I know it's only pre season but after three years of having no decent full backs something which I believe massively contributed to our appalling defence as this meant the centre backs were under to much pressure its so nice to see some good full backs .... I'm going to whisper it but I think we have found a couple of gems 1. Odoi looks like he is the real deal, pacy composed, can defend can get forward, looks a really good player 2. Sessegnon, I know he's young I know people may be concerned and he def won't play 46 games but quite frankly what a player, he looks the real deal and the one thing you worry about somebody his age is struggling physically well he has the pace and hasn't looked out of place against some good players pre season, for me he starts.
I couldn't agree more, lets hope the big boys don't notice our starlet Sessegnon. He has looked good all preseason and improves each game.
Unfortunately the big boys already know, didn't we reject a bid from Arsenal on the last day of the last January transfer window? Hopefully he has good advisors many youngsters have done well staying with a football league club getting 100 odd first team games then moving on, Alli, Clyne, Chamberlain Bertrand ( loan), Ramsey but there are lots of examples of players who moved to early and got lost.
Indeed, and the Arsenal are still sniffing after Sessegnon. Adding to what rosc said about him in today's game thread, I was impressed by his sharpnesss and concentration. He also, almost, made a piece of history - we actually won our own throw-ins taken by him! The lad is a natural but picking up on a piece in today's programme by Adam Brons-Smith, supporters need to be patient and not overly raise expectations. He added, ".. his development shouldn't be rushed; ensuring he develops in the right way is vital." I believe Slavi sees it that way as well. Not being exactly impressed by Scott Malone so far, he was content to play young Sessegnon today but there are strong rumours that he's in the market for another (experienced) LB. On the other side, Odoi looks more accomplished than any we've seen for a long while. I was surprised today to see how good he was in the air. Long may it last 'cos the Championship will through up tougher challenges. That said, one very pleasing aspect of today was how players covered for each other; when Odoi went forward Tunnicliffe or MacDonald (usually) shuffled over to block the gap. In future hopefully then our fullbacks won't be so exposed or horribly caught out of position and have to constantly track back.
I'd love to see sessegnon given a chance this season, not just because he's one of our own and we all like to see youngsters break through, but because I genuinely believe he is our best option for that position. Malone may come good with fitness but as yet he does not look like being the the answer for us. At present I'd much rather see Odoi play at LB over Malone, a position he's used to playing. Of course we don't want to ruin his development by throwing him in too early but how will we ever know if he's ready if we don't throw him in??
Agree with you in principle FAB. He should (and I expect he will) get first team games, but we shouldn't yet label him as our first choice LB. However good he is, physically competing in two Championship games a week at the age of 16 could lead to an early "burn out".
Yep you're right, he wouldn't/shouldn't be expected to play in every single game, a championship season is hard enough for seasoned pros nevermind a 16 year old. He deserves his chance though and would be there on merit, I'm of the thinking that if you're good enough then you're old enough.
I totally agree we need to monitor him carefully but with all the technology and physical checks that can be done these days it shouldn't be hard to keep an eye on him. Including cup games we should have a 50-55 game season there's no reason why Sessegnon shouldn't play a 30 game season! Although not a world beater Malone is solid enough to back him up when required
