Ah right ... I've never seen Vilhena play, just kinda assumed he was more of a defensive midfielder! Thanks
He can play a a deep play maker or just infront of a defensive two. I have seen him play on the wing as well.
Doesn't mean a thing tho. Ron likes him and we have Gape coming through. Defensive minded centre mids: Reed, Gape, Wanyama, Davis. Attacking minded centre mids: Prowse, Vilhena.... Maybe Djuricic?
I still think we will bid for him. I was just looking at from another view. What with the new home grown thing maybe coming in.
Is Davis really defensive minded? He plays a little more forward to me and when is more defensive it does not seem to be the best. Reed seems better in that role.
I counted Davis as he breaks up play well (Prowse can't do this). But yeah he could really be counted as both.
His positional discipline when played in the sweeper role does suggest that he prefers playing a more advanced role.
Had a chance to watch the 2nd half of the Burnley match last night. It struck me that Steven Davis always plays on his toes with the ball when he's in the best of moods/form. OK, he's no Fabregas, but his little flicks and short, delightfully weighted, passes to teammates had the Burnley players chasing shadows at certain points. He was on his very toe tips in the second half.
I see Reed as understudy to Victor at the moment. Another season in his shadow(physically and metaphorically) then I think he'll eventually replace the big man.
I think JWP should put more into learning how to tackle and defend, because he doesn't (for me) have quick enough feet, vision, or the ability to beat players, to be an attacking midfielder. I think his passing ability better suits someone who sits deeper and has time to look up and pick a pass out. Morgan, when he started playing, wasn't the best tackler, mis-timing plenty, but look how he has evolved.
I'd say the best thing JWP can add to his repertoire is goals. Let's face it, attacking midfielders who can tackle and defend aren't that rare. Defensive midfielders who can pick and receive a pass and get in dangerous positions aren't that rare either. Midfielders of any description who regularly score goals against premiership defences are worth their weight in gold.
Its a bit like Steve Davis, looks at his best playing further forward, see vs Burnley, however his lack of goal scoring ability detracts from his ability to create opportunities for others
Agree he definitely needs to start working on his tackling. He is not blessed with the speed or physicality to get away with being out of position, so has to be able to read the game better. But as you point out with Morgan, that can be coached and learnt from experience on the pitch. At the moment he has to play higher up the park or out wide as his pressing is great and it's not so bad if someone gets past you in their own half
