What I was actually thinking about I sometimes think I’m hyper critical of redmond and have to try and be objective. His assist today was great but his overal play I found wanting. He needed to be an outlet for us today but time after time he wasn’t aggressive enough, not strong enough or sloppy with his passing costing us possession every time. To be fair, that’s not his game and he should have been chasing balls over the top not trying to hold off rudiger and zouma. Also Chelsea were better than us in every area in the first half Kante looked fantastic mount and Alonso up front. WEL, maybe not every area, minamino had them beat for final touch.
Saints were compact today - we have played better but been more open. Good shift from Djenepo and great assist from Redmond who took on players and had his head up.
Bertie has always been one of our best players, since he arrived here. He is a class footballer. This means there is less room to improve, yet others improving would stand out as greater progress.
I think Redmond is all about decision making. Always has been. Even early days, if he was faced with three defenders he’d try and beat them. If faced with one slow defender and 40 yards of space behind, he’d cut back and pass. I would wager that Ralph is working on that. Last two or three games, his contribution has been much better. I think if he was told to be far more simple in his play (i.e., give it and go like the one two for the goal, or knock it pass the full back and run, or have one touch then shoot) we would see a vast improvement in him. He’s doing ok now. Edit: I agree with NZ about his strength. He can be too easily knocked off the ball but then last minute yesterday, he got it in the corner and used his body to hold off the defender in the corner. If he can do that middle of the game, middle of the pitch, it would be great.
Bertrand could still improve as an attacking FB, but the further up the pitch he gets the less assured he seems to get, which is understandable. Probably needs Chris Marsden to drop in behind him.
Agree 100%. One thing I’ve got nervous about this season, especially earlier in the season, was the gaping hole at LB. he used to drive forward and I thought it was him not getting back. He stays back more now and covers that hole. I think my point overall is fair though. He had less room for improvement than say, Redders, Vesty, Oriel, et al
Agree with all this. Bertie has been great for us but could still develop other aspects of his game. I wonder if anyone who has seen him through on goal has ever thought for a second that he might score
Oh yeah, in terms of technique, he’s easily PL quality. Most of our players come up a bit short individually, which makes it such a great achievement the way Ralph’s got them playing. If only we could improve our passing accuracy, collectively, by 10%, some of our opponents wouldn’t know what’s hit them.
I am not convinced that there will be much business in the summer. Certainly you are correct to say fringe players will be moved out but I don't think there will be money available for many players to be recruited because of the lack of funds due to Covid meaning not fans in the ground. I am thinking that a lot of attention will have been placed on the academy to ensure that the next generation of players comes through. I cannot see Bertrand leaving , though.
Well, I hope you are correct about Ryan, but I also believe we will need to do business. I can see us having heavily studied the market to look for players this season that will either be a) out of contract summer 21, or, b) out of contract summer 22. This way, fees are either far less in either situation. It is what Spuds have become very estate at doing. We absolutely need a LB and RB, and likely another striker. I can only see us taking Theo on a free if his wages are well < the £50k a week we are supposedly paying. And also, dont forget the loan market, which is also more attractive to us now in our position. I’d imagine a number of players entering the final year of their contracts could have them terminated (the contracts that is, unfortunately not the players) similar to Boufal and Carrillo. There are deals to be done by doing this with the players reps, as we may offer say 50% of the contract and they are free to get another club.
Danny can be excused because as soon as he saw a Pompey fan heading towards our goal he had to intervene.