I'm sure that's the near-future, but it's a bit early to write Smallwood off. That's just what happened to Evans before Christmas last season
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I'm sure that's the near-future, but it's a bit early to write Smallwood off. That's just what happened to Evans before Christmas last season
Absolutely not. We have a manager who will do the right thing. And reward the ones who helped us get up. Just some will kick on, some wont be good enough. I had huge doubts over him last season, and the writing is on the wall.
He like quite a few, will be gradually phased out of the first team.
By Jan, 4 or 5 of the starters from Sat's home game wont be starting. Smallwood will be one of them. But he will be given a chance. As will the others. The ones not quite up to it, will play themselves out of the side. And will be replaced by better players. Evans improved massively, but had been carrying an injury before xmas. Which explained his loss of form. I don't think Smallwood was ever going to be good enough for this level, unless he finds another level. He will be given ample opportunity to do that. I really hope he proves me wrong, and kicks on. He would have to improve his passing, become quicker, score more goals, and create more, while also being more effective in the physical battle in the middle of the park. That's a big ask for the lad.
That's probably a fair assessment, Champs.
On the other hand, I've watched the highlights several times now, and - if they are anything to go by - neither team did much in the way of closing down players in midfield - hence the huge number of goal-attempts. That closing down is precisely Smallwood's main strength. That's why he might still have a part to play in tight matches.
It would be wrong to just take him out of the side for no reason. (Smallwood)
He will play, and by doing so, will end up probably being replaced, as harsh as that may sound.
The system we play is fine, we opened up Millwall and Ipswich at ease with that game plan. Its more the personelle.
Like last season, the one that will end this season, will be different (by about 4/5 players) than the one that started.