I probably take Helik, Andersen & Sollbauer for granted (even though Soll is my current favourite player!) due to their consistency. However, since he returned to the club, young Toby has been playing very well. When you take into account we also have Halme, and we've not even seen Kitching yet, we appear to be well served in central defence now. Sibbick is like having a new signing and after the last year he's had, he's proved to be a valuable member of our squad. Keep up the good work, Toby.
Agreed mate. I was impressed with everyone last night. We did ourselves proud and can hold our heads up high.
I knew he'd come good and I'm glad he's shown it straight away on coming back to the club. If he'd not got glandular fever I think we'd have lost him to Hearts.
I think Sibbick could quickly become my favourite player. I was really surprised Struber ostracised him and shipped him out. And he's returned after 2 bad experiences of loans out with his attitude fixed on doing his best. Fair play to the lad. He's very good on the ball, has pace and he's brave. A very good balance with the other two who are better static markers and rarely lose a header. My favourite moment last night was when he got wrong side of the ball in the middle of the pitch, turned around and at full stretch made a blind sliding tackle getting the ball cleanly. It was called back for a foul before it, but it was unbelievable reading of the game and perfect timing while seemingly not even looking. I said a few games back, I think we've found his position. Star in the making.
It's good to see him getting an opportunity and playing well especially after the difficult start he had. I've had a soft spot for him since the beginning and I'm hoping he kicks on now he's getting regular football. I'd like to see him a little stronger in the tackle and I think positionally he could improve but I'm sure that will come with experience. Part of me thinks big Val looks at him as a younger version of himself and can see that potential. Also, it shows that the opportunity is there for any player in the club and hopefully those not currently included will take inspiration from that.
I love Sollbauer but you can definitely see why Sibbick is getting a run in the side at the moment. It's almost like he has a free role within that back three to push up in to central midfield. Multiple games now you'll find him in front of Helik and Madds winning the ball or bringing the ball under control, and he's also shown he can sweep up behind Madds and Helik as well. I liked him in his first few games, thought he got a massively unfair ride from certain quarters of Oakwell, and looks a real talent. His awareness sometimes needs work in term of what's around him, but he's got the pace to make up for that and he'll just get better and better.
Makes me wonder if we may have wasted our money buying Kitching? I know we haven't seen the lad yet, but I doubt we intended acquiring two centre backs and I suspect Sibbick's renaissance is a happy accident.
I like Sibbick and agree with the assessments made in this thread. His pace is very helpful in our back 3 and he is very composed on the ball.
I think so. Both were really young and new to the division (Andersen new to the country) and it just took them a little bit of time to settle in. It might’ve helped them a little bit but I don’t think that Andersen will suddenly stop performing at his current levels once crowds are back.
My feeling is playing in a back three is ideal for him, especially with two strong lads alongside him. He can use his pace and control and is less exposed in a 3.
How long is Sollbauer's contract? I just wondered if BVI was using Sibbick more, as he prepares for Solly not being here next season. Not a fact; just a question / theory.
That was my thought. He'll be on a good whack & if VI favours pace he may well be on his way out in the summer I think. Will be a shame IMO, we won a lot of games with him in the team.
I have a feeling Sol will go back to Austria in the summer. Sibbick has been excellent since being given his chance, fair play to the lad. I also think he’d do a job in midfield if we ever struggle for numbers there, which is a distinct possibility.
Sollbauer said how happy he was here (in the club programme whose name cannot be mentioned). Said it was the best decision he ever made coming here. It’s just horses for courses if we have six centre halves (I’m including Moon) for a month of games every 3-4 days to cover injuries, loss of form and suspensions. Then Kitching can play LWB and Styles can go into midfield?