It was a good match on Saturday but the key difference between Gateshead and Blyth were the quality of thier fullbacks. Tavernier (on loan from Newcastle) and Liddle (from Sunderland), both comfortably League One standard.
Obviously supporting both Toon and Spartans I was keeping an eye out on their number 27 and James went through the Blyth players like they weren't there. Much as I adore my home club, I have to admit that as a BSN side, a young player like Tavernier who has actually started for a Premier League outfit SHOULD be walking through our players so the only practical feedback I can give is on his style of play.
At first I thought Gateshead were playing him as a winger but they played a rather tasty tactic, Tavernier and Liddle were given full run of the flanks and whenever they attacked, Turnbull would drop into defence and act as a third centre back. Tavernier enjoyed bombing up the wing and to be honest, seemed to be in our box more often than their strikers were!
He's got pace to burn, good footwork and put some excellent crosses in from wide positions that would have been converted at a higher level. Though he may not have been tested too much, his fitness levels seemed good and he was always a threat.
In the second half when Blyth were fighting back, Tavernier was taken off and replaced by the sturdier Baxter (ex-Toon reserve if I remember rightly). James didn't look as sure of himself when he actually had to defend, a little shaky despite his confidence running high and got caught out a few times.
As a supposed right-back it's quite a concern that he didn't seem able to stand up to non-league trickery, he seemed much more eager to attack. I'd say his style of play is probably more suited to a winger, pace and crossing ability. An excellent young player for sure but I feel he should be loaned out again next season but to a higher league club where he isn't granted such a free role.
I still have high hopes for the player but as a defender at least, I don't think he's quite ready yet and as a winger I'd probably rate him on a par with LuaLua at the moment.
Of course, I've only seen him up close in this game and for his handful of games in black and white. Anyone else have any opinions on Tavernier? Reckon he can realistically challenge Simpson for a start within the next few years?
Obviously supporting both Toon and Spartans I was keeping an eye out on their number 27 and James went through the Blyth players like they weren't there. Much as I adore my home club, I have to admit that as a BSN side, a young player like Tavernier who has actually started for a Premier League outfit SHOULD be walking through our players so the only practical feedback I can give is on his style of play.
At first I thought Gateshead were playing him as a winger but they played a rather tasty tactic, Tavernier and Liddle were given full run of the flanks and whenever they attacked, Turnbull would drop into defence and act as a third centre back. Tavernier enjoyed bombing up the wing and to be honest, seemed to be in our box more often than their strikers were!
He's got pace to burn, good footwork and put some excellent crosses in from wide positions that would have been converted at a higher level. Though he may not have been tested too much, his fitness levels seemed good and he was always a threat.
In the second half when Blyth were fighting back, Tavernier was taken off and replaced by the sturdier Baxter (ex-Toon reserve if I remember rightly). James didn't look as sure of himself when he actually had to defend, a little shaky despite his confidence running high and got caught out a few times.
As a supposed right-back it's quite a concern that he didn't seem able to stand up to non-league trickery, he seemed much more eager to attack. I'd say his style of play is probably more suited to a winger, pace and crossing ability. An excellent young player for sure but I feel he should be loaned out again next season but to a higher league club where he isn't granted such a free role.
I still have high hopes for the player but as a defender at least, I don't think he's quite ready yet and as a winger I'd probably rate him on a par with LuaLua at the moment.
Of course, I've only seen him up close in this game and for his handful of games in black and white. Anyone else have any opinions on Tavernier? Reckon he can realistically challenge Simpson for a start within the next few years?
