Am i alone in saying i cant wait to see him next season and really happy to have him back in our squad. I was quite vocal about my disappointment last season when we loaned him out as ive always been a big admirer of him. This was echoed even more about a week or 2 later after he left we lost Evans to a season ending injury. Hes been a standout performer so far in pre-season for me, and having him back is just like signing a new player. We now have Matete, Ekwah, Neil and Bellingham all competing for 2 places in CM and Evans when he returns. If we get another striker theres not many teams in this league that will boast a better squad than ours.
I agree 100%. I think he could be very important for us this season. He’s got a bit about him and can certainly sort things out in midfield. There was one game last season ( maybe Hudds away) when he came on and put his foot in straightaway. I think it was him who broke up play and started the attack that led to our second goal. I hope we keep him at the SoL this season. I rate him
I remember against Sheff utd as soon as he came on he won the ball in midfield and played Gooch through for his lovely chipped goal. His work rate is excellent as is his ability and i expect him to get better and better. He also showed great pace for his goal last night .
He looks a bit of a tough nut as well - which always comes in handy. We haven’t got a nasty so and so since Catts left!
Still undecided about matete, there is definitely a player there but not sure he fits our system at the minute. He isnt great in possession and positional he gets pulled out of posiiton. I think itll come down to what formation we play. If we play a 433 then he has a chance as he plays with energy and has 2 CMs alongside him to get on the ball & bail him out positionally. If we play a 4231 formation then i think he might struggle as he needs to be better on the ball in this formation
I think its hard to be negative on him due to the lack of game time hes had for us and when he has played all ive seen is positive things from him. Hes still a young lad and his game will keep on improving with playing time. Hes been very impressive this pre season imo
I been saying a while I think he will remain and be a part of it. He looked good in spells and able to develop, I know he divides opinion but the runs he makes I really like and I think he’s a different option.
I think he's one of the players we need to improve upon. We need that experienced head in midfield and it's not Matete. He went out on loan last season and failed to nail down a consistent starting spot in the league below. His weakest skill is his passing and ability on the ball, which is exactly the skill we're looking for a player in his position. He's a decent enough player and may add something to us in a combative way, but he's the wrong style of player with the wrong skillset to in my opinion. I'm sure he'd add numbers as an option but I'd rather we replaced him.
Fair points. He does have a pass in him, but maybe not consistently. Nobody is improving player like us though. I like a bit about him I’d rather he hung around see what we can get from him. We do lack runners.
I like him but it’s worth remembering he lost his place in the Plymouth league one side towards the end of last season
Who are now in our league though so he was effectively playing in a Championship squad. He was used on the 60th minute most games towards the end because that suited Plymouths game plan and fair play to them they gained promotion from it. I dont think its fair for people to constantly say because he never started for them, hes not good enough. The Plymouth fans loved him down there.
Thats fair From games ive watched i dont think hes ready to play CM in a team pushing for promotion like we are aiming for. He's got potential for sure, lots of energy n he breaks up play well. I just think he struggles playing on a team who moves the ball quickly through the phases like we aim to do. I hope im wrong about him as i do like him, i just dont think hes good enough to start for a team aiming for promotion. I would want to see a real quality cm come in to push ekwah n neil for a start, ideally theyd be good in a CDM role and have good experience CM is agruably the most important position on the pitch at our level, so having another quality starter is key
they did at the beginning. Then they went off him and said he was a walking yellow card and a liability, hence never starting.
I never heard anything negative said towards him to be honest. If that's the case his future cant be judged on that. Hes already shown this pre season he could be an asset for us. Hes a young lad and still learning
I wouldnt have him in our strongest team mate, right now thats Ekwah and Neil. Im just saying he could be a big part of our squad next season because theyll be lots and lots of games
Agree with Scout here mind, in reality we need a big, experienced personality player in there, but where do you find one that’s available?
A player like that would cost alot of money. Our midfield is very strong at the moment so id rather focus on whatever cash we have and spend it on another striker and a good experienced Goalkeeper to compete with Patto.
Thats the hard part mate, there isnt really a player that jumps out at me currently. Will see what the recruitment team come up with
