""Millwall do the basics ever so well, the fundamentals," Smith told the BBC's EFL podcast 72+. "There are some teams that neglect that and it's really frustrating to see as an ex-player - those fundamentals and basics can get you to be a successful team.""
""They are very good at what they do, they're physical and direct and I think the league has gone full circle, it's a lot more physical and direct," said Smith. "Two or three years ago it was all playing out from the back and being dominant in possession. I feel it's got to the point where, and I say this with respect because it's not an easy thing to do, if you're direct with quality you can be effective. "People are labelling Arsenal as direct and physical but they do it with quality and purpose.""
""They're doing great but the only thing that worries me is their lack of goals," he added. "They are sitting third in the league but with a -3 goal difference which would, for me, be a slight concern.""
Millwall are one of the Championship's surprise packages and sit third in the table after successive wins over Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton. The team excels at fundamentals and applies a physical, direct style that aligns with a broader league shift away from playing out from the back. Direct play combined with quality and purpose can be highly effective. The side has scored only 22 goals in 18 league games and carries a -3 goal difference, creating concern for sustaining a promotion challenge. Millwall will visit Bristol City on Saturday as they aim to continue their run.
Read at www.bbc.com
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