I am an Evans fan, but I didnt have that sinking feeling today. Neil is really learning to play that role well. Michut showed loads of talent today. Mowbray will help him get that game awareness that younguns often need. He has clearly helped Neil push on.
They do have that look of a team in it for each other. You can see them grafting gor each other. Baath at the back is such a good standard setter, you never ser him screaming and shouting, just organising and helping.
Hope you're well mate. Any time if it gets too much. Drop me a message. Top lad. Great day. Just got in myself.
I was pretty relaxed when Michut came on. You can see he's got ability, it's just a case of him getting used to the physical side of the English game.
He was outstanding today. Quieter in 2nd half as we play through the middle a bit less. The boy has talent and maybe this Evans injury is his chance to stake a claim
Love how Neil went from being a nice player with a lot of potential to almost overnight turning into a combination of Pirlo and Keane. He's been getting gradually more effective this season then a few games ago bang it clicks for him and he steps up big time. It'd be nice to see him score one or two from range I think he's lacking a bit of confidence there but that'll come too. Michut I like and I think he'll do well with the physical stuff he seems to have an affinity for it despite not being the biggest.
Just watched the game after being stuck at work today. The workrate and movement in this team is amazing. Loved the constant runs in behind from several players from deep. Obviously Amad n Stewart were class but for me Hume and Neil are turning into proper players. Hume just does not give the ball away, his passing is good and he is so solid defensively - 1st choice rb for sure now From a scouting point of view dan neils performance was a joy to watch. He constantly receives it on the half turn and looks to play forward, and he has learned not to force passes now - he always seemed to play the right pass. His defensive work was incredible, always tracking runners breaking up passes, blocking passing lanes - just a great CM performance. The boy really is the real deal and its a pleasure watching him and this team grow together
Just back to Houghton after a good drink in town. Superb day and some cracking performances from our lot. We’re a good side.
Aren’t we just. I’m just home from my late afternoon gig. Match then gig at Belmont. Cracking day all around!
Neil looks the complete player right now. What is key is that he is learning every game and as each week passes it's another 90 mins under his belt. The ages of our players is ridiculous Patterson 22 Ballard 23 Alese 22 Cirkin 20 Hume 20 Ba 19 Neil 21 Michut 19 Clarke 22 Bennette 18 Amad 20
Do you reckon Neil will end up being a 'sitter' in midfield rather than getting forward? I'm a lot less worried about losing Evans to injury with Neil's recent performances as a cdm.
I still think playing as an 8 will be his best position due to his ability at beating an opponent but he will def be an effective CDM going forward.
plenty said about dan neil the last few games and while i never 'raved' about his performances i always said there is a player there, i did believe he could have done with a few games rest but the lad has come good, a lot stronger into tackles and his positional sense he really seems to have 'stepped up', of course he has plenty still to learn but has taken some important strides the past few games. michut is one of those who does not seek the limelight but plays a nice steady game, another who is just improving game upon game...i doubt we will be the last team for some of these lads but it will be good to know 'we' set them on thier way. forgot to add a bit about the back line, i hope we can keep them all in for the rest of the season as i see no reason to change it...plenty said about the young lads and how well they play but batth just seems to keep them together, we could do with a drop in injuries, it seems months since we had a fully fit squad.
Think Dan Neil is turning into the player we all hoped he would. You’re right about the back line All our Dans played well today
The improvement in him game to game is there for all to see. I was at the U21 game at Bishop Auckland against Boro in September when he got sent off and he looks like a completely different player. That night the lad Hackney, who played today, was Boro's standout and himand Matete had a ding song battle all night.
I don't know how injured Evans is but I'm thinking Michut might just keep his place. Him and Neil could just turn into a beautiful partnership.
Found this on facebook @mwalker2771 Trai Hume watched again today by NI manager Michael O’Neill. Excelled, part of a Sunderland back 4 costing around £1.5m which didn’t exist a year ago. Some transformation since Bolton.
