Criticism is one thing. Pity is another issue entirely.
Cyrus Christie looked like a fish out of water in the first half of the Republic of Ireland's Uefa Nations League clash against Denmark on Monday night because, quite simply, Cyrus Christie is not a midfielder.
Christie was deployed in midfield yet again for the match at Ceres Park and looked lost against the likes of Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Lasse Schoene in the Danish ranks.
Ireland manager Martin O'Neill seems determined to utilise the Fulham full-back in midfield because of his energy and athleticism but the fact that Christie hadn't played in that position for 12 years before this Nations League campaign got underway told on the night.
https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/cyrus-christie-ireland-midfield-181913
Harry Arter, Conor Hourihane, David Meyler, Shaun Williams and James Dunne could only watch on as Christie struggled and gave away possession on numerous occasions.
When he was dragged back to help out his captain, Seamus Coleman, Christie looked in his element and few were critical of the 26-year-old's overall quality as a player.
Instead, there was an overwhelming feeling of sympathy towards Christie, who wasn't the only one in green and white to struggle, for being forced to play out of his comfort zone.
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