06 May 2024 19:58:13
I don't really buy into all the talk from Farke about a young, inexperienced squad tbh. Yes we have some young players, but the large majority hav plenty of first team experience in good leagues.
Meslier had played 107 EPL games before this season.
Firpo had 62 La Liga appearances, 43 EPL appearances and 10 UCL appearances before this season.
Rodon had 52 Champo appearances, 16 Ligue 1 appearances, 15 EPL appearances, 5 Europa appearances and 4 conference League appearances before this season.
Ampadu had 60 Serie A appearances, 26 EPL appearances, 3 UCL and 3 Europa appearances before this season.
Kamara had 166 SPL appearances, 43 Europa appearances and 8 UCL appearances before this season.
DJ had 106 EPL appearances, 33 Champo appearances, 13 Europa and appearances a couple of UCL appearances before this season.
Piroe had 91 Champo appearances, 29 Eredivisie appearances and even had a Europa appearance before this season.
Bamford had 168 Champo appearances,
102 EPL appearances and has been called up to England before this season.
Add in Roberts, Struijk and Cooper who all have plenty of experience.
Even Rutter had 57 Bundesliga appearances, 1 UCL and 2 Europa apps
Plus, both Cry and Gnonto had a full season at EPL level prior to this season, although admittedly they had little first team experience before that.
The majority of the first team have ample experience. We may be a young squad but we are certainly experienced enough, so that can't be used as an excuse imo. Seems like a nonsense excuse to explain away some of our troubles, while demonstrably not being true.
06 May 2024 20:24:44
More Spin from DF.
06 May 2024 20:53:12
In this instance, I agree.
06 May 2024 21:14:37
I get what you’re saying Dill. Maybe he should have said team leaders? Because we have zero imo.
Even in saying that how many 28 years old plus experienced players do we have?
O’Leary brought in Batty to give experience to the side and Wilko same with Strachan. Revie with Collins exactly the same.
06 May 2024 21:43:18
I think dill what you get from young players is energy and enthusiasm or a lack of fear. The downside is that young players form can be erratic and they don't have the same physicality or stamina as older players in general.
Also as with our archie not all young players play their first games in their best position.
I think it is OK to have a young squad but when you are relying on 4 or 5 in your first team to produce regularly I think it can go wrong.
It is good to have a blend specially in the spine of the team.
06 May 2024 22:02:01
You are right corks. Young teams do need a few older heads now and again to settle nerves or encourage.
And I said a lot earlier in the season the tempo of a game can be controlled by someone with experience.
06 May 2024 22:11:30
Farke full of spin. He said Rutter alone made the choice to return to the team early but also said it was only the medical team that sanctioned it and he was fit to return. Farke also said there was no pressure on Rutter to return quickly but that he was "forced" to return quickly. What was this compelling force? Something out of Star Wars?
06 May 2024 22:25:56
Emotions, not able to deal with big pressure moments because of not enough experience, like now.
07 May 2024 07:42:46
Some good points, chaps.
07 May 2024 07:49:21
Personally, I think there is enough experience, especially given a lot of these players are fully-fledged internationals on top of their league experience. But, as Ben mentioned, leadership on the pitch seems to be an issue. No one is driving the team forward and getting their teammates up for it. Seems like everyone is waiting for someone else to do it. We need that heart and determination to drive us on in some games and atm we've lost that.
I'd probably consider starting Cooper at Norwich and moving Amps back into midfield.
What changes would you guys look to make to try bring some more leadership into the team?