Maël de Gevigney

I agree about the two left footers but it’s no coincidence we managed a clean sheet without MDG. He really isn’t the answer, especially against a physical side like Wimbledon.

 

If that was Mael constantly giving the ball away multiple times a game like Shep has over the last 2/3 games he’d have been hung, yet Shep escapes criticism, who is showing he’s certainly not the one.

 

Makes me think MDG’s biggest problem is being French

 

Shepherd has been lauded as a defensive saviour after one good season in L2. He’s not the finished article by any means but will hopefully improve as the season goes on.

 

Mael's problem is he's a dreadful defender that costs us goals more often than not. Mostly, not from giving the ball away.

I thought Earl did some fantastic passing and a few woeful bits. Shepherd similar, Ogbeta similar. Connell similar. We were lucky we didn't concede.

 

I agree. Roberts is the only centre-back who doesn't make me nervous when he's in possession of the ball in and around the box. Shepherd, MDG and Earl are all guilty of dithering on the ball in dangerous situations.

 

I agree. You can afford to have players who try things and lose the ball in advanced positions, but you are really asking for trouble if you do the same in your own third of the pitch. Earl, for example, has a good degree of skill on the ball, but he overdoes things at times and puts us in danger. I think that Roberts, by contrast, is a much safer defender, because he knows his limitations and does not overplay. He is, of course, also easily our best header of the ball.

 

Our centre backs have way too much possession of the ball for my liking

 

I mean everyone lauding Connell and criticising our defence for their mistakes, but Connell nearly cost us last night, sloppy pass straight to them in the middle of the park and they should have scored.

 

I don’t think he escapes criticism. I think there’s more of an understanding with Shepherd that he’s a lot more raw as he was playing for Pontefract just over two years ago.

I think also apart from one shocking pass against Bolton giving the ball away isn’t that much of an issue as long as it isn’t in a dangerous position.

He’s actually defended very well. Won the vast majority of his duels & hasn’t got dragged out of position.

 

Earl’s had plenty of stick too & I’m pretty sure he’s from these shores.

 

It's an incurable condition, sadly.

 

Zut alors!

 

Being French you'd think hed struggle with the German strikers but whilst most French players are noted for running, MDG not
In his defence he does offer some resistance and I'd like to think over-all he knows his onions mind you it would be Nice if he could find the onion bag occasionally