Thumbheed

At least we're shopping in the right market I guess

I'd had it in my mind that he wouldn't be as effective as Bruno in the 6 role because he was far easier to press and couldn't open up the game in the same way that Bruno could with his dribbling, but he's shown he can be just as affective with his quick thinking and first times passes. Ironically he's probably more effective, because he holds his deeper postion because of that fact he's not a dribbler which doesn't leave us exposed to the counter like Bruno did when he'd break the lines with his dribbling, plus his recovery pace is a gamechanger when we are countered. There's a number of times I've seen him recover enough just to hold up play a fraction more to give enough time for other to recover our shape and neutralise a counter that may have caught us out in the previous season. Fantastic player.

Wish he'd smile like

Allow me to be unpopular, may have said I wouldn't be keen in the past but I'd be OK with DCL. Howe has an eye for a striker and with the chances we create as well as having 2 solid crossers he'd be a very good second striker imo.

I'm looking forward to remembering what a top class player this guy is too. Easy to forget he's had about 5 bad games in his time here, and I don't remember any of em.

I had it in my mind that he'd struggle in the 6 role based on the fact he's not really press proof and can't evade pressure in the same way that Bruno can, but his first touch passes and vision are exceptional enough for him to release pressure before he's even relieved. What an exceptional talent.

Absolutely salivating at the thought of him managing us with a top class squad.

Man I almost want us to win a trophy for him more than for us.

I'd say so, yes.

Admittedly, didn't get to see that game

Loving his performances at the base but the real test will be how he performs against the top teams who can press more effectively. He's been afforded a lot of space the last couple of games, which he won't get against the better sides.

Can't say I'm familiar with your work, but there's something completely disingenuous about claiming to be right all along when you've been proven to be wrong. Everyone felt there was more from the team and everyone knew we had the quality to be better but it was the vocal minority who haven't grasped yet, that football isn't a transactional sport who's results are based solely on formations or player quality alone, and that there are a huge number of factors which impact a team's performances. Those with a longer lense saw that there wasn't anything fundamentally wrong with the team, but we hadn't quite clicked yet and were clearly lacking a bit of confidence. Howe has barely put a foot wrong in 3 years, I can't point to one single thing that would make me question his capability. Even last year was a remarkable achievement in my eyes. Some short memories here.

I am once again asking for Bruno to be kept at 8.

I am once again asking for Bruno to be given the freedom of a number 8 role. He is just so imaginative around the box.

We are so good on the counter. I wish we saw it more often tbh.