loan or permanently. Knee jerk reaction perhaps, but having watched the Vale for 62 years there have been few keepers who’ve worried me so quickly. Marosi reminds me of another ex Shrewsbury keeper at Vale, Alan Boswell. He was capable of the sublime and the ridiculous, leading to many a nervous match day for supporters. Warning signs are there now. Over to you Mr Moore.
Last season DM was painfully slow in learning that 2 upfront suited our style of play and I’m convinced this eventual change in formation got us promoted .Going into this game my only thought was which 3 would we play in midfield. Unbelievable that he reverted to the formation that we struggled with last season and our first half performance only confirmed this. Let’s hope DM has a Lion King moment and “Remembers” .
I think he was just trying to catch them out with a wiered unexpected team and formation , which if it had worked he would of been genius ,, but as we seen it didn’t work,, should of changed tactics formation after 10 mins. As for Waine being a good benchman to bring on is harsh ,, we ain’t even seen what he can do with good service.
Hi @Mitch – fair point on Waine. I think I contradict myself in the feature by saying I would give Marosi more games and then immediately saying Waine is only good for the bench. So, I take your point and I can see why you think it’s harsh. Thanks.