DT certainly deserves credit for identifying the fact that Henry is a much better player than many, myself included, gave him credit for. I used to argue against his inclusion last season because I thought that, given the quality of our squad compared to the rest of the division, we should adopt a gung-ho attacking attitude and just steamroller the opposition. An extra defender being a wasted attacking opportunity. Of course things are different in this league, and I can see the obvious need for someone to play the holding role that Henry has performed so well. My point is that he just didn't fulfil that role on Saturday, for whatever reason. The OP suggests that Henry was MOM. I disagree.
Ballix. This case is different. Oddball was a lone voice in the wilderness and was mocked and ridiculed and treated like a leper. No need for sycophantism or anything approaching it. Just a little nod in his direction is all I expected. Not too much to ask for is it?
I think you're overdoing it Swords. I've just given DT credit for identifying Henry's qualities, but I think he tends to overstate his case. Stan's views on Barton are of course much more reasoned.
Thank you for that astute observation. To be scrupulously fair, Barton was excellent in one game this season, think it was Sunderland at home. Ruined my day. And while I believe Henry is performing at the peak of his ability, which is all that can be asked of him and better than I think every other player with the possible exception of Austin, his job is to be a defensive shield in front of the defence and we have let in more goals and lost more games (I know he hasn't played in all of them) than anyone else in the league. Need a bit of attention back there.
You think I lack the ability to spot a bit of friendly sarcasm? Besides, Stroller owns a dog with a neck about 3 times the size of Paul O'Connells, and he knows what I look like, no way am I winding him up. Another good weekend for Connaught.
They won? Very good. Spent a long weekend down the west in a little cottage in the middle of nowhere. Log fire, a few Hamlets (not the play) and Munster v Ulster on the box. Lovely jubbly. That were a very good game that one. Can't believe I watch rugby now. There was a time I'd have balked at the notion of it. Just goes to show, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Now, about those Cricket lessons Stanley???
Strange how a player that can help get Wolves relegated twice in succession turns out to be far better than somebody like Park from Man U who could run around for 90mins without making a tackle.
Nico?!! I think this shows just how differently we fans can see the same game. Respect to your opinion though. Fer was MOTM for me.
I have always liked Henry and consider him to be a given in the side at the mo. Purely for entertainment value, Niko was my motm, but both (and Barton and Fer) did very well. When you think of all the midfielders not getting a game and adding Vargas to the equation playing RM, we have a lot of midfield quality that bodes well for the future. I watched the game again last evening and was more impressed than I was watching live at HQ. The pace and aggression was quality (from both teams). Football when both teams are really going for it is wonderful. Will we go for it again in Swansea?
I've got a different view to most on here. Personally believe because of Henry's limited game he gets away with having very low expectations. His ball retention and movement when we have the ball is very limited. Its known he won't score, or make a probing pass. Jonjo Shelvey is miles ahead of Henry. He can cover ground and win a ball but he can also score, make chances and pass and move. He isn't limited in his passing range. That's the type of CM you need to go from relegation scrappers to midtable safety Henry has done well against the big teams when we are trying to win the ball back but against the likes of Leicester and Burnley I don't think we can regularly get away with a centre mid who's only expectation is tackle and make a 5 yard pass or to receive the ball from CB's and make a 5 yard pass
I'm definitely not on the same page as you here. By your definition, Shelvey is a better player than Deschamps or Makelele was - he's far more mobile and has a better chance of scoring or creating than they ever did. Henry definitely isn't a great central midfielder but he is, on current form, a great defensive central midfielder. While he is on this form, he does what all good DCMs do - provide a buffer to the CBs, allow full backs to be more progressive and retain possession by giving the ball to the more creative players
I think you completely miss the point. We don't need Henry to be a great player, we need him to do exactly what he is doing for the benefit of the rest of the team. That's more like it!
