Ball retention must be better

[steve@dcfd]

quote

Paul Dickov wants to see better ball retention from Rovers as they set out on their latest League One adventure.

The squad’s fitness levels are what have pleased the Scot most during pre-season.

But keeping the ball better - and playing fewer ‘hit and hopes’ - is the area that Dickov has identified as a priority ahead of Doncaster’s opening day trip to Yeovil.

“There’s plenty of areas we can improve but the main one is we can keep the ball better,” he said.

“In the first half against Rotherham when we had Nathan [Tyson] and Theo [Robinson] up there, and we know they’re quick, we went straight to them too early.

“Sometimes you have to manipulate the ball a bit better. You have to move it and create space for those guys to run into.

“Too many times it was an easy option just to hit a long straight ball to try and get them in down the side.

“But I want us to pass it better than that, and I know we can.”

On the plus-side, Dickov added: “The fitness levels have pleased me the most.

“In the two games against Championship opposition we probably finished the strongest.”

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/doncaster-rovers-ball-retention-must-be-better-warns-dickov-1-6774753

Let's hope PD picks the right players tomorrow to ensure better retention. Playing Keegan and Furman reduces that possibility especially in a 4 4 2 set with two up front as we did against Rotherham. So I am hoping that Keegan plays along side De Val and Foreester just behind Main. We should see better ball retention and more creatativity.  If there is a needed later on to game for 4 4 2 or even three strikers we have the players to do that. But it must be control first making sure we do not slip up early but having pace in the attacking three to assist Curtis Main who as the strength and ability.

[boro_rover]

Keegs and Furman struggle to make a five yard pass so playing those two together negates the possibility of retaining the ball better. It would rely on Copps and Forrester to make that happen.

If Dickov has the option Wellens and De Val should be given a go together from the start with Keegan or Furman as the anchor man. Forrester playing cam and one up front would be the best option to hold into the ball better and pack out the middle giving better options.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I agree. Was so obvious in the first half v Rotherham, with the back 4 given little option, with the movement and lack of space provided by Furman and Keegan, to hoof it up and hope. That said, the movement all over the pitch was quite poor.

Once De Val and Forrester came on (plus Main), Copps got more in to the game and we looked to move the ball better. Albeit, Rotheraham had made loads of changes by then.

Can't help think he's going to stick with Furman and Keegan though and hope to keep it tight for the first hour at least. We all know what that means. 

[PDX_Rover]

As I said to Mrs PDX....

[newyankee]

I thought that Ball retention left us when we let Ball ( Jordan), go. 

[graingrover]

A recurrent theme .. train them till they are knackered teaches them to keep the ball .. was what was said last close season then Rochdale ran our  midfield off their feet in a League Cup game two games into the season  !!!

[Chris Black come back]

Get better? It could barely get any worse. Prepare for another nine months of dire football in League One. Was not impressed last time we were here and not looking forward to this season.

[IDM]

The football was much better last season, even though we went down. 

[wilts rover]

You make it sound as though we are just going to be knocking passes across a training pitch. There is also an opposing team to stop as well you know. Whatever side Yeovil put out you know they are going to be big and strong and always at us, Dickov needs to pick players who going to combat that, not just a team of pretty footballers.

[Colin C No.3]

You make it sound as though we are just going to be knocking passes across a training pitch. There is also an opposing team to stop as well you know. Whatever side Yeovil put out you know they are going to be big and strong and always at us, Dickov needs to pick players who going to combat that, not just a team of pretty footballers.

Rest assured, the last thing you're going to be watching this season are pretty footballers!!

[RedJ]

I dunno, Copps is quite dreamy...

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Hard work, purposeful passing and movement can create pretty football.