http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21405640 He's been working his guts out these past few games and deserves a bit of credit. If he keeps improving at the rate he is now, he's going to be a fantastic player for us in the next few seasons. Let's hope he signs a new contract! UTS!
Yeah he said a couple of weeks ago he's in talks with the club and wants to stay but can't say anything more.
Fingers crossed then! Not long ago we were all screaming for us to get rid. He's turned it around big time!
Yes he has had a good season but I am surprised he was our man of the match last week, especially as he was withdrawn fairly early. Also, I do wonder if he will sign a new contract, as maybe he will think he can move on to better things, only time will tell.
He needs to be careful if he thinks this. He's had one good season but clubs may be wary of what's happened before this season.
Indeed. Daft place to put him, by Crooks. Either put him on the right, with someone else in the centre, or select Morgan Schneiderlin or Jack Cork instead.
Now that you mention it, has Schneiderlin ever been selected in his team? It amazes me that no one notices him.
He might have been in media selected Championship or League One team, but not in Garth Crooks Team of the Week. Seems odd doesn't it, when he's statistically and demonstrably better than other players in the central midfield position.
My theory is that Garth Crooks can't spell Schneiderlin so won't put him in so he doesn't embarrass himself.
I'm pleased the media does not give him that much attention. Though I'm sure proper football people have. I think he will be the 1st player survival or not to be targeted by a top club.
I don't think Crooks pays attention to stats though, he just picks the most conspicuous player for each position. If you score more goals than others in your position, you're probably going to be in his selection. It doesn't get much more complicated than that I'm afraid.
Yes, I think you're right about that. With that in mind, I would imagine Crooks found himself favouring both Lampard and Puncheon this week and decided Puncheon was the more central player. Obviously, Bale picks himself at the moment.
Haha, indeed. I'm not sure what happened there, I'd have to assume some sub-editor messed with the formation. Even Crooks isn't that, erm, eccentric, is he?
No, I don't think he is. Swap the players around and that's a nice setup. Incidentally, I know Garth Crooks has his critics among supporters, but generally, I'm not one of them.
