[Albion] James Milner?

[sussex_guy2k2]

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]

This thread needs an injury update

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

 

[Eeyore]

I wish I was very old like him!

I'd like to be very old like the nearly 20 years younger James Milner.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

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.

Though we won at Everton and vs United, so results suggest otherwise, and performance wise you must have watched a different game to me.

 

[sussex_guy2k2]

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]

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....

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

I know the club are rightly cagey about our injured but James Milner has been out for 4 months now. That's one hell of a hamstring injury. Anyone have any news on him? We certainly could do with his experience.

The new ones been shipped a while back, something about a canal somewhere I heard

 

[Justice]

Given his age and game time over the last year I wouldn’t hold your breath that he’ll be back other than 10 minute cameos, maybe

I am more concerned that Ferdi seems to be a long term sick note too though.

He had played 90 straight games before joining the club.

 

[Nobby Cybergoat]

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]

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]

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

 

[schmunk]

I get the point of signing 30 plus players.

Isn't that what Forest did when they rejoined the PL - they're doing alright now...

 

[Stumpy Tim]

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....

Quite.

 

[Beanstalk]

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

I also heard this doing the rounds...

Really worrying if true.

 

[Driver8]

I’m surprised he hasn’t retired tbh.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

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]

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]

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.

 

[um bongo molongo]

He had played 90 straight games before joining the club.

The new German doctor seemingly struggling to make an impact like most of the new player signings!

 

[Van Cleef]

I appreciate that Milner has his fair share of fans, but after last seasons showings I was genuinely amazed when we offered him another year.