Was talking to a few mates and this question was raised.........They seemed to think JWP should take the most improved. As far as the most influence that was not so easy to get agreement......the nearest was probably Lovren.....although not in total agreement.....what do you guys think?
Lallana and Lovren. I guess it depends on what you are deeming improved upon, however I would say Lallana has progressed significantly this year whereas Lovren has had an immediate impact.
Most improved, Jay Rodriguez for me. I would've said Lallana but feel like he showed this ability last season, albeit less often. I know that means an improvement, but overall Rodriguez has impressed me and I wouldn't have expected him to be our top scorer by Christmas. Most influential? Almost certainly Dejan Lovren.
Lallana has improved a ton on last season but is really just playing how we all knew he could. JWP has improved his ability a ton. Most influential is Lallana, Boruc or Lovren.
How do you choose amongst your children? It helped having the GK position settled, Lovren has brought the best out of Fonte, Lallana and Schneiderlin are central to our success, JWP and Shaw are our up and coming players....could go on and on. The players I would least like to lose are Boruc. Lovren and Lallana.
Special mention for Fonte too. Looked out of his depth at the start of last season but has now played every game for one of the league's best defences. Wouldn't be totally surprised if he sneaks into Portugal's World Cup squad
Happy to remind everyone I predicted Rodriguez to be our top scorer this season. He's an interesting one, hasn't really stood out too often, but keeps picking up goals nonetheless, and when he is in the mood he can really cause problems for defenders with his direct play. Think Ward-Prowse has to take the "most improved" award though. He was a bit-part player last season, now he's one of the most secure members of the first team. Lallana and Rodriguez certainly have improved, but they were first-teamers last season too. I think JWP's improvement has been more dramatic. Lovren has certainly been the most influential though. That's a decent shout, he has improved immeasurably this season, though a lot of that has to be down to Lovren's influence.
Exactly. Couldn't have put it better. Of course, they've all improved. They bigger question is, has anyone gone backwards..?
We had this question the other week didn't we. I responded Adam because many people last season said he was struggling to make the step up and were almost ready to write him off. Then I got told nobody was writing him off last season and I replied. you get the point And no matter how many people suggest otherwise some, maybe even many, did think he had reached his level last season and its great to see Adam prove them wrong.
You could say Ramirez has, Yoshida certainly has, and Cork would be in this category too before his really impressive performance against City. Mostly that's because they've apparently fallen out of first team contention though, we don't really know if they are really worse or they are just out of favour, as we haven't seen them play enough of course. Controversial perhaps, but Lambert hasn't really hit the heights since his England call-up, though he's still a dependable player of course.
Nah. Most people knew and know how good Adam is, which is why last season was a bit of a disappointment. This season he has got a lot better. Two season's improvement in half a one. But there's plenty of improvement to come. Adam could become a really great player. He's not far off it even now.
An arsenal fan last night said to me 'he'll not be there next season' and I chuckled. This wasn't your usual chav shouting from the rooftops fan. Very educated and hates the modern game however seems to have been wired into the matrix that is 'All players follow $$$'
And as we know, Adam wants to play for Saints when he is 35 if they'll let him. He might not be good enough, of course.
Nobody will be surprised to see me say Dejan Lovren has improved most from where he was last season. Of players that were with us then, Prowsy.
Interesting points of view.....surprised no one put Vic for most influential....(or did I miss a post) During my discussion with my mates they could not agree between Lovren...Vic and Boruc......for most influential. Adam was mentioned re the most improved as was Spider, Shaw and Clyne. JWP seemed to be the one given top agreement though and most seem to think he, Adam and Shaw the best bets for future full international status. They seem to think that if Clyne keeps going the way he is he too may get the call for full international call up.