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[Albion] James Milner?



sussex_guy2k2

Well-known member
Jun 6, 2014
4,313
On what basis?
We lack experience, it would free Baleba up even more.
There is no discipline at times positionally, this is exactly what we need and since Caicedo and MacAllisters departure has been our weakest area by some margin.

Milner does not lose many personal battles, leads by example and is a strong voice on the pitch in what is a quite timid team.
On the basis of we only play one pivot and he’s not a 10, nor does he have the legs to press.

He was all at sea in that very role at the start of the season.
 




Albion my Albion

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Feb 6, 2016
19,915
Indiana, USA
This thread needs an injury update


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Solly March still not ready for starting duty. Did you remember what he looked like?
 






sussex_guy2k2

Well-known member
Jun 6, 2014
4,313
Though we won at Everton and vs United, so results suggest otherwise, and performance wise you must have watched a different game to me.
I didn’t watch the Everton game, so I can’t judge.

He was totally lost against Man Utd. Didn’t know when to make runs, didn’t know when to press, struggled to shift ball through midfield. I’m pretty sure I said as much in the ratings thread. He did have one very good chance where he timed his run well, but he blew that. And let’s be honest, we were so lucky against Man Utd.

But, and I want this caveat to be added, it’s not because he’s not a good player. It’s because I don’t think he suits that role in the system we currently play. And I’d have him no where near the 6 role either, as he’s not good enough on the ball, nor can he drive a team up the pitch anymore.
 




Fignon's Ponytail

Well-known member
Jun 29, 2012
4,523
On the Beach
I have heard that he had an operation that has damaged a nerve, and he doesn't have any feeling in one foot. Doesn't sound great
My sciatica damaged a nerve last year, and I've not been able to feel part of my right foot for a while now.
I've got used to it, even though it feels a bit weird, but imagine it would be pretty important for a footballer if he has no feeling....
 








Nobby Cybergoat

Well-known member
Jul 19, 2021
8,754
I get the point of signing 30 plus players. Our young side needs the experience, it needs the ballast and know how.

But signing players in their late 30s? On big wages? What an incredible gamble. One that has gone wrong as masses of people on here predicted
 


Behind Enemy Lines

Well-known member
Jul 18, 2003
4,910
London
I know it’s early days, and desperate to be proved wrong, but I simply don’t rate O’Riley (set-pieces apart), he’s everything that irritates me in terms of his movement, and football nous, blocks others space, roams too carefree with no idea of what is going on behind him…… Perhaps he’ll just score crucial goals (which will be great).
Happy for this para to be reposted because it’ll mean I’m completely wrong, which is fine….

Re Milner - Sure, get the pace concern, but football intelligence wise, that will cover a lot of it, don’t want him out wide, just sit and direct. Agree re Hinshelwood, but actually would prefer to see his development continue as a RB or just off the front two as per Newcastle. If he’s too central/deep the Joel Linton’s and McGinn’s own him.

Wieffer you may have a point, but is he strong enough physically?
It is far too early to judge O'Riley and in fact, the whole Hurzeler "project." We are very much a side in transition from the De Zerbi era. It's going to take time.
 


maltaseagull

Well-known member
Feb 25, 2009
13,427
Zabbar- Malta
I agree with most of this. But simply no longer quick or agile enough to start in a PL midfield. Gets loads of cards as a result. I'd be more than happy him coming on to see things out, or start some games and play for a half or so.
I really take your point about experience, but think Hinshelwood and Baleba is our best CM duo. Happy for Wieffer to play in a two too. Would prefer to have O'Riley in a three. Ayari has exceeded my expectations but form has subsided of late.
Doesn´t often last that long before he is injured :(
 














One Teddy Maybank

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Aug 4, 2006
23,232
Worthing
I didn’t watch the Everton game, so I can’t judge.

He was totally lost against Man Utd. Didn’t know when to make runs, didn’t know when to press, struggled to shift ball through midfield. I’m pretty sure I said as much in the ratings thread. He did have one very good chance where he timed his run well, but he blew that. And let’s be honest, we were so lucky against Man Utd.

But, and I want this caveat to be added, it’s not because he’s not a good player. It’s because I don’t think he suits that role in the system we currently play. And I’d have him no where near the 6 role either, as he’s not good enough on the ball, nor can he drive a team up the pitch anymore.
I would argue that because he held his position so well versus United it gave others the chance to break, it was not a chance of not knowing when.
It’s up to others to drive forward, Ito s about shape out of possession.
 


One Teddy Maybank

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Aug 4, 2006
23,232
Worthing
It is far too early to judge O'Riley and in fact, the whole Hurzeler "project." We are very much a side in transition from the De Zerbi era. It's going to take time.
We are, but I don’t rate him…. And ‘yes’ it is early days, I accept all of that, but if you’re not getting the simple things right I don’t see much hope…. As per my para hope I’m wrong….
 


Milano

Well-known member
Aug 15, 2012
4,036
Sussex but not by the sea
I do wonder how much desire Milner must have now to get back fit? He must know it's unlikely we will extend him. He's not exactly thrown himself into Sussex either, still weekly commutes (by helicopter) from his family home up north to his rental down here, has not moved his family down.
 








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