Banquo wrote:Timbo wrote:Spiffy wrote:It just happenes that every now and again, an English sporting figure becomes idolised by the media (and many fans) for no apparent reason - perhaps a single, early good performance etc, and the reputation just sticks, no matter how that player is performing. Farrell falls into that category and I don't expect anything to change until he retires. The gushing superlatives will continue and the poor performances ignored, or explained away as someone else's fault. The Emperor will continue to wear his new clothes.
For me a good comparison in football would be David Beckham, who is actually still idolised. A vastly overrated player who could do two things - cross a ball from the right and kick a dead ball, but had no dribbling skills, could not beat a man one-on-one and was painfully slow.
This is just media-induced adulation. The part time fans and those who really don't understand the game, lap it up. The more astute observers (e.g. here) tell it like it is, but it makes no difference. Better get used to it.
Yeah, that might make sense if the media were actually picking the Saracens and England teams. How does media adulation explain the fact that McCall, Lancaster, Gatland and Eddie Jones have all built teams around him?
What's your own opinion of Faz's skills, ability and impact?
Generally a very reliable goalkicker who has won games on this alone.
Decent enough passer, espec. to the left, and this has certainly improved over the past couple of seasons, but not outstsnding.
Reasonable to good as a tactical kicker - but behind Ford Cipriani in this respect. OK touch kicker, who could often eke out a bit more distance.
Not the kind of FH who takes the ball to the line like Ford, then times the perfect pass, but he is getting better at this (plenty of practice.) Lies a tad deep.
Has a bit of an eye for an opening but usually not the gas to get through it. Not a stepper.
In defence makes some crucial tackles but still misses too many. Technique still not great. Good at the scramble (needs to be.)
Still inclined to dogleg in defence and disrupt the line.
Supposed to be a great leader of men and an inspiration to his team. I can see indications of this, but nothing truly outstsnding. Better withthe ref than he used to be.
A tremendous conpetitor and much improved temperament.
A bloke who has worked hard on the basics and probably maximised his inherent skills about as far as they can go, but lacks the natural talent and flair of some other FHs and midfielders.
Overall, quite a good rugby brain but sometimes cannot complete the play he sees is on (like many others)
Good enough to play international rugby as a conservative 10, but rarely lights up a game with a bit of brilliance.
Does not look that comfortable or performs that well as a 12.
Could England construct a team without Farrell at 10 or 12, which would be better than the current team? - Yes, though footballing 12s are currently in short supply.
Generally plays consistently to something around a 6.5- 7 level, sometimes better, sometimes worse.
