In a perfect world, assuming you had an equally good player to cover the other position, would you rather play Styles at left wing back or centre mid? I’ve been really enjoying his performances from LWB this season, but I still think CM is his natural role and he would excel even further there if our squad was balanced that way. Thoughts?
Currently more than happy with him LWB as he is playing very well as is Mowatt, James etc. Should Mowatt leave though Styles should be moved back into CM and a LWB bought.
Definitely central midfield, its good to know he can play at LWB if needed tho. I see him and kane as the long term midfield partnership.
He can play either role as well as each other. He's a versatile kid allright. In fact in some games he plays both - 45 minutes on one, then the gaffer'll swap him at HT and he'll do 45 minutes in the other. In fact if the gaffer said play in goal I bet he'd jump at the chance and be bloody good at that as well
I think he's capable of playing just about anywhere. At some point, I'd like to try him as the left of three forwards - he has the energy for the press and quality running at speed to absolutely terrify defenders.
Styles' defensive positioning leaves a lot to be desired. He is a fantastic attacking midfield player who would blossom if he was allowed to use his attacking talent to the full, without having that defensive responsibility keep dragging him back to a shape that does not suit his talents. Neither would he will blossom if he was required to keep his shape as a central midfield player, stay goal side of the ball and in touch with the central player in the back 3. Sadly, his ideal position does not exist in 3-4-3, so unfortunately, wing back is effectively the only place he can play in 3-4-3
All the best will end up as centre mid but he is great at LWB as well. He has the ability to play anywhere probably better in goal than Walton as well
My thought also. Think he would do a reyt job left of the front three. He’s got eye for a good pass and can hit the ball well, can Oduor step up and fill in at LWB at the same standard as Bury Baggio? Hope he can so we can utilise Styles even more. But like you said, I bet he could play anywhere if called upon
Very disciplined young player. He doesn't shirk his defensive duties and going forward, his vision and creativity are a joy to behold. For me, he is definitely a central midfielder. However, for the immediate future, he is an excellent Left Wing Back.
At Barnsley Football Club. (And let the manager decide what’s best for each game for us). As for progression .... I think Styles has got the potential to be a great attacking LWB for a top premiership side... Especially if he continues to develop both his defensive & attacking skills.
I think Mowatt and James have more defensive duties than Styles and Brittain in this system. We see the wide players in or near the box a lot more than the centre mids. So I'd say LWB for now.
I would try him in goal if it comes to it. He seems comfortable anywhere. Worth a fortune one day that lad. And, to the board, that's more than £2m!
