That's the level he's currently proven at. He's got time on his side still though. He's got a bit of a way to peak in his career just yet.
So, 23 then, which was still a youth level last time I checked. If you look at how his physique has changed in the last 12 months then it's pretty obvious he's developed, and he'll continue to do so for 2 or 3 years yet. And he'll continue to gain experience to go alongside it
Just got back from the game. I actually enjoyed it and you can see pockets of what Walter is trying to do. Clearly we need an upgrade on some of our players but there are some green shoots there in the way we played. Never pay much attention to pre season games as the results mean nothing but I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. Great to Sean McLaughlin getting forward and he looked comfortable in the role he’s been given. Not saying he should be in the starting 11 come end of August but he’s certainly fitting into this system better.
At this point my only hope is so called WalterBall. I hope it is not a myth or bust, we definetely need some manager magic if this squad survive relegation battle.
This squad is far from complete, we know this. Judge it towards the end of August. At the moment Walterball is somewhat reminding me of Slutsky and Averladze. Hope I'm proven wrong when he gets his own spine in.
Think we have to remember how good a side they are. Top half Serie A team and finished in two European finals. Felt like the shackles lifted when the goal went in and a new found confidence was about. You can see what he’s trying to do there is an element of bravery needed. Few times they broke the press then circulated it back and they reset. Drameh is a tidy signing. Longman certainly looks to have a fire up his butt to do something. Get some quality down the spine of this team and it probably does well.
Was it a plea or just stating the obvious? Of course headline writers were always going to spin it for click bait, but he'll know where the deals are at.
Think we were at our defensive worst when we opened up more and legs got tired. I’ll be honest I missed the first goal due to going for a pee thinking the injury was going to be a longer one. Second was a good counter by them. Once they got beyond the midfield it was curtains. But that appears to be the system. They need another box to box midfielder to go with Simons and a creator. If you get Zambrano and Robertson you tick those boxes. It’s evidence by the fact we looked a bit better in the middle when seri went off and Omur dropped into the 10 role
Analysing a friendly is a bit silly. But here’s my take: A game of two halves. Once we scored that first goal and played with bravery going forward, things happened. Omur showing he does have an end product (it was only a matter of time). Matty Jacob - fair play to the lad. He clearly wants it. That yellow card decision was a joke - got the ball and wasn’t even a dangerous challenge! Ryan Longman - if there’s a player who I’m in two minds with, it’s him. He is attack minded and always try to do the right thing (a good footballing brain). Technically, he has shown time and time again he is not good enough. Yet in parts, he looks excellent. And I want him to do well. I really do. He seems like a nice guy and he had a great game tonight. Whether that will last, time will tell. Maybe he’s one of our classic examples of ‘turning it around’ in terms of fan opinion? Tim Walter - whatever he said to them at half time worked. I’m imagining some sort of b*llocking (even if it’s only a friendly). I still have high hopes that he is the man to lead us forward and get us into the playoffs. Finally, I do hope the slow play around the back stops. I think it will this time. Now we don’t see possession as the be all and end all. Feeling positive tonight. Let’s see what Reading brings. UTT.
Honestly I think they're looking for a proper no 6 as opposed to another box to box. Tan has said as much.
They've gone with the player and made the far post difficult. It's not their fault that Pandur followed them and left the near side gaping. You could see what he was shaping to do before he did it, I'm sorry, that was poor. And it's far from the only example of him looking like a naive little rabbit in headlights. I wouldn't mind, but you've got the same folk defending him that would rip Allsop a new one for doing exactly the same and panned Liam for sticking with him at the same time. Now we can see why he did.
