re: D_D's player ratings vs. Huddersfield

[D_D]

Evening all, isn't it great to see Derby back to winning ways and scoring goals again?

Here's my ratings:

Butland 6- I'm not sold on Butland. His distribution isn't great, which is something most have already picked up on. However, I believe a bigger problem is his hesitancy when coming off his line. A few times tonight he should have come and cleared up any danger, which the defence expected him to do, but too often he hesitated. It highlights how good Grant is at this. That said, Butland made a couple of smart saves; he's a very good shot stopper.

Christie 7- Their number 30 (Bunn?) limited him a lot today, as he was constantly kicking at his heels. That said, Cyrus had another influential game in an attacking sense. He was good defensively, bar him buying the dummy for Huddersfield's first.

Keogh 8- Outstanding tonight. He blocked numerous shots and crosses and dealt with Huddersfield's aerial threat very well. His run in the second half was a particular highlight; what great fe

[Toddo]

I thought Russell was MOTM, a bit disappointed in Hughes, no killer passes, often ran into dead ends. Still smiling thinking about JR.

[D_D]

I thought Russell was MOTM, a bit disappointed in Hughes, no killer passes, often ran into dead ends. Still smiling thinking about JR.

He was very close. He just lacks that killer instinct at times, but he played as well as anyone tonight.

[Rapid]

blimey not often we see a different game D_D but a few strong disagreements tonight:

shotton I'd give a 4! I thought Keogh carried him. poor clearances, kept getting caught over the top, lost several headers and then to top it all off lost his man from the corner for their 2nd goal. fortunately didn't cost us the points.

omar I'd go with a 6. he's just so hot and cold. again got on the ball plenty and some good passing but other times his distribution was woeful. some aimless passes in the first half. also let his man get in on around 80 minutes where they nearly scored but for a decent save from butland and a world class block from Christie.

JR MOM again for me who nicked it from Keogh who was also excellent.

[D_D]

I think Mascarell's passing was very good tonight rapid. The odd stray ball first half, but the way he switched the play and carried it out from the back was excellent. He also broke on a few Huddersfield attacks with well-timed interceptions.

As for Shotton, fair play with their second goal, I should have factored that in and gave him a 6.

[ManxRam]

I don't post often these days but Russell is the perfect example of someone committed to the cause, a player proud to wear the shirt.

with a bit of luck or a scoring streak he will be devastating at this level

IMO pivotal to our promotion chances

[Eaststandram]

I'm with you on this one as I thought mascarell did well and spread the play and made us play more football than off late

[D_D]

Picked all this from various sources. The Mascarell conundrum goes on:

[i]For me Omar was MOM, was refreshing to see our defensive mid play passes forward and really drill it in to martins feet to get hold of. Don't get me wrong I love eustace and his ability to smash people, but seeing Omar looking to attack at every opportunity is good even if sometimes a ping of his goes wayward.

Overall we deserved the win, with Keogh, Mascarell, Hughes and especially Johnny Russell impressing. No-one had a stormer though, they all made a mistake or two.

Mascarell though was very good - he and Russell were our most effective players.

Thought Keogh was brilliant tonight, as was Russell and Omar.

But please bring Eustace back for Saturday. Whatever Mascarell is as a player, he isn't a Championship defensive midfielder, our defence was exposed time and time again all night. He can knock the ball around ok, but can't break up play and is regularly out of position. I'm sure he's a really good foo

[dcfcdavecov]

Omar was our best player, imo.

[ellafella]

Omar was our best player, imo.

Elegant and busy I'll grant you Dave but not enough girder to be the underpinning strength of the team edifice.