Morgan can play football. But he doesn’t have a football brain. Fine if you’re on the pitch on your own knocking balls about or training where you’re trying out things, but a liability when you’re in a competitive game and those nasty opposition players don’t stand aside to make you look good.
I’ve not said much on Morgan but one thing others have said in the past year or so is how he’s improved. I’m not really seeing that other than sometimes he plays with more energy and aggression. That’s expected as a CM, but what about the tackling, reading of the game, driving forward with the ball, scoring goals? He’s always been a good passer, he’s not showed a big improvement defensively and he’s not become more dangerous in attack.
Would love to be wrong but I feel the club have made a big mistake signing Dobson, Clare and making Morgan a first team regular. Arter. We needed to sign a couple of CMs that clubs didn’t want to lose, instead we signed two who will need a lot of help to get to the level we need and may never do. At least they’re only on two year contracts.
Arter, Lee and Gilbey give us hope but no guarantee the former isn’t another Watson, a player I’ve long given up on.
We can’t rely on JFC coming back on form.
Eight players yet so few that give you confidence. The wingers are all talented but are looking worse when our central midfield has so many issues.
In January I expect we’ll be looking to move one or two on if this group on and strengthen with someone more proven.
Right back is another area I’d target but that’ll probably have to wait until the summer. I’d be tempted to give Deji a go there, he won’t be a flying wing back but he could add pace and energy, while he’s also got ability on the ball.
Morgan looks like he should be good enough on the ball, and technically he is good, but every other part of his game is lacking.
The only reason he’s continuously playing and given as many chances as he has is because he’s from the academy. I really believe that. If he had been signed from elsewhere, fans would’ve given up on him.
No team will be promoted from this league with Morgan being a regular.
Charlton would never have bought Morgan in from another club
We’ve had 4 very good centre midfielders in last 3 years. Cullen, Aribo, Bielk and Gallagher. All who had 4 different skills needed to be successful midfielders. Unfortunately, Morgan doesn’t fit into any of those models. Want him to do well but don’t think he is good enough.
How many appearances has Morgan made for Charlton. Been in the first team for 4 years is it 100+ yet?
78-games now in all competitions
Thanks. Most likely be 100+ end of the season. Out of contract in the summer. Unless we seem huge improvements in key areas, goal scoring, tackling, positioning etc. I would probably be inclined to let him leave on a free. Big season ahead for Morgan.
I’d defy anyone to look good in that team with those tactics
There was a big moment in the first half when we had a counter attack. Kirk was one on one with the full back and Morgan under hit a pass from 30 yards or so (No one else was in their half, except those two).Any player should be 100% over hitting the pass and giving the full back a torrid time by having him to chase the winger on the turn. Morgan under hit in and they stopped the attack. One of the most frustrating moments from yesterday’s IMO. Alongside, DJ’s miss.
Were you not more frustrated that we spent most of the game lumping the ball up to an isolated striker ? Adkins out !
His confidence must be shot to pieces but unfortunately, he just is not good enough. Basic errors yesterday - Received the ball from Lavelle just inside our half in the middle of the pitch and did not once look behind him/up the pitch - if he had done so he would have realised he had space to turn and play forward. Instead, he passed it back to Lavelle - Think someone mentioned it but one of(at least it looked it) the most simple passes to play Kirk down the wing. With Kirk that far forward Morgan then didn't cover the left side after misplacing the pass, leaving Gunter exposed for the umpteenth time
Don't even get me started on how poor his set-pieces are and this whole putting his arms in the air before every corner.
It's a shame because he is one of our own but the simple truth is; and its been said, he just does not have the brain for football at this level, let alone anything higher.
How many appearances has Morgan made for Charlton. Been in the first team for 4 years is it 100+ yet?
78-games now in all competitions
Thanks. Most likely be 100+ end of the season. Out of contract in the summer. Unless we seem huge improvements in key areas, goal scoring, tackling, positioning etc. I would probably be inclined to let him leave on a free. Big season ahead for Morgan.
I’d defy anyone to look good in that team with those tactics
There was a big moment in the first half when we had a counter attack. Kirk was one on one with the full back and Morgan under hit a pass from 30 yards or so (No one else was in their half, except those two).Any player should be 100% over hitting the pass and giving the full back a torrid time by having him to chase the winger on the turn. Morgan under hit in and they stopped the attack. One of the most frustrating moments from yesterday’s IMO. Alongside, DJ’s miss.
Were you not more frustrated that we spent most of the game lumping the ball up to an isolated striker ? Adkins out !
Adkins himself said he was frustrated they kept hoofing it up to Stockley.
How many appearances has Morgan made for Charlton. Been in the first team for 4 years is it 100+ yet?
78-games now in all competitions
Thanks. Most likely be 100+ end of the season. Out of contract in the summer. Unless we seem huge improvements in key areas, goal scoring, tackling, positioning etc. I would probably be inclined to let him leave on a free. Big season ahead for Morgan.
I’d defy anyone to look good in that team with those tactics
There was a big moment in the first half when we had a counter attack. Kirk was one on one with the full back and Morgan under hit a pass from 30 yards or so (No one else was in their half, except those two).Any player should be 100% over hitting the pass and giving the full back a torrid time by having him to chase the winger on the turn. Morgan under hit in and they stopped the attack. One of the most frustrating moments from yesterday’s IMO. Alongside, DJ’s miss.
Were you not more frustrated that we spent most of the game lumping the ball up to an isolated striker ? Adkins out !
Adkins himself said he was frustrated they kept hoofing it up to Stockley.
There were enough water breaks to stop it happening
Morgan can play football. But he doesn’t have a football brain. Fine if you’re on the pitch on your own knocking balls about or training where you’re trying out things, but a liability when you’re in a competitive game and those nasty opposition players don’t stand aside to make you look good.
Thanks Tel, your bang on the money.
Morgan can spray around 40 yards ball with ease, as long as no one challenges him. He is likely our most gifted player for doing that, unfortunately there is another team out there as well.
He is so easily dispossessed, he wins very few tackles, he is very slow to track back, he's slow at reading the game, he lacks composure, he's not good in the air. His corners are floated instead of whipped in. He doesn't drive forward and he rarely scores a goal. He looks like a 16 year old with plenty to learn before he's ready for the first team.
I like Albie I wish him well, but he's not worth a starting spot at the moment. The dilemma is we don't have anyone match fit to play central midfield at the moment. I'm not sure why we were piling up wingers when we haven't a fit decent central midfielder.
How many appearances has Morgan made for Charlton. Been in the first team for 4 years is it 100+ yet?
78-games now in all competitions
Thanks. Most likely be 100+ end of the season. Out of contract in the summer. Unless we seem huge improvements in key areas, goal scoring, tackling, positioning etc. I would probably be inclined to let him leave on a free. Big season ahead for Morgan.
I’d defy anyone to look good in that team with those tactics
There was a big moment in the first half when we had a counter attack. Kirk was one on one with the full back and Morgan under hit a pass from 30 yards or so (No one else was in their half, except those two).Any player should be 100% over hitting the pass and giving the full back a torrid time by having him to chase the winger on the turn. Morgan under hit in and they stopped the attack. One of the most frustrating moments from yesterday’s IMO. Alongside, DJ’s miss.
I was far more frustrated by the complete lack of cover Gunter was getting from Kirk in the first half, and the inability of Adkins to do anything about it until half time, when we were 2-0 down
Yes the passing wasn't good enough, we looked a nervous side, lacking in confidence. The lack of movement in our front 4 didn't exactly help the midfield or the defenders find them though, it was notable that Adkins didn't replace Morgan and Watson, he replaced Kirk and DJ with Leko and Washington to give energy and movement up front, that says it all.
The problem with Saturday was the amount of players not doing their jobs properly from front to back. The keeper and Leko were probably the two that didn't deserve criticism.
How many appearances has Morgan made for Charlton. Been in the first team for 4 years is it 100+ yet?
78-games now in all competitions
Thanks. Most likely be 100+ end of the season. Out of contract in the summer. Unless we seem huge improvements in key areas, goal scoring, tackling, positioning etc. I would probably be inclined to let him leave on a free. Big season ahead for Morgan.
I’d defy anyone to look good in that team with those tactics
There was a big moment in the first half when we had a counter attack. Kirk was one on one with the full back and Morgan under hit a pass from 30 yards or so (No one else was in their half, except those two).Any player should be 100% over hitting the pass and giving the full back a torrid time by having him to chase the winger on the turn. Morgan under hit in and they stopped the attack. One of the most frustrating moments from yesterday’s IMO. Alongside, DJ’s miss.
I was far more frustrated by the complete lack of cover Gunter was getting from Kirk in the first half, and the inability of Adkins to do anything about it until half time, when we were 2-0 down
Yes the passing wasn't good enough, we looked a nervous side, lacking in confidence. The lack of movement in our front 4 didn't exactly help the midfield or the defenders find them though, it was notable that Adkins didn't replace Morgan and Watson, he replaced Kirk and DJ with Leko and Washington to give energy and movement up front, that says it all.
Basically he recognised the area of concern and changed that.
The concern was that the midfield two and the full backs were outnumbered as the wingers weren't tracking back.
Morgan and Watson get the blame because they were so exposed they looked poorer than they were. (Which still wasn't good enough mind).
Washington and Leko probably covered more grass in their time on the pitch than Kirk and DJ did up til being replaced.
I’ve read a few posts about Morgan’s poor corners (which I agree with) but wasn’t there a stat posted showing he is the second most accurate corner taker in the league?
If we are intent on a 4-3-3, we could take a leaf out of Curbs' book and play with one winger and an extra midfielder. What I would do and other options are available is play Souare as a wing back and Gunter on the right in a more conventional defensive role. Then have Dobson or Watson playing in front of the back four (I'd probably have Dobson) and have Lee and Arter in the middle. Then have a front three of DJ or CBT, Leko and Stockley with Leko given a fluid role with an instruction to play close to Stockley as much as possible.
I’ve read a few posts about Morgan’s poor corners (which I agree with) but wasn’t there a stat posted showing he is the second most accurate corner taker in the league?
I shared that despite it being a stat that needs more context.
He may have taken far more corners than the other players.
An accurate corner could mean a team mate got the next touch, but that doesn't mean the corner created a good chance.
With Inniss and Stockley we have a couple of players to aim for. How do other clubs compare?
He’s got a touch of the JFC Hollywood ball creeping into his game. JFC is a better player, but I use the example because it’s a pet hate of mine in football. Since Beckham started using in his repertoire all those years ago, countless other footballers have mimicked it. The difference being Beckham was on another level, and probably trained harder than all these other players put together. I believe it’s a new day equivalent to all those all fart no crap step-over wingers that emerged some years back. Players that thought they could beat everybody and then the end cross or shot was pathetic.
I think it’s now a big part of the game where you get players in the lower leagues trying to emulate what they see in the CL and Prem.
If he goes back to basics that for me would be a good start
Summed it up for me at the end we had a free kick and he floated it in too high leaving and easy job for the keeper to come and get. Should driven in. A half fit Arter would be better.
He’s got a touch of the JFC Hollywood ball creeping into his game. JFC is a better player, but I use the example because it’s a pet hate of mine in football. Since Beckham started using in his repertoire all those years ago, countless other footballers have mimicked it. The difference being Beckham was on another level, and probably trained harder than all these other players put together. I believe it’s a new day equivalent to all those all fart no crap step-over wingers that emerged some years back. Players that thought they could beat everybody and then the end cross or shot was pathetic.
I think it’s now a big part of the game where you get players in the lower leagues trying to emulate what they see in the CL and Prem.
If he goes back to basics that for me would be a good start
I like this observation! The funniest is seeing people try to use the outside of their foot for a simple pass out wide as if going to get "wwwwoowwwwwws".
I love Albie. Searing cross field passes, pings it off both feet and runs around loads. Rock n roll footballer. Hope he plays 500 games for the club and gets a statue or new stadium named after him.
I love Albie. Searing cross field passes, pings it off both feet and runs around loads. Rock n roll footballer. Hope he plays 500 games for the club and gets a statue or new stadium named after him.
Comments
Would love to be wrong but I feel the club have made a big mistake signing Dobson, Clare and making Morgan a first team regular. Arter. We needed to sign a couple of CMs that clubs didn’t want to lose, instead we signed two who will need a lot of help to get to the level we need and may never do. At least they’re only on two year contracts.
Arter, Lee and Gilbey give us hope but no guarantee the former isn’t another Watson, a player I’ve long given up on.
Eight players yet so few that give you confidence. The wingers are all talented but are looking worse when our central midfield has so many issues.
In January I expect we’ll be looking to move one or two on if this group on and strengthen with someone more proven.
Right back is another area I’d target but that’ll probably have to wait until the summer. I’d be tempted to give Deji a go there, he won’t be a flying wing back but he could add pace and energy, while he’s also got ability on the ball.
The only reason he’s continuously playing and given as many chances as he has is because he’s from the academy. I really believe that. If he had been signed from elsewhere, fans would’ve given up on him.
No team will be promoted from this league with Morgan being a regular.
Basic errors yesterday
- Received the ball from Lavelle just inside our half in the middle of the pitch and did not once look behind him/up the pitch - if he had done so he would have realised he had space to turn and play forward. Instead, he passed it back to Lavelle
- Think someone mentioned it but one of(at least it looked it) the most simple passes to play Kirk down the wing. With Kirk that far forward Morgan then didn't cover the left side after misplacing the pass, leaving Gunter exposed for the umpteenth time
Don't even get me started on how poor his set-pieces are and this whole putting his arms in the air before every corner.
It's a shame because he is one of our own but the simple truth is; and its been said, he just does not have the brain for football at this level, let alone anything higher.
Morgan can spray around 40 yards ball with ease, as long as no one challenges him.
He is likely our most gifted player for doing that, unfortunately there is another team out there as well.
He is so easily dispossessed, he wins very few tackles, he is very slow to track back, he's slow at reading the game, he lacks composure, he's not good in the air. His corners are floated instead of whipped in.
He doesn't drive forward and he rarely scores a goal.
He looks like a 16 year old with plenty to learn before he's ready for the first team.
I like Albie I wish him well, but he's not worth a starting spot at the moment.
The dilemma is we don't have anyone match fit to play central midfield at the moment.
I'm not sure why we were piling up wingers when we haven't a fit decent central midfielder.
Yes the passing wasn't good enough, we looked a nervous side, lacking in confidence. The lack of movement in our front 4 didn't exactly help the midfield or the defenders find them though, it was notable that Adkins didn't replace Morgan and Watson, he replaced Kirk and DJ with Leko and Washington to give energy and movement up front, that says it all.
The concern was that the midfield two and the full backs were outnumbered as the wingers weren't tracking back.
Morgan and Watson get the blame because they were so exposed they looked poorer than they were. (Which still wasn't good enough mind).
Washington and Leko probably covered more grass in their time on the pitch than Kirk and DJ did up til being replaced.
He may have taken far more corners than the other players.
An accurate corner could mean a team mate got the next touch, but that doesn't mean the corner created a good chance.
With Inniss and Stockley we have a couple of players to aim for. How do other clubs compare?
Jonny Williams.
(And he's just found his level according to most)
I think it’s now a big part of the game where you get players in the lower leagues trying to emulate what they see in the CL and Prem.
Ryan looked and absolute menace every corner when JFC whips them in and has been the complete opposite with Albie… all about the quality of the cross!