- Mar 23, 2005
- 4,002
- 60
Robbie and Gus commenting on the much debated qualities of JJ. Great quote from Robbie about not many people seeing how important his role is - sums up 95% off those on this site (thats all the JJ bashers then!).
MORE THAN GOALS (official site)
Robbie Keane insists there is so much more to Jermaine Jenas’ game than scoring goals from midfield.
The striker agreed that there appeared to be a perception that JJ is only playing well when he’s finding the net – just as he did twice last time out against Wigan.
“He’s got great energy and does a lot for the team, things maybe people can’t see,” said Robbie.
“His work rate and break-up play sometimes goes unnoticed. Perhaps the perception is that he’s playing well when he’s scoring goals but I think he’s underestimated.
“You have to look at the bigger picture rather than just the goals, the work he does for the team by stopping the opposition playing. You know he scores goals – he got 10 last season, and that’s brilliant for a midfielder. He does so much more as well.”
First team coach Gus Poyet agrees. “We’re not asking JJ to score goals like a striker. Strikers know you will look at the stats and say ‘why’s he scoring or not’ but first he has to be a midfielder, control the game offensively and defensively, be strong without the ball, brave on the ball and if you can add a few goals, great.”
MORE THAN GOALS (official site)
Robbie Keane insists there is so much more to Jermaine Jenas’ game than scoring goals from midfield.
The striker agreed that there appeared to be a perception that JJ is only playing well when he’s finding the net – just as he did twice last time out against Wigan.
“He’s got great energy and does a lot for the team, things maybe people can’t see,” said Robbie.
“His work rate and break-up play sometimes goes unnoticed. Perhaps the perception is that he’s playing well when he’s scoring goals but I think he’s underestimated.
“You have to look at the bigger picture rather than just the goals, the work he does for the team by stopping the opposition playing. You know he scores goals – he got 10 last season, and that’s brilliant for a midfielder. He does so much more as well.”
First team coach Gus Poyet agrees. “We’re not asking JJ to score goals like a striker. Strikers know you will look at the stats and say ‘why’s he scoring or not’ but first he has to be a midfielder, control the game offensively and defensively, be strong without the ball, brave on the ball and if you can add a few goals, great.”