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Whether Botman is better or not is debatable. Botman hasnt pulled up any trees this season and his passing has been poor.
All of our players make mistakes (Sandro, a prime example recently) but some get picked up for it and all the good things they do goes unnoticed. While the debate about undroppable players is valid, you cant chop and change a team just because a player did well in training last week or put in a good performance as a sub.
There has been a lot of players across the squad who have under preformed. The loss of 1 players shouldn't have such a catastrophic negative impact on the squad.Quote:
Originally Posted by toptoon
It does lend weight to the concerns of Eddie Howe regarding the 'Leadership group' Lascelles was the leader because he was the aggressive voice behind the scenes who would kick off if standards weren't maintained.
Joelinton being out injured the team has just looked soft, weak, 'get-at-able' for want of a more eloquent expression.
This season just feels like the lads have rolled over, or their concentration levels weren't where they needed to be. Some people letting their progress go to their heads.
Gordon for example. Looks like his sh!t don't stink. Long gone are the days of the scrappy scouse dog fighter who terrorised defences to build that reputation.
He's not the only one.
When a collective becomes too comfortable they underperform. Due to injuries and the new signings not having the expected impact to drive competition it's resulted in the current malaise and poor mid-table doldrums.
Signing younger combative players and bringing one or two slightly more mature players with Big voices and personalities in the squad will bolster that resolve and drive standards.
Pope dropped tonight - that is something.
Good point about Lascelles Rag. Maybe it shows why he was kept for so long even without playing.
We really need a gobby, aggressive leader to do that again. Preferably one that is in the team/squad most of the time rather than not.
Some great jumping saves from Rams tonight.
Got me thinking that I cant remember much from Pope. If someone pays more attention to goalies, does he in fact jump less after his injuries?
Yes - he's significantly more hesitant to dive downwards as well.
Pope's shoulder injuries have really impacted his levels. He's not won us games this season, not making a game saving stop.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marat18
Once again, a brilliant transition player who has done us proud since he joined but this summer it's time for the next step up.
Rambo as a No.2? Ok, first choice, no. He hasn't kept a single clean sheet in a NUFC shirt.
That needs to be resolved.
With Pope signing en extension 2027, Rambo won't stay, he'll go back to Southampton after the loan and Pope will become 2nd choice keeper.
A new No1 goalie is the priority position this summer.
Pope here until 2027 I am ok with, but not as our No.1
Ramsdale is not the answer, he has been relegated 4 times
There is definitely something off there. He is a decent keeper, but we need better.
We need a leader from between the sticks, someone who isn?t afraid to open their mouth and organise the lads stood in front of them.
And someone who will bullock them if they let someone get a shot off.
Don?t ask me who that is, but all the talk of this leadership group of players, make sure the new goalie is in there.
Obviously they also need to be able to catch a ball 🤣