It's that old situation whereby a good player is rumoured to be on his way. All of a sudden, he's not as good as some fans claim, he's got many weaknesses to his game, he has more poor games than good, he can easily be replaced. It's happened for years. plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose
My opinion is that he's a decent Championship player. No more no less. I do think many overrate him. Again, my opinion. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this debate though the key thing when he does leave will be making sure he is replaced by someone who is at least potentially better.
But, lil, the majority of people don't want him to leave. Probably nobody does. I certainly haven't changed my assessment of him because he's likely to leave. He'd be mad not to leave if someone doubles or triples his wages. I've always thought he's a good Championship midfielder. No more no less. He's not going to vary from bad to superb in my eyes depending on whether he stays or goes.
As I said, it's always happened. If he had a couple of years left on his contract, this thread wouldn't even exist and none of his apparent 'many failings' would be a talking point. But then I wear rose tinted specs.
Nowt wrong with agreeing to disagree. It's the sometimes auto-dismissive, patronising tone of some who post on here which irks me. A minority view, sensibly explained is just as valid as any other but when in the majority there are some that find it easier to brow beat. I suppose that's my opinion as well.
I've never said anything other than Mowatt (and Woodrow) is a decent player. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a bit unfair to suggest it's only due to his probably departure that people are saying he's just a decent player. As I've' said multiple times, if you and others see him as an excellent midfielder, then great that's your prerogative, but there are quite a few of us that have been saying for at least 2 years now that we think he's "ok". I think his leadership qualities, rapport with the fans and general cocky swagger far outweigh his playing abilities. I'll miss his cheekiness on the match recaps more than I'll miss his skill with the ball, but that just my opinion. I'm not saying anymore about it now, we're just going round in circles. I'm off to start a thread about how much I won't miss Woodrow if he goes .
He’s not in the class of say flavin or redfearn nut I like him as a player and I think he can get better.
I stand by every word I've posted on this thread. Others are entitled to hold different views to my own, but by the same token, I'm allowed to express mine. That is what debate is about.
Mowatt stats ,2019-18. 46 games 8 goals 7 assists ,2019-20 44 games 3 goals 7 assists ,2020/21 46 games 8 goals 7 assists He is consistent
Regarding the Mowatt debate. I like both sides of the argument but isn't that black and white. Some players have something that transcends what happens on the football field. Mowatt, Hourihane, Redfearn, Hignett, Ward, Howard and Hammill have/had that. It isn't all about skill. They all had varying ability but became talisman and bring people together. It would be a sad day if Mowatt decides to leave because since he came back into the side in 2018 his consistency has been part of the glue that's held the club together. He carries himself and leads by example on and off the pitch and is a lovely lad too.
Get Mowatt off set pieces. With better deliveries we'd score maybe 5 more goals a season. Apart fom that he has given us three great seasons.
I'd keep him on set pieces, not irreplaceable but really hope he stays been a key player for us last 3 seasons and been a barnsley fan its not very often nowadays key players sign new deals and commit there future (I know woodrow did last year) imo it would be very positive if he did sign and bring alot of optimism for the season.
I think his set piece delivery improved greatly in the season just gone. His inswinging corners are now a potent weapon. We scored the 3rd highest number of set piece goals in the Championship, I believe, and Mowatt took most of them. I also think his passing is excellent, and his tackling good. His long-range shooting is still a relative weakness, compared with Hourihane's, for example, admittedly, though he did score two exceptionally good goals from distance. Overall, he's a terrific player for us, and I very much hope he stays.