Since re-joining West Ham, James Collins has been relatively good. However, in a team performing badly, what – if anything – does he offer to the side?
It seems from a quick look at the statistics that he makes a mass amount of effective clearances each game. That is also evidently obvious from watching a match. Is there any player in world football who can’t kick a ball about 40 yards? The majority of these clearances go straight out for an opposition throw-in, which you may argue is what makes an effective clearance, and yes he does that job well enough, but how hard is it?
Arguably the most frustrating thing about the Welsh international for me is the last ditch blocks that he so obviously loves. As a kid I was a defender and a last ditch block, whilst sliding across the ball-holder, was as close as I got to the feeling of a goal most weeks. It seems that James Collins still thrives for this feeling each week. Sometimes the last ditch tackle is very much welcomed but equally, when faced with a ‘tricky’ attacker, they can ‘sell’ him so easily. One quick dummy or faint and the Welshman goes sliding on by.
It’s perhaps unfair to focus on a defender when picking up a clean sheet, however – if Sunderland’s finishing was more accurate, that wouldn’t be the case. One tackle and zero interceptions by Collins versus Sunderland, he also didn’t manage a single block which he loves so. His centre half partner, James Tomkins, managed three tackles and also made one interception, he also tried despairingly to force West Ham up the pitch.
There is also no doubt that if Winston Reid were to be fit, that he would be occupying one of the centre half spots.
So perhaps he is good for something, but that something could be done by many. Still, a rugby career awaits the Welshman, who’s kicks could be very much more valued.
Much as I agree that Collins is the weakest if the three centre half options, this joins the ranks of thoroughly pointless articles. We have far bigger problems than this snd what alternative option would you suggest?
Collins is a good solid defender. One of most positive aspects in the squad. And i personally am very glad he’s there. … sometimes his distribution is found wanting, but please remember Sam’s style of play. “hit the centre forward” “hit the box” …. is he enforcing what he’s told to do? … is he apart of one of the most successful defences in the league so far? … does he love playing for West Ham? i think so, and i think that’s a very valuable thing for WH.
.. I think getting rid of Collins would be as big a mistake as it was the last time.
Collins is class and a real soldier, take Collins away theres not much left besides reid.
What a load of rubbish … Get a life . Without Collins we would be shipping 5 goals a game . He is not great but is the best available at the moment . Tomkins is out of his depth . He is not , never will be , Premiereship quality .
I think Collins and Tomkins are easily good enough! Along with Winston Reid we have kept 8 clean sheets this season… how can anyone argue with that?
Collins is the weakest of the three centre backs but I wouldn’t say he’s a weak link his distribution Is poor and he dives in a lot but he wins everything in the air and like you said he throws his body on the line i am happy to have him but I think that Winston and tomkins should be the number 1 centre back pair
Your an idiot mate with too much time on your hands, Collins has saved us on numerous occasions , so what if he lumps it sometimes? Much better than picking the ball out of the net you numpty!
Ch-ch-ch-charming!
Tomkins and Reid clearly our best centre halves. Collins can be a bit of a liability at times and is probe to mistakes but defensively at times he’s save us. Tomkins has a bit more about him and can get a ball down and play. But let’s not forgot Collins is probably under strict instructions from allardyce.
Sorry but this article is total rubbish ! He’s one of a very few players who has given his all and is a solid and brave defender!
He only makes the odd error because he throws himself in where others shy away.
Please leave it out…
What a pointless article! Anyone can see the ginger one’s obvious limitations! His distribution is bloody terrible! And that if his positional awareness was better then there would be no need for the famous last ditch tackles all the time! But to just state them without any solution is just, well pointless! We have far greater problems than ginge and we should be getting behind the club at this time of need! COYI!
If I had a solution, who’s listening?