Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dee’s three amigos are engine of team
DUNDEE’S cruel injury-time defeat on Saturday just shows what fine margins there are in the Premier League.
The Dee had defended excellently for 90 minutes against Rangers but, when you switch off for that split second, you will be punished by a team that has quality.
The 3-5-2 formation Dundee have stuck to recently, was tested to the limit by the movement of the Ibrox side but Paul Hartley’s men coped in every department limiting their hosts to very few clear-cut opportunities.
Most people will look and say the defenders did their job for the most part but I think the midfield trio of Paul McGowan, Tom Hateley and James Vincent have been unsung heroes in the performances of late. The three at the back and the goalkeeper will quite rightly get credit for keeping clean sheets but I don’t think the midfield get the recognition they deserve.
They work tirelessly to protect the defensive line with their pressing of the ball and matching runners.
If you add to that the energy they show trying to get up to support, it’s clear to see where the engine room of this formation is.
It probably isn’t natural for ‘Gowser’ or ‘Vinny’ to do so much defensive work. However, because they are good pros and want to do their best for the team, they are willing to do so.
Hateley is the quieter of the trio but isn’t scared to put his foot in and does the ugly work that is required in his position.
The manager also deserves praise as he is getting players to adapt but still perform for the team.
This Saturday’s game against Inverness will be slightly different and the midfielders will probably have more opportunities to get up to support the front two.
This will leave the defenders a little more open if they lose the ball. However, what has been impressive from Dundee is the determination to get back behind the ball quickly when they lose it.
This appetite and desire is what is needed as the Dark Blues look to lift themselves off the bottom of the league table.
There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work still to be done but the players have shown they are capable of getting results with the performances of late.