I agree. Not sure he's underrated though...most seem to know he's an excellent player. I wondered if he might be able to play cm if we needed someone?
I just think he gets overlooked by supporters, the attacking players seem to get all the focus. I know everyone will not agree, but, for me O'Nien is the one for defensive midfield, a lot more intelligent player than people give him credit for
Luke would be ok playing defensively in front of the back four,but not further up imo.I've always thought he needs the game in front of him.He is underrated mind...he's a better passer of the ball than many give him credit for....with both feet too. It's always the way that supporters will focus on the attacking skills,but many of our moves come from great play from the back.
Look at the way he is currently playing at CH, its for him to dictate our build up play, I just think move him forwards 5 yards, we didnt sign the young 2 centre halves to sit on the bench
It's a squad game now marra. It's a fair bet that Neil and Ekwah will get broken up at some point in the next 3 or 4 months....injury or suspension...maybe then move Luke forward and bring in Nectar or Seelt. We may have Alese back by then too,which gives us more options.
He is better when the game is in front of him. I'm not saying he can't play there, I just feel he brings alot at cb the way we play.
I keep on seeing people say O'Nien can't play in CM because he's better with the game in front of him like it's a fact, but what is it based on? I'd be wary about basing an opinion on any player on when we were collectively ****e in league one. Anyway, I even bore myself going on about O'Nien. Underrated players...Patterson maybe? We take him for granted to an extent now but he's still very young and does a very solid and reliable job with moments of brilliance when required. Was weak at coming for crosses but has improved big time at it. Also the way he made that save against Southampton look like he nearly cocked it up just for a laugh, great sense of humour.
Two for the future from what we have seen so far, but its early days, personally I dont think any are particularly under-rated, but opinions will always differ.
Not underrated by me mind. Cracking player, will get better, he's a left back and they are a precious commodity
Cant receive on the half turn, goes chasing things in cm and allows runners to get behind him in midfield. hes better when the game is in front of him as he reads runs better, can play out really well from CB. He could do the odd game in cm but would be a massive drop off from neil n ekwah. I like o9 at cb tho so no point moving him as think hes getting better n better at cb All about opinions tho
Cirkin not underrated by the club or its fanbase. And after that I'd rather the entire team remain underrated by the entire footballing world! Patterson, not sure if it's underrated but it isn't malentioned enough that this lad was recalled from a loan in the national league and established himself as first choice keeper looks very comfortable at this level. Has improved greatly in the last few season and is still only 23 which is young for a keeper. He seems very level headed aswell.
I still think Neil is extremely underrated by a lot of our supporters, does so much for us in CM but people will jump on the odd mistake he makes Been player of the season so far for me and seems to be taking on a real leadership role now
You have just contradicted yourself, he is better with the game in front of him? All about opinions, I think he would be great as CDM
Aye I don't know if underrated is the right word but I probably take Patterson for granted too much. When someone's running through on goal I think "it's alright, Patterson's got this" and when he does make the save it's more "thought so" than "wow what a stop!". He sets a high bar. It's great to be relaxed about the keeper after so many nervy years. He makes the odd flub but show me a keeper who doesn't.
He is better seeing the full pitch when he receives passes, in CM you have to be aware of whats behind you more than you do at CB thats where he struggles. When say about runners getting in behind you in CM is because you are normally watching the ball n wanting to.step up n press the ball. At CB if a player is making a run in behind you, youll naturally drop deeper to cover that run rather than step out to press the ball. O9 is better when he has to drop with the runner than having to decide between pressing, holding position, or dropping to cover space like CMs have to do. Its not a knock on the lad at all, i think hes a very good CB n is getting better all the time in that role. Just don't think hes suited to a cdm role in a possession based team like we are now Not sure where ive contradicted myself
