First time I’ve seen him player properly yesterday. Looks an outstanding prospect. For people that watch the academy what’s his natural position? Did he stand out at that level?
He’s a central midfielder and will be a very good one. Issue is he won’t get many games in that position due to the outstanding players that occupy those middle three spots.
He played centre mid and sometimes centre half in the youth setup. But he was brought here quite late in his development, from West Brom I believe. Similar to Yoganathan who was let go by Liverpool. You’ve to credit Bobby Hassell and co in the academy for finding lads like that. Even though much of the bbs wants it closing down. I’ll be honest though. I think they’re both ideal subs. They aren’t regular starters for me. That’s not criticism either. I just think Russell and Kelly ought to be ahead of them both in midfield, and I imagine Watson will play right back.
On the bits I’ve seen of him he looks a better right back than central midfielder but it’s good for him that he can play both as it’ll mean he gets more appearances which is what any young player needs
I said it about 20 times from 70 minutes until he eventually glided on in the dying stages. I can’t imagine he’ll be happy to play second fiddle. So I do wonder if he’s the most likely to be on his way out.
I know he started pre-season late but it feels like we’re not playing him because the plan is to sell him at some point. If he’s not involved on Wednesday then I’d say it’s certain that’s the plan.
I’ll have a wager he goes for £5+…….very very talented guy, flexible options, great in the tackle and a cool on the ball. I’m super pleased he’s ours for the time being
I think he is a very good player, but if we are determined to sell one of him or DKD/Phillips/Connell, then maybe it’s the wisest decision. Could always come back to bite us but he also out of contract at the end of season too.
I honestly think it's jus the simple fact that Russell just isn't as mobile as the others. He's excellent technically, but he isn't going to be playing any high press, fast-paced football for us. That's just not his style, not a criticism by the way. We need workhorses in our midfield with the way we play, Russell isn't that.
Russell for me was the best midfielder in a Barnsley shirt last season scoring 11x goals in the process. Whether it’s his last season or not he plays regular for me if he’s fit. His football brain is ahead of anyone else’s in that team. Similar with DKD. They see things the others don’t. The real conundrum tho is where Kelly fits in? What a lovely headache to have for Conor with Connell, Russell and Phillips and Kelly. Yoganathan did nothing wrong at all yesterday. Kelly changed the game and his drive in getting us up the field was infectious.
I rate him more than most, but if we aren’t picking him ahead of Yoganathan then we may as well sell him. That’s not a criticism of Vimal. I just think Jon’s better.