A couple of things i picked up from yesterday, 1 the number of times Neil was in the right place to sweep up the loose ball. should call him the hoover. and 2 Roberts setting up an attack from deep in his own half after doing his defensive duty he was springing up everywhere. they both get through a lot work.
Think thats why we didn't see much of Paddy 2nd half v Sheffield, he was busy helping out on that wing. He's been transformed this season imo, a goal or 2 from him wouldn't go amiss mind.
What annoys me is when everyone shouts “SHOOT!” but then gets on the players back when he misses! Sadly you’ll never stop them doing it. The stupidest thing is, when cirkin hit his 348 mph shot, everyone seemed to want him to pass!!
There was one point yesterday that the ball came back out of the Portsmouth box towards Roberts and despite it being head height, there were people shouting "shoot" then groaning that he tried to control it. Its almost as bad as the "switch it" comment that comes from a man near me, every single time a wide player gets the ball, doesn't matter if there is a more straightforward pass on, he expects 60 yard cross field passes. I sometimes wonder if people are actually paying attention to the situation.
Fans mate…. everyone’s got their ideas of what the players should do….and should have done better…..it’s what makes our world go round!
Build tnr team around neill I know isidor needs to improve at some stuff but it does”t half help now quick he is. Blokes rapid
There was a point, in the second half, when he briefed Patterson, the defence and the midfield ... ... that was the point when I thought, 'Yes, you're a captain of Sunderland'. It's taken some time but he's done it and he could become one of our best ever.
I agree, if there's any hesitation get the bidding war going and take the cash ... ... anyone who doesn't KTF can FO ASAP.
Not a fan of Paddy personally and linking praise with him and a more worthy players is becoming popular for some reason. For me he was dreadful in the first quarter of an hour or so against Portsmouth, improving yes but his attempts at goal are worse than ever. Sorry but its how I see it.
He really is elite level. He is playing the sort of football now I always thought he would get too. The fundamentals and talent has never been in doubt in my mind. We have done a brilliant job with him, allowing him to keep playing the high risk game in his own half, and now we are reaping the rewards. He used to get grief for mistakes he made. Now, I am delighted to see, when he makes a mistake he is not hammered. His good outweighs the bad many many times over. Jobe is the star man, Rigg gets headlines, but Neil is still the lynchpin of everything good about this side. I wouldnt swap any of them to be honest. I certainly dont see a better midfielder anywhere in this league than Dan on current form. My only concern is the contract situation. I would love to see that tied down this month, more than any new signing to be honest. On current form prem scouts will be all over that is for sure.
Dan Neil will be playing PL football at the start of next season with or without us imo , if he loved Sunderland as we are led to believe he would sign a new contract now , what has he to loose.
With red and white glasses it’s a no brainer for Neil to sign a new contract. Trying to be impartial, if a PL side want him then he might cost £18 million due to his contract situation. That’s an attractive price for someone. If he signs a new contract then clubs will need to pay £30 million plus and could easily be put off. If we don’t go up then Neil would not be in control of his own destiny in a way - if he wants to play in the PL. Trying to step away from being a die hard supporter, he will be an ambitious lad and has to consider what’s best for his career. I’d be absolutely delighted if the club and Dan can find the middle ground and agree something. It would be the best business we could do this January.
.In fairness I think it's accepted that being skipper was something to get used to, It won't have just being you who had some doubts. Plus he is/ was still learning this role he thrives on now. But like a few other things with this team, it's getting better by the week.
I have no idea about this tbh dont even know who his agent is but I would hope he is at our top level he should be even if its just out of self interest as far as the club is concerned.
