Gamst v Peter – No Win Situation?

Morten Gamst Pedersen has some healthy competition from Sergio Peter for his Blackburn Rovers place but in so many ways whatever the outcome we’ll somehow lose out? won’t we?

I don’t want to bill this as a battle between the two as it isn’t and shouldn’t be the case. You need to have alternatives in the squad which should be used as and when needed and not always merely when injury dictates.

On the whole despite a fine goal against Newcastle United at the weekend and a far improved second half showing Pedersen hasn’t been delivering this season; we all know this with many of us calling for Mark Hughes to withdraw him, at least for a while in place of Peter so he can at least prove himself worthy of his place in the side. The thing is arguably from whatever angle you view it someone can/will eventually miss out? Meaning Rovers lose out?

If Sparky drops Pedersen then he may well not accept this very well and this could lead to unrest in the camp, maybe even see him wanting to leave? So we lose him this way. If this would be an outcome personally I’d rather see him go as no one should be assured of a first team place, or think they should no matter how good they are. On the other hand if Pedersen can recapture his top form, despite the fact he signed a new long-term deal in the summer other clubs will again come sniffing around which could see him wanting to leave anyway.

Turning my attention to Peter, the young German has great potential (seeing him already play at under-21 level for the Germans) which I’m sure he will deliver but in order for us to see this he needs a run in the team which won’t happen if Pedersen is constantly selected no matter what. If Peter doesn’t get this chance, particularly if Pedersen isn’t really delivering you could see him becoming disillusioned and he may think its time to start seeking pastures new which would see someone else benefit from his quality.

Worst case hypothetical scenario Pedersen carries on playing regardless, Peter decides he’s had enough and leaves, Pedersen then recaptures the form we know he has and a Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool come calling and he goes leaving Rovers screwed as Peter would have already left! We are now left missing two quality left-wingers! I guess we could always then turn to highly rated Keith Treacy?

Not for the first time I’m glad I’m not the manager! When you look at the bigger picture Sparky is left in an awkward position, Rovers will benefit (you’d at least hope!) from whoever plays but ultimately whatever decision is taken we eventually lose one way, maybe severely if things pan out in the worst case scenario?

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