He's as good as Mensah on the ball IMO but not as aggressive.Should stay at left back if he want to have chance to make it.I don't see the "better version" part yet, but I haven't really seen enough of him. Doesn't seem to have that much potential (compared with Fosu-Mensah and Gribbin for example) in my opinion, which is not completely relevant because it's based on YouTube.
Much more talented footballer than Blackett but less as an athlete.Yeah, looks OK at left back, nothing all that special. Think Blackett looked a better LB at the same age personally but then, as said above, I think he's perhaps a central player so hopefully he shows what he can do as he develops.
Yep, that'd be my assessment too. Still not a top-bracket talent though.Much more talented footballer than Blackett but less as an athlete.
Perhaps.But I've been very impressed by his ability to bring the ball out of the back recently especially the Bury match when he even took on couple of their players in some occasions.Can't think of anyone better about that regard in our book.His long passing is good as well as shown in the Milk Cup.His defending doesn't strike "top bracket" but at least I haven't seen Blackettesque mistakes.Yep, that'd be my assessment too. Still not a top-bracket talent though.
Unusual for me.... but one thing Blackett has is confidence and belief in himself. Not all young players have that.Can't say I fully agree with the last few posts. BJ is a very gifted athlete in his own right; big, strong, agile and still a few years away from reaching his full physical potential. And, in terms of technical ability, Blackett's not a bad footballer. He lacks awareness and consistency, but he showed right through his academy/reserves days, and even at the beginning of his first-team career, when he played with considerably more confidence and ease than he has lately, that he's got ability. The main difference between BJ and Blackett is the former's non-dopiness. For my money, BJ is indeed a top talent, though I can understand if those who've only seen him at left-back don't feel that way.
I'd agree with that, he's not bad technically. His passing is decent, quite a handy dribbler from full back, touch is OK, scored a few screamers over the years hasn't he too?Unusual for me.... but one thing Blackett has is confidence and belief in himself. Not all young players have that.
I still dont rate him but it certainly counts for something.
but top-blackett surely thenYep, that'd be my assessment too. Still not a top-bracket talent though.
I think there was big difference though. Rio was certainly prone to errors but they were purely down to poor concentration. I think Blackett's weaknesses are more deep rooted.I'd agree with that, he's not bad technically. His passing is decent, quite a handy dribbler from full back, touch is OK, scored a few screamers over the years hasn't he too?
It's the dopiness that makes me think he's not first team material. Having said that, Rio was considered a bit dopey at times until his mid twenties, albeit he was a far more talented player.
Possibly tomorrow.Left footed. Can defend. First team appearance soon?
He is on the bench (unless Blind/Rojo feck themselves up on warm-up)Oh shit he is with the squad for tomorrow, didn't realize that. Hope he makes the bench. Bit surprising he is there, I didn't think we had many injuries.
Oh is he? Great news, thought it might just mean he was in the matchday squad but might not actually make the 18.He is on the bench (unless Blind/Rojo feck themselves up on warm-up)
Valencia is injured while Darmian is suspended so we have little defensive coverOh shit he is with the squad for tomorrow, didn't realize that. Hope he makes the bench. Bit surprising he is there, I didn't think we had many injuries.
RBs though and van Gaal is unlikely to put a left footer in at RB so you'd expect Varela or even Tuanzebe in there again.Valencia is injured while Darmian is suspended so we have little defensive cover
Now that he's on the bench,himWho is the best defender in our youth set up?
Lovely news and not at all unwarranted, he's been the u21s' best defender this season. Perhaps he'll get the recognition he deserves from now on.He is on the bench (unless Blind/Rojo feck themselves up on warm-up)
I kinda expected him to be called upon at some point after Shaw out for a season.Hopefully he has impressed enough on training.Lovely news and not at all unwarranted, he's been the u21s' best defender this season. Perhaps he'll get the recognition he deserves from now on.
Hard to say about him at this stage.He's comfortable on the ball and is a tough lad but quite small for his age however he might be due a grown spurt.He's not bad offensively (used to play winger when he was younger) but I think he still need to improve in that regard to stand a chance of making it.Some people in the academy rates him quite highly.@khoazany do you rate Warren highly? I think I've only seen one game of his and I was dead impressed, it was the U19 CL tie a few weeks ago against Wolfsburg U19s.
He must be registered in the "A" list to play and I don't see his name in our squad in the Premier League website so probably will be sold on January or summer.I've said for a while that I think Reid has the best chance of making it out of our young right backs.What is the situation at right back now ? is Varela with the squad ? @khoazany