Harry Amass

[mav_9me]

Looks a promising talent. Only criticism I have of him is that he seems very one footed at times. Very interested to see how he develops.

Weird criticism. Since when do fullbacks need 2 good feet?

 

[macheda14]

Weird criticism. Since when do fullbacks need 2 good feet?

It's their only criticism hence a minor one. It's still a weakness in any position to be one footed.

 

[Red Rash]

Bit of a odd topic question but how would you place a bet on him to play for England one day? I think it could be worth a small bet if the odds are good enough.

 

[mav_9me]

It's their only criticism hence a minor one. It's still a weakness in any position to be one footed.

I guess. There are more weaknesses in his game. His heading is not good enough. His long distance shooting could be better... you see where I'm going with this.

 

[OleGunnar20]

Is it fair to say that pace might be the only major thing lacking from his game currently? Clearly very good technically, seems to understand his position well and stands out immediately, but he doesn't seem to have the explosive pace of a young Shaw.

I have watched barely any of the youngsters for a couple of years now so I'm asking rather than stating here really.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

It's their only criticism hence a minor one. It's still a weakness in any position to be one footed.

It's certainly a weakness that I've noticed seems to get pointed out a lot more about left footers rather than right footers (and I'm not a lefty so no bias about that).

So many players are very one foot dominant, but you don't hear 'all one foot' or 'very right footed' too often when a player rarely if ever uses his weaker left foot. But a left foot dominant person seems to have it pointed out a lot that they're very one footed. Maybe it's just more noticeable because there's not as many? Or maybe it's a little unconscious bias that it's a bigger problem to have a weaker right foot than a weaker left foot?

All that said, I do agree that it's a weakness to be very one footed. And I think players really should work much harder to improve their weaker foot so that they're at least competent enough with it that they can trust using it at times when it's clearly the one to go with. So many times I see players preferring to have very awkward and unlikely goes with their stronger foot because they clearly just don't trust using their weaker one despite the angle being much more suited to it.

As regards Amass, I'm not too concerned about a full back being mostly one footed. I do agree that his main weakness is lacking great pace, which is a shame. But he is very technically gifted and links up well in attacks and looks a good, classy all round full back. I do have high hopes for him being one who gets some opportunities in the first team squad.

 

[Invictus]

Is it fair to say that pace might be the only major thing lacking from his game currently? Clearly very good technically, seems to understand his position well and stands out immediately, but he doesn't seem to have the explosive pace of a young Shaw.

I have watched barely any of the youngsters for a couple of years now so I'm asking rather than stating here really.

Yep, that is pretty fair methinks. All things considered one-footedness is not exactly a massive concern for fullbacks. With regard to “criticism”, the thing Amass *** appears to lack is game-changing explosiveness and turn of pace (which isn't something you can drastically improve with time). You can still be a really good playmaking fullback without speed to burn, no doubt about that; but you will have to be extremely precise with your timing and movement to maximize your effectiveness and productiveness. Which is to say, he might turn out to be more of an underlapper who creates overloads in midfield and the inside channels (à la Zinchenko) than an overlapper (who single-handedly dominates the outside channel and is a constant nuisance at the byline) at First Team level. As long as the team is set up to accomodate that function, it should be all good (ten Hag in particular employes a system that is somewhat suited to an underlappling fullback).

*** As much as I like him, Lacey is another one who appeared to lack game-changing explosiveness as a prospective winger or wide forward for the First Team (using Giggs or even Garnacho as past-and-present benchmarks). Hardly the end of the world for someone so coordinated and technically gifted, however. Be interesting to see how he evolves as well — for all we know, he might be more suited to an Ødegaard-esque ball-carrying offensive midfield role (which might actually suit him to a tee, provided he becomes more consistently involved in the proceedings as an architect of sorts — both on and off the ball, and appriopriately levels up his workrate).

 

[Dannn411]

He will be playing first team ball by next season. Some players are just that good.

 

[BeforeKeanetherewasRobson]

Looks a promising talent. Only criticism I have of him is that he seems very one footed at times. Very interested to see how he develops.

Like Shaw then?

 

[Sancho99]

I guess. There are more weaknesses in his game. His heading is not good enough. His long distance shooting could be better... you see where I'm going with this.

I'm talking about attributes that are more essential to a player in his position. I mean it's not the end of the world if your full back can't smash one in from 30 yards is it?

His defensive work certainly needs polishing but it's not exactly concerning giving his age and the emphasis that's placed on attacking with full backs these days.

 

[OleGunnar20]

Yep, that is pretty fair methinks. All things considered one-footedness is not exactly a massive concern for fullbacks. With regard to “criticism”, the thing Amass *** appears to lack is game-changing explosiveness and turn of pace (which isn't something you can drastically improve with time). You can still be a really good playmaking fullback without speed to burn, no doubt about that; but you will have to be extremely precise with your timing and movement to maximize your effectiveness and productiveness. Which is to say, he might turn out to be more of an underlapper who creates overloads in midfield and the inside channels (à la Zinchenko) than an overlapper (who single-handedly dominates the outside channel and is a constant nuisance at the byline) at First Team level. As long as the team is set up to accomodate that function, it should be all good (ten Hag in particular employes a system that is somewhat suited to an underlappling fullback).

*** As much as I like him, Lacey is another one who appeared to lack game-changing explosiveness as a prospective winger or wide forward for the First Team (using Giggs or even Garnacho as past-and-present benchmarks). Hardly the end of the world for someone so coordinated and technically gifted, however. Be interesting to see how he evolves as well — for all we know, he might be more suited to an Ødegaard-esque ball-carrying offensive midfield role (which might actually suit him to a tee, provided he becomes more consistently involved in the proceedings as an architect of sorts — both on and off the ball, and appriopriately levels up his workrate).

Yes I don't think one footedness is an issue at all for a fullback. Two feet would always be nice, but it's the position (apart from Goalkeeper) which benefits from that the least I think.

Good point about the underlapping, playmaking side of things. What is his crossing like do you know? I think back to how effective Neville was, relying on similarly average pace and less technical ability, since he was so hard working, balanced and could whip in a decent cross.

Hard work, strong defensive instincts and top class teamwork can take you a long way at full back, and that's without taking into account Amass' clearly cracking technique.

 

[Sancho99]

Like Shaw then?

More so than Shaw definitely. Shaw will play a 3 yard pass with his right and doesn't awkwardly change his body position just so he can use his favoured foot. Shaw won't hesitate to take a shot with his right too if the opportunity presents itself.

 

[Remember the geese]

What is his crossing like do you know?

From what I have seen, he is a pretty accomplished crosser of the ball. Though similar again in some ways to Shaw, he often looks for the cut back.

 

[top1whoisman]

More so than Shaw definitely. Shaw will play a 3 yard pass with his right and doesn't awkwardly change his body position just so he can use his favoured foot. Shaw won't hesitate to take a shot with his right too if the opportunity presents itself.

I haven’t seen Amass avoid his right foot any more than Shaw does. Takes touches and completes passes with his right comfortably whenever needed, but prefers left is possible. Exactly like Shaw.

I’d love to see some clips of examples of the bolded one.

 

[mav_9me]

I'm talking about attributes that are more essential to a player in his position. I mean it's not the end of the world if your full back can't smash one in from 30 yards is it?

His defensive work certainly needs polishing but it's not exactly concerning giving his age and the emphasis that's placed on attacking with full backs these days.

That's my point though. I don't think being one footed is the end of the world for a fullback either.

 

[OleGunnar20]

From what I have seen, he is a pretty accomplished crosser of the ball. Though similar again in some ways to Shaw, he often looks for the cut back.

Bodes well.

 

[Mr Smith]

It's certainly a weakness that I've noticed seems to get pointed out a lot more about left footers rather than right footers (and I'm not a lefty so no bias about that).

So many players are very one foot dominant, but you don't hear 'all one foot' or 'very right footed' too often when a player rarely if ever uses his weaker left foot. But a left foot dominant person seems to have it pointed out a lot that they're very one footed. Maybe it's just more noticeable because there's not as many? Or maybe it's a little unconscious bias that it's a bigger problem to have a weaker right foot than a weaker left foot?

All that said, I do agree that it's a weakness to be very one footed. And I think players really should work much harder to improve their weaker foot so that they're at least competent enough with it that they can trust using it at times when it's clearly the one to go with. So many times I see players preferring to have very awkward and unlikely goes with their stronger foot because they clearly just don't trust using their weaker one despite the angle being much more suited to it.

As regards Amass, I'm not too concerned about a full back being mostly one footed. I do agree that his main weakness is lacking great pace, which is a shame. But he is very technically gifted and links up well in attacks and looks a good, classy all round full back. I do have high hopes for him being one who gets some opportunities in the first team squad.

Antonio Valencia says hi.

 

[lysglimt]

Weird criticism. Since when do fullbacks need 2 good feet?

They don't - but some left-footed players are VERY left-footed. Up until that point where they use the right foot to stand on - as legendary Wolves' striker Steve Bull described what he used his right foot for. Luke Shaw for instance prefers a left-footed pass with the outside of his foot, rather than a simple pass with the inside of the right foot. Of course it doesn't have to be a problem - but it certainly doesn't help

 

[top1whoisman]

For what it’s worth (probably not much) he shared a ”report” on instagram saying he could be in the squad for the Villa game.

The ”report” could simply be adding together the facts that he trained with the first team and that we have defenders injured.

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

Any chance he could come in for Shaw if he is out for a few weeks? Been a lot of talk this guy impressing despite his age...

I haven't seen much of him past a few highlights, can anyone comment on his ability/ style?

 

[golden_blunder]

Any chance he could come in for Shaw if he is out for a few weeks? Been a lot of talk this guy impressing despite his age...

I haven't seen much of him past a few highlights, can anyone comment on his ability/ style?

There’s no way we are gonna play a 16 year old when the pressure is on chasing CL spots

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

There’s no way we are gonna play a 16 year old when the pressure is on chasing CL spots

I'm not the one suggesting it, I know very little of him in fact but there is a lot of talk on X speculating about him and how he flourishes at every level and is a big lad so would be more suited to mens football than typical 16 year olds

 

[bosnian_red]

He looks great. Don't expect him to make an appearance until next season, and probably not an actual real part of the squad until the year after.... He's 16.

 

[golden_blunder]

I'm not the one suggesting it, I know very little of him in fact but there is a lot of talk on X speculating about him and how he flourishes at every level and is a big lad so would be more suited to mens football than typical 16 year olds

I refer to my previous response for those lunatics on X. He’s only 16

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

I refer to my previous response for those lunatics on X. He’s only 16

I get it, it's unrealistic but can we say Lindelof at LB is much better as he's never played the position properly to learn the positioning etc

Anyway, have you seen much of him to comment on his style/ ability? Genuinely interested as I don't know much about him

 

[top1whoisman]

Anyway, have you seen much of him to comment on his style/ ability? Genuinely interested as I don't know much about him

You’re literally in a thread full of clips and reviews about him

 

[AngeloHenriquez]

You’re literally in a thread full of clips and reviews about him

Fair point, shouldn't be lazy.

 

[Varun1]

All of next season might be a bridge too far for Amass, Lacey, Jack Fletcher and Fitzgerald, considering their developmental trajectories. But some of them could definitely play a role by the finishing stages of next season (like Mainoo and Garnacho in seasons gone by). In Amass' specific case, he might even get a headstart if Shaw and Malacia's fitness woes persist (and he's forced into action). Depending on their adaptation to the First Team, we might want to clear the decks and provide uncluttered pathways for the best of 'em (read: jettison Malacia in the medium term if Amass hits the ground running). Still smarting from the transfer of Kovář to Bayer Leverkusen (he was the most complete goalkeeper we have brought through in recent years, methinks — more so than Henderson, Vitek, Harrison and the likes), and worried about situations where we impede the progress of (or even lose) potential difference makers because the manager has a distinct preference his hand-picked favorites (who have largely underwhelmed, if we're being honest) and further reinforces the squad with the likes of Bayındır, Amrabat, Reguilón et cetera (who are just not of the requisite level, unfortunately).

It really winds me up everything I think about this...

 

[mav_9me]

All of next season might be a bridge too far for Amass, Lacey, Jack Fletcher and Fitzgerald, considering their developmental trajectories. But some of them could definitely play a role by the finishing stages of next season (like Mainoo and Garnacho in seasons gone by). In Amass' specific case, he might even get a headstart if Shaw and Malacia's fitness woes persist (and he's forced into action). Depending on their adaptation to the First Team, we might want to clear the decks and provide uncluttered pathways for the best of 'em (read: jettison Malacia in the medium term if Amass hits the ground running). Still smarting from the transfer of Kovář to Bayer Leverkusen (he was the most complete goalkeeper we have brought through in recent years, methinks — more so than Henderson, Vitek, Harrison and the likes), and worried about situations where we impede the progress of (or even lose) potential difference makers because the manager has a distinct preference his hand-picked favorites (who have largely underwhelmed, if we're being honest) and further reinforces the squad with the likes of Bayındır, Amrabat, Reguilón et cetera (who are just not of the requisite level, unfortunately).

Could not agree more. Particularly agree about Kovar.

 

[mav_9me]

I get it, it's unrealistic but can we say Lindelof at LB is much better as he's never played the position properly to learn the positioning etc

Anyway, have you seen much of him to comment on his style/ ability? Genuinely interested as I don't know much about him

I think so. What do I know but it's a huge step up mentally and physically from youth to first team football. Everything is a little faster, everyone is a little stronger.

But the coaches would know. When its a talent like Mainoo it's obvious. Feels like next season might be time to get him slowly integrated into the squad if deemed good enough, kinda like Mainoo last season.

 

[AltiUn]

I think so. What do I know but it's a huge step up mentally and physically from youth to first team football. Everything is a little faster, everyone is a little stronger.

But the coaches would know. When its a talent like Mainoo it's obvious. Feels like next season might be time to get him slowly integrated into the squad if deemed good enough, kinda like Mainoo last season.

Yeah, even the fast-tracked, elite talents at United usually have to wait until they're 18 before they start seeing first team minutes, which is a sensible approach. He's a really good talent and if he continues on his current path then I see no reason why he can't make it to first team level eventually, especially considering Shaw's age / injury record but there's no rush.

 

[Lu Tze]

I have only seen highlights but it is a major concern for me that he doesn't have blistering pace. There's levels though - are we saying he doesn't have e.g. pre-leg break Luke Shaw pace, is he on that next level down, that Dalot speed which is good enough at top level but isn't extraordinary? If he's any slower than that I would be really worried.

 

[Red Rash]

I have only seen highlights but it is a major concern for me that he doesn't have blistering pace. There's levels though - are we saying he doesn't have e.g. pre-leg break Luke Shaw pace, is he on that next level down, that Dalot speed which is good enough at top level but isn't extraordinary? If he's any slower than that I would be really worried.

I thought Dalot was generally considered very quick?

 

[top1whoisman]

I thought Dalot was generally considered very quick?

Yeah I think several players have given his name when asked about the quickest players in the squad. Athletically he’s got the whole package.

 

[Lu Tze]

I thought Dalot was generally considered very quick?

He's quick once he gets to speed but he doesn't have explosive pace in my view. Struggles to keep up the very fastest wingers from a standing start. Whereas Shaw pre injury or someone like Alphonso Davies is keeping up with anyone.

Not really the issue of this thread though. Will Amass be a viable top level LB without top end pace? It's sort of a pre-requisite for all but the absolutely next level creators from FB.

 

[Remember the geese]

It's sort of a pre-requisite for all but the absolutely next level creators from FB.

Is Zinchenko a next level creator or particularly quick?

 

[BenitoSTARR]

I used to have a Harrry Amass until I used barenuts.

 

[Ali Dia]

To me he doesn’t look quick or strong but he does look creative and good on the ball with a good engine. Way way too soon for first team for him. He’s still tiny.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Agree with what a lot have said today.

He looks a very promising player - very good technically, gets forward to link up in attacks well, and seems decent enough defensively for an attacking full back. With a lack of pace being his biggest limitation.

But he only turns 17 next month, and hasn't featured much even for the U21's yet. So stepping up to the first team in crucial matches would be a hugely premature step. Hopefully we'll see him next year at some point. As others have said, it's generally been 18 at the earliest when we've seen other top academy talent getting their chances.

I know often it's squad injuries that give the kids their opportunities, but this one has fallen too early yet for Amass even if there is an opportunity at left back at the moment.

 

[Prodigal7]

Agree with what a lot have said today.

He looks a very promising player - very good technically, gets forward to link up in attacks well, and seems decent enough defensively for an attacking full back. With a lack of pace being his biggest limitation.

But he's only 16, and hasn't featured much even for the U21's yet. So stepping up to the first team in crucial matches would be a hugely premature step. Hopefully we'll see him next year at some point. As others have said, it's generally been 18, 17 at the very earliest (Mainoo?), when we've seen other top talent getting their chances.

I know often it's squad injuries that give the kids their opportunities, but it's fallen too early yet for Amass even if there is an opportunity at left back at the moment.

Yeah I agree with this word for word. Mainoo was 18 when promoted to a proper squad player and aging out of the u18s.

Lindelof is more reliable than Amass at this time and we need reliability in such an important run in. It’s too early for Amass. Very happy to see him training with the first team though, I definitely think he has what it takes to make it here.

It will be interesting to see how the club manage him going forward when considering Mantato is also adept in the left back position. I’d be confident in saying that either could be a future first teamer.