England 1-1 Ukraine: Tom Cleverley Shines
An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses displayed last night by the rising northern star that is Tom Cleverley.
There were a few major talking points after Englands labored, but thoroughly deserved draw against the Ukraine last night. Fans can sink their teeth into a number of debates: a disallowed goal, harsh refereeing, and a dubious red card. But a prominent feature of the game was last weeks media darling, Tom Cleverley, who was once again deployed in the forward role just behind Jermain Defoe. Last Friday against Moldova, the Manchester United starlet looked cultured, composed, and a real threat to the opposition, his peers and his manager quick to praise him after the 5-0 demolition. The following day, plenty of newspapers were eulogising Cleverleys abilities, implying that perhaps England had found a real diamond, and a player that would signify the birth of a new generation. However, in spite of his impressive display, the papers forgot something; Cleverley failed to score. Though it may sound slightly harsh to focus on perhaps the only single negative aspect of Cleverleys performance that night, it was an issue that reared its head again yesterday and this time it was impossible to ignore. Cleverley had two very good opportunities to find the net, especially his first when Jermain Defoe knocked on a splendid ball from Steven Gerrard into the young mans path with the goal gaping from no more than three yards. It was a chance that Cleverley incredulously failed to take, as he tamely side-footed the ball straight at the keeper. A few moments later, after a commendable gallop down the right flank from Frank Lampard, the Chelsea man slid a perfect ball into the box and straight to the feet of the England number ten, who subsequently panicked and skewed his shot well wide of the goal. By this time, England were a goal down and in much need of a boost before half time, and most fans would admit that they would have much preferred to have seen the likes of Defoe or Gerrard on the end of Lampards pass. There is no doubt that Cleverley is s highly talented player; his passing is sharp, he is hard to pick up, and he is blessed with a footballing brain. His club manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been nothing but complimentary about the young midfielder: He is a very clever footballer. He has got a quick brain in terms of appreciation of passing. However, despite Cleverleys guile on the field, there is a reason why Ferguson spent seventeen million to acquire the services of the Japanese attacking midfielder, Shinji Kagawa. That reason, is quite simple; goals. Unlike more natural number tens like Kagawa, Iniesta, and Cesc Fabregas, the latter who Roy Hodgson compared Cleverley to only a few days ago, the burgeoning talent does not have the knack for finding the net. He is more cogent in the centre of the park with the ball in front of him, where he can dictate the play and create opportunities for those playing higher up the pitch. It was apparent last night that Cleverley looked uncomfortable with his back to goal, and his attempts to find pockets of space at the top end of the field appeared laboured and sluggish. This is no fault of his own, as it is not his custom to fulfil the forward position, but to instead play the visionary and manipulator of rhythm. Cleverley will surely be a regular fixture both in the England squad and at Manchester United, so long as hes played where his strengths truly lie.