Every time mate. Be great for him to grow into some consistency but wingers by nature are good by being a bit unpredictable. He does need to look up, these are basics that can be easily coached in, and also generally come naturally with more games too. We’ve always liked lads who run with the ball and we’ve got a bunch of them now, you then have Xhaka who just seems to be able to ping a pass in a millisecond and packet wingers if we get space behind, he will find them. The lack of goals will improve once there’s that understanding between Xhaka and Enzo and the wingers, Mayenda was our right a lot today and we shouldn’t need him there once everyone’s glued.
Good left back behind him will help mind. I like to see wingers encouraged to have a go, and he will have a good lad behind him I think.
It's a shame that Rigg has been unable to play in the build up games. The team selections with him being available would have given us an indication on how highly RLB rates him and what position he is earmarking him for. I think he would have got more game time with the first eleven than Neil has mind. The club rate him very highly and I would expect him to get a lot of minutes when he gets up to speed.
I can recall Gerrard speaking about this and how his growth spurts led to back trouble in his younger days.
I can see your point which is fair enough but it just shows how quickly the aspirations, and demands, of supporters change' This is from only around 10 weeks ago ... ... it's absolutely incredible what they club has done, none of us could've expected all this. We're doing great and the club are constantly working on deals.
I'd love for Neil to sign a new contract and stay. But in all honesty, he doesn't get in our first eleven any more on paper. Xhaka and Le Feé feel nailed for me and Diarra has the other place to lose at this point. Sadiki has shown that he's ready to fight for a place and I expect Rigg to throw himself into contention in the same way. I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that Neil is 6th in the pecking order at this moment (4th at best). If he's not prepared to sign a new contract and fight for his place, then I'm grateful for what he's done for us and wish him well at his new club.
Talbi was very good defensively and I’ve personally noticed that. Quite shocked to see that being said. Not digging btw just complete opposite of what I’ve seen myself haha
Yeah but I never expected the ambition we have. Now I’ve seen it it’s crucial to match it in every phase of the pitch. Defence, midfield and attack
He's had very few professional games, none in England and all have been friendlies ... ... playing in the Premier League will be totally different.
Everyone going on about Neil's contract situation. Am I right in thinking Cirkin is the same, yet no one mentions him. He'll need selling if no contract signed
That's my point tbh. You, and many of us, were quite happy with Ballard and Mepham but are now desperate for Centre Backs ... ... just shows how much has changed in a few weeks. Everything is 'crucial', in our minds, but that doesn't always mean it's possible.
I think Talbi will be eased in and out of the team to begin with. He’s absolutely got the talent for the premier league, though. He excelled in the champions league, last season.
Neil's contract is stuck in limbo. Cirkin a bit more of an issue I understand. And Patto, I think we all know that's a **** tip.
For me tabli is learning the system fast his link up play has been excellent just needs to get some confidence to take people on. Much improved from his first game
All we can do is trust the club Bob, they can't do a lot more. Just a shame that as one Sunderland goalkeeping legend is being honoured ... ... another is letting everyone down, including himself. But let's hope everything is dealt with and resolved. Hope you're well mate, nice to have seen you at Hearts.
Sunderland are really making things happen aren't they ... ... loads more signings, sales and loans being talked about. I'm getting loads of messages but, tbh, no one really knows what's happening. It's just all exciting and better than the days things just dragged on.