Eire mentioned the cash we paid for a new keeper and so far it looks like Eire has been right. However I’m of the opinion that we have got a worldy and will start to prove himself as we go forward. People inside the game have Pirri right up in the top echelons and South American keepers need time to adjust to prem football. I think we will see him pull off saves that scrape us a point or help us win the game….. to be continued
A wild suggestion, but I think the CAM position problem could be solved with young Harry Gray. He's young enough to 'remold' into another position. Farke did it with Archie, so why not Harry
That’s my point. Forwards were at a premium for most clubs (look how much Arsenal paid for Gyorkes, we refused to pay £15 million for him from Coventry), so those players had a pick of clubs. The reality is, as I think Farke mentioned, we had to take chances on injury hit players because our main targets didn’t fancy a relegation scrap. We almost had the Brighton lad on loan but Chelsea blew us out of the water, so again, how do we blame the club for that?
With supporting this club, it's a surprise that most of us haven't had one years ago In all seriousness though, glad to hear you are ok, and trying to rest. Think you need to find something less stressful to do at weekends, like lion taming, skydiving though, something that will keep you calm
Nothing like waking up Sunday morning after a win is there. That arrogant strut when looking at the results and tables. Had a look at the highlights too and on the Okafor goal which he took brilliantly and hit it first time after looking up, I noticed DCL was right in there. If the keeper saves he pushes it into the path of DCL for his second goal. DCL had a very good game. A small concern in selection however is why Struijk is keeping Bijol out now that Ampadu is back as skipper
We’ve got an away win against a team we possibly need to finish below us. DCL broke his duck, 1 goal in 4 becomes 4 in 5, we were happy with 4 points from the first 3 we only need a draw to equal that, anything better is a huge bonus. Next 4 games three are at home, the away is Burnley. An interesting 5-6 games are approaching
Other than a couple of passive moments against Arsenal, Struijk has had a really solid start to the season. Bijol was poor at Sheff Wed in the cup. Eventually Bijol will displace Struijk but it would be harsh dropping Struijk on current defensive form.
One player who flies under the radar is Rodon. What a signing he has been for us. Our defensive record since he came in has been exceptional. He organises the back 4, he's quick, very good in the air, reads the game, is a very good passer of the ball. I don't like centre halves that slide tackle too much because once you've gone to ground, you're out of the game and I can't remember Rodon making a slide tackle in his time here. In my view he (and Esteve) were the best defenders in the Championship by a mile. He's now stepped back up yo the PL and looks very comfortable. Have we had a better centre half in the last 20 years?
Must admit, I’ve never been convinced that he’d be good enough for the Prem. Thought he was a bit of a flat track bully in the Championship but in fairness he’s done well so far, so maybe I got that wrong. Don’t see why Bijol deserves a start over Struijk. Think Rodon/Struijk have a good understanding. He’ll get his chance at some point. For me Ben White was different class, when he returned to Brighton.
On Rodon last couple of seasons we saw him busting a gut getting in blocks and last ditch tackles, cuts, bruises and being a wall. As Emu says this season he has gone under the radar and think that’s because we have a better defensive set up and a more solid base. We are not good enough to go gung ho attacking like last season which left holes at the back. Rodon has again been solid
Delighted Rodin has made the step u so well. Massively underrated player and almost never has a poor game
Big worry now on Bogle who has been outstanding this season limping off yesterday. Hoping it’s not too bad and just bruising as we need his attacking flair. We dont get much of his forward runs when James or Gnonto are missing so he’s quieter with Aaronson with him. Will we see JJ start next week?
Because he's only 16 years old and the CAM is a pivotal position - not suitable for a kid (unless they're Lionel Messi).
The Harry Gray stuff needs to stop. He isn't the next Rooney/Messi/Milner. He would get bullied in the PL. Not only is he not ready, he is nowhere near ready. Leeds are doing the right thing by letting him train with the first team, occasionally on the bench but mostly playing in the u21's. Leave him be, let him develop and we'll see where he ends up. He probably won't make it here. He'll likely be sold. If he is going to make it here then it will be in 5 years time as a regular starter. How many 16 year olds are leading the line in the PL or Championship? None.
I know mate. Farke has summed this up pretty well previously. The step up is huge. History is littered with teenage protégés who’ve had their confidence destroyed. And Farke has a pretty good record of trusting youngsters when he thinks they’re ready.
