This game felt like a typical qualifier where we underestimate a weaker opponent and then fall behind relatively early. I won’t downplay how important these two wins were for Hasek and the team to get started on the right track. With that said, I expected much better from this lineup and a few players (Krejci, Hlozek, and Schick) disappointed me the most. The few shaky moments at the back (outside of Krejci) I can forgive due to the inexperience. Once more, I will repeat that Kral and Cerny can’t be left out of the team. Coufal is still a clear lock on the right side as Gabriel is not yet ready for this level and Doudera is a borderline international. Hranac was good and could very well take the place of Brabec, but I’d definitely still prefer Vitik instead of Vlcek. Overall, not thrilled about these performances and there’s still plenty to work on and quite a few roster spots to determine.
Finally found some highlights to watch, and it certainly painted a negative picture of Krejci's defensive performance. Schick don't even think showed up in the highlights, but Hlozek missed 2 chances he should have put away. Good to hear the Hranac and Vlcek adapted in a promising way. I wonder if Hranac will get some interest abroad since Plzen can be fairly easily lowballed and have been defensively impressive in the Europa Conference League.
I do think Schick has slowed down since the injuries. That was probably his worst international game, although I can’t remember him ever playing poorly for us. Sadilek put in a very pedestrian performance that sort of went overlooked and I’m again struggling with who to choose between him and Kral. The fact that we’ve exclusively used the same three players in that position forever now doesn’t help. From what I’ve seen this season, Hranac might be our most balanced defender. He doesn’t standout in any one particular area, but seems to be very steady and reliable. All three of Hranac, Vlcek, and Vitik got significant market value increases this week in the latest update.
UEFA are apparently considering returning to 26-man squads after managers (Southgate, Koeman, and Nagelsmann to name a few) expressed their concerns over the traditional pre-Covid roster limit being reinstated. Narrowing down our roster to just 23 players will be very tricky and an extra 2-3 spots would go a long way (felt like filler at the last Euros). Other than fullback and central midfield, there’s solid competition across the depth chart.
Just one injury to report on and it’s Hlozek who’s been out with an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago. The recovery was said to be 3-4 weeks so hopefully he’s on track to return soon. Cvancara has since returned and made appearances off the bench. It does appear squad sizes will be increased for the tournament, just awaiting official confirmation.
At this point, I think the discussion regarding Hranac has now shifted from whether or not he makes the squad to who starts beside him at the Euros.. He’s currently the best (in-form) defender in the Czech league.