31 Jul 2022 02:57:54
Very much liking the new formation, if only because it will mean (hopefully) a more sturdy defence. But I do have a considerable concern with regards to Djenepo being considered for a left wing back position.
I watched the game and Djenepo is absolutely clueless when it comes to defending!
His positional play is awful, his man marking is awful . yes he throws himself into the odd tackle, but there is no chance of him putting in any other tackles, as he is woefully out of position, doesn't track his man, stays up after being in the attacking phase and just ambles back into defence!
Am I the only one that can see how awful a footballer he is? Any EPL team would totally exploit his side of the pitch, let alone City, Liverpool, Chelsea!
What is it with Ralph and his nice guy image where he won't stop playing players?

Djenepo is not an EPL standard player . end of

1.) 31 Jul 2022
31 Jul 2022 13:19:19
Djenepo has had a great pre season imo
Although the only reason he has been playing at wing back is because Perraud has been injured and Small is on loan, doubt Ralph sees him as an option there once Perraud is fully back and even less so once Livramento is fit

2.) 31 Jul 2022
31 Jul 2022 16:40:19
I rarely differ with posters on here. But the only reason Djenepo has got away with his inadequacies is the quality of opponent. Although in the last game, I believe it was their number 21 (not sure) who must have thought it was Xmas .
He has been woeful with and without the ball

3.) 01 Aug 2022
01 Aug 2022 01:47:19
Bednarek is another one of Ralph’s ‘protected species’who keeps getting picked regardless of his end of season and pre season poor performances becoming a liability.I guess Ralph treats him as his ‘security blanket’because he has ‘international status’.However being unlikely that we sign a quality replacement before the weekend it remains to be seen as to whether Ralph has the courage to play young Jan Valery who has performed well pre season and no doubt thrive on any confidence shown in him by his Manager.Spurs only a few days away -But Don’t Hold Your Breath!

4.) 01 Aug 2022
01 Aug 2022 11:11:36
I think this thread is highlighting the main issue - there appears to be no clear plan on what the starting line-up is. Normally, we would have a very good idea of 9 or 10 names but now, who knows.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts McCarthy, Redmond, Bednarek on Saturday whereas Valery would get my nod. Djenepo is an enigma - defensively weak but adds pace down the left flank but no end product. A fit Tella would also get my vote.

Little mention of Aribo’s goal Saturday - I thought it was Messi like, and I also like the look of Mara.

Oh and by the way, a quick glance at the league table shows us in 17th spot, one place above Spurs. I’ll take that!

5.) 02 Aug 2022
02 Aug 2022 07:58:07
Hey Millertime- Iwas particularly interested to read your comment regarding Mara.Although I haven’t watched him personally from what I have read etc.I too formed the opinion that he has a promising career ahead of him and with correct coaching and future game time opportunities (unlike A Armstrong last season) sounds like we may have found another little gem for the future!

6.) 02 Aug 2022
02 Aug 2022 18:12:32
Johnnyst.
I think the huge difference between AA and Mara is that Mara has a footballing brain.
AA could play every game but it won’t improve his ability in the EPL. He defenders are way fitter, way smarter, with and without the ball. His positional play without the ball, is awful .
His use of the ball is not much better. He is very much a route one player. ie get the ball and run towards the goal HEAD DOWN!
Mara looks very switched on . a clever player.
A big and needed difference.
When Sir Ricky came to the club, it didn’t matter whether he was playing the local parks league or Man City, not only could he score goals, he knew where to be without the ball .

7.) 03 Aug 2022
03 Aug 2022 00:21:26
sh r thanks for the HEADS UP on the HEAD DOWN explanation!