Scottish DNA can Add Bite to Spanish Systems
Erin Cuthbert and Pedro Martinéz Losa preview the visit of the Netherlands as Scotland try and fuse together two nation's footballing DNA's.
Haggis paella. The heartily spiced pluck of highland flocks leaching it’s aromas across softly simmering bomba rice. As a combination it sounds odd but if you saw it on a menu then I’m sure most would be intrigued enough to try a bite.
Whilst this culinary blend may not be trending on TikTok quite yet a different kind of Scottish-Spanish fusion has been trying to find it’s way in the world of international women’s football. After a disappointing defeat in the Netherlands Pedro Martinéz Losa’s philosophical gastronomy will be put to the test once again as Scotland look to avenge Friday’s 4-0 loss in Nijmegen
Erin Cuthbert, often portrayed as the one who brings the tenacity to her Spanish boss’ desire for technicality, returns to bolster midfield options having missed Scotland’s three UWNL games to date through injury, “I think even when you look at the game on Friday, it's been small moments that we know as a team we can do a lot better.” said the Chelsea midfielder during Monday afternoon’s press briefing.
While the party line will focus on the collective there is no escaping that the return of Cuthbert for the first time since a 2-1 victory over Finland this summer is a timely boost to a side who’s high profile absences has been widely reported, “She’s the whole package, explained Martinéz Losa, “I think you sometimes can have a little bit of this, a little bit of that but I think that we have two or three players in the squad that are representing what Scotland is and I think that Erin is one is one of those. She's kind of the soul of the team.”
That last sentence feels a big statement and while the elegant talents of Caroline Weir, the pace of Kirsty Hanson and the precociousness of Emma Watson have had Scotland fans swooning in recent months, Cuthbert is often most regularly cited as one of our own, an infectious energy that feels uniquely Scottish whenever sat down in conversation.
Her technical ability (still underrated) dovetails with a playing style and off-field manner that resonates with Scottish fans,“Scots have always been known for getting stuck in and being physical,” shared Cuthbert, “I think we should never lose sight of that part of our game despite wanting to play nice, attractive football.”
While not articulated directly by a player who recently racked up a 200th competitive appearance for Chelsea, having watched the defeat in Nijmegen from home there was a suggestion that perhaps she hopes to bring some of that physicality to the party on Tuesday night, “I'm a terrible watcher, I’m fine on the pitch but as soon as I'm on the sidelines, I’m anxious, I feel I can't control the game. I'm a mess.”
Watching from her sofa though did allow Cuthbert a distant perspective, “The TV angle was really good. It allowed you to see things tactically and I think we maybe need to realise that we've got more time than we think and not panic”, feedback Cuthbert gave having been included in the post-match analysis with the rest of the squad, a conversation where all players shared their thoughts on Friday’s loss,“I just think we need a bit more bravery, to instil confidence in each other and to know that we are good ballplayers. We are able and capable of getting on the ball like that. That's been the DNA of Pedro the last couple of years, showing ourselves and showing our character and what we have on the ball but also like a bit of the Scottish DNA, bit of getting stuck in and a little bit of letting the opposition know.”
It was an observation that had me reflecting on a comment made in my direction following Scotland’s loss to England in Sunderland last month, that despite the clear quality at our disposal that perhaps Scotland have at times, become a little too nice.
“Despite wanting to play nice, attractive football we should never lose being difficult to beat first and foremost. That for me is the fundamental of Scotland and a fundamental of who we are,” continued Cuthbert, “winning our battles, being aggressive, you know, getting stuck in in the duels but still being fair.”
“That also builds confidence. As soon as you make your tackles, you let your opponent know you're there. That makes me think I can get there and then next time I'm going to be there. So that for me is is a foundation.”
It was the ease in which the Dutch pulled away from Scotland that caused supporters the most concern, with the third and fourth goals particularly difficult watches. To the credit of Rachel Corsie, Lisa Evans (who’s 100th International appearance was a rare glimmer of light on a difficult evening) and Martinéz Losa all three were clear that Scotland had to be better with supporters hoping that improvement comes at the first available opportunity.
“I think one of the problems that we had was that we lost a lot of individual duels; physically, technically and tactically,” said the Spanish boss when looking back on Friday night’s loss with the suggestion being that both shape and personal could be set to change for the return leg, “This group is totally focussed on moving on. There's some key points that we have been working on (since Friday). Formation, player selection, the energy from the beginning, plus, you know, the levels of aggression on the opponent without passing the limit of the rules.”
Assuming there is no further setbacks setting a tenacious tone will be something that Cuthbert cannot do alone. Her versatility (at Chelsea she’s been deployed in almost every midfield position going, and then a few more) may see her handed a more attack-minded brief. She may not be the only change as Scotland seek a first ever Nations League win.
“It's important to respect the fact that they are very good. So even if you're off the slightest little bit, teams like that will find you out. We found out on Friday and it was a good lesson for for a lot of us and a good learning experience. We will learn more from the game than The Netherlands did.”
Those that faced the Dutch in Nijmegen and who are given a chance to put it right, will be keen to leave their own mark. If the collective can channel the same energy that saw them disappointed to be leaving Sunderland empty handed Scotland can give their Dutch visitors a fright; after all Andrius Joncker’s side have already lost on their UWNL travels this campaign (a 2-1 loss away to Belgium).
After a campaign in which the squad has carried the slogan of we deserve it, tomorrow night they will have to earn it. It can be done, and if the philosophies of their Spanish coach can be fused with a uniquely Scottish swagger, then maybe I’ll be forced to look out the paellera in celebration.
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