20 In a similar amount of time on the pitch, Schneiderlins

The Formations Missing five players who would ordinarily be in the starting lineup, Toronto FCs squad depth was tested against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. No Jermain Defoe and no Michael Bradley meant that two of the leagues premier players were unavailable for Toronto, providing Dwayne De Rosario and Kyle Bekker with opportunities to fill in. Tactically, head coach Ryan Nelsen again chose to employ his favoured 4-4-2 formation. The Colorado Rapids lined up with two changes to their 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup that was successful against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend; Kamani Hill was replaced by former TFC midfielder, Nick LaBrocca, and Edson Buddle replaced Deshorn Brown up top. The Game This game was a big test for Toronto FC, given the quality and quantity of players that were unavailable. But despite losing the game 1-0 to an Edson Buddle goal, TFC acquitted themselves quite well. Defensively, the back four looked as solid as it ever has. Bradley Orr slotted into Doneil Henrys position and looked comfortable and composed alongside Steven Caldwell, who was excellent. Mark Bloom had another very solid game at right fullback, reaffirming Ryan Nelsens belief that he can be the solution for that position. With the signings of Defoe and Bradley getting all of the headlines this offseason, the acquisition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar. However, one could argue that his performances have been a big factor in TFCs solid start to the season. No longer do opponents view Torontos left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullbacks to cross the ball at will. Morrow is shutting things down nicely, and while he doesnt have the same desire to get forward as his predecessor, Ashtone Morgan, Morrow does what all good defenders should do first - defend. In midfield, there were concerns that the absence of Bradley - who has been behind everything good that TFC has done to start the season - would have a dramatic impact on Torontos ability to compete against a slick Colorado side. Those concerns were alleviated by the performance of Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. Drafted third overall last season, Bekkers rookie year was not what he would have hoped. He struggled to find playing time, and in Ryan Nelsens opinion, had a tough time making the transition from college soccer star to reliable professional. Bekkers performances over the last two games (he started alongside Bradley in TFCs 2-0 win over Columbus the previous week) will go some way towards convincing Nelsen that Bekkers professional career is ready to take off. The midfielders passing was crisp and precise, and his positional awareness and defensive work - while not his strongest assets - were much improved over last season. One of Bekkers strengths is his set piece delivery, and on two occasions he rattled the woodwork with direct free kicks. Bekkers first effort in the 76th minute struck the base of the right post, and was just inches away from opening the scoring. The game turned little more than a minute later, as Colorado scored the only goal of the game. Toronto was solid defensively throughout the game, but got caught by a well-delivered ball to the back post for Dillon Serna. The youngster mis-hit a strike across goal, and the ensuing scramble saw the ball land at the feet of 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers, just inside the penalty area. At this stage, Toronto was well positioned to deal with Powers. There was lateral pressure coming from both Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran, with Mark Bloom directly in front. But Powers bumbled the ball past the challenge of Bloom, clearing room for a shot on goal. As a defender, one must prioritize threats on goal. The nearest defender must close down anyone with time and space to shoot inside the penalty area. The other defenders must then adjust to cover the next immediate threats. Steven Caldwell read the situation well, and as his momentum was in the direction of Powers, Caldwell left Edson Buddle to block the shot from Powers. It was a calculated risk from Caldwell, but it was the correct decision. Edson Buddle did what all good strikers do - he created space for himself in the penalty area by simply holding his run outside the six-yard box. The covering defender, Bradley Orr, is in the correct defensive position, as he also had to be able to intercept a ball across the six-yard box to Deshorn Brown, who was lurking at the far post. Buddle knew that if Powers could cut the ball back, he would have a shot on goal. When Powers cut back was successful, Orr immediately attempted to block Buddles shot - as did TFC goalkeeper, Julio Cesar - but Buddles effort slid under the keeper and into the back of the net. Apart from Bloom getting beaten by Powers just inside the penalty area, TFC defended this situation exactly as they should have. Unfortunately on this occasion, Colorados quality inside the penalty area was simply too good. I have been impressed with Colorado over the last two games, including a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. José Mari looks like a fantastic addition to their midfield, and they move the ball around very well. They can over-narrow their midfield diamond at times, and exploiting the resulting space in wide areas will certainly be a key feature to focus on for any future opponents. The Positives Kyle Bekker put in a very solid performance, which will do his confidence a world of good. If he can continue to improve his positional awareness and general defensive responsibility, he will be a very valuable asset in Nelsens rejuvenated squad. The back four looked comfortable for most of the game - no mean feat, as Buddle and Gabriel Torres (as well as substitute, Deshorn Brown) offer a stern test. There were concerns going into the season about TFCs depth at centre back, but Bradley Orr proved that, while not his preferred position, he is more than capable of providing a solid alternative if the situation arises. The Negatives Perhaps it can be put down to unfamiliarity, but the partnership of Dwayne De Rosario and Gilberto didnt click. De Rosario is usually very tidy in possession, but far too often conceded the ball or gave it away through miscommunication with teammates. With options up front currently few and far between, this is a partnership that Nelsen will need to work if TFC is to be competitive in the absence of Jermain Defoe. The playing surface was infinitely better than it was back in March, when TFC defeated DC United in their home opener. (Credit to the BMO Field ground staff for working miracles during Torontos harsh weather.) But it still didnt lend itself to a slick, free-flowing passing game - something that both teams will prefer when the surface undoubtedly improves. The Star Man Few would argue that Bekker is deserving of a mention (which he is), but for me, Steven Caldwell put in an outstanding effort at the back. His distribution was precise, his positional awareness was superb, and time and time again he snuffed out dangerous situations before they could develop into goal scoring situations for Colorado. Best Cheap Fake Shoes . Cammalleri suffered a concussion in the Flames 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The 31-year-old forward did not travel with the team to Carolina. Trendy Wholesale Shoes . The Bulls seem to be getting along fine without him. D.J. 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"We see the guy in front of us do a great job and we want to do even better," Gallardo said after the Brewers beat the Red Sox 4-0 on Sunday, his second straight scoreless start.Two midfield all-rounders could decide Tottenhams game against Manchester United at White Hart Lane this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Tottenham host Manchester United with both sides keen to keep pressure on the sides above them. Mousa Dembele and Morgan Schneiderlin are two players enjoying strong seasons in midfield and both will play crucial roles in this match.The presence of several key English players often generates attention at Spurs, but Dembeles return to form and full fitness has arguably been as integral to their fine season as anything else. The Belgium international has generally partnered Eric Dier in midfield, augmenting much of what Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb produced last year. Spurs midfield comparison Stats per 90 mins Dembele - PL 2015/16 Mason - PL 2014/15 Bentaleb - 2014/15 Tackles 4.5 3.3 2.4 Interceptions 2.3 2.0 2.4 Successful dribbles 3.4 0.7 1.1 Chances created (open play) 1.0 1.0 0.7 Successful passes 51.2 52.1 56.4 Passing accuracy 90% 84% 87% Sprints 49.4 44.9 47.2 Distance covered 10.8km 11.6km 11.2km Dembeles major strength is his tackling; only three players have recorded more tackles in the Premier League this season and only four average more than the Belgians 4.5 per 90 minutes. Most tackles PL 2015/16 Tackles Tackles per 90 mins NGolo Kante (Leicester) 139 5.0 Idrissa Gueye (Aston Villa) 123 4.4 Erik Pieters (Stoke) 108 3.5 Mousa Dembele (Tottenham) 96 4.5 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) 94 3.3 While this is impressive enough, and a platform from which Tottenham have sprung many attacks this season, its the midfielders actual proficiency in this department that stands out further.Tackles won and lost are easily accessible stats, but they dont reveal a players actual tackling ability. Lost tackles are still successful actions, just ones where the opposing team maintains possession. Therefore, Optas dribbled past category, a stat highlighting when a player is beaten, can be used to explore this better. Challenge success PL 2015/16 Tackles Dribbled past Challenge success Mousa Dembele (Tottenham) 96 8 92.3 Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal) 32 3 91.4% Virgil van Dijk (Southampton) 55 6 90.2% Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham) 37 5 88.1% Wes Morgan (Leicester) 39 6 86.dddddddddddd% Dembele has only been dribbled past eight times while making 96 tackles this season, giving him a 92 per cent success rate which officially classes him as the Premier Leagues hardest man to beat.Furthermore, those near Dembeles ratio havent made anywhere near as many tackles. No player with more than 55 tackles maintains a ratio higher than 85 per cent and the vast majority have been dribbled past at least twice as many times.For example, NGolo Kante leads the way with 139 tackles, but hes been dribbled past on 45 occasions, the tenth most in the division. Similarly, Idrissa Gueye (26 times), Erik Pieters (35) and Cesar Azpilicueta (24) have all been beaten on at least three times as many occasions as Dembele. Jamie Carragher says Dembele should be seen as a top defensive midfielder The Spurs man is not just one of the Premier Leagues most frequent tacklers this season; more importantly, hes been the best.Schneiderlin has similar disruptive responsibilities for Manchester United. While his stats dont quite match up to Dembeles, he still offers the most to his side in this department. Man Utd tackles and interceptions PL 2015/16 Tackles per 90 Interceptions per 90 Tackles and interceptions per 90 Morgan Schneiderlin 3.1 2.9 6.0 Matteo Darmian 3.8 2.0 5.8 Marcos Rojo 2.7 2.7 5.4 Daley Blind 2.8 2.4 5.2 Chris Smalling 1.8 2.9 4.6 Uniteds inconsistencies in attack often detract from the fact they have one of the Premier Leagues best defensive records and Schneiderlin has played his part in that. With the Frenchman involved, United win 54 per cent of games, taking 1.92 points per game, compared to just 29 per cent and one point without him.While United appear more compact with Schneiderlin protecting the defence, hes yet to offer as much in the final third as he did while at Southampton. Given his sides publicised struggles to get shots on target this season, one can understand Louis van Gaals occasional urge to leave the midfielder out in favour of more attacking combinations. Schneiderlin year-on-year Premier League only Man Utd 2015/16 Southampton 2014/15 Goals 1 4 Assists 0 1 Shots 10 30 Chances created 9 20 In a similar amount of time on the pitch, Schneiderlins been directly involved in just one league goal at United, shooting and creating chances far less often than at Southampton, though he took positive steps in this direction against Everton on Sunday.Although Marcos Rashfords back-heel, Timothy Fosu-Mensahs cross and Anthony Martial scoring took the headlines in the move for the only goal of the game, it was Schneiderlins long, defence-splitting pass that prompted the move. Schneiderlin (28) produced the pass for Anthony Martial (9) to score against Everton This more rounded involvement is what Van Gaal and Manchester United fans will hope to see more of from their summer signing over the next few seasons.While Schneiderlin and Dembele wont always be head-to-head on Sunday, charged with screening their respective defences, each man will look to disrupt opposing attackers and switch defence into attack. The player who is more successful at doing that will provide his side with the better platform from which to take the points. Also See: Old Spurs boys to decide title Schneiderlin: Plenty to come ' ' '