I watched a bit of it while I was at work, and he seemed to have a good game. However, I can't see him staying with us. He's not been given a real chance in the first team, and at this level I think he could easily make a sideways move to another League 1 team.
Watched the England game, and Luke Shaw 18/19 comes on. So at 18 he can play premiership and international football, at BCFC it seems he would be too young to warrant a regular 1st team place? surely this is what an academy is about. If they are good enough they should be playing.
The major problem at City about introducing the youngsters has been our terrible record for the last four years. Shaw has gone into a successful Saints team whereas Reid, Bryan and now Burns would be ruined if thrown in at the deep end. In fact I would say that while Reid has done very well, Burns also as a late sub, Joe Bryan appears to have lost his edge this season. All around the field, there must be some who would have made the first team if we'd not been in this continual struggle against relegation.
Joe Bryan played well at Plymouth when they were in trouble so should be OK with us. Not sure he's been played in best positions or given enough time on the pitch to show his worth. Not sure they would be ruined by getting starts regularly, it's all part of the game. Seems that SC less keen on using youngsters.
What is his best position? Left midfield he's done reasonably okay there, not amazing.. Not enough to warrant a place Centre midfield against Coventry he was shocking, but he was played out of position, so everyone says.. Left back?
Most young players who get into a team have a number of good games, then have a dip in form (like Sterling at Liverpool) They then need to be taken out for a rest and come back in (again like Sterling) There are exceptions to this - like it appears Shaw. I'm just glad the young man did not go to one of the big clubs in January, because at Southampton he's playing We have 5 young players (3 who came through the Academy) who look to have futures in the game - Burns, Reid, Bryan, Williams and Parrish. If they keep working hard and are carefully nurtured they will be fine.
