I know a certain poster hates him as a player but since the restart he has been absolutely outstanding. Yes he as an individual previously cost us points and was a major part of a collective howler recently, but he is inexperienced, new to the country, did not initially have Solbauer as a steadying hand and also had the crowd on his back quite early on. Some players might have buckled but he got his head down and worked at it. So now to last night..... IMO he was, again, outstanding. After Supertyke's post I made particular note of Mads performance and lost count of the number of blocks, interceptions and doubling up on opponents and the ground he covered. His decision making has come on tremendously and he was pretty faultless on that and his positional awareness has improved considerably. Last season I referred to Pinnock at times, as 'Ferdinandesque' and, whilst he is not as elegant a player, Mads was equally effective in snuffing out the opposition attack. In fact the only defensive howler, one that nearly let Barnsley in (but for the woeful final ball), was made, not by Mads, but by a rare lapse from Pinnock. I will not go on about the other let-off that saved his blushes i.e. the blatant handball that should have led to a Barnsley penalty. Surely some must by now change their views on Mads. Whilst people are commenting, rightly, on some of our other young debutants, we should not overlook the fact that he is turning into a class act IMHO. Well played young Mads!
He’s been fantastic since the restart I think that’s due to sollbauer influence at the side of him going to be a big player next year
On Sky they pointed out that we allowed Pinnock to have the ball and play long passes because his distribution was poor. Mads looked way better than he did and its been brilliant to see how he has come back from a total loss of confidence in March to where he is now.
I understand he does not read social media. It is a pity as I am sure it would help his confidence regarding crowd support if he reads this thread. I am sure otherwise he might be a bit anxious when lock-down ends and he plays in front of a home crowd.
Andersen has been brilliant, and the stars aligned for him/the team. He needed Sollbauer or someone of his ilk alongside him, and I think the lockdown gave Struber the opportunity to get his methods across. He's a different player to the shaky one with the dodgy distribution of earlier in the season.
I think he's got enough sense to realise that he's done well and belief in his own capablities. Strong character that one, never went missing despite making mistakes. Can't wait to get back to Oakwell and show support in person, I was excited last season going into the championship and am even more excited now because surely we won't lose 4 key players this time round and the likes of Styles, Simões , Oduor will only improve ?
Given the vitriol and abuse posted on here previously I think its a bloody good job he doesnt read it
I've said it a couple of times now but he has been our most improved player since lock down. He's now looking like a decent championship defender.
Arguably been our best player since we resumed. Him and Sollbauer could be a strong partnership next season.
Really pleased for the young man. Agree with previous posts, Solbauer has helped massively. Also think empty stadiums have too. But now he has settled, I think we will see him grow in stature. But still needs Solly to continue his development imo. Keep it up young un.
I think he has been a revelation since lockdown - in fact he has been more consistent than Solbauer. He should have been dropped earlier in the season as he lost confidence and we kept playing him which became a downward spiral. The break and restart seems to have done him the world of good - plus possibly playing without a crowd getting on his back. Lets hope when crowds are allowed in next season he can keep his current form
His recent performances have reminded me alot of De Zeeuw. I think the reson he makes so many interceptions is his ability to read the game. He often just nips around the opponent to get his head/ body in at the last minute. Obviously he’s made plenty of mistakes earlier on but he’s been outstanding since the restart.
Have we ever had a player go through such a turnaround as this? I remember Bobby having a ropery start and becoming a hero, but not as tough a start as Andersen had! Well done to Mads, he's been absolutely fantastic since the restart. It really shows great character to do that. What a guy.
Thing is, not only has he cut out the daft mistakes of early season, he's started to win the 1 on 1 battles as well. He's definitely toughened up.
At the beginning of the season Anderson and Diaby were both guilty of lack of positional sense, both tended to chase the ball out of the defence leaving gaping holes behind them. Since Solbauer has come in he has held his positioning better and gained knowledge off Sollbauer with regard to shaping the others in defence to the point that he covers Solbauer`s arse and gets him out of the ***** on many occasions. Solbauer has done what was needed of him on the experience front but to me he aint up to Championship and next season we should be looking to bring in A N Other with experience of the Championship.and slowly phase Solbauer out. Just my observations like.