It's reached the stage of the season where we can dish out humble pie for any of us who were ready to write off Adarma as a serious Championship goalscorer, Bazunu as our best goalkeeper who suits this system, Bednarek as an important cogg in a successful season and Aribo as an important option offering something different. If we are to go up it will be because and not despite of these players many (including me in many instances) were very ready to label not good enough. I guess it's why we are not managers!
I Always thought the first 3 would do bits this season, the biggest praise i can give is to Aribo. Last season he was incredibly lazy, and just moped about.. Whether it was the season or the management.. Russ has got him performing well in his new role.
Was about to say pretty much this. The first 3 were all obviously going to do well at this level, at least I thought so and Saints fans I know. But I never expected Aribo to become a key player like he has done. He needs to start on Wednesday for sure.
Indeed, offers so much in that midfield to the point now where I'm happy to see him ahead of Stuey without really batting an eye lid. Hopefully his form keeps up and is a reason we gain promotion.
Agree with all that’s been said. I don’t want to hijack the thread, but I honestly hope that before this season is over we could add Ryan Manning to to list of players Russell has improved. I’m not holding my breath though, and I apologise for going off-topic.
Arma - great on the right wing, but not centrally. If we go up, I still don’t see a place for him in a PL starting 11. Aribo - yep, agree, he’s like a different player Bazunu - still not sure about him, personally Ryan Manning - one of the worst defenders I have ever seen play for us
I wasn’t enamoured of Aribo before. He looked and played like an overweight pub player from a lowly Sunday league team. This season he looks like a first name on the team sheet player, who comes on as a sub and changes matches for the better. Very large slice of humble pie for me.
Fair play to Aribo, even when he went off to AFCON I didn’t see him as first choice, but now he looks our only midfielder aside from Downes able to keep the ball under pressure and thats going to be crucial as more and more teams try to press us
I remember seeing Aribo in one of his first games score a lovely goal. Mazy run in the box. He clearly had something, you don’t just lose that. But I had written him off also.
All quality players. I knew Beddie and Adarma would come good in the Championship. Was fairly confident of Aribo too. Baz has been the biggest surprise. The shock to me has been certain players not performing. Primarily Charly and Sulemana. Thought they would rip this division to shreds.