Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium
In many ways, Ireland's performance against Belgium was a positive one.
Facing an admittedly understrength Belgian side, John O'Shea's men produced a solid display. There were strong at the back, with their back five offering very little encouragement to what was a very talented opposition frontline.
In midfield, Josh Cullen and Will Smallbone were incredibly disciplined out of possession. The stayed close together in that area and closed off any passing lanes into the final third.
On the ball, Ireland showed a good mix of some promising passing play and a more direct style that paid dividends at times. That is something that certainly seemed different to the Stephen Kenny era, when long passes into forward areas were largely off the agenda.
23 March 2024; Koni De Winter of Belgium in action against Evan Ferguson of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
It was not a return to 'hoof ball' either, with these very much being long passes as opposed to hopeful high balls into the opposition half.
As well as that, Sammie Szmodics was very impressive on his debut and instantly looks at home at international level.
Irish fans will be largely pleased with the overall performance, as will John O'Shea. There is certainly plenty to build on ahead of the game against Switzerland on Tuesday night.
In saying all of that, there is one major issue that this Ireland side will need to address in the long-term.
READ HERE: John O'Shea Explains Importance Of Two Ireland Stars After Top Showings In Belgium Draw
Sammie Szmodics could help solve long-standing Ireland issue
Despite the positives in this Ireland performance, it was also clear that there is a major issue that needs to remedied in this team.
They may have been very solid at the back and created chances at times, but the lack of creativity from central areas is something that is holding them back.
Ireland are heavily dependent on attacks down the flank to create any sort of scoring opportunities. In this game it largely came from Robbie Brady crosses from the left wing or Chiedozie Ogbene dribbles down the right. By focusing all of your play down the wing, it makes your attacks much easier for your opponent to defend against.
As currently constructed, this Irish side simply do not look dangerous enough when playing through the middle.
Some of that is down to personnel. Josh Cullen is a fantastic holding midfielder, but he does not create much in the final third. Will Smallbone is more capable of doing so, although his main attacking threat comes from whipping balls in from out wide.
The system the team used on this occasion also played a role.
Employing something close to a 3-4-3, Cullen and Smallbone were asked to sit deep and rarely had the chance to get forward. Wingbacks also offer a natural width to the side, with Szmodics and Ogbene also asked to largely stay out wide when the side was on the attack. As a result, there were not enough bodies in central areas in attacking areas.
It is also fair to say that Ireland have not really had a player who was a natural fit in that role in recent times. That has now changed.
Sammie Szmodics may have played more of a wide role in this game, but he has the potential to be a key player for Ireland in a more central position.
He showed flashes of that this evening. His contribution to an Ogbene chance inside the first few minutes was particularly encouraging. Watch the way he got on the ball before playing a very clever pass to set his teammate away in the clip below.
Lovely move from Ireland!
Brilliant from Ferguson and Szmodics to tee up Ogbene!
Assistant had his flag up so it wouldn't have counted but encouraging start! pic.twitter.com/8SIK40XnGS— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 23, 2024
For large periods of this match, Ireland were lethargic on the ball. They were slow in possession in the final third and failed to move it at the speed to shift the Belgian defence out of position.
That usually changed when Szmodics got involved. Not only did he play clever passes such as the one above, but he also showed that he has the ability to pick out a long range switch of play when required.
He has operated in a shadow striker role at Blackburn Rovers this season, a position that has seen him notch 27 goals so far in the campaign. While he has the ability to play out wide, the player himself said earlier this week that he sees that spot just in behind the main striker as the one in which he performs to his best.
The issue is that the formation John O'Shea used in this game does not include a 'number ten'. Perhaps that is something that will change moving forward, especially when a new permanent manager is appointed.
This writer suggested a 4-2-3-1 formation in the buildup to this game, a system that would seem well suited to the current options in the squad. Szmodics operating in a role just behind Evan Ferguson, flanked by the likes of Ogbene and Mikey Johnston, would be an exciting prospect for Irish fans.
Whether it comes against Switzerland or at a later date, our latest debutant should be given a shot in his preferred position. Should he get it, he has the potential to solve a long-standing issue within the Ireland team.
SEE ALSO: Ireland Player Ratings As O'Shea's Men Fail To Ignite In Belgium Stalemate
