30 Sep 2021 13:14:42
Under 23s are on fire again this year and we have such a range of talented youngsters.
My worry is for how long will we keep them happy? When we are full strength an they don't get a game you can understand it but whilst Roberts is stopping Gelhardt and Summerville game time what message does that send?
Huggins and Gotts both tipped for the top and both sold this year!
I know Cresswell played but only out of necessity because 3 CB and a RB were injured.
Sorry rant over - I know MB and AR have transformed this club but we are doing the same thing with the same players and its currently not working!
30 Sep 2021 14:29:58
Did I miss something?
Have any of the under 23 proven themselves in prem other than shacks and struik?
And before you say not given the chance you can’t then complain about paying over the odds for unproven.
Biesla makes sure he picks his best 11.
Personally I don’t think goffy is prem standard. Cress and prev mentioned are but big step ups from u23 to prem starter.
I think a poor start makes people think we have better in the tank but not sure that’s right.
We have weaknesses a plenty at the moment but my gut feeling is if they not good enough at 19, 20,21,22, 23 then they prob never will.
30 Sep 2021 15:29:42
I tend to disagree Aus - I think we have a few that could do a job -Would you rate Roberts above him? He's had his chances and not moved forward.
Maybe should have fulfilled potential by now but he doesn't seem to let us down at U23 and should be given a run out, the lads full of confidence whereas TR is not!
30 Sep 2021 15:47:40
CW - the step up from U23 to Prem is a significant one. Bielsa has previously been reported as talking about players he can ‘rely on’. This could be seen in a negative connotations in relation to players who have not yet had a look in, as basically suggesting he doesn’t feel their good enough, and that he is protecting the Club by not playing them. However, a report in Leeds Live expanded a little on his approach with younger players, as only playing them when he feels he can rely on them to do themselves justice. This suggests that he may feel that players have the ability, but he is seeking to protect them, by not throwing them in at the deep end, in a scenario which may be daunting and they may not play to their full potential, or where they themselves or others may blame them if a result previously in the balance, had gone the wrong way following their introduction. So Cresswell’s very confident performance v Fulham convinced Bielsa he wouldn’t be phased by playing against a very good and physical Hammers side, and would therefore be able to play to his best ability. It is possible he didn’t put Summerville on for Raphinha as the game was level and he wasn’t certain the lad would be able to have an impact against the physical challenge of Hammers’ back line, and didn’t want him to face criticism if the result went the wrong way. The same may apply to the lack of involvement for Gelhardt. I may be wrong, but I feel Summerville could be more likely to get decent minutes against sides like Watford and Norwich - and similarly Gelhardt/ Greenwood/ Drameh might also have more of a chance of getting on the pitch.
The Club evidently believe these, and other players are good enough to make a meaningful contribution to the first team this season, and Bielsa is trying to ensure their first involvements come at the right time for the players themselves, being experiences to build upon rather than recover from.
30 Sep 2021 16:51:36
Clueless, a very well thought out post and I can see exactly where you're coming from.
I think Bielsa is definitely one for the more cautious approach where younger players are concerned but I agree with the majority who suggest Roberts isn't good enough. Therefore I believe Bielsa should be trying one of Greenwood or Gelhart, in these circumstances nothing to lose. Either they will prove good enough, happy days or they won't and then they realise they still have work to do. Without being hard on Roberts if they fail to change a game then are we any worse off?
I'm old enough to recall many debuts from youngsters such as Sheridan, Batty, Speed, Woodgate etc If you don't try them then you never know.
30 Sep 2021 18:29:57
I totally agree with you guys. As I see it the main problem here is Bielsa's reluctance to see that his tried and trusted subs are failing him, and us, yet his stubborness/ loyalty forces him to repeat his mistake in the vain hope that they Costa/ Roberts will come good.
The proof of our argument was amply underlined by Cresswell last week. Who is to say that one of the other mentioned young guns will not go right ahead and do the same.
There are so many U23s gracing the Prem both now and previously that may never have been seen if it were not for a manager taking a gamble. What I am saying is that, for us, it is less of a gamble to put a young hungry lion in for one half than it is to risk a square peg in a round hole just because he might have experience. Somewhere else on the pitch.
For goodness sake give Gelhart a half to prove himself whilst injuries give a chance. When Bamford is fit the chance is gone and given Belsas missplaced loyalty we will see Bamford every week irrespective of his form. Sadly a recipe for destroying our future.
30 Sep 2021 23:15:43
So the argument for Bielsa not giving the younger players a game is based on a younger player getting a game? Seems a bit contradictory. Bielsa will play them when they are ready, end of. If they don't play guess what? They aren't ready. Yet.
01 Oct 2021 09:45:07
Not contradictory Alf. Not all games are equal in terms of opponent and context/ pressure.
01 Oct 2021 13:44:24
I wasn't referring to your comment Clu.
01 Oct 2021 14:23:01
Aus Tyler the Creator wishes he scored the goals in his youth that Gelhardt is. Gelhardt is the better player.