Agree about Rushworth, he looked very comfortable and natural with ball at feet. TW's got a decision to make, glad it isn't me!
He’s still only 21 Coming up 22 admittedly But if he doesn’t play he will not get better We should have let him go in the summer To help his development He’ll play league 1 easily and if plays for a decent coach he can go higher but like all young players he needs someone who believes in him
We’d handled his development brilliantly upto deadline day. If we knew 2 wingers were coming in who would leap frog him he should’ve been out on loan to league 1/2
I saw him play several times for the U21s, he was easily the most talented player, and also easily the laziest. I suspect one of his problems is one shared by other talented players, he was so good at junior level that no-one could get the ball off him. He gets to senior level where they can and he can't step up his approach or be more switched on to the danger of being dispossessed. He reminds me of Ebiowei.
It’s not about popularity. He’s not just good enough and never was good enough to warrant a place in the team. He has a good first touch and that’s it. He’s not strong enough or quick enough and whilst his technical ability is probably one of his assets, it’s nowhere near good or impactful enough to make up for his lack of pace or physicality. He couldn’t hack it in League One and he’s probably struggle in League Two as well. Jarvis has his own flaws, namely that he jogs around as if tracking back and pressing is beneath him, but he’s far more athletic and suited to senior football than Vaughan is or ever will be. I’ve criticised Longman before as his technical ability for a winger leaves a lot to be desired but Longman is quick, strong, a proper athlete and works hard all game and that’s why he’ll probably have a decent career at Championship level. Jarvis and Vaughan won’t. Jarvis will probably end up in League Two (or League One if he’s lucky) and Vaughan will end up back in the National League.
He couldn’t play for a third team could he? Already played for Shelbourne and us in competitive games this season. I know the Irish league calendar is different to England but I assumed that rule is applied across different FAs.
I’ve no idea how that works tbf. Still a poor way to handle him, should’ve sucked it up now he’s stagnating when his stock and confidence was high
I think you’re spot on. Ebiowei was probably ****-hot for Derby’s academy, played some games for a struggling Derby in the Championship and stood out, then got a move to Crystal Palace and started to believe his own hype. Didn’t think he needed to track back and help his fullback or press because he thought his ability on the ball was good enough. Jarvis probably the same. He’s done well for City’s academy and was good in Ireland scoring and assisting. It’s good to have confidence in your abilities and even a little arrogance but unless you’re a generational talent like Vini Jr. or Mbappé and the coach can compensate for your laziness off the ball, you still need to work tremendously hard in every aspect of the game to impress.
I agree totally about Puerta.... his problem is, that Mehelm is TW man and as such I think he'll be kept waiting, despite, as I said yesterday, looking the much much better option...
Jarvis should take a look at Bowen's attitude and commitment to improvement, then take a look at Bowen's career, then take a long, hard look at himself. If yesterday is an indication, I'd take Puerta over either Mehlem or Slater.
I was surprised, Puerta, as well as his very good technic, was very hard-working and kept going for most of the game, he tired a bit the last quarter, but certainly should be in the squad even starting. Also Alzate looks good.
I love the way that if we lose a friendly, we're **** but if we win a friendly then it doesn't matter because it's only a friendly
I'd probably care more if we'd played our first team. Who cares if our third choice left back scored a goal?
My worry was whilst we worked hard , tackled and passed it fairly well and pressed them we seem unable to play a killer ball quickly to the odd player who moves - in the box . I know it was a friendly but S’unlan are a strong no frills team and a well organised unit . Belloumi , Etc will have to be on their game , but if they are. marked out if it we must come down the middle and we rarely do to date . Lastly Slater and Mehlem do not press quickly enough they are always yards short leaving an easy out ball. Needs to improve .