I was just posting in another topic that Riises ability to score screamers doesn't make him a good left back, and it got me thinking. What are Riise's attributes? Personally I'd say:
Tackling: Good
Passing: Good
Dribbling:Good
Short Range Shooting: Very Good
Long Range Shooting: Excellent
Defensive Positioning: Above Average
Offensive Positioning: Very Good
Looking at this, I would say Riise's best position isn't even on the left at all, it's attacking midfield. At left back, too often he'll either get caught too high up the pitch, or be the man playing the striker onside. At left mid, he isn't great at going past players, and whilst his crossing is usually good, he doesn't get that many in. The style of player he is, I think he could fit in perfectly in the attacking mid role, coming from deep & hitting a few of those trademark screamers. Let's face it, great as those screamers are, as a left back he is well out of position when he takes those shots, and if the keeper saves it leaves us short at the back.
Just a thought, all opinions welcome.
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