For the under 23s today. Interesting that Mallan, McCarthy, Potts, Thiam and Hedges are too. Can anyone at the game please let us know how they all perform? Practically a first team out there. Mason Holgate playing for Everton, too.
I'll let you know if there are any positives. But I won't be giving it all that 'better fan' rubbish just coz I've been to U23s. I just happen to be off work with a bored 12 year old son. COYYR (that's Come On You Young Reds)
Not too surprising non of those featured at the weekend and we have no game until next Tuesday. So just a case of some game time for them. Is as you say interesting to know how he gets on though
Today's positives, as promised... Defensively good. Take these four, the four that started Saturday plus Pinnock, and we have a talented bunch to pick from. Can't really judge Knasmuller on today's showing, did nothing wrong but didn't get chance to shine. But... Thiam!!! Think I'm late to the party in writing him off as I'm really not into slating our players. But he just doesn't look like a footballer and that nigh on million pound investment must be dropping in value faster than shares in Ryanair. Brad Potts...I'm still open minded but fully understand why he can't command a start.
Thiam for me just got no service. The gaps between midfield and the front men were too big with just hoofball being played to get the ball up to him. Had the balls been any good he'd have still struggled to do anything with it as there was **** all support. Too any square pegs in round holes.
Greatorex-8 McCarthy-6 Jackson-7 Pearson-6.5 Williams-7 Wardle-6 Mallan-7 Potts-6 Knasmüllner-6.5 Hedges-7.5 Thiam-6
Perhaps I'm just being grumpy because I'm cold now. But I've read umpteen posts, this season, labelling Thiam useless or lazy, and never gone along with it. Just watched him against Everton's youth, with Holgate, and seen nothing to suggest he has what it takes to strengthen our first team. He's ours and we paid good money for him, so I want it to work out, but I'm far from convinced.
I've not seen much of him, so you might be quite right. From that display though, for me, he and Knasmuller looked desperately short of service. Probably didn't help they didn't know each other either. He looks a forward rather than a striker who needs to be running with the ball in and around the box rather than playing with his back to goal.
I watched the last 25-30 mins of the first half and 15 into the second, on the very small cameo view, Knasmullner seems to be more technical ability than any of our current midfielders. He got up and down the pitch well too in the section i saw. What did surprise me was how route one we were though and that just doesn't suit many of our players. I've never been a fan of hoofball, but if we're playing it through the entire set up, and u23s should be more about developing a style of play for the first team, there's no wonder players aren't coming into the team ready to compete. Its the first view I've had below the first team for years but i'm shocked if this is the coaching mantra for how we play at every single level through the club to create consistency and understanding. There was a great interview with Mick McCarthy on the bfc community youtube (if people haven't watched, spend some time listening to the great interviews). He recounted a conversation, I think with Jonny Steele. "Barnsley plays football." Simple and succinct. Its about time we remembered that and started the shift to playing that way again.
Re. Thiam. He did lack service and I think most would have struggled today - just too bigger gap between forwards and midfield. Having said that, he nearly lost his rag with 2-3 Everton players near the end, which lead to him being subbed. I think that was a sign of frustration coming out of him over poor service/formation.
Personally I didn’t get the impression that Thiam & Knasmüllner wanted the ball that much. I lost track of the amount of times midfielders & defenders looked up to check for movement & there was nothing & instead of passing to feet or to run on to balls inevitably went long