Jay should just chill and lay down.
He did for most of the game!
Jay should just chill and lay down.
Big positives: Sims and Cacares. Big negatives: Boufal and Rodriguez.
Almost every good thing going forward had some sort of Sims involvement, looked lively throughout and kept popping up, even in defence. Has earned a place on the bench ahead of Rodriguez who had poor finishing first half and then had an offiside as the only time his name was mentioned in the second.
We were losing the midfield battle in the first half but once Boufal went off and we stopped losing the ball we gained control of the match, with Hojbjerg and Reed growing into it nicely and we had them pinned back in the final 30 minutes.
Cacares didn't have to do a lot but what he did do he did with VvD levels of composure. he made some nice long balls too. not sure on his physicality but was more than enough for an u23 game.
Both fullbacks also played well, as well as Hesketh, just felt like we were against a well organised Chelsea team and had nobody in the middle to aim for. Might have won that with Seager on.
I flicked through the stream and I saw Boufal lose the ball a couple of times. Shame 'cause he's got so much talent and skill. I do wonder whether he's playing a bit injured.so far it feels like sims and hesketh have been our best players. Boufal has magic but losing the ball alot
Boufal has to get use to the different kind of football.I flicked through the stream and I saw Boufal lose the ball a couple of times. Shame 'cause he's got so much talent and skill. I do wonder whether he's playing a bit injured.
Boufal has to get use to the different kind of football.
Jay looked like he couldn't be arsed to be here.
Yes, you could be right there. His flicks and such get caught out because he doesn't expect the opposition player to be quite so astute perhaps.Boufal has to get use to the different kind of football.
Jay looked like he couldn't be arsed to be here.
Boufal has to get use to the different kind of football.
Jay looked like he couldn't be arsed to be here.
It's so sad about Jay, I really thought he was on his way back after his match-winning performance against Bournemouth. The signing of Gabbiadini was the death-knell to his hopes I suppose, and seeing him throw his shin pads across the dugout when he wasn't brought on against Sunderland shows he has realised it. I really hope he gets a good move in the summer, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was to a Championship club.Agree that Jay looks like he has given up on his saints career
When Austin is back fit he'll be fourth choice so I understand the hopelessness he might feel, but he could have offered more fight in his performance tonight
Fourth choice? We will have Gallagher back after his successful loan spell and Seagar fully fit for next season. Unless JRod sorts his head out he will be sold this summer with only Championship level clubs or newly promoted clubs desperate for new experienced players coming in for him as he is showing little or no signs of finding his form again.Agree that Jay looks like he has given up on his saints career
When Austin is back fit he'll be fourth choice so I understand the hopelessness he might feel, but he could have offered more fight in his performance tonight
Jay has had chances to prove himself and Saints have stuck with him, but it hasn't worked out....partly because, as he has struggled with injuries, our quality has moved on. I hope Jay gets a good move next season....perhaps to a promoted club...and does well.
Boufal could learn from the likes of Sims and Hesketh, they are all skillful players but Sims and Hesketh are always looking for the quick easy pass and keeping the defenders on the back foot, Boufal is getting predictable and running into problems. Hopefully a full pre season will help him out, a blind man can see he is talented, maybe has to play a simpler style
Is Boufal going to be the next Gaston? regular injury concerns, moments of brilliance but never quite fitting into the side. We aren't ones to build a team around a single player... if he's having strops at U23 games he has a lot of work to do mentally.

I don't want him playing a simpler style as that takes away what he can offer. He just needs to be up to speed with the pace of our game and coached into making the right decisions at the right time.
I don't want him playing a simpler style as that takes away what he can offer. He just needs to be up to speed with the pace of our game and coached into making the right decisions at the right time.
I don't want him playing a simpler style as that takes away what he can offer. He just needs to be up to speed with the pace of our game and coached into making the right decisions at the right time.