Let's be brutal, when Burke was ruled out and McCann decided to move Jones to CB and play Slater in the 'factory floor' role, I reckon a lot of us sucked air through our teeth, hoped for the best but secretly feared the worst, as he'd hardly set the world alight in previous appearances. But fair play to the lad, he's gone about his work with minimum fuss and maximum effort, and dare I say that we've looked a bit better? Maybe pushing it a bit as Alfie is a future Ballon D'or winner, but at a time of the season when it could have gone tits up, Slater has fronted up and been a proper unsung hero. Cap tipped in his general direction.
It's good to see, I was not a big fan, but as you say he has stepped up and looks a decent prospect in the holding role. I think there is a belief running through this side now and after last season's debacle we have players wanting to do well and be part of what could be a memorable finale.
I didn't think Slater would be terrible, but I did think the team would be weakened without Jones or Smallwood in that role and it hasn't. I think a run has boosted his confidence, another performance like the last two games and he might keep the position even when Burke is available.
Well said. I was another who had doubts that Slater was up to the job of holding midfielder but he has improved every game and today put in some crucial tackles and showed lots of energy. While I prefer Alfie in that position once Burke is fit, Slater is an excellent backup. He's only 21 and is out of contract with Sheffield United (who are likely to be relegated) at the end of this season. I hope we'll try to keep him.
No one saw it coming, just shows how important it is for some players to be played in a certain role, looked utterly lost in one of the box to box roles that doc and honeyman do but different class as a dm player. May be tough taking him off shef us hands with them back in the champ next year
If Canada is right Pierre, he's out of contract... I cant see them offering a new one, unless he continues to shine here and they have to off load...
Not going to claim I could have predicted him doing so well but to be fair he'd come on previously in the CDM role a couple of times (e.g the Burton game) and looked very tidy. But he has been very good - anticipates danger well, and passes the ball nicely under pressure. Think that now he's found his feet, he'd be a good acquisition.
Yeah, just reckon that as a life long blades fan, if they offer him a half decent contract he'd prob stay, and let's be honest.... A half decent offer from shef u will be more than we'll offer him
Credit where due. He has looked far better than the catastrophe I thought he was based on earlier appearances.