Statistically he's been one of our best CMs this season despite his injury, maybe he's not had the right partner and that will prove to be Matete. It would make sense because one of O'Nien's problems was having too much to do defensively and his overall game suffering as a result.
I applaud your enthusiasm week in week out mate and your match thread is toppa, I always enjoy adding to your efforts out of appreciation and respect. It will be one of the main reasons for me to carry on
Patterson Gooch,Winchester,Wright,Arby,Cirkin Evans,Matete Neil,Broadhead,Stewart If we're comfortable,no injuries, Luke to get 15 mins for Evans. Matete,no yellow please!
It's incredible how Matete has made such an impression in such a short time ... ... one of the first on the teamsheet imo. He could play at Wembley without batting an eyelid.
Top class player this lad. Been really impressed with him to date. Very comfortable and looks like he's got plenty of quality to draw on if we get to Championship.
Literally that’s all I’ve been told, looking forward to seeing Roberts but Clarke must be scratching his head.
the bit ive seen of Clarke he looks a very tidy player as well, i know as a manager you cant keep everyone happy ,but at least play the better ball control players who make the least mistakes as we need every point
if Roberts gets a start ahead of Clarke then Clarke has got every right to be pissed off. For what it’s worth, I’d start both…
We were told we were signing a star in the making. I was dubious but I can absolutely see this kid going on to bigger things. So mature for his age and has given us that physicality and agility in midfield. Hopefully we can see him and Neil form a solid partnership going forward, Whatever happens this season I really hope we can keep the majority of the squad together and start forming partnerships in key areas. I DO believe that a lot of our problems this season have come from having so many changes (some enforced, some not) from game to game. From memory (in League games) we have used: GK - Hoffmann, Burge, Patterson RB - Winchester, Hume, Gooch, Wright, Flanagan CB - Doyle, Alves, Wright, Bathh, Flanagan, Winchester, Xhemajli LB - Neil, Cirkin, Doyle, Gooch, O'Nien CM - Evans, Neil, O'Nien, Embleton, Winchester, Matete RW - Gooch, Dajaku, Diamond LW - McGeady, Gooch, Dajaku, Clarke, Diamond, Broadhead CAM - Pritchard, O'Nien, Gooch, Embleton CF - Stewart, O'Brien, Broadhead, Defoe
I think that highlights his importance. Great squad player who can fill in all over the park, I just wish he could be more consistent. A good player on his day, he was unplayable first game of the season, Wigan (H).
Dont know if this has been mentioned, or why I am repeating it, but some idiot (Sunderland Supporter phoned in ) on Total Crap (Radio Newcassstttllee) to criticise Matete's contribution so far. To be fair Marco disagreed with him , and then marco went on to pick faults with Pritchards overall contribution as not being good enough. Makes you wonder it does.
I watched Chelsea and Kante in particular recently. It’s obvious who Matete models himself on. The way he positions himself to stop opposing players getting to the ball. The way he uses his body is almost identical to Kante. Obviously he’s not at that level, but there’s no reason why he can’t get to it. love watching the lad play
Matete will be challenging two players sometimes in a 20/80 challenge and he’ll come out with the ball. Amazing to watch.
It's exactly how N'Dong used to play in France, getting close to players, using his arse to roll them and coming away with the ball .... ... Matete is better at it and can only improve.
