How did Mr Pines play?

Was he as good as we are hoping?

 

Probably has to take a lot of responsibility for their goal, but other than that he was absolutely immense.

 

Average, but will get better.

At fault for the Derby goal and slow at decision making, hanging on to the ball too long. Bit old fashioned in the way that he likes to kick it out whenever he can. The skill will come.

 

One mistake, but headed everything. Mainly simple sideways passes to Earl & MDG, but clearly chalked fu¢k on that in the second half when he stepped forward and played a couple of decent long-range passes.

 

A glitch first half but it didn't seem to unsettle him, from then on pretty solid performance, won a lot of headers

 

He’s exactly what we need dominating in the air, a few decent passes and plenty of time to improve. The Derby goal was lack marking at the far post.

 

Got better the longer the game went on but yet again how good is Earl , outstanding player at this level.

 

First half he looked nervous and was the worst player in the side. Missed a couple of long balls over the top which he misjudged in the air. In possession Derby didn’t press him and he struggled for options to play the ball forwards. Gave one away in a dangerous position that ultimately led to their goal.

Second half he was much better. Hit a few accurate long range passes. Won everything in the air and didn’t get beaten for pace in behind. Invaluable defending set pieces.

He’s the sort of player we’ve been crying out for. Think he will come good.

 

Won header after header..
Never got bullied or lost a battle.
Quick and has got bottle..
Distribution was poor 1st half..
8/10

 

Sluggish start, but steadily improved as the game went on as he found his feet. At this moment, I believe we've signed two cracking defenders in the January window.

 

Doesn't look comfortable on the ball and his distribution isn't good at the minute but he's strong in the air and can put in a tackle. He was at fault for giving the ball away which led to the goal but he Seemed to grow in confidence - definitely a player in there.

 

Very ponderous passing but immense for headers and getting a foot in.

 

Ist time I have seen him he's a big lad, did OK once he settled for his first game at Oakwell especially against probably the biggest club in the division and a big crowd to boot, I think we've got a goodun.

 

He looked a bit nervy on the ball but first half we didn’t really help him by there rarely being a reds shirt available as a short option.

I trust him more with his long passing than his short, which is weird I guess.

Won loads in the air though.

He certainly loved it at the end. Think I’d probably crack a rib if he hugged me like he did our players at the final whistle!

 

Totally agree.

Good long range passing - nervy short range.

Good in the air, and I suspect has decent pace too.

What was great to see, was his teammates encouraging him and helping him. Roberts was telling him where to pass it etc. that shows a good team when they are willing to do that.

 

He actually did well with the ball barring the error leading to the corners they scored from.

They were deliberately standing off him & man marking the rest of our team so there was no need for Pines to panic & play a ball for the sake of it.

 

Thought he did admirably following a nervy start. Noticed his team mates were giving him plenty of the ball which helped settle him a bit more

 

He's absolutely immense in the air

 

He will only get better the more he plays but he has made a big difference already and I am so confident in our defence now for the run in.