Thought he did well today! I do however think he’s a much better player with the game in front of him Thought at times it passed him by I know he fancies himself as a central midfielder but I’d be in his lug convincing him to be a right back Got all the attributes to go further in the game there rather than as a CM Thoughts?
I think he's best where he played today and will get better the more games he gets. He was an aggressive, hard working, ball winning, pass making, calm head, exactly what we need in that position in my humble opinion!
last season when Luke played in defence he shone very much, this was his first game back in midfield, he needs time to settle, and if needs must he will always step up if injuries force him back there again
was my motm in all honesty, kept breaking play up and winning the ball, keeping it simple, along with evans we finally saw what a decent central pairing should be...some people seem to think if a player is not making mazy runs every time that he has done little all game, many a time it is the simple plays that make the game, keep it ticking over nicely.
I agree with the original post. Luke is a cracking lad and a capable midfielder, but I think with his running and adaptability he could be an outstanding RB, I really do.
I said last season I thought he might end up at CB he was that good. But in hindsight I think he was good because of his mentality and determination to improve. I reckon in 6 to 10 games we will be saying he is one of the best centre mids in the league because he will put so much into his own improvement. He is just that sort of lad that will go to the end of the world to get better. Also Johnson says he is a number 8 and his judgement on players is proving pretty good so far. What might happen is Winchester become a good right back. Signs are there for me that he understands the position. Probably lacks the pace for how Johnson wants his full backs to play, but there are signs there he can be reliable defensively.
totally agree he does all the ‘nasty stuff’ really well and with Evans in there, who is an absolute Rolls Royce compared to what we’ve had recently (and I loved Grant), the two of them certainly complimented each other today
Totally agree. I was under the impression that he played well in midfield today so I'm surprised to already see calls for him to be played elsewhere. I think he's got all the attributes to be a very decent CM, as listed above, and that's where I would play him. Give it time for him to grow into the role, despite it being his natural position he's barely had a chance there. I want a fast young whippersnapper with a deadly cross at RB and LB not a modified CM.
My thoughts exactly he could certainly play higher in my opinion as a Right Back Don’t fell he influences the game enough to be regarded as a high level Central Midfielder
your spot on there Nads but he signed to play midfield as we were told and that was his preferred position, Therefore i think we have to give him a fair crack there, he could be outstanding also in that position especially teamed up with Evans, we all know he would be a good back for this league
I don’t doubt he can be a very good midfielder, the lad doesn’t shirk a thing and his continual improvement is incredible. I just think his natural attributes suit him more as a RB. Loads of the ball, encouraged to carry it forward most possessions. It’s prime for a player with his endless energy. Let’s see how he gets on in there with Evans mind as they were great compliment to each other today. Also agree that Winchester looks like he is more than capable RB, so maybe see how that goes too.
we may see more from onien once the full back situation is sorted, i think they both held back a bit today as cover but evans is a 'natural' defensive midfielder and i think onien is more for pushing on. still early days of course and i can see both sides here as he never let himself or the side down at RB, can honestly see him joining attacks more when he can push on.
I’d be more than happy for him to play in there all season and at this level he will Feel he could go further in his career Don’t get me wrong I’m certainly not calling for him to play elsewhere, I’d be happy for him to play in there all season. With Evans alongside the two of them complimented each other really well today! I just feel for his own development he would go further as a full back
I thought he was great in midfield today as he also was v Hull. Played some great passes out wide, was tenacious in the tackle and literally never stopped for 90 minutes. He is only going to get better playing in that role every week.
I am with you mate. 11 lads with his attitude and we get to the prem in 3 years. We have some brilliant lads coming up from u23s and I want him to mentor them all. Attitude is so important.
I don't see it mate I don't think he's got the pace or the whipped crosses to take it much further as a RB. I'm not saying he's slow and can't cross to save his life but they aren't his strengths. He reads the game well and has an intelligent head on his shoulders that's more useful in the middle of the park for me. Great for defending from the front too. He'll be chipping in with goals and assists soon, he got his fair share at RB so I expect he'll get more now.
His bite in the middle of the park is excellent. I don’t think he’s great technically but his presence in there is a massive plus for us. Wind up merchant too which had Power fuming on a couple of occasions today
