05 Jun 2022 08:21:30
Could of any of our younger players step up next season? Anyone who sees more of the u23 think the likes of Hjelde could be better than Firpo? Or maybe the likes of Bate could feature more or Mkinstry ahead of say Klich or cresswell ahead of Lorente or koch or coops?
05 Jun 2022 09:03:09
I know I will be slated for this but while not brilliant I don’t think firpo is as bad as others on here.
I would def see how he goes first month or so next season with diff system.
05 Jun 2022 10:45:42
While Hjelde played mainly LB during his loan spell at Ross County, he was bought primarily as a left sided CB and while certainly a competent backup if needed at LB, he doesn’t really have the attributes to step up as a first choice in that position, particularly getting up and down the wing for a full 90+ minutes. Yes, I know Firpo’s performance overall last season raised concerns about his own attributes for the position but Hjelde would not seem, in my view, to be the answer.
Hjelde has on occasion played LB for the u23s, but the usual option was Liam McCarron. As you may know, he came to us as a left winger and it’s not entirely clear whether he’s been playing LB for the last season or two because the Club genuinely hope to develop him for that role or whether they’ve just not found a LB of a similar age who they believe to be better than he is for the role, and of course Bielsa maintained that there was virtually no difference between the two roles, and the attributes required for them. Whatever the case may be, while he would seem a promising prospect, McCarron is not ready to step up to the first team.
Of course there is also the returning Leif Davis, and Marsch has indicated that he is among those who will give a chance to make their case during preseason. Parker raved about the lad’s ability and application and some of his performances, which were unfortunately small in number (10 starts and 5 sub appearances) , in large part due to a succession of injuries, and possibly c.v. - mainly at LB, but once each at RB and RW - I recall the latter drew particular praise, though partly because it showed a excellent attitude to pitch in and make a decent fist of a totally unnatural position. It’s not clear whether the injuries were a matter of bad luck or a passing susceptibility some players seem to have at an early stage of their senior career, or an indication of a likely enduring susceptibility to injury. He seemed a decent prospect in the Championship and I guess we’ll soon know whether Marsch and Orta believe he has a future here.
Bate would seem likely to feature more, though initially from the bench - which will be helped with the change to 5 subs this season. It’ll be interesting to see what happens with McKinstry in preseason. It may depend partly on the tactics/ formation Marsch intends to utilise most frequently. If he goes particularly narrow, with 4222 (hopefully not) , there may be real scope for McKinstry to make a case to be a solid sub option behind the strikers. The same could be said of Bogusz if he recovers well from his ACL injury AND is happy to start the season as a backup.
On the evidence of last season, Cresswell should at least be a backup to Koch at right CB next season. However, Llorente received decent reviews last week when he started for Spain against Portugal - one in particular stood out “Diego Llorente looked on good touch at the start of the Spanish back line. He was in charge of the defensive third and made life difficult for the likes of Andre Silva. His aerial prowess remains unrivalled, with the Leeds United star also offering the leadership”. That doesn’t sound like the Llorente we despaired of last season - and given that the back line also included grizzly veterans Azpilucueta and Jordi Alba (captaincy options at their respective clubs) and the much sought after Pau Torres, it’s perhaps even more surprising that that reviewer saw the leadership to be coming from our man. I guess if he is picked and plays well in Spain, we may well see him remain our first choice - on the other hand we could receive a tempting offer from a Spanish club.
Joffy may perhaps become a more frequent starter, depending on the hoped for new striker and what shape Bamford is in come the start of the season. Greenwood and Summerville should at the least see their sub opportunities increased significantly by the change to 5 subs. Who knows what will happen with Drameh - probably another loan (or even sale, depending on where his head is at in relation to our Club) as he’s made it clear he wants to be a regular starter.
Sorry it’s been another long post from me.
05 Jun 2022 20:55:30
Appreciate the input . I just don’t see enuff of the u23s.