Can't help thinking a few perceptions of Cabaye are being too heavily influenced by his last 3 months here. He's a very fine player but there's a reason he finds himself at Crystal Pace at almost 30.
I'm happy to give McClaren a chance but when we're talking about Williamson being much improved on the ball we really are clutching at some pretty short straws.
I have absolutely no confidence in us to keep it tight at the back, which is where we'll drop points. Right back, for example, is the strongest position in the back 5. It has next to no cover and Janmaat isn't great defensively.
Fantastic going forward is a bit of a stretch, mind. He's got talent going forward that could develop into something effective. Defensively he's not up to it yet.
We can have all the attacking talent in the world but it won't necessarily translate to points with the likes of Williamson, Taylor and Coloccini at CB.