Catts and Oshea are still weaknesses, they are OK as back up or squad players but we need improvement or competition in these areas, they are not to be relied on over a full season and neither will improve in my opinion, the same goes for Larsson, but I am not for wholesale change so gradual improvement is the way forward. By the way I here Alf is playing centre half and doing well these days, he would be a useful addition for next season if his attitude is not the problem, as was hinted.
One way or another, Larsson has played himself into a contract, but with which club? Offer nothing more than a year, i
I don`t see Catts as a weakness especially since he`s got his discipline sorted. Haven`t we got cover now in Bridcutt? I agree with Comm. Larsson has earned another contract but I wonder if it`s anything longer than a year he`ll disappear again until it`s renewal time. Those waiting to see if we were still in the prem have no excuse to dally now. Sign or don`t then we know where we are. Forgot all about Alfie.
I don't know what Cattermole has to do to win people over, he was excellent last night (my man of the match) and has been instrumental in this good run. He breaks play up, carries the ball and can pick a pass. He still worries me sometimes when he jumps in to tackles and I'm not sure if I agree with one comment I heard last night, "if Cattermole went to Stoke in January, we would have been relegated now", but I do think he has played a massive part in our resurgence.
Cattermole? Back up? Have you watched him play recently? Tell me why Catts is a weakness? Is that because he makes the odd (very rare) mistake? (Is that like Gerrard occasionally does?) Discipline has been excellent this season as well - his one red card wouldn't have been a yellow card for most players in the game. He is instrumental in Sunderland and has improved so much this season alone (I already rated him) and, if he kept playing like he has for the last 6 months or so then he would be looked at by bigger boys than us. Even Yaya Toure says he's one of the best DM's he's ever played against. Gus Poyet has improved Catts beyond recognition and if you can;t see that then I guess you're one of the ant-catts brigade
Nowt wrong with Catts. My only gripe with him was his passing but who am I to complain when he's addressing it and improving well. I forget sometimes he's only 26, hardly an old dog.
Agreed, did you see his run and pass to AJ on MOTD?? pointed to AJ where to go and put it right on a plate for him, Catts is really improving and was superb again last night. He is not just breaking up play anymore he wins the ball and drives forward with it. We must keep him this summer.
Exactly Bri, in the first half last night he carried the ball from the edge of our box into their half, telling Johnson where he wanted him then slipped a peach of a pass between two defenders to feet. Any other midfield player in the premiership would have been proud of it. Edit: Sorry vegas you beat me to it.
Agreed lads. His new found willingness to bring the ball out helps us to sit further up the pitch. Passing improving massively.
Marcus, consistency is my worry with Catts, compared to Colback or Bridcutt (more realistic than Gerrard). He is more likely to be caught out, leaving the defence exposed, the other two are less flashy but more dependable, it is not the role of a defensive midfield player to win the game with Hollywood passes, this is what players in more forward positions are there for. Hopefully Catts can grow into the role, but I have my doubts, I just think he is liable to be caught too often playing possession football the Gus way.
I think your comments were valid at one point CS but I also think its fair to say there's been a growing maturity in his game and a willingness to lead by example. When I say maturity I'm also thinking about his disciplinary record, which is massively improved. He's made a few mistakes but which footballer hasn't. We are stronger in midfield with him and I think GP thinks that too - he kept the same line for the last 5 games and, if money is still an issue during the summer, it'll be that starting 11 that will be the core of next season's starting line-up, give or take one or two changes. Definite keep for me, and my next season's early front runner for Player of thhe Season! In fact, pushing my luck a bit further, could he become this generation's Charlie Hurley?
I have always rated Catt's. I know he does some stupid things sometimes but I honestly belive he doesnt deserve half the **** he gets from the ref's. He gets booked for things other players get away with. He has looked class the last 5 weeks and we shouldnt be looking at unloading him in the summer. I think he honestly loves it up here and I hope we see him for a good few years yet. He can be the engine room of our midfield and if recent games have shown us anything its that he has more in his locker than just breaking up play. I have been plesently surprised by Sebb. I didnt know why he was continually getting a game when lets be honest for 3/4 of this season he has been ****. I wanted him to be dropped but he has really shown what he can do of late. It's just a shame he hasnt shown it for more of the season, but that can be said for many of our squad. I think he is worth another contract, depending on the terms.
