He's definitely not void of skill and I guess it was a bit tabloid of me to call him mediocre. Still, mental attributes are a huge part of a footballer's makeup and Tyler's problems in that regard go beyond concentration issues.
Matty had (and probably still has) a wonderful all-round game but he's slow. Hopefully he can establish himself as a proper Premiership midfielder, something which would have been a given if only he had a bit more pace.
Ah ok. I suppose it makes sense for the manage to have a good look at the more senior youth products. Lets's hope he can impress on tour, and at the very least find a good club to help his career progress.
Sound unfair for Ben Pearson
I'm not talking about him being ahead of Pearson and Rothwell at this stage. It's about what role he competes in given his skill set. For me, Reece doesn't look like a full back at all. He looks more like a central midfielder due to his skill set, and I think van Gaal sees it like that which is probably why he took Blackett. The only reason Reece would be considered as a full back is if he cannot demonstrate a good passing range whilst being good defensively.
His skill looks like a left back than a central midfield to me. In my opionion, The reason why he took Blackett and Reece because we need a backup left back. LVG is giving both of them a chance to impress him.
Thought he did well for what he had to but still Comparing him to Michael Keane the other side he didn't look too good.
I thought Keane was better certainly but Keane also has more senior football to his name.
That was a party trick at junior level, too often losing the ball with embarrassing consequences.
of course he had to go on and score two!
Would have gotten a shot were it not for his injury, absolute sickener of a time to get it.of course he had to go on and score two!
no judgment here. pleased to see a young talent be given the chance...but always had a soft spot for Matty. the road his younger brother has taken certainly is more atypical (coming from PNE).
(I accidentally made a 2nd thread)
If he takes his chances, I believe that van Gaal would reward him. He can shift to the left side too which will help his cause.
Reece doesn't have the height we'd rather have in a CB. Blackett had a solid game. I don't see why there are so many negatives about his performance. He had just as solid a game Reece did minus the goals.
I think the left side of the back 3 is up for grabs as Evans didn't look that comfortable there and would probably be better at the center of the trio. How is Blackett's pace? As that seems important for the bookends in a back 3.
It was the first game of pre-season in a completely new season. Bit soon to say he could displace Evans.
I wasn't suggesting he displace Evans, I was saying if he was capable of playing as a LCB in the back 3 it would allow Evans to play as the central CB and give him the responsibility of bringing the ball out as he is the best defender we have when it comes to distribution.
Yeah I really rate Thorpe. Always looked the better of him and Keane in the reserve imo and Keane has been great in the Championship. Good on the ball and a back 3 could help any concerns over his size and handling the physicality. Would have been nice to see him on tour and then get a good loan to get the experience.
I never mentioned him being a central defender, though. I was talking about him being a full/wing back. However, I've changed my view from back then and see him as our Blind: capable of playing in 3 different roles (left back, central midfielder, left wing).
He's much better suited to the LCB position than the wingback position.
Yeah that's the position I was on about. But he can cover there if we need him to which is a bonus.
What people need to remember is that the overall shape and system far outweighs the individuals for LVG. It's why he was able to get away with playing Kuyt as a wingback and three number 10's in midfield at times over the summer.
Lol, LVG in racial stereotyping scandal!
