I think we can all still see well enough to conclude that Ben Williams is not yet up to dealing with a decent winger.
He did wonderfully then. Hopefully he'll improve. He's had one or two impressive games for us and he deserves our full support cos he tries hard. But against Donny he looked more comfortable in midfield than at full back. Which makes you think.
I find myself shouting that he seems to commit himself too far up the pitch - big bugbear for me is that fullbacks need to defend first and attack second
Ben Williams clearly still learning his trade. He’s benefiting from the trust we put in young players. Hope he picks up his game (no shortage of desire or effort) in the few remaining games. Pinnilos has had a good season but i’ve seen enough of him over two seasons to know he’s not equipped to deal with a decent winger either. Incidentally the more I see of that Williams clearance the more I go ‘Wow’. Moments like that might just make the difference between success and failure at the end of the season.
Does anyone actually know when he will be back? Just seen a load of cryptic stuff on twitter but im non the wiser. I didnt even know it was an eye thing untill i read redhelens post.
I think it dates back to the Accrington game. On the matchday recap he says about his eye as he walks off the pitch. Obviously he will have to wait until it settles before he can pjay again and knowing our luck with injuries won't be quick. Really hope I'm wrong.
Thanks..mmmmmm quite unbelievable how stendell has coped with injuries to our squad this season and still in 2nd. No bad feelings to williams here but hope hes back soon.
Ben Williams is positionally suspect at times, but I think he's a very good footballer. Not just the clearance off the line, but he's generally comfortable on the ball and shows good movement in attacking areas. His game in midfield at Donny confirmed to me that he's the real deal. I'm sure he'll iron the inconsistencies out, and have a very decent career in the game.
The only thing I would say is that the lad they had on the right looked a very good player, Pinillos might have had a lot of trouble with him.
As @sadbrewer points out, their winger was a good player. Did the same to Sunderland last week but has a terrible final ball which is why he's playing for Walsall and not higher up the leagues. I pointed this out on the train back, but Ben Williams (or any left back) struggles having Thiam in front of them. It's not that he doesn't work hard, but positionally he's all over the place. The amount of times the right winger was getting a head start on Williams because a two on one position was opening up and he was stuck in a commit/back off scenario. After that free-kick in the first half Thiam just stood and 'admired' his work whilst Walsall belted up the pitch on the counter attack. The ball ended up 20 yards from our goal on Williams' side and Thiam hadn't moved from there the free-kick was taken. Yes Cavare is more mobile, stronger, and faster, but he also gets more support from Brown positionally.