Ok but to put it in perspective, he's only 21, he's in his 3rd season of playing regularly - he's not going to be dominating games. He's going to have mistakes but I thought he did good today against more experienced players. That's why football can be so good at times - not just the performances on the pitch but opinions off it
Just about man of match I thought todat Neil. His level so far this season has been very good. One pass should have been made for Clarke but I thought he covered loads of ground and looked a threat.
He is sloppy in possession in dangerous positions. Luckily, we seem to get away with it and it’s not costing us goals, yet. If we were to be promoted, then unless he massively improves that side of his game, he’d cost us a goal every game in the premier league.
I think the issue with Neil is he's learning the defensive midfielder role on the job and is having to change the habits of his short life time, where he played further forward and losing the ball wasn't as critical as he had midfielders behind him. He is prone to the odd error, which young player isn't, but is that because he's not learning or is it a fundamental flaw that won't improve as he matures? I think he will get there, but it's a big season for him
Thought Dan Neil had a good game today along with Ballard, 09,Ekwah, Dack, Bellingham and Pritchard when he came on. Hume and Cirkin seem off the pace, Clarke is so predictable, and if Ba and Hemir are the future I'm worried.
I have no problem with him playing on the half turn. I would bet Mowbray is encouraging him to keep doing it. It is criucial to play the way we do. It is the best way to speed up play and put the opposition where they dont want to be. Every so often it may get pinched, but I would bet 95% plus of his half turns work. He has to be brave because, in my opinion, his position is the hardest on the pitch to play. You really do need eyes in the back of your head. This season he is adding that attacking driving force as well, and to be honest is doing it better than I expected he would. His forward runs without the ball are very clever and will get better with a centre forward to run toward. All about opinions but to me you build teams around talents like him.
It can't be that bad when the comments tonight are on the options we have and they all have their merits
I think we are in for a special season mate. I still cant wait to see Rigg play. Wonder if he is given Ba's spot next weekend? He is our wildcard I think. If Stewart is back at his best by November, and hopefully Rusyn comes in, then I would really fancy us for top 2. Performance levela have been great really with neither defeat being warranted. Arguably we could have been on 8 points not 4 based on how we have played. Everything to look forward to I think.
I would love to see his stats for ground covered. Last year he came back stronger physically I thought. This season more athletic I think. He has clearly put loads of work in these last 2 summers. I would say he is far more willing to shoot as well. Still room for improvement in that area, but definite more of a willingness.
A lot will change this week for the relegated teams, with players being picked off or forcing moves. As I said yesterday if we get Rusyn in and maybe another midfielder (and no-one leaves) I'd say its been a great window and one that will see us push on. Rigg is the wildcard and whilst I hope he's as talented as the reports say he is, he's under no pressure from me as long as he's developing.
Bennette could be just the man if we used that tactic, he needs to be used more imo. This language barrier waffle gets to me , other clubs seem to cope why cant we.
I think Neil would be better with a natural CDM alongside him but Ekwah looks to have a bit more about him on the ball. We’ve got ourselves in a situation through signing players based on potential rather than signing players catered to what fits our system and I don’t think he’s got the balls to switch it. Can’t see us signing an DM either. We’ll probably just continue trying to force it because a vocal bunch seem to think we have the best players in the league all over the pitch so why change it, get them all on the pitch somehow it’ll work eventually right? Makes me wonder why everyone’s happy with a point against a team who’ve lost most of their best players from last season when we’re supposed to be getting better.
OK mate, I have to be honest, I just don't get the Neil thing. I'm not saying he's shyte, don't have any problem with home grown players, don't want high price replacements, don't want him dropped for my fave player. What I don't get is what he's doing and why people defend him so quickly and earnestly. The excuses mount up ... he's young, he's inexperienced, he's playing against good players, he's playing out of position, he needs a defensive midfield player behind him, needs a different kind of player alongside, etc etc etc. If, as people say, he's learning on the job why doesn't Hemir get the same leeway. Or why don't we sign someone who knows the job already and allow Neil to develop quietly in the reserves. He's in a key position and, once again, almost cost us the game from a position where he qas under no real pressure ... ... please explain what I'm missing mate, I can usually weigh up a player but can't with Neil. As I've said, would we be hoping to sign Neil if he played for Rotherham.
Ekwah may be better on the ball, but I have yet to see the evidence to support it. Neil is far more complete than Ekwah, which is no real surprise, given their trajectory. To me I think if we bring in a more defensive minded CM Ekwah will drop out and have to convince Mowbray again. He may well need to drop out to learn, bit like Neil did under Neil.
Yes we would be hoping to sign him if he signed for rotherham. He is a very good championship player at the minute and is only getting better. He breaks up play so well, he was top 5 for CM in tackles won last season and the only ones ahead of him were established championship players. He completes over 90% of his passes pretty much every game and his 1st thought is to pass forward, which you dont often see in CMs in the lower leagues. Yes he makes the odd mistake, but so does every player in our team. His forward runs so far this season have been class, and hes getting himself into better positions to shoot - he does need to improve his finishing though. The thing i love the most is he never ever goes hiding, even if he makes mistakes he is still trying to get on the ball Hes also improving at blocking passing lanes. He does seem to be a target for some supporters (not saying you btw) and he is 100% the type of player that once hes out a team supporters will realise what he brings to the team Hes very highly rated in the game and has had a lot of interest from PL teams, also heard a few teams from Germany have had scouts over watching him
