by shrimper » Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:31 pm
There were quite a few times on Saturday when Mullin flicked headers on, or to the side and Shuker (to be fair to him) and Duffy anticipated them and got the ball (though then Shuker struggled to do much with it as he soon came under pressure from one or two stronger defenders).
What does Mullin do? He gives us an 'out-ball' every time by being able to hold the ball up, keep possession (very rarely gets robbed) and bring supporting players into the game. He occupies two of their defenders and creates space for other team-mates whom he often finds with neat passes or headers.
Yes some of his headers do drift into non-productive areas but that's usually when the ball has been pumped forward a little too strongly and he only has one team-mate up with him (if any at all).
Otherwise he can direct his headers pretty accurately if he has supporting players with him.
He is also very fit and is still energetic and lively at 90 minutes nearly every game.
He doesn't shoot very well and, for a big tall player, funnily enough, he isn't the best I've seen at attacking the ball with his head to go for goal.
But I still think he's an effective player for us.
When Jevo's fit I'd put him straight in there with Mullers but with the warning that he has to 'up' his game or Spencer's going to get regular starts.
Shuker has filled in quite well in the supporting striker position but Jevons and Spencer are more effective.
Is the glass half full or half empty? Mmmm? hard to say - but it does look like there's room for more beer!