I actually really like Spearing but he's just not good enough. I do think he makes for a good squad player for now though, best option we have at DM beyond Lucas.
He's far better than Allen in a defensive pairing with Lucas. He may not be first choice, second, third...fourth, fifth...but he should be the first choice as a direct Lucas replacement. He's worth being a squad player for this season for that alone, unless we buy someone better as cover - but we've not got too much cash floating around it seems. I still think he's better than alot give him credit for, mind you, but yeah, he's no world XI pick player...maybe just on the bench.
IMO, a DM needs to have drive, energy and desire to win the ball, pace helps too. Jay has the first three with decent pace. His passing isn't too bad, its just a bit erratic but it could be drilled into him not to try passes he can't pull off, play it simple and be a ball mover when in possession. Just don't play him alongside Allen
I think he was doing well in the early stages of the season, the first half a dozen games he got the fans on his side and he was achieving a 95%+ pass success rate. Something changed though. He didn't get the injury that early on but didn't his mrs have a kid? With it being his first season I am willing to give him the benefit of doubt but I won't be happy if BR plays him despite him clearly not being our best option again.
Does the 50 allowance include sent messages too? I had about another twenty in there I now only have one in my sent box which I keep permanently
What changed was he got found out; people realised that 95%+ success rate is ****ing useless if it doesn't go forwards. Being able to pass the ball is useless if you get shouldered off it 10seconds later and lose possession. Having a midfielder sit back and pass it 10yards is useless when there's another midfielder next to him doing the same but can also tackle. I fail to understand why passing the ball is such a 'gift'. On a basic level, any player should be able to find a team mate 10yards away. Even Reina can play tiki taka. If a midfielder can't keep hold of possession, he's in the wrong career; get rid. Of course you have players like Xavi or Iniesta who bring it to another level entirely, but they're special players. Allen's not special. His 'talent' is doing what 95% of midfielders can already do, minus the defensive qualities or attacking qualities. Safe to say I'm still not a fan
Although I think its a tad harsh, I can't argue with much of that to be honest. All I will say is, there are plenty of CM's that pass back and side ways, why are other midfielders unable to achieve a high success rate like that then? I don't rate Allen either but feel he deserves a chance considering his start and the issues that followed. That does not mean I expect to see him thrown in, I want him to work hard in training and earn his place, if he doesn't perform then drop him. If its still the same come January or next summer then get rid.
