We defend in a 442 shape though with Neil and Jobe as the CMs, if Neil took Riggs position he'd end up upfront pressing with Mayenda.
Yeah it's something to consider but I just really think Neil has been poor consistently this season as a CDM.
He's no where near as good as Rigg in that position so if you're not playing him cdm then you're benching him for either Browne (who doesn't really want to play there) or samed. I expect aleksic (or browne) to be the one who rotates with Rigg in the main and samed will rotate with Dan when fit. CDM is defo Dan Neils position.
Why do you think that. He is better on the half turn, playing little balls through the lines, pressing higher up. He really lacks the awareness as a CDM, isn't fantastic in a duel and doesn't sniff the danger. He has played better high up almost every time he has played.
Neil was very good in the CDM role today in the 2nd half, blocks passing lanes through the middle of the pitch n doesnt give opponents any time on the ball Very solid display from him today
I thought Neil was fine today as well. the only times he looks caught out is when we get countered on, which is where his lack of awareness comes in. But frankly when you get countered on it’s tough for a DM anyway. When we are set in our 4-4-2 shape hes fine.
I like the way Reggie thinks....into injury time Ballard on Rigg off....Boro could only go one way then and that was route one up a height into the box. They were all about possession well it means Jack Sh*t if it doesn't get you anywhere. When they went a goal behind they never changed there game plan so they got what they deserved. Stonewaller on Mundle before half time.....made me laugh.....I'm thinking for ffs you kidding me? From what I seen of the Hume tackle on tv which they replayed many that was never a red card. He played as much of the ball as he did the man. If we are going to send players off for that....sad day......it's a contact sport. Mundle is some player always hungry for the ball....think Clarke was on the bench for Ipswich today.....hmmm. Mepham was immense today. Would like to see him and Ballard as a pairing.....move O9 into defensive midfield as to me it's not happening with Dan Neil at the moment. Work rate from Mayenda was tremendous with Roberts a constant threat. Jobe and Riggie joy to watch.....hell of a goal young man. Onward and upwards....HTL!!!
I thought it was my fault! Out of the country on holiday last weekend, got back yesterday and at the match today. 5 wins out of 6. I hang by head in shame
Excellent result and performance. Thought we say too deep the last 15 mins. Should have put the game to bed with a 2nd. Rigg is just ridiculous.
He controlled the base of that midfield really well in the 2nd half, that's why they struggled to play through us 1st half we were too open, and I thought him n jobe positionally weren't great but 2md Neil was very good
He is class with the ball. Very good. Looked at the stats today. Passing immense. Defensive actions , duels and tackles, lifting. Pretty much zero percent. I get he can press and cut the odd lane but it's awareness of players running off him and being in the right place to win duels and tackles. He never is.
I dont agree. Everything I've seen of Dan Neil makes me think he's best dictating the play with the game in front of him. He definitely makes mistakes and needs to develop more, but he's still a bairn. IMO he has the makings of a tremendous CDM, more so than a more advanced midfielder. For me he doesn't have the physicality or pace for that role albeit he does have the vision. Time will tell but my money is on him establishing himself in the CDM role.
I will say Bellingham is holding down our CM for me. The absolute beast making sure there is some physicality in there
It’s a cliche but he’s honestly a different player to last season. It’s like we’ve skipped a year or two
Honestly could be the best CM in the league by end of season Can't believe how much he's kicked on this season Still think he needs to improve his positional play n gets caught ball watching at times
