Match Day Thread Middlesbrough v Saints 13/05/17 3 pm

Pied was the standout player yesterday. A very interesting player. He started as a winger in Lyon so it's no wonder that he has a refined technique for a full back. It's his defending we need to see more of. Yesterday he didn't have much of that to do.

Caceres looked like a center back who's very comfortable with the ball at his feet, likes to get involved in the game. Made some mistakes, but as he hasn't played serious football for almost two years I'm gonna cut him some slack.

Maya was very imposing tough. Has he signed yet?

And Bertrand's performance had a 'I don't give a ****' sign on it.

 

Romeu has probably been the most consistent player this season. I wonder if he is trying too hard since he won fans and players player of the year, plus he is about the only player not rotated in our swift run of games, perhaps his energy levels are just a little bit lower than normal due to all these games in a short period.

 

While Bertrand may not have looked the most enthused in recent times, I think he has been one of our best players in recent games e.g. against Liverpool and Chelsea.

 

Fair enough, I'm not arguing that. I'm just saying that it seems to me that his form has declined recently. Still a great player though.

 

Isn't Pied supposed to be able to play/cover at LB too?

 

Yes, that's what I said, so he is a useful utility player

 

No I want Hull plus one. The law says that there must always be three teams north of the M62. It's a not very well known ruling that the new mayor of Tees Valley passed. And another thing, Swansea isn't even in England!

 

Only if you'll let us say Birmingham is in the south.

 

Sir Rickie wasn't fast or mobile but he was very effective. Perhaps Jay needs to change to a centre forward. Remember them?

 

Shearer did something similar after his injury. He lost his pace so had to adapt and adapt he most certainly did!

 

Leeds is the south to me. I once met someone who called himself a southerner. He was from Salisbury. I told him he was a Northerner to anyone from the IOW.
When I moved to Newcastle from IOW, I was told I didn't have much of a French accent

 

Keep up!!

 

Bertie's last 3 games have had that all over them. Doesn't seem to be bothered. Wonder if we could convert Jeremy to left back?

 

Didn't see it posted before, my excuse is I had to go shopping with the wife and mother in law this morning and my brain is fried.

 

He may not have been quick but he linked play well and was able to create chances for runners beyond him as he wasn't only a box player. We also play a different formation now.

Anyone fancy Sturridge or Lucas Perez?

 

I'd take Sturridge if it weren't for his injury record. We don't really need another permanently injured striker though, do we?

 

Is there any consensus for offering Carceres a season deal.? I've only seen some hiighllghts, and one of the things that stuck in my mind was Carceres making an error. OK, that's an odd thing to remember, but it was the speed at which he recovered his position. He ain't half quick. Errors can be ironed out, as he's no doubt match rusty, but inherent speed is worth keeping around. Besides which, his touch and technical ability is obvious.

 

Now see what you did? Hull had a chance until you made them feel unwanted!

 

Yep, there's nothing like a good old 'dig your heels in' attitude.

For every 'too many changes' comments, there were plenty who said, 'he's rotated the squad well and brought on several players'.