He's Mr solid, dependable, consistent, and quite simply he doesn't do enough and needs to realise that if we are to progress then mediocre isn't good enough.
I agree. mentally he needs to be more ruthless.
There is ample evidence im my mind that he can deliver a kill ball, make a quick pass, play forward, run at people.. but he doesn't half of the time.
Lets look at milner on the other side. pre Christmas he played better, more positive, with more belief IMO. however he has also been left isolated in 20/30 yards with no red shirt to pass to.
Its a similar thing.
clyne when the team was not doing well wasn't the guy to drive us on. he turned back and played safe. However to be over critical of this is slightly unfair as to my mind far too few players can actually lead when times are tough. Inspirational players are very rare.
You are right. Him back passing and turning back to his own Cb partner rather than forcing go forward attitude isn't good enough but then i klopp up on his feet screaming at mane or fiminro to pull right i nthe channel and offer that pass option? Is matip screaming at him to be more positive and not just give it right back to him?
no. the whole squad and manager need to demand more of themselves collectively and individually.
finally. I would say 16/17 of the 20 prem clubs would love to have him as he's better than what they have. REALITY. Bellarin and walker IMO are about the only guys better than him today, maybe coleman too.