Dr Jinx Posted September 1 Share Posted September 1 12 minutes ago, Conjo said: I do wonder what's happend to him physically (and maybe mentally?) though. Looking at older footage of him, he is noticeably slower and way less agile than he used to be. You never see him pull off some of those "easy" but effective dribbles to get away from his man anymore. He seems incapable of turning with the ball unless he's got like 3-4 seconds in order to pass forwards. It's like watching a completely different footballer He was relatively unknown then and teams either had totally underestimated him or hadn’t done any scouting on how to play against him. He’s not a terrible player by any means.. he’s had some cracking games for us but he’s not brave enough on the ball at times and his speed of thought I believe is affected by confidence issues. He sometimes waits too long to play that pass. I believe he’s just well scouted now and teams know how to stifle him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lush Vlad Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Not a massive fan of his. I think he takes an age on the ball to make a decision and his passing is often woeful or at times, he just plays safe for no reason. However. I thought he was a bit better with the ball on Sunday. The ping out to Barnes was something I’d love to see more of from him. Can’t really question his off the ball work. He always puts a shift in and it’s probably why Howe loves him so much. Some stats below to back up the eye test from this game. I know we didn’t have a lot of the ball. But the only NUFC player on there and he only played about an hour. So even more impressive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AyeDubbleYoo Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 He was noticeably getting more tackles in for sure, and being more active in engaging opponents rather than just standing in front of them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myleftboot Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Maybe with Tonali able to play again it’s give him a kick up the arse. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smal Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 On 01/09/2024 at 23:03, Conjo said: I do wonder what's happend to him physically (and maybe mentally?) though. Looking at older footage of him, he is noticeably slower and way less agile than he used to be. You never see him pull off some of those "easy" but effective dribbles to get away from his man anymore. He seems incapable of turning with the ball unless he's got like 3-4 seconds in order to pass forwards. It's like watching a completely different footballer he's looked vastly improved physically this season compared to last imo. He's getting to challenges much quicker. The rest will follow hopefully. It's clear to me he was playing with a pretty bad injury last season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groundhog63 Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 1 hour ago, Myleftboot said: Maybe with Tonali able to play again it’s give him a kick up the arse. Or he's not carrying an injury but playing through it because we're short? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AyeDubbleYoo Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 Hopefully it'll help him to not have to play so much and be relied on so much. He's not at the level we need but he can contribute as a squad player. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 His contract is up at the end of the season. Tricky one as he's a useful squad player, but as a homegrown, any sale would be all profit which is gold for PSR purposes. He's 27 so you'd have thought he'd be getting more clubs sniffing around, but there haven't been a whole load of rumours. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawK Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 18 hours ago, TRon said: His contract is up at the end of the season. Tricky one as he's a useful squad player, but as a homegrown, any sale would be all profit which is gold for PSR purposes. He's 27 so you'd have thought he'd be getting more clubs sniffing around, but there haven't been a whole load of rumours. I think he'll end up leaving on a free and potentially going to one of the newly promoted sides Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
r0cafella Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 I think he gets a new contract 3+1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack j Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 9 minutes ago, r0cafella said: I think he gets a new contract 3+1. Think I'll log off NUFC twitter forever if this happens Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Prophet Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 (edited) 3 hours ago, r0cafella said: I think he gets a new contract 3+1. Makes sense, even to retain his value if nothing else. Doesn't make any sense to let him walk on a free. Edited September 4 by The Prophet Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
r0cafella Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 8 minutes ago, jack j said: Think I'll log off NUFC twitter forever if this happens Why it would be the right move? If the mongs on twitter can’t grasp that your better off sticking to good old NO Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 (edited) 2 hours ago, The Prophet said: Makes sense, to retain his value in nothing else. Doesn't make any sense to let him walk on a free. I don't think it would need to be much of an offer either, he'll probably stay for relatively low wages. I don't think he wants to move, and it's not like there will be a queue of attractive clubs chucking big money at him. Edited September 4 by TRon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Butcher Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 I want him to stay for quite a few years as 6th choice in midfield. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezertron Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 I'd give him another contract. He's very useful, and will be happy being a squad member. Probably lowish wages, which probably match his contribution on the field tbh. So it's not like he's stealing a living like many people would argue. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toontownman Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 While a sale would be good for PSR we are short on homegrowns if we manage to get into Europe. We are still a good 2 to 3 years away from bringing any or the highly rated youth signings through and here long enough to be eligible. Can also see him not wanting to sit on the bench all the time though and that is his future, most likely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holloway Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 he's not a bad player. his dithering on the ball and going down like a sack of shite frequently are confidence issues, which is a bit bewildering given Eddie's man management skills. He has super awareness ghosting into dangerous areas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JigsawGoesToPieces Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 (edited) 47 minutes ago, Weezertron said: I'd give him another contract. He's very useful, and will be happy being a squad member. Probably lowish wages, which probably match his contribution on the field tbh. So it's not like he's stealing a living like many people would argue. On 50k p/w apparently He's the new Paul Dummett he will be here until we decide we have no use to retain him when he's about 31/32 Edited September 4 by JigsawGoesToPieces Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Edgar Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 I can only assume he is playing with an injury again. Marzipan dildo in midfield. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newcastle Fan Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 Not his fault he got picked today with a fully fit Tonali available. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilko Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 I'm one of his biggest defenders, but he's been pathetic so far today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordiekris Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 9 minutes ago, Pilko said: I'm one of his biggest defenders, but he's been pathetic so far today. I don't think Bruno and Joelinton have been much better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Butcher Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 He's not picking himself. Absolutely mental when you have a fit Tonali rearing to go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack27 Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 The day he gets a new contract will be fun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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