The Peter Whittingham Myth

Not a fan of stats personally. if we go by stats then Leon Brittain is as good as Xavi.

Can't doubt Whitts technique, is vision and first touch is up there with the best in the PL. Trouble is he doesn't impose himself enough in games for me. Just needs to be quicker in his work really and he'd be far more effective.

Take Jordon Mutch for example, I used to look at him and think what does he add to a team apart from a few nice touches and short passes. Now he's box to box, showing for the ball, running at defences, taking shots on and getting his foot in. He gives us so much more now that we miss him he doesn't play. Would we miss Whitts not being in the 11?

Whittingham, under Malky, has rarely had a chance to impose himself on games in open play. Under Dave Jones who played more open, attacking football he did. Whittingham became a victim of Malky's terrible tactics yet still contributed massively. The last time we saw the real Whittingham was against Wolves in the 3-1 win.

There has been games this season were he has been the outstanding poor player on the pitch. But he has contributed to almost half of our goals this season. Stats do not lie, the only stat Britton would be potentially better than Xavi on is pass accuracy. Whitts is a thinking mans footballer, you put him in any other league in the world and he would be outstanding. Theres a reason he got so many caps for England u21s and the other age groups.

Whitts will go down as a LEGEND at this club. Up their with the finest players we have had the priviledge to play for the club. He may not go flying into tackles or shoot from 30 yards at the moment, but we have not set up that way all season. He is probably the only player at this club that plays for the badge, maybe with the exception of Bellamy. I can see him having a more forward role under OGS. One goal from open play and see his confidence rise and start controling the game more

Whitts

You're wasting your time arguing with Craig, he seems to have a strange view on players/managers who have done well for us.

As already mentioned he is a confidence player and his confidence is shot to bits maybe a few games out could help.

Under Dave Jones theres no doubt one of those two chances he passed up against Sunderland would have hit the back of the net.

I feel sorry for him. Its a big step up from Championship to PL so it was going to be a test for him anyway yet he has been asked to fill into another position.

Sadly he has become a target for the boo boys and after being one of our best servants, and best player for the last 4 years that really grips my shit.

You're wasting your time arguing with Craig, he seems to have a strange view on players/managers who have done well for us.

People have different views. Didnt rate malky at the end and whitts is playing shite at present. You have a weird obsession as you only turn up to talk about me......who are you really i wonder?

Not a fan of stats personally. if we go by stats then Leon Brittain is as good as Xavi.

Can't doubt Whitts technique, is vision and first touch is up there with the best in the PL. Trouble is he doesn't impose himself enough in games for me. Just needs to be quicker in his work really and he'd be far more effective.

Take Jordon Mutch for example, I used to look at him and think what does he add to a team apart from a few nice touches and short passes. Now he's box to box, showing for the ball, running at defences, taking shots on and getting his foot in. He gives us so much more now that we miss him he doesn't play. Would we miss Whitts not being in the 11?

Whittingham, under Malky, has rarely had a chance to impose himself on games in open play. Under Dave Jones who played more open, attacking football he did. Whittingham became a victim of Malky's terrible tactics yet still contributed massively. The last time we saw the real Whittingham was against Wolves in the 3-1 win.

That's a fair point mate. MM wanted players to chase everything and constantly close down. That's not Whittinghams game in the slightest and there's nothing wrong with that. But I do feel at this level he needs to be quicker with everything he does. Keep the same way of playing his game, just at speed. The top players have all his attributes but do it at pace. He's good enough to, lets see if the second half of the season with OGS in charge brings the best out of him. I certainly hope so

There has been games this season were he has been the outstanding poor player on the pitch. But he has contributed to almost half of our goals this season. Stats do not lie, the only stat Britton would be potentially better than Xavi on is pass accuracy. Whitts is a thinking mans footballer, you put him in any other league in the world and he would be outstanding. Theres a reason he got so many caps for England u21s and the other age groups.

Whitts will go down as a LEGEND at this club. Up their with the finest players we have had the priviledge to play for the club. He may not go flying into tackles or shoot from 30 yards at the moment, but we have not set up that way all season. He is probably the only player at this club that plays for the badge, maybe with the exception of Bellamy. I can see him having a more forward role under OGS. One goal from open play and see his confidence rise and start controling the game more

Whitts

I agree. But he can still improve his game, he knows that and doesn't need to be told I'm sure

You're wasting your time arguing with Craig, he seems to have a strange view on players/managers who have done well for us.

People have different views. Didnt rate malky at the end and whitts is playing shite at present. You have a weird obsession as you only turn up to talk about me......who are you really i wonder?

I am a Cardiff city FAN so I tend to support my team not berate and belittle them. I wouldn't think that highly of yourself to think I only turn up to talk to you, I post on various threads, I think you think I have an obsession with you because I talk positively about my club and have a longer memory than 2 weeks.

Whatever you say about malky, he kept us out of the relegation zone and that is his objective met.

Our fans turning on Whitts is like Liverpool fans turning on Steven Gerrard when he goes through a bad patch.

Disgraceful.

Our fans turning on Whitts is like Liverpool fans turning on Steven Gerrard when he goes through a bad patch.

Disgraceful.

Only at Cardiff City ey

Our fans turning on Whitts is like Liverpool fans turning on Steven Gerrard when he goes through a bad patch.

Disgraceful.

Just like they did with Kavanagh. Chris Gunter gets booed on return to Cardiff but Alan Lee gets a heroes welcome

bored of defending Pete, not just one of Cardiff's best ever players, but one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

Has never asked to leave, never been in the Press for wrong reasons and always produces goals/assists.

This is a bloke who has never had a sly dig at the fans, even though countless MORONS have said this to him, and he has decided to leave twitter twice due to absolute shit being directed at him.

This isn't just this season, I remember speaking to him shortly after Palace away a few years ago (lost 1-0 to a Vaughn goal) and the amount of stick he got for not 'putting his foot in was remarkable'

I'll admit he hasn't had any outstanding performances this year, but it's the Premier League, he's consistent and he's a creative midfielder with one striker to try and pick out. His game isn't like a typical winger, attacking midfielder, as he's not quick.

But a team with whitts in is a lot better than a team without him.

bored of defending Pete, not just one of Cardiff's best ever players, but one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

Never a truer sentence about the bloke. Met him a couple of times and have been fortunate to have gone out drinking with him and a few other players. He and Hudson will both always be regarded as legends to me. Not only because of what they've done on the pitch but off it for the community as well as the loyalty they've shown. They stuck by us and delivered promotion for us. Both of them love Cardiff and their family love it here. Hudson has told me so himself. As i've said before, he and Whittingham are more Cardiffian than a lot of our fan base and the likes of Ryan Giggs. They're true bluebirds!!!

As already mentioned he is a confidence player and his confidence is shot to bits maybe a few games out could help.

Under Dave Jones theres no doubt one of those two chances he passed up against Sunderland would have hit the back of the net.

I feel sorry for him. Its a big step up from Championship to PL so it was going to be a test for him anyway yet he has been asked to fill into another position.

Sadly he has become a target for the boo boys and after being one of our best servants, and best player for the last 4 years that really grips my shit.

Polo,

I can't disagree with anything you say in the above post. However, one thing I will say is that Whitts is his own biggest enemy at times and for me he hides and refuses to take responsibility.

Once Saturday he picked up the ball on the the left hand side on the half way line. A massive gap opened up for him and instead of driving into that space he let the play overtake him and roll the ball to Kim. I was then thinking "OK now get beyond Kim and get into a position where you can hurt West ham," but instead he went deep to show himself in his own half!

As much as i think he's technically gifted and has been a good servant for this club, I honestly don't know what he adds to the team at the moment.

I'm hoping the lad Eikrem who looked similar to whitts will have an extra dimension to his game and will grab the opportunity to affect the game instead of passing the buck like whitts all too often does.

There is absolutely no way a player with a wand of a left foot like whitts should be rolling the ball 3 yards for Taylor to deliver crosses into the box. He should be whipping in crosses ala Beckham not shifting the responsibility to average players.

I don't expect him to be gliding down the wing or even putting in big tackles but what I do expect is for to be making the most of his abilities.

As already mentioned he is a confidence player and his confidence is shot to bits maybe a few games out could help.

Under Dave Jones theres no doubt one of those two chances he passed up against Sunderland would have hit the back of the net.

I feel sorry for him. Its a big step up from Championship to PL so it was going to be a test for him anyway yet he has been asked to fill into another position.

Sadly he has become a target for the boo boys and after being one of our best servants, and best player for the last 4 years that really grips my shit.

Polo,

I can't disagree with anything you say in the above post. However, one thing I will say is that Whitts is his own biggest enemy at times and for me he hides and refuses to take responsibility.

Once Saturday he picked up the ball on the the left hand side on the half way line. A massive gap opened up for him and instead of driving into that space he let the play overtake him and roll the ball to Kim. I was then thinking "OK now get beyond Kim and get into a position where you can hurt West ham," but instead he went deep to show himself in his own half!

As much as i think he's technically gifted and has been a good servant for this club, I honestly don't know what he adds to the team at the moment.

I'm hoping the lad Eikrem who looked similar to whitts will have an extra dimension to his game and will grab the opportunity to affect the game instead of passing the buck like whitts all too often does.

There is absolutely no way a player with a wand of a left foot like whitts should be rolling the ball 3 yards for Taylor to deliver crosses into the box. He should be whipping in crosses ala Beckham not shifting the responsibility to average players.

I don't expect him to be gliding down the wing or even putting in big tackles but what I do expect is for to be making the most of his abilities.

Excellent post.

Gringo his confidence is shot to pieces and not helped by being played out of position and not helped by the groaners so he is playing safe and keeping it simple.

On the flip side the movement in front of both Medel and Whitts is not great it was like a game of musical statues first half on Saturday.

2nd half when Eikrem come on I thought Whitts was much better switching the
play from one wing to the other and linking play well.

Once Saturday he picked up the ball on the the left hand side on the half way line. A massive gap opened up for him and instead of driving into that space he let the play overtake him and roll the ball to Kim. I was then thinking "OK now get beyond Kim and get into a position where you can hurt West ham," but instead he went deep to show himself in his own half!

Thats Malky's fault. He's been made and brainwashed to play in a negative way. Cant blame Whittingham for doing what he's been told to do. He'll be better under Solskjaer once he gets going properly. I still don't think Whittingham will be dropped either. His set pieces are worth too much against some teams and he creates far too much. He also chips in with the odd goal. He is also a fairly decent passer who will fit in fine with the likes of Dæhli and Eikrem's pass and move style of play.

Gringo his confidence is shot to pieces and not helped by being played out of position and not helped by the groaners so he is playing safe and keeping it simple.

On the flip side the movement in front of both Medel and Whitts is not great it was like a game of musical statues first half on Saturday.

2nd half when Eikrem come on I thought Whitts was much better switching the
play from one wing to the other and linking play well.

His confidence is low and it hasn't been helped with Malky's insistence on playing him out wide where he offers absolutely nothing in my opinion.
The problem with whitts will always be accommodating him. For a long time now he has been like a Leon britton type player who is just keeping the ball moving with no real affect on the game. I believe whitts has more to his game than that and he used to be able to execute a final ball or score a goal out of nowhere.
The defensive aspects of his game aren't good enough for him to simply be in the team to keep the ball moving. I want more from him and he should want more from himself.

Unfortunately I think his place is in real jeopardy. If I was picking the team at the moment my midfield 3 would be Medel, Kim and Mutch. I think that offers a nice balance and that's without Daehli and Eikrem!

Whitts really needs to stand up and show us that his ability to affect a game and be a match winner isn't now a thing of the past.

How can anyone defend his effort to block a cross leading to West Hams goal. Quite frankly my nan could've looked more commited,

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

How can anyone defend his effort to block a cross leading to West Hams goal. Quite frankly my nan could've looked more commited,

The cross Jarvis played which you are talking about was hit first time and didnt give Whitts any chance to get the block in. Unfortunately jarvis is lighening quick compared to Whitts and showed a touch of class with that movement and cross.

I am more concerned with how the f**k Declan John was so far out of position (He was nearly by the touchline yet the ball had been pinged from the other side) and KTC ball waching and lett ign C.Cole get in front of him.

Last edited by Mario Polotelli on Wed Jan 15, 2014 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

Agreed. Also, possession and ball retention was supposed to be his forte, although as of current, apart from some spells of genius, he's been quite bad at it. As an impact sub trying to make something happen then he's fine but I wouldn't start him.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

I like Kim and I would argue that he has been the one player who has been affected even more than Whittingham by Malky's style of play. I thought he was excellent at the back end of last season. I also thought he started this season reasonably well enough but he was then banished to the stands for three months while we attempted to out fight teams.

I honestly think Kim will be the player who could benefit more than anyone if solskjaer wants to get the ball on the ground. I agree that he can look a little lightweight at times though. I think his biggest problem will be if we can accommodate him in a midfield that already looks quite lightweight.

On a positive note, jordon mutch has surprised many how easily has adapted to top flight football. I think he is becoming the complete midfielder. He's strong, fairly quick, can tackle, he's got good vision, he's a powerful ball carrier and he's got an eye for goal.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

Agreed. Also, possession and ball retention was supposed to be his forte, although as of current, apart from some spells of genius, he's been quite bad at it. As an impact sub trying to make something happen then he's fine but I wouldn't start him.

I'd argue that his ball retention hasn't been what it should be due to the movement ahead of him. For me, he is the one player in our team who is capable of splitting defences with a slide pass.

How can anyone defend his effort to block a cross leading to West Hams goal. Quite frankly my nan could've looked more commited,

The cross Jarvis played which you are talking about was hit first time and didnt give Whitts any chance to get the block in. Unfortunately jarvis is lighening quick compared to Whitts and showed a touch of class with that movement and cross.

I am more concerned with how the f**k Declan John was so far out of position (He was nearly by the touchline yet the ball had been pinged from the other side) and KTC ball waching and lett ign C.Cole get in front of him.

He left it too late to cover. forgivable if he were pulling up trees in attack, but he is not.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

Agreed. Also, possession and ball retention was supposed to be his forte, although as of current, apart from some spells of genius, he's been quite bad at it. As an impact sub trying to make something happen then he's fine but I wouldn't start him.

I'd argue that his ball retention hasn't been what it should be due to the movement ahead of him. For me, he is the one player in our team who is capable of splitting defences with a slide pass.

Fair argument. Both he and Whittingham are highest for chances created so no surprise there. I'm inclined to agree with you. I think both Kim and Whittingham as well as maybe Bellamy at times have been hindered by Malky's tactics. Basically, any midfielder with true attacking intent has been. Noone is another. Its ludicrous and just shows how tactically inept Malky was at times.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

Agreed. Also, possession and ball retention was supposed to be his forte, although as of current, apart from some spells of genius, he's been quite bad at it. As an impact sub trying to make something happen then he's fine but I wouldn't start him.

I'd argue that his ball retention hasn't been what it should be due to the movement ahead of him. For me, he is the one player in our team who is capable of splitting defences with a slide pass.

Fair argument. Both he and Whittingham are highest for chances created so no surprise there. I'm inclined to agree with you. I think both Kim and Whittingham as well as maybe Bellamy at times have been hindered by Malky's tactics. Basically, any midfielder with true attacking intent has been. Noone is another. Its ludicrous and just shows how tactically inept Malky was at times.

I think Malky had a style of play that he thought was effective. In general he was proved to be correct. We got promotion where others who had previously thrown money at it had failed. (Leicester etc)
It was incredibly hard to watch at times but then again so was George Graham's Arsenal team. There is no way he would have accommodated the players Wenger has done over the years into one of his teams, nevertheless both teams were successful.
I'm grateful for what Malky has done for this club but now we've moved on and I hope that we are able to move on with a bit more attractive style of football.

How can anyone defend his effort to block a cross leading to West Hams goal. Quite frankly my nan could've looked more commited,

The cross Jarvis played which you are talking about was hit first time and didnt give Whitts any chance to get the block in. Unfortunately jarvis is lighening quick compared to Whitts and showed a touch of class with that movement and cross.

I am more concerned with how the f**k Declan John was so far out of position (He was nearly by the touchline yet the ball had been pinged from the other side) and KTC ball waching and lett ign C.Cole get in front of him.

He left it too late to cover. forgivable if he were pulling up trees in attack, but he is not.

Why was he covering in the first place. Declan John was a mile away from where he should have been.

Footballs all about opinions but I dont see a place for Kim in the team once OGS gets his peoples.

I think the pace of the PL is far too quick for him.

I like Kim and I would argue that he has been the one player who has been affected even more than Whittingham by Malky's style of play. I thought he was excellent at the back end of last season. I also thought he started this season reasonably well enough but he was then banished to the stands for three months while we attempted to out fight teams.

I honestly think Kim will be the player who could benefit more than anyone if solskjaer wants to get the ball on the ground. I agree that he can look a little lightweight at times though. I think his biggest problem will be if we can accommodate him in a midfield that already looks quite lightweight.

On a positive note, jordon mutch has surprised many how easily has adapted to top flight football. I think he is becoming the complete midfielder. He's strong, fairly quick, can tackle, he's got good vision, he's a powerful ball carrier and he's got an eye for goal.

Jurys out for me I think Kim wants far too many touches and slows our play down with his dilly dallying. Not to mention he loses it a lot in the wrong areas of the field.

No doubt he is sound technically but I really think the pace of the game is too quick for him here and he would be better suited abroad.

Hopefully OGS can get him moving the ball quicker.

whitts will improve with the new competition