Misunderstood Miller

Tommy Miller finds himself in the unenviable position of being the player currently picked out by supporters as the target for abuse in the face of unsatisfactory results. Yet, he is simply following in a long line of players at a long line of clubs who find themselves doing a difficult job which many supporters do not understand.

In almost every team, one of the most critical, yet overlooked roles, is that of defensive midfielder. It requires a player who is able to demonstrate extreme discipline and exemplary reading of the game.

A player who can break-up the opposition attacks, simply by making appropriate interceptions. A player who is able to hold his position when others around him are charging forward in search of that all-important winning goal. A player who is able to become a conduit between defence and midfield, providing a simple outlet for defensive colleagues looking for an outlet.

Tommy Miller has returned to Ipswich and been asked to play in an entirely different position to that which he performed in his previous spell at the club. Players who score goals get noticed, other players dont. Miller is in the unique position that not only is he playing a role which is seldom recognised, but he has previously performed a role which is very noticeable, thus the contrast between the two is far more obvious and he finds himself in line for further criticism for not performing aswell as he did previously.

Tommy Miller is not a ball-winning, blood and thunder Roy Keane-esque player, which perhaps might explain his lack of success at Sunderland. In fact, by his own admission, he has been learning to play another way. Currently, he is much more in line with another much-maligned midfielder, Gilberto of Arsenal. The Brazilian had a torrid time when first arriving at Arsenal but, over a period of time, his role in the team became extremely well-appreciated by fans who, in the main, came to recognise just how important he was. Ray Wilkins suffered with this criticism throughout his career, but won 84 international caps. They have the very useful attribute of simply not giving the ball away.

If you think these are extreme examples, then focus closer to home. Previous players who still remain unpopular amongst some include Jermaine Wright and Geraint Williams. Both of which performed in a similar role. Whilst they might not admit it now, how many fans complained about Jim Magilton "only passing sideways" or referring to him as "the crab"?

Tommy Miller is doing a difficult job in an attacking team with a much-maligned defence. The criticism seems unjust, yet unfortunately it seems that it goes with the territory. No matter who you are.