Not convinced that our midfield is three players weaker than Reading! Maybe Mcanuff but not the others.
I didn't say they were weaker as all players have their strengths and weaknesses. But like Schneiderlin is often overlooked by opposition so are Karacan and Leigertwood who are great little players in my opinion who have been more consistent this season than some of our midfield, plus they overwhelmed us in the middle of the park at theirs.
No no no no no. Harte over Fox!? He is terrible at defending, his only attribute is his immense crosses. I know they add a lot, but he is very slow and often vulnerable. Also, I think that Cork and Morgan are better than Karacan and Leigetrwood. Plus our two have age on their side and will constantly improve. Readings midfield are at their peak now. The only one I would take is Mcanuff, and a CB as cover.
I understand what you are saying about Fox/Harte, however Reading have conceded less goals than ourselves so far this season so I cannot see why Pearce is not in with a shout, particularly if you are saying younger is better. Plus Karacan is also young and I think he is a real talent. You say that Cork and Morgan are better, well they have had better games but Cork/Hammond/Chaplow have all had their off days therefore for consistency I would say they are stronger, it does not mean some of our players do not have more potential in the long run. I think sometimes we have rose tinted spectacles on when we look at our own team and compare with others that we watch less regularly, however this is just my opinion of course .
I never rated him at Palace, but he certainly seems to be a much better player at Reading these days. And just recently has added some goals to his game too. Three goals in their last four or five games I think. Before that, he'd only scored one this season (against us!). I don't think anyone really knew his best position earlier in his career. Has spent quite a lot of time playing RB and CB, as well as CM.
I agree, although I have the absolute horror of working with around 6/7 Reading fans, most of which are season ticket holders meaning that all I hear about is Reading. Harte has been excellent recently, but they all were unsure about him at the start of the season, and I would definitely feel safer with Fox. Kebe is another good player, but very inconsistent. Pearce is a good shout as well, but I haven't seen that much of him hence me not including him. On the central midfielders, I think the best of the bunch is Schneiderlein, and second is either Karacan or Cork. If Cork plays like he did at the start of the season I would choose him every time. He was absolutely immense. Both Reading and Saints are pretty blessed with quality in the centre of the park tbh. I think that's why we are both above West Ham. They have lacked a genuinely quality deep-lying midfielder that can dictate a game. At the end of the day, both squads are at a similar level IMO. I really hope it is us and Reading that go up, I would never admit it to the Reading fans but I do have a massive soft spot for them as geographically they are my local team. (I live in Fleet.) I also like the way they play football, Brian Mcdermott is a fantastic coach. Obviously I hope they are second and we are top though.
Leigertwood's been around for ages, played for QPR before. He's a solid defensive midfielder with a rocket shot on him. He's good at this level but nothing special; not premier league quality that's for sure (hence leaving QPR when they were promoted).
Fair enough Southamptons 7&11, I have usually agreed with you in the past on many threads so this was a bit different. I know what you are all saying about Schneiderlin and I do think he has improved massively this season but Karacan and Leigertwood have worked wonders as a central midfield engine room this year. As for WHU they have possibly the most talented midfield playmaker in the division in Mark Noble but they do not make the most of him with their style of play! Channon walked on water I will get the FA to bring charges against you for sexophobia! I know Morgan is a real talent, but I also think that all of our midfield have had good and bad periods; himself and Cork looked lost around Christmas as our midfield was being by-passed but he may well have been exhausted. Finally pass the football - I know Leigertwood has been around for a while, but you could say the same for Gorkss who has done wonders in the Championship again this season. Also look at Lambert you just can't tell until you put these players in the right team if they will make it in the Prem!
Federci Cummings Pearce Gorkks Fox Karacan Leigertwood Lallana Mcanuff Roberts Lambert Probaly a bit biased but it is hard when I see these players play week in week out and can't fault them!
It's quite easy to select a player you want, but hard to part with one that has history with your club.
Federici Richardson Hooiveld Gorkks Fox Kebe Spiderman Karacan Lallana Lambert Sharp Bench: Davis, Fonte, Cork, McAnuff, Hunt
Just looked at their squad list..... and in all honsety, our starting 11, i wouldnt replace with any of there players currently. Credit where its due, they are a great team and deserve to go up. They gel perfectly as a team, but wouldnt feel any player in particular would better our best 11. Not saying that i wouldnt welcome a few of their squad in ours, but like for like swap.... no thank you
