James Tavernier v Blyth

It was a good match on Saturday but the key difference between Gateshead and Blyth were the quality of thier fullbacks. Tavernier (on loan from Newcastle) and Liddle (from Sunderland), both comfortably League One standard.

Obviously supporting both Toon and Spartans I was keeping an eye out on their number 27 and James went through the Blyth players like they weren't there. Much as I adore my home club, I have to admit that as a BSN side, a young player like Tavernier who has actually started for a Premier League outfit SHOULD be walking through our players so the only practical feedback I can give is on his style of play.

At first I thought Gateshead were playing him as a winger but they played a rather tasty tactic, Tavernier and Liddle were given full run of the flanks and whenever they attacked, Turnbull would drop into defence and act as a third centre back. Tavernier enjoyed bombing up the wing and to be honest, seemed to be in our box more often than their strikers were!

He's got pace to burn, good footwork and put some excellent crosses in from wide positions that would have been converted at a higher level. Though he may not have been tested too much, his fitness levels seemed good and he was always a threat.

In the second half when Blyth were fighting back, Tavernier was taken off and replaced by the sturdier Baxter (ex-Toon reserve if I remember rightly). James didn't look as sure of himself when he actually had to defend, a little shaky despite his confidence running high and got caught out a few times.

As a supposed right-back it's quite a concern that he didn't seem able to stand up to non-league trickery, he seemed much more eager to attack. I'd say his style of play is probably more suited to a winger, pace and crossing ability. An excellent young player for sure but I feel he should be loaned out again next season but to a higher league club where he isn't granted such a free role.

I still have high hopes for the player but as a defender at least, I don't think he's quite ready yet and as a winger I'd probably rate him on a par with LuaLua at the moment.

Of course, I've only seen him up close in this game and for his handful of games in black and white. Anyone else have any opinions on Tavernier? Reckon he can realistically challenge Simpson for a start within the next few years?

 

Good to hear he's doing well

I've liked him when ever I've seen him play (mostly in pre season)

 

Thanks for that Mod Face. I started a thread a week or so ago asking if anybody knew how he was getting on for exactly the reason that i'd been impressed with him when i saw him play against Accrington. My initial thoughts were that he would in time hopefully be pushing for a place at right back and I had the impression that Hughton rated him as someone who would eventually step up as well. Other than that can't really say anymore, your seeing him play yesterday means you are in a far better position to judge him than me!

 

One for the future I say. Should be playing at a higher level and I hope we loan him out to a top L1 side next season to see if he can cope at a higher level. Haven't seen him play that much for the Toon but if I remember correctly he did play a couple of Championship and cup games were he looked promising. Will he make the grade? Maybe, but yet to be convinced.

 

Looking good, we need to keep these young players coming

 

I like him, but Simpson is doing better than expected so he'll have to do well to displace him, should be at least 2nd choice though soon enough given Perch's lack of quality. Maybe as you say he is better suited to being a winger, or even a wing back?

 

Newcastle with wing backs, that would look amazing! Enrique would be great in that role I reckon!

 

Rep was made for posts like this. Thanks for the feedback, how old is Tavernier by the way?

 

19. Wikied it.

Still young enough to work on his defence. Glen Johnson is 26 and he still can't defend.

 

19 is young enough to be loaned out a few more seasons. Hartlepool or Boro would be a good place for him next season I reckon, he's having a confidence-boost at Gateshead but probably needs a bit more of a challenge to really perfect his game.

 

Don't see any posts on the Spartans board MF, you need to get them sorted out!

Be a drivng force.

 

The Spartans thread is one of the most 'popular' in the non league section.