Although i agree, I think this lot would have a decent chance of staying up. It would be a struggle but I think we'd survive the current PL campaign.
Yep we'd be playing for 17th and it would be doable with some of the dross in the PL this season. Next season is likely to be much tougher and hopefully we're in there to find out.
Probably worth pointing out that Watford's best chance was just after Ayling replaced Shackleton at right back. Last season we saw PL wingers beating Ayling for fun and nothing we've seen this season would suggest that's going to change. Which begs the question; What is the true value of experience that all managers and ex pro's consider so vital ? We hear it all the time don't we, that a Cooper or Ayling type are bringing so much to the team, when we as fans just see a fading professional who's best days are behind them.
Oh joy another boring relegation dull scrap. You are experiencing the best league in the world right now.
Lets be frank here. In my view Cooper, Ayling, Dallas, Forshaw should have all been upgraded in the summer we finished 9th in the prem. we didnt and we spent nothing in that window except for Firpo. It cost us badly the following season and we still did nothing the season after where we ended relegated. We now having to rely on Cooper, Ayling and hoping Dallas makes it back, but all now injury prone, cannot play a full season, Ayling and Cooper give away pens and open to too many bookings. Bamford should be added too
Yes but what's the reason every manager/coach wants those players in the starting line up ? Is Shackleton/Spence better than Ayling should be the only concern but that doesn't seem to be the case. When Rodon comes back next week Struijk will likely drop to the bench in favour of Cooper and every ex pro will tell you it's the right decision but I'm not so sure.
There's a tipping point with the experience factor. That's why alot of people think a players prime is 27-30. They still retain the majority of their fitness from their early 20's but also have a few seasons of experience so positioning and reading the game enhances the skillset. After 30 it's a case of the bodies deterioration surpassing the experience gained. That can happen at different ages and position. It also depends on the players attributes. Throw in injuries and its a complex equation. With our lot, they had a three very demanding seasons under Bielsa whilst in their prime. That seems to have accelerated their demise which also coincided in them playing at the highest level they ever played some of whom struggled with the step up. I've got alot of respect for what Cooper, Ayling, Dallas, Bamford and Klich have done for this club but every one of them are clearly slowing down (Dallas excepted because we've not seen him for nearly 2 years). We saw last season how some of our squad basically **** themselves during a relegation battle. I include Meslier, Struijk, Summerville, Gnonto, Rutter in that. Hopefully they have gained some experience from that so if we are in the same position at some point they can handle it better.
I think Jammy is forgetting, we have not seen Firpo yet this season and we have a raft of expensive internationals that would be champing at the bit to return from their loans to fight for the cause
In Ampedu, Kamara, Rodon, Struijk, Byram we have plenty of experience in my opinion. Some of those may only be young but they play with maturity and so I'm not sure why we really need the older heads in the starting line up. Question is can the experienced guys fully contibute from the bench and accept that as their changed role ?
Seeing Firpo link up with Anthony down the left hand side will be something to behold as the season progresses.
As reported earlier in the season Struijk is an absolute beast in this division and for me he's been right up there with Ampedu as one of our best performers. More composed in possession than Cooper and the partnership with Rodon looks to me like it will only go from strength to strength. Massive selection dilemma for Farke next weekend but a good one to have.
I've been very critical of Struijk but the last game and a half he has been much more aggressive. He's a unit and should attack everything coming at him. He's done that in the 2nd half against Hull and yesterday and he's looked much more solid. You can see his confidence is high and that's good. He still follows the ball too much at times and goes wandering. He still switches off but we've not been punished for it at this level. It will also be interesting to see how he handles his first big mistake that costs us. Historically he shies away and goes on a downward spiral. Jury is still out long term but certainly the last couple of games he has been very good. Same goes for a few of this side. We saw the mental fragility last season. You find out alot about people when the going gets tough.
All the players that stayed were given a clean slate by me. So far Meslier and Struijk in particular have been just about faultless compared to last season.
Sublime control from Herr Farke! https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co...ning-ball-control-in-win-over-watford-4346907
My daughter had a great day yesterday, her first time at ER, working in one of the jamsteresque hospitality suites. She messaged me at half time, Dad I get to see the whole game and they pay me!
Got talking to a bloke and his family who had come over from Spain for the game yesterday. Their son is at Leeds University and they're all Bilbao fans so naturally got to talking about Bielsa. Lovely people and what an incredible game for their first visit to Elland Road, hopefully they'll be back for more.
