Dawkins

[su4eranio]

The Dawkins debate is an interesting one. Last night, I thought he played OK. His main attribute for me is his ability to keep possession of the ball. He does play this role well in a system we use which is based on knocking it about and having possession whilst we look for gaps

Where I think he can be less effective is that he ALWAYS comes inside to his right foot. I am sure opposition have this sussed, and IMO, he needs to mix his runs inside and outside

For all his good ball retention, I do question what creative sparkle he brings. Have to say I would like to see Ibe get a start. In 15mins he was on last night he proper attached Baptiste and had him for toast, twice beating him only to hit one shot into side netting, the other flashing just wide of far post. He seems to have the pace, strength and desire to face up an opponent and take him on. Again, all opinion, but I find this more uplifting than just getting a ball and running sideways with it before laying it off. And

[dcfcdavecov]

[quote="su4eranio"]The Dawkins debate is an interesting one. Last night, I thought he played OK. His main attribute for me is his ability to keep possession of the ball. He does play this role well in a system we use which is based on knocking it about and having possession whilst we look for gaps

Where I think he can be less effective is that he ALWAYS comes inside to his right foot. I am sure opposition have this sussed, and IMO, he needs to mix his runs inside and outside

For all his good ball retention, I do question what creative sparkle he brings. Have to say I would like to see Ibe get a start. In 15mins he was on last night he proper attached Baptiste and had him for toast, twice beating him only to hit one shot into side netting, the other flashing just wide of far post. He seems to have the pace, strength and desire to face up an opponent and take him on. Again, all opinion, but I find this more uplifting than just getting a ball and runni

[dcfcdavecov]

And i'll just add:

Ibe was at fault for gifting possession away that led to the original onslaught, as was Russel later on.

He also has no defensive positional sense whatsoever. It was mainly down to Ibe we were being pushed so far back at times.

I'd never start Ibe away in the near future.

Plus Dawkins floating inside created the first goal.

[D_D]

This is the beauty of having options, particularly in these areas. The 2 "wide-men" roles need to have players who are confident, that for me is the priority there.

Ward is untouchable at the minute, rightly so. His confidence is sky high and he's as dangerous as anyone in the league right now. 2 goals and an assist vs. Blackburn highlighted this. D_D gives him a 10, and they are rarely handed out.

BUT, I have no doubt Ward will find himself on the bench at some point this season, as Russell will be bang in form. This could be 6 months away, but I think it will happen. All 4 wide men will have "their time", it's all about McClaren juggling them accordingly.

As for Dawkins, he's our least spectacular, but most reliable wide man. By that I mean he's always confident in possession, he rarely gets tackled, and he helps our flowing, passing game. That said, he's the least likely to cut in and score from nothing, something Ward, Russell and Ibe all have.

It seems to me McClar

[swaledale]

I know he has his haters, but he was pivotal last night in my opinion.

He is so technically gifted, that when he floats inside, know one can get the ball of him.

This let's Bryson float to LB, Forsyth to sprint up the flank, with Bryson providing the outlet behind, and Dawkins inside if the cross isn't on.

People will cry out for Ibe, but imo there is no way we can drop Dawkins. He was crucial last night.

Only Hughes has more ability on the ball. If only his end product starts coming through...

Totally agree, i think he is underrated, if didn't have his faults he wouldn't be at Derby!

[Eddy Briscoe]

I can't stand him!!! He has me sitting on the edge of my seat every time i see him get the ball. I reckon there's an even chance of him heading the wrong way and smashing the ball into our own net!

[WinstonWoolf]

Consistency is Dawkins main issue. If he can put in consistant performances he can play a pivotal role this season.

[swaledale]

I can't stand him!!! He has me sitting on the edge of my seat every time i see him get the ball. I reckon there's an even chance of him heading the wrong way and smashing the ball into our own net!

utter ********! he is tricky, good on his feet and goes past defenders with ease, unlucky not to get a goal today, still i guess we have to have a player to bash - this week dawkins, next week ward and martin's turn will come up soon.

With a few exceptions we don't have a team worth millions, mostly cast offs obtained cheaply who the majority of the time turn in pretty decent performances!

[Rapid]

I think our calls for Ibe were vindicated yesterday. a very typical dawks performance, link and build up play very good but end product poor.

Ibe must start the next game. he looks absolutely mustard.

[ellafella]

I think our calls for Ibe were vindicated yesterday. a very typical dawks performance, link and build up play very good but end product poor.

Ibe must start the next game. he looks absolutely mustard.

I'm pretty sure Ibe will start V Reading and on yesterday's showing I wouldn't want to be a Reading fullback playing against us on Tuesday. Ibe has superb speed, balance, and core strength. Scheisse off a shovel looks slow in comparison.