From the bits you guys have shown, Styles, once more, looks quality. Despite all the stick he's had, I think (and really hope) Ritzmaier will grow this season and show why GS bought him. It wasn't easy for him coming in when he did so with the experience from last season and the pre-season just now, he could be more of an asset than many think. Also, as a previous poster has said, George Miller looks almost Cafu-esque!! How did Victor and Matty Wolfe play?
Thanks for that, Andy. It's utterly barmy to read too much into a friendly, but we did show plenty of positives and other areas we can improve on. The weather seemed more reminiscent of November/December rather than August Bank Holiday!
Wolfey came on for Sole and we went to a back four, with Matty holding midfield. He looked cool, calm and elegant, as always. I've been saying he's our next best thing since 2016, but injuries have hindered his development. Victor is such a good kid you can't help but want him to do well. He came on late, ruffled a few feathers. But yeah, Georgie looks like he's giving the gaffer food for thought in that wing-back role. Looks capable of deputising for Kili to me.
It was apparently 13c but the 50mph winds and pouring rain made it feel like late November. If we'd have been at St James' Park and under cover I've no doubt it'd have been 20c at least and bright sunshine.
Entertaining stuff and we didn't look out of place amongst the multi-million pound players like Carroll (£35 million when he went to West Ham pfffttt ). Hard to judge things from pre-season friendlies but I am looking forward to this season. Just hope we can get back there to watch them soon.