It was a week in which Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher showed, in different ways, a rare post-career solace that the likes of Mark Lawrenson and Graeme Souness have lacked.
Carragher, in particular, has impressed me so much in how he’s embraced the analytical side of the game post-playing career. Even as a United fan I can admit he’s probably the best on-screen pundit currently working in U.K. football.
It’s a shame so much studio air time is still given to bitter ex-pros such as Souness and Keane, or even more recent ex-pros like Ferdinand and Crouch who offer little to nothing in their analysis beyond tired tropes and stereotypes.
I agree, James. I believe there's a fine line between social media soundbite and thought-provoking content; both intend to spark discourse either way, but in a world seemingly driven by modern media, the discourse ability in TV production is more loud than sensible.
As seen midweek in the CL coverage of Madrid-Bayern, Ferdinand's pitch-side commentary is more remark-worthy one-liners than meaningful observations. Whereas in La Liga's coverage, that's the sole role of a pitch-side commentator.
Carragher, in particular, has impressed me so much in how he’s embraced the analytical side of the game post-playing career. Even as a United fan I can admit he’s probably the best on-screen pundit currently working in U.K. football.
It’s a shame so much studio air time is still given to bitter ex-pros such as Souness and Keane, or even more recent ex-pros like Ferdinand and Crouch who offer little to nothing in their analysis beyond tired tropes and stereotypes.
I agree, James. I believe there's a fine line between social media soundbite and thought-provoking content; both intend to spark discourse either way, but in a world seemingly driven by modern media, the discourse ability in TV production is more loud than sensible.
As seen midweek in the CL coverage of Madrid-Bayern, Ferdinand's pitch-side commentary is more remark-worthy one-liners than meaningful observations. Whereas in La Liga's coverage, that's the sole role of a pitch-side commentator.