Aron Gunnarsson

[RichardM]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Except one was good enough to play in the Premier League while the other looked out of his depth in League 1.

Boland played in the Premier League for Coventry City

[A Quiet Monkfish]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

I'd put Gunnarsson ahead of Whittingham. Not the goalscorer that Whittingham was but much, much more consistent - 2 promotions attest to that.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Over 350 games and 5 goals between them. Hardly the stuff of legend.

It's not about goals when you are covered in mud and battle scars

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Mark Bonner was even more one-dimensional than Boland! :hehe:

Steady Eddie let's get ready

A simple philosophy

[Rjk]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

I'm sure Gunnarsson was a much more attacking player when he arrived from Coventry, than by the end of his time with us.

Type of signing we wouldn't get a sniff of these days, highly rated out of contract - would have gone to west brom or someone like that these days

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

he scored in dover not margate :thumbup:

Screenshot_2023-03-27-10-44-17-216-edit_org.mozilla.firefox.jpg

Aye, but against Margate.

[poc]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5493[/ATTACH]

Aye, but against Margate.

:thumbup: 25 yard screamer along the ground i was stood behind the goals in the park they played

[Rjk]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

[ATTACH=CONFIG]5493[/ATTACH]

Aye, but against Margate.

trying to work out our formation based on that

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

trying to work out our formation based on that

I remember Alan Cork introducing a three at the back with Leggy as sweeper when we were in Division four, but I thought he switched to a back four when we got promoted. I notice Kav didn’t play (probably suspended), so maybe that prompted a switch back to three at the back with someone like Chris Barker in the middle with Weston and Croft wing backs?

[NYCBlue]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

It's not about goals when you are covered in mud and battle scars

You referred to them as box-to-box midfielders. Such players would be expected to score more than 5 goals in over 7 seasons worth of games.

[Rock_Flock_of_Five]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

You referred to them as box-to-box midfielders. Such players would be expected to score more than 5 goals in over 7 seasons worth of games.

Don't spoil it for him by quoting such facts. Time can play tricks on the memory, how else would anyone be able to describe Willie Boland and Mark Bonner as "box-to-box" midfielders? :hehe:

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Don't spoil it for him by quoting such facts. Time can play tricks on the memory, how else would anyone be able to describe Willie Boland and Mark Bonner as "box-to-box" midfielders? :hehe:

https://jobsinfootball.com/blog/positions/box-to-box-midfielder/

What Is A Box To Box Midfielder?

Center midfield is one of the most demanding soccer positions there is. However, things are taken to the next level altogether with the role we're discussing today.

Box to box midfielders are the definition of an end-to-end position. Their home is central midfield; however, they're required to take responsibility for a variety of tasks, both defensive and offensive. They drop back to help out in defensive situations, intercepting, tackling, and blocking the ball, and as soon they win it, they're expected to progress the ball forwards and mount attacks.

Ball-carrying, dribbling, and passing is essential in these transitional moments. What's more, box to box midfielders also need to be potent in the opposition penalty area. This is where their name comes from: over the course of 90 minutes, these players move constantly between one penalty box and the other, shaping the game in both areas.

Generally speaking, a flat 4-4-2 formation is best suited to accommodating the box to box midfielder. Either one or two of the central midfielders in this shape can occupy this role, taking a direct, physical approach to play.
The Key Traits Of The Box-To-Box Midfielder

As you might imagine, this dynamic role involves a wide variety of different skills and attributes. While a striker is depended on primarily for their goalscoring ability and a center-back is mainly there as a stopper, box to box midfielders need to be able to do both adequately. Let's take a walk through some of the key traits needed in this position.
#1. Stamina

Perhaps the most basic (but by no means easy) element of the box to box midfielder role is the need for extremely good stamina and fitness levels. This role requires constant running up and down the pitch, so it's crucial that any player operating in this role is not only able to extremely keen to run with high energy for 90 minutes.
#2. Physical Strength

In order to win the ball from opponents and keep hold of it under pressure, box to box midfielders must be sturdy and physically strong. Being able to go into tackles with force (as well as resisting the challenges of opposing players) helps turn defense into attack. It's important to note that size isn't crucial, and some of the best box to box midfielders aren't of huge build — it's about using what you've got.
#3. Pressing Ability

Being able to press the opposition with pace, energy, and intelligence is another crucial facet of central midfield play. Having this skill is what puts you in a position to be able to tackle and intercept the ball.
#4. Passing Range

Box to box midfielders are arguably the most important player on a team when it comes to launching counter-attacks and moving from one end of the pitch to the other. A key part of effective counter-attacking play is sharp, accurate, quick passing. A range of different types of passes are needed in a midfielder's arsenal; quick, intricate passes to move past opponents in tight spaces, long, raking balls to advancing forwards, and precise crosses around the opposition box.
#5. Speed

While this position doesn't require lightning pace, it is important that players are able to move up and down the soccer field with speed. This is important in terms of getting forward to support counter-attacks, but speed is also crucial for any player that wants to successfully track back and help their teammates in defense.

The Best Box To Box Midfielders Of All Time

Some of soccer's greatest ever players have become famous for dominating the midfield battle and contributing in both boxes. Here are a few of he best.
Steven Gerrard

A central figure within a star-studded Liverpool side that won the Champions League and numerous domestic cups, Steven Gerrard was a linchpin in the Reds' midfield for over 15 years. His leadership skills, tactical awareness, tough tackling, and excellent passing ability made him perfectly suited for the role of the box to box midfielder. Later in his career he operated as a deep lying playmaker, siting further back and spraying passes across the pitch. However, throughout his career, he also consistently contributed an impressive amount of goals (120 in 504 appearances, to be precise).
Frank Lampard

One central midfielder with an even more impressive goal record is fellow England legend Frank Lampard. He netted over 170 goals during a 20-year period that saw him play for West Ham, Manchester City, and most famously at Chelsea, where he won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, a Champions League and numerous individual awards (often playing as captain). His energy, stamina, attacking intent and excellent finishing abilities left him as undoubtedly one of the best ever box to box midfielders.

Yaya Toure

Breaking out at Monaco before lighting up both La Liga and the Premier League at Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, Yaya Toure is one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game. Quick, strong, aggressive, and an incredible technician, he was able to glide up and down the pitch, producing moments of creativity, striking the ball with power and accuracy, and chipping in defensively, too. A highly versatile player with an illustrious record, it would be wrong not to mention him in our list of the best ever box to box players.
Bastian Schweinsteiger

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger one of the few box-to-box players that Germany has produced over the years. Driving from one end to the other, he was an extremely hard-working, passionate player, who wore his heart on his sleeve and brought strong tackling, defensive acumen, and excellent passing to any midfield he played in. The only World Cup winner on our list, he's played at the very top of the game.

Willie Boland and Mark Bonner....

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

https://jobsinfootball.com/blog/posi...ox-midfielder/

What Is A Box To Box Midfielder?

Center midfield is one of the most demanding soccer positions there is. However, things are taken to the next level altogether with the role we're discussing today.

Box to box midfielders are the definition of an end-to-end position. Their home is central midfield; however, they're required to take responsibility for a variety of tasks, both defensive and offensive. They drop back to help out in defensive situations, intercepting, tackling, and blocking the ball, and as soon they win it, they're expected to progress the ball forwards and mount attacks.

Ball-carrying, dribbling, and passing is essential in these transitional moments. What's more, box to box midfielders also need to be potent in the opposition penalty area. This is where their name comes from: over the course of 90 minutes, these players move constantly between one penalty box and the other, shaping the game in both areas.

Generally speaking, a flat 4-4-2 formation is best suited to accommodating the box to box midfielder. Either one or two of the central midfielders in this shape can occupy this role, taking a direct, physical approach to play.
The Key Traits Of The Box-To-Box Midfielder

As you might imagine, this dynamic role involves a wide variety of different skills and attributes. While a striker is depended on primarily for their goalscoring ability and a center-back is mainly there as a stopper, box to box midfielders need to be able to do both adequately. Let's take a walk through some of the key traits needed in this position.
#1. Stamina

Perhaps the most basic (but by no means easy) element of the box to box midfielder role is the need for extremely good stamina and fitness levels. This role requires constant running up and down the pitch, so it's crucial that any player operating in this role is not only able to extremely keen to run with high energy for 90 minutes.
#2. Physical Strength

In order to win the ball from opponents and keep hold of it under pressure, box to box midfielders must be sturdy and physically strong. Being able to go into tackles with force (as well as resisting the challenges of opposing players) helps turn defense into attack. It's important to note that size isn't crucial, and some of the best box to box midfielders aren't of huge build — it's about using what you've got.
#3. Pressing Ability

Being able to press the opposition with pace, energy, and intelligence is another crucial facet of central midfield play. Having this skill is what puts you in a position to be able to tackle and intercept the ball.
#4. Passing Range

Box to box midfielders are arguably the most important player on a team when it comes to launching counter-attacks and moving from one end of the pitch to the other. A key part of effective counter-attacking play is sharp, accurate, quick passing. A range of different types of passes are needed in a midfielder's arsenal; quick, intricate passes to move past opponents in tight spaces, long, raking balls to advancing forwards, and precise crosses around the opposition box.
#5. Speed

While this position doesn't require lightning pace, it is important that players are able to move up and down the soccer field with speed. This is important in terms of getting forward to support counter-attacks, but speed is also crucial for any player that wants to successfully track back and help their teammates in defense.

The Best Box To Box Midfielders Of All Time

Some of soccer's greatest ever players have become famous for dominating the midfield battle and contributing in both boxes. Here are a few of he best.
Steven Gerrard

A central figure within a star-studded Liverpool side that won the Champions League and numerous domestic cups, Steven Gerrard was a linchpin in the Reds' midfield for over 15 years. His leadership skills, tactical awareness, tough tackling, and excellent passing ability made him perfectly suited for the role of the box to box midfielder. Later in his career he operated as a deep lying playmaker, siting further back and spraying passes across the pitch. However, throughout his career, he also consistently contributed an impressive amount of goals (120 in 504 appearances, to be precise).
Frank Lampard

One central midfielder with an even more impressive goal record is fellow England legend Frank Lampard. He netted over 170 goals during a 20-year period that saw him play for West Ham, Manchester City, and most famously at Chelsea, where he won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, a Champions League and numerous individual awards (often playing as captain). His energy, stamina, attacking intent and excellent finishing abilities left him as undoubtedly one of the best ever box to box midfielders.

Yaya Toure

Breaking out at Monaco before lighting up both La Liga and the Premier League at Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, Yaya Toure is one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game. Quick, strong, aggressive, and an incredible technician, he was able to glide up and down the pitch, producing moments of creativity, striking the ball with power and accuracy, and chipping in defensively, too. A highly versatile player with an illustrious record, it would be wrong not to mention him in our list of the best ever box to box players.
Bastian Schweinsteiger

Germany and Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger one of the few box-to-box players that Germany has produced over the years. Driving from one end to the other, he was an extremely hard-working, passionate player, who wore his heart on his sleeve and brought strong tackling, defensive acumen, and excellent passing to any midfield he played in. The only World Cup winner on our list, he's played at the very top of the game.

Willie Boland and Mark Bonner....

Were brilliant

I get my analysis from watching the game not reading shoot magazine

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Don't spoil it for him by quoting such facts. Time can play tricks on the memory, how else would anyone be able to describe Willie Boland and Mark Bonner as "box-to-box" midfielders? :hehe:

Cobblers

[Eric the Half a Bee]

Re: Aron Gunnarsson

Were brilliant

I get my analysis from watching the game not reading shoot magazine

So would you expect a box to box midfielder to score goals and create?