A Sad Sóbis Story

By: wan | July 30th, 2008

I attended a match that took place last night at the National Stadium between the Singapore National Team (or officially known as the Singapore Selection) and the Brazilian Olympic Team which ended in a 3-0 win for the Samba boys. However of more interest to Betis fans was that I was able to run the rule over striker Robert Sobis…

Still only 23, Sobis should have been the spearhead and the future of the club but no player invoked a greater difference of opinion amongst Betis fans than the Brazilian starlet. I was very impressed with him when he led Internactonal to the Copa Libertadores in 2006 but the Sorbis that I saw playing last season for Betis was a pale shadow. So which is the real Sobis?

Sad to say, I have to agree with the majority of his detractors. Still first the positives.

Coming on in the second half for Pato, Sobis showed himself to be a willing runner and he was able to fit naturally into the team, be it on the right or left flank during Brazil’s attacks. He showed good mobility and was able to create a few chances for the other players.

Having said that, Sobis is not and never will be a central striker around whom a team can be built. He lacked the blazing speed that Paco Chaparro wants in his main striker and wasn’t sharp in front of goal at all. Above all, he seemed to allow himself to be marked out of the game by defenders he should have beaten easily. At times, you would not even know that he was on the field.

In contrast, the game changed the moment Jo (Man City’s new striker) came onto the field. Showing great dynamism and presence, Jo was a constant threat and gave the Singapore defence a hard time. It was no surprise when he scored Brazil;s third goal.

I guess what I am trying to say is that based on my own observations, Sobis is a good player – however he is more suited to be the withdrawn striker with a real centre-forward like Jose Mari or Pavone taking on the defenders. He can create and is very mobile but in Chaparro’s new 4-3-3 formation, he will be stranded like a fish out of water. (I will discuss about Betis’ new tactics and formation in my next post)

There has been rumours that he is moving on to a Bundesliga club – I for one will be sad to see him go but will I miss him? I don’t think I will…

Now if it was Edu, that will be a totally different matter altogether… : )