Stephens is unquestionably talented as an individual but as a TEAM we have looked more effective with Hollands and Hughes. I can't separate Pritchard and Russell as I think they have been equally effective, in their differing styles, with Hollands.
Agree with the above. Though Stephens is a bit different to all the others and I think we've missed the creativity he adds. Although we've had some great battling results lately we played better football when Stephens was in the team
Pritch has looked useful and deserves further chances, but yesterday he was struggling at times, and (unlike Hughes in particular) does not bring out the best in Hollands. Time for a change.
I think Hollands yesterday was a bit wary of Pritchard's inexperience, and didn't get forward as much as usual, and wanted to ensure he was first looking at his defensive duties...just a bit natural, like defending a lead with 5-10 mins to go, you can't help but drop deep to defend...with SCP likely shouting "push up!!!!"
If we had a fully fit Alonso I reckon he'd be near the top, Hollands has looked his best when Hughes was next to him and Alonso is a holding type midfielder but probably with a bit more ability than Hughes shame we haven't got to see it really.
I like pritchards energy and workrate and enthusiasm, but I don't think he's quite strong enough. He gets outmuscled too easily, which is a shame as he often nips in and nicks the ball off opponents but then sort of loses out due to being so slight. He's 25 as well so not likely to fill out more.
Don't get me wrong I really like him and thought he was great at wednesday, glad we have him, but I'm concerned that he might lose out strength wise and cost us a goal at some point and Im not sure he will be able to make it in the champ..
Put it this way. I think we could cope with any player getting injured and be able to cover for him from within the squad other than Hollands. If he was to get injured and be out for the season i think we'd have to go out and buy. He is the midfield linchpin for me.
Our midfield looked outplayed yesterday because we chose to sit and absorb. Unlikely to be repeated in matches coming up against poorer oppo. Stevens even fit wouldn't have covered ground to force Blades wide yesterday. Their wingers couldn't beat Waggy or Solly so back to full backs for innocuous crosses.
yes but he has a lot of potential and it is worth giving him some games to develop faster IMO. He wont get a tougher series than the last 3 and came through them well.
I didn't think Pritchard was out of his depth, though he did tire towards the end. He consistently moves the ball on quickly and precisely, works like hell, has excellent positional discipline, and can both get a tackle in and get forward effectively. All he lacks (apart from height and bulk) is experience at full-time pro level, and CP will ensure he gets that at the right dose and rate.
I'm cautiously optimistic that we have a real find here.
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In short Hollands is the main man!
Don't get me wrong I really like him and thought he was great at wednesday, glad we have him, but I'm concerned that he might lose out strength wise and cost us a goal at some point and Im not sure he will be able to make it in the champ..
I'm cautiously optimistic that we have a real find here.