T&T v CRC Player Rating.
By: Inshan Flex Mohammed.
Marvin Phillip - 9 - Definitely T&T's man of the match, made a few mistakes especially with Costa Rica second goal in the 50th minute by Walter Centeno when Phillip was hesitant in goal and should have ran out earlier to claim Saborio's cross which was the turning point of the game as Costa Rica's confidence grew. Made a brilliant save to deny Azofeifa from the penalty spot.
Jake Thomson - 8 - Made one mistake all night and that was in the 87th minute and he was rightfully yellow carded for it when he committed a foul during an attacking run up front. Thomson made an impressive debut for T&T and by far T&T's best out of the back four. Not to mention he is confident on the ball and technically equipped. Though two goals was scored on his side one can't blame the player as he was trying to make things happen up front and in his defense this was probably the first time he has ever played a right back role. A good find though (Thank you Stern John). A good cap (Thank you Russell Latapy). Lets hope he stay's committed after that 4-0 drumming... (smile).
Julius James - 6 - Had a decent game on his World Cup debut- nothing spectacular and certainly did not deserved the red card awarded to him in the 65th minute. Made a few indecisive tackles at times but made up for it. T&T's second best of the back four.
Radanfah Abu Bakr - 3 - Beat for pace every single time and made some bad passes to his fellow teammates. Was the worst of the back four. How could one have a player with his pace play so high in defense at one point and to make matters worst he does not know how to work the off-side trap effectively.
Kern Cupid - 5 - Had some good runs going forward, worked very hard but his final pass had let him down. Jlloyd Samuel didn't make the trip and no left back or left footed replacement was made. Akeems Adams and Uriah Bentick are fresh from the under 20 World Cup but yet Latapy decided on not calling either of them. Oh' attacking under 17 standout Shahdon Winchester was called up as Samuel replacement maybe Latapy thought Costa Rica was already eliminated.
Carlos Edwards - 6 - We need Edwards to focus on his game because he is our best attacking option. Giving him the captain's arm-band might not have been a good idea. Edwards also needs to stay away from taking any free kicks especially if Keon Daniel and Trent Noel is on the field.
Trent Noel - 4 - Broke up plays but had no impact on the game what so ever. Being our main play-maker in central midfield and not taking control of the game was really depressing.
Devon Jorsling - N/A - Came on as a substitute and didn't do much. Brought nothing to change the game. Not the type of player you bring on if you want to score goals, his mobility is poor. Might do better as a starter. Having Jones and Jorsling on the field at the same time was not a good idea as both play a hold up striking role. Maybe Hughton Hector would have been a better option.
Clyde Leon - 4 - Hard worker but, technically lacking. His passing and decision making lets him down. His pace is horrible. Both Leon and Noel transition play from defense to attack was dull and lacked pace giving Costa Rica enough time to recover.
Keon Daniel - 7 - This is the Keon I like to see. Give him the number 10 jersey and make him our official play maker in central midfield. Made some passes that probably brought many smiles to Latapy's face.
Hayden Tinto - N/A - Dazzling player and brought some energy into the team but not effectively. Hesitant in taking shots on goal and making timely passes, ran into trouble and then makes a decision to pass the ball under pressure. He also gets bumped of the ball way to easily.
Kerry Baptiste - 5 - Had a nice shot cleared off the goal line by a Costa Rican defender in the first half. And made some decent runs in the first half but had a quiet game for most parts.
Dennis Lawrence - N/A - Almost scored an own goal. For an experience man Lawrence didn't solidified T&T's defense when he came on.
Kenwyne Jones - 7 - Worked hard and deserves a round of applause for his effort.
Russell Latapy - 5 - Not to impress. The team is definitely playing a better brand than Maturana's one but still they are not doing the simple things. Like every game T&T plays, they start off very well and after thirty minutes they transform into a different team. They become their own worst enemies. Plays break down, players lose focus, no fluid passing and they cannot find a space to receive a pass from their teammates- so keeping procession for a mere two minutes seems impossible.
Lacking
Too much gaps in T&T defense, their transition play is very poor, no organization in defense and players are still standing around waiting for a return pass. Maybe Latapy needs a better assistant coach along with Yorke to assist him off course. Someone specialized in defense.
T&T is lacking the simple fundamental things, trapping, passing, working off the ball and shooting. Imagine newcomer Jake Thomson was our best player on the night "Technically" as he did the simple things, trap, pass, run for a return ball and covered his teammate.
Back to basics
I think our players needs to be in a more professional environment. They are not short on talent but mentally they fall off the game way to easily. We also need do go back to the basics and work our way up again. We have to make a step back before we can move forward.
Rebuilding process
With Mexico securing a spot in South Africa already and the game against the "El Tri" will have no significances what so ever expect to see a future Mexican team. Come on Latapy, time to unleash players like Leston Paul, Akeem Adams, Uriah Bentick, Juma Clarence, Robert Priums and Khaleem Hyland and let the rebuilding process begin.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain and despite ticket price being somewhere from $200 - $500 at least make the game interesting and give the patrons their monies worth come Wednesday.
