Yesterday with Alfie and Connor on the bench for the first time in ages we had players on the bench that a number of fans think deserve a start. Do you think that this filters through to the players on the pitch and makes them try that bit harder, given that yesterday was our best performance of the season by a distance? I hope so because with Mangane coming in and a number of players to come back from injury in a few weeks time our bench is going to be the strongest it has been in ages which would mean anybody underperforming on the pitch could be replaced by a player who could keep them out of the team for weeks.
Hard to tell. Were we that good or were West Ham ****? Bit of both probably, so give it a week or two. Good theory though...
N'Diaye cannot just be chucked in at the deep end here lads. He will need 3 or 4 games just to get a feel for the game here in England before he can be knocking on the door for a start. By then of course, Catts will be back, maybe another 2 or 3 will be brought in and we will have real competition, quality competition as well, for starting places. That can only be a good thing imo.
I'm not suggesting that Alfie should be thrown in straightaway and actually would agree with Cest that he needs to be eased in. What I am suggesting though is the fact that he is on the bench and has just arrived for good money might be making the present midfielders subconciously try harder than they have done sfar this season. If this is the case then things can only get better as more quality arrives/returns.
If any player is starting to play better because of what's on the bench then they can do one for me.It shouldn't matter what squad we have if your in the team you give 100% regardless
Agreed. I want players to give their all every game. They get paid enough to put some bloody effort in.