Unimpressed

Offers more of an attacking threat in those two more advanced midfield positions than Anderson and A Campbell. 

Having 2 cdms and 2 cams that all have similar skillsets none of which are creative or goal scoring are part of the reason we have struggled.

Personally would like to see TC and Berry line up in the two CAM positions behind Godden and Leaburn. Still plenty of defensive cover with Taylor and Coventry both in the pivot.

NabySarr said:

Covered_End_Lad said:

Offers more of an attacking threat in those two more advanced midfield positions than Anderson and A Campbell. 

Having 2 cdms and 2 cams that all have similar skillsets none of which are creative or goal scoring are part of the reason we have struggled.

Personally would like to see TC and Berry line up in the two CAM positions behind Godden and Leaburn. Still plenty of defensive cover with Taylor and Coventry both in the pivot.

I think that’s our best team, only concern would be that if you start all of our best attacking players, then there is then nothing to come off the bench 

Wouldn't say there's nothing left on the bench - Kanu, Dixon, Aneke if fit, Anderson would do a job bringing energy and pressing, there's options to switch it up there really.

sam3110 said:

TC and Berry is too attacking with 2 out and out strikers if you ask me, especially with our one paced midfield and defence

Is it any more attacking than when we had Aribo and Williams/another in a diamond under Bowyer? Not as talented but the balance is currently too far the other way, we need goals and pace in midfield which those two would add more than any other midfielders in the squad.

thenewbie said:

NabySarr said:

Covered_End_Lad said:

Offers more of an attacking threat in those two more advanced midfield positions than Anderson and A Campbell. 

Having 2 cdms and 2 cams that all have similar skillsets none of which are creative or goal scoring are part of the reason we have struggled.

Personally would like to see TC and Berry line up in the two CAM positions behind Godden and Leaburn. Still plenty of defensive cover with Taylor and Coventry both in the pivot.

I think that’s our best team, only concern would be that if you start all of our best attacking players, then there is then nothing to come off the bench 

Wouldn't say there's nothing left on the bench - Kanu, Dixon, Aneke if fit, Anderson would do a job bringing energy and pressing, there's options to switch it up there really.

I thought Kanu was still injured

In 12 appearances, has already scored half the amount of goals (4) our entire central midfield managed last season combined (8)

Coventry - 0
Fiorini -0 
Fraser -0 
Payne -0 
Camara -0 
Taylor -0 
L Watson -0 
Bakinson - 1
McGrandles - 1
C Campbell - 2
Dobson - 2
Anderson -2

5 goals and 5 assists now, which is not too bad a return and he's probably unlucky not to have a couple more of each. 
Not been quite as impactful as maybe I hoped but pretty tidy and certainly doing his bit.

ForeverAddickted said:

Thought today was one of his best games for us.

Yep agreed. I’ve been well disappointed with him (which I assume makes me a hater) but thought he had his best game today 

I'll be the first to admit I expected a bit more, and during our worst time of the year he stood out as someone low on confidence and it translated to a low workrate on the pitch. However when he is on song he's clearly a very talented player with a lot to offer still, yesterday he was the perfect foil for the front 2, dropping into pockets of space, moving forwards into gaps that opened up when TC and Small stretched them, and playing some beautiful passes along the way

IR94 said:

I think he is underrated by so many, his movement is the best at the club bar maybe Godden

Intelligence can take longer to really shine compared to skill, pace, strength and energy. He was probably expected to be a really technical player and comfortably get 10+ goals and assists each. While he’s good and has added various qualities, he’s not a playmaker who runs the game like we might have hoped. Like Godden his experience complements the pace and energy players like TC and Small bring.

I do wonder with Berry and Godden if they’ve got fitter as the season progressed. Pratley was possibly the same in 18/19. Those three have looked better in stronger teams, as the youngsters have improved and the team has got better results.

Both have played regularly since our run started. Back in the summer there were the understandable concerns their legs had gone, but Jones made the right call to bring in both. They’ve clearly still got the fitness and hunger that we need, something many on paper good signings in recent seasons haven’t had.

felix_31 said:

Is Berry not in Slovenia?  I've not seen him in any of the club's content.  Injured?  On the move...?

He was seen travelling, NJ has said fitness wise he’s behind the group because of his injury last season. Presume he’s on a different training programme along with Godden

Surprised to see that Luke Berry's banner is still up at Kenilworth Road.

Darren Ambrose was also a bit confused before the game as he was looking for the media entrance and tried getting in through the turnstiles at the Oak Road Stand.

Leuth said:

Maybe he's returning there 

Would make sense , although I’m sure Nathan will want to have as many of his lads around as possible .  

I wonder if he'll come in for Fullah - Its not like Ibby has been getting any minutes

FishCostaFortune said:

ForeverAddickted said:

I wonder if he'll come in for Fullah - Its not like Ibby has been getting any minutes

I guess that would make the most sense - though with how highly regarded he is, I wouldn’t be shocked if Anderson is the one to make way. 

Yeah Fullah is also in that position at the moment, where he's got a nice amount of versatility so could probably replace Carey, Apter or Edwards if we needed to do that in a match.