I don't - he can't tackle to save his life and his positioning is awful. The only stat he has which is on a par with a Defensive Midfielder is Goals Scored. But I wouldn't argue about it - its not worth it.
He's still only 24. His first season he was played as an out and out striker and clearly isn't a reliable finisher so that was a bust. Towards the end of last season, when responsibility going forward was shared out more, he looked the best he's looked for us. He still looked poor for the Premier League though, he's not quite at the level Aarons was for us pre-injuries and I think if he doesn't push on next year (and he almost certainly wont) then we'll either look to move him on or run his contract down and accept a massive hit. It's not his fault the club spent silly money on him though and he does try. CDM - no thanks.
I don't like this idea to be honest. I'm not sure it makes best use of his attributes. However whatever Eddie decides is fine with me. I really like Big Joe at present, he's shown real leadership during a dire period. I personally think that front line of him ASM and Wilson has a bit of everything. Its a shame Wilson and ASM's poor form has coincided with Joe's upturn. Having them all firing would be interesting. That may come later in the season.
I actually think max has been asked to calm down and pass when it's there? He can't do 90 mins sprinting around like people seem to expect.. Sprinting and running are two totally different things oner 90 mins
Joes done well in a deeper role there is no doubt about that. He seems more comfortable with Wilson in the team. He wins possession well and drives with the ball. He’s defiantly the most improved player over this season. By some way aswell.
I think he's struggling to adapt to the higher tempo. He probably has to be more selective now. He looks quite jaded to me, and the tell tale sign is he's not going past people quite as easy. Lacking a little zip. I think it will come and he'll be better for it. He isn't making the best of his talent, lacks a little professionalism by all accounts, so you wonder just how good he can be if Eddie can squeeze the extra. I've heard people talk about selling him. Crazy for me. I think we need to help him get better and surround him with better players.
He hasn't looked what he did last season but he's always been patchy. He's still a plus overall though.
