I thought he was superb in a midfield 3 where he played protecting the back four. On occasions he bossed the midfield completely, big tackles, covers a lot of ground etc. His passing is okay, nothing special, but overall he was very exciting and has a similar gait and poise to a young Viera.
That all said, in a midfield 2 in a 442, he has lacked a bit of dynamism when he has played. We've been blessed with the form of Kayal and Stephens, which highlighted a bit lacking in Ince's game when he came in, and his confidence nose dived because of it I think.
Still think there is a quality Championship midfielder in there, but does need a favourable system and a run of games to build up his confidence. Look forward to him coming back a better player after a spell with you!
He is ok as a cdm to break up play but doesnt use his height or strength to the full. Not top Championship quality will be ok midtable.
We've got him on loan. Is he any good? I was talking to some other Brighton-based Fulham fans last night and the consensus was he is but doesn't fit in with Hughton's formation which is why he's not played much recently.
Ta.
Loses the ball too often, but usually wins it back with a great tackle.
Defensive Midfield is his role.
For a big man in professional football it is strange how he has never learnt to head the ball though.
We've got him on loan. Is he any good? I was talking to some other Brighton-based Fulham fans last night and the consensus was he is but doesn't fit in with Hughton's formation which is why he's not played much recently.
Ta.
As others have said, we have very rarely played a defensive midfielder this season which has become his specialist role. Leave him doing that and he'll provide your back 4 with outstanding cover. You should then hopefully stop leaking so many goals.
Strengths:
Big
Quick
Strong
Physical
Weaknesses
Composure
Passing
Positional Sense
Definitely NOT a Defensive midfielder, unless he is alongside a very calm, composed, intelligent ball player.
Play him as a defensive midfielder and he'll be great for you.
- Poor first touch
- Passing isn't great
- Tends to run into trouble
His 3 weaknesses are LITERALLY the 3 key attributes needed for a DM in the modern game. They were Bridcutts 3 key positives.