| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season 23:02 - Oct 9 with 1647 views | Kropotkin123 |
11.5 is a quarter of the season, and we have an international break to contend with. So here is my assessment of the team so far. Note, I'm only commenting on people who have played.
Each player has a rating that is from Whoscored. I found it has a bias towards playing for longer (rightly or wrongly I don't care). I think it is worth highlighting this as we have seen some good contributions from the bench and these players are taking a natural hit on their ratings.
In each position I have players ranked in the order I think they have performed in. Most of the time this is the same as Whoscored's rating. But not always.
GK
Václav Hladky (7.02)
There is a lot of love for Hladky at the moment (78.4% of people said they would start him in goal over Walton). Most of us went into the season thinking we’d see a big step down. But he’s had 5 clean sheets and put in some impressive performances. I’ve had mixed feelings with him though. His shot stopping has largely been on point. But he has shown some weaknesses. Coming for crosses and spilling the ball. Where he has really excelled has been his ball playing, which has contributed to goals (Eg, Hull). If he can become a bit more commanding, it would really elevate his performances.
RB
Brandon Williams (6.78)
What a start, for all the wrong reasons! It was clear he was off it fitness-wise and had some extraordinary bad luck. But what a strong character to rally and now putting in great performances. Still a couple of mistakes. But he loves a battle, is great going forward and has really strengthened that defensive weakness teams were targeting. Better performances are likely to come and I’m excited to see what a few more weeks of him getting up to speed will look like. I expect his 6.78 to rise.
Harry Clarke (6.71)
Hard to tell how much is the initial injury and how much is a lack of defensive ability. But he has looked weak defensively this year. I think he has been some way off the 0.07 difference from him to Williams. Clarke was one of my favourite players last year, so it feels like I’m betraying him. I hope he improves his defensive performances so Leif and Williams can be rested when they need to be.
Janoi Donacien (6.42)
Look good defensively for the most part, but some big wobbles. I don’t think his composure on the ball is enough for us at this level. Lacks a lot going forward compared to Williams and Clarke. Now we have seen Williams put in some sharp defensive performances, I don’t see a way back into the team for him.
LB
Leif Davis (7.23)
Five assists already, great delivery. Taken to the league really well. Easily making the step up. Some debatable mistakes at the back (the cross verses Leeds - Him or Hladky). But fantastic overall. Glad we have this break, so he has a bit of time to work on his injuries/fitness. The one thing that surprises me about Leif, given his deliveries, is how he seems less sure of himself when shooting. I could never see him doing what Williams did against Preston.
Greg Leigh (6.00)
Greg is gone. He had a brief cameo. Good luck at Oxford. Seems to have got off to the start many of us thought he was capable of in League One.
CB
Luke Woolfenden (6.96)
Surprised he isn’t breaking the 7 barrier. Granted, he’s had a few mistakes, but his passing has bee excellent (85% compared to Burgesses 78%). He’s also had a MOTM and a goal. Likely to improve as the season goes on, but impressed so far.
Cameron Burgess (6.84)
He’s performed better than expected, and I do think he is Championship quality. But, I think this is now the position where a new player would give us the biggest improvement. I’m not going to pretend I know how good Tuanzebe is and whether he is the man to replace Burgess, but I’m confident with Burgess for the most part.
George Edmundson (7.25)
One game, but he played very well. Much more assured on the ball than I saw him at any point last season. Even though he got done for pace once against Hull, he defended well by getting goalside and limit the opportunity (thought the Hull player did well to make something of it). With that said, I don’t think he is the player who will elevate this position.
CM
Sam Morsy (7.00)
A criminally under valued score. Excellent. We missed him against Huddersfield. 2 assists means only Davis is ahead of him. Breaks up play so well. Holds the team to high standards. Rarely loses the ball or puts a foot wrong.
Massimo Luongo (7.02)
Surprised. Not that he has done well, but that he as done so well that we have barely seen Jack Taylor. I think he would have benefited from being subbed in a couple of games, because he has looked tired at times. But his performances have meant he has fully deserved his game time. Maybe CMs don’t naturally pick up good ratings, as I’d put his higher.
Jack Taylor (6.30)
Clearly still adjusting to what we expect of him and it has been good management to ease him in. I can see him being a starter towards the end of the season. As we have seen in the cup, he has a cracking shot on him and can link up well in the forward play (eg vrs Preston)
Lee Evans (6.26)
Surprised he got the nod for Huddersfield and don’t think he played well. I don’t expect we’ll see much more of him unless we are hit by a bout of injuries or suspensions.
Dominic Ball (6.15)
Two sub appearances and only 21 mins. We know he has performed adequately at this level and offers a range of coverage from the bench. But nothing significant I can comment on.
F
Nathan Broadhead (7.51)
Highest rated. He looked a little lost in one game, but he has been excellent so far this season. His close control, ability to find space, and finishing have been everything I hoped they would be in this division. On track for 21 goals this season.
Conor Chaplin (7.14)
Another on track for 21 goals. Found the net in his third league game and hasn’t looked back. 7 goal contributions in his last 9 games and that’s not including dragging players like he did for Burns' goal against Huddersfield. The crazy thing is how often he continues to score the same type of goal, even at this level. No reason he can’t have another hugely successful season. 28 games and 13 goals for Town. What a threat.
Wes Burns (6.95)
Out of the established forwards, Burns has probably taken the longest to settle. Maybe I’m thinking that because he took the longest to get a goal. He does a lot of running and has such good fitness, which is probably why we have seen Hutchinson come in for Broadhead instead. Underrated, but at the same time, I can see why some have suggested he is a person we could improve upon.
Omari Hutchinson (6.64)
Wow! The first few games I could see something there, but I wasn’t confident he’d be up and running and giving Broadhead and Burns a run for their money. It’s been great we’ve been able to rest these players or bring them off the bench and have had this kid ready to tear things up. What impresses me most is his defensive play. I don’t expect a kid, who is this talented going forward, to have such a good tackle and defensive awareness. Could have had two penalties. But settles for 1 league goal and 1 assist for now. Expecting big things the season, given his excellent start.
Marcus Harness (6.35)
Assuming his rating is lower due to 8 of his 9 appearances being from the bench. But he has looked so much better than he did last season. He has always looked quality defending. But has had a poor touch and hold up play. He seemed to lose confidence in front of goal and I didn’t see value when he came on. I was expecting him to struggle at this level, but he has been great. Great at seeing out games, and making a difference. So happy to see him full of confidence and contributing to the team’s success. Great that he is proving to be a reliable option when needed.
S
George Hirst (6.74)
I think he should have more goals by now. He’s performed very well, doing exactly what we need. I think he needs a bit more confidence at this level and he will start banging them in. The work he does for 60+ minutes has allowed others to come on and score. Selfless play leading to goals like Harness’ (Hull) or Broadhead’s (Preston).
Kayden Jackson (6.57)
Rapid player and finally found some confidence and composure up front. He knows he is predominantly going to be a situational player for us and he has taken to that well. 2 goals and 1 assist from 152 minutes. Great stuff.
Freddie Ladapo (6.40)
Another situational player who has looked good and done what we’ve needed this season. 191 minutes and 2 goals. Like Jackson, he has been important and impactful. His goals were the difference against Cardiff. He’s also been performing well in the cup. Great to have someone sharp off the bench. I wouldn’t be confident for him to lead the line in non-situational games.
Dane Scarlett (6.14)
Four sub appearances, but hasn’t really looked up to it yet. Too early to tell though. Only had 57 minutes.
What do you think? see any differences? [Post edited 9 Oct 2023 23:08]
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 07:30 - Oct 10 with 1399 views | RobTheMonk |
I'd have Hladky higher. The only blip is that goal vs Leeds. But if you watch it again, the ball was in a slightly awkward position to save. Should he have held it? Probably. Did it have the potential to spill? I'd say yes. His passing is so calm and composed (even if we do get one of those Hladky heat in mouth moments from some of them). Most improved player for years.
Harness is another who has been very, very good this season. Looks to have really worked on his first touch which we all know was a little questionable at times. Fantastic work rate and is arguably pushing for a starting position again.
I think unless you watch a full game of Morsy, you don't get the full picture with regards to what he does for the team. Excellent player and should never have dropped into League 1 (not that I'm complaining!). |  | | |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:09 - Oct 10 with 1330 views | NthQldITFC |
I think your assessments are spot on, much more accurate and meaningful than the Whoscored scores. You're right about the 'anti-sub' bias I think. |  |
| # WE ARE STEALING THE FUTURE FROM OUR CHILDREN --- WE MUST CHANGE COURSE # | | Poll: | It's driving me nuts |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:27 - Oct 10 with 1258 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
Just cant help but laugh that Leif has 5 assists already. 3 of those to Chaplin.
Guy is an absolute machine, think we are all in agreement he will be playing in the prem next season, hopefully with us. His final ball is just insanely good.
My top 5 performers so far.
Leif
Morsy
Broadhead
Hladky
Woolfy |  |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:48 - Oct 10 with 1200 views | Herbivore |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:27 - Oct 10 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Just cant help but laugh that Leif has 5 assists already. 3 of those to Chaplin.
Guy is an absolute machine, think we are all in agreement he will be playing in the prem next season, hopefully with us. His final ball is just insanely good.
My top 5 performers so far.
Leif
Morsy
Broadhead
Hladky
Woolfy |
No Chappers in your top 5? I'd swap Chappers for Hladky, agree on the other four. |  |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:50 - Oct 10 with 1193 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:48 - Oct 10 by Herbivore |
No Chappers in your top 5? I'd swap Chappers for Hladky, agree on the other four. |
He was toughest to leave out and could easily be in.
But Hladky I think is still top of the list on goals prevented for all goalkeepers in the division. Plus that save at Sunderland, im still not over it | |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:57 - Oct 10 with 1181 views | Steve_M |
Agree with much of that, a couple of comments:
- Hladky's general control of the defence is weaker than Walton's, he' stepped up excellently but there's still a sense of panic at times. Maybe his calmness on the ball makes up for that but not sure he can eradicate the flaws in his game.
- Chaplin. As good as Chaplin has been there are times his lack of phyicality will be hindrance, against Leeds it was especially apparent but in a couple of other games too.
Definitely scope to improve the squad and some clear weaker links, that's fine it's a process of continual improvement. Your post just reiterates that central midfield just looks short at the moment, such a big drop off after Morsy, Luongo and Taylor. |  |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 09:08 - Oct 10 with 1155 views | Ewan_Oozami |
The fact that all the ratings are fairly close together and all below 8 (which may be thought strange considering the start we've had to the season!) shows what an amazing overall team performance we have put in so far - no obvious standouts (maybe Leif) and everyone pulling their weight - an astounding job by McKenna, the payers and the coaching staff.. |  |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 09:12 - Oct 10 with 1147 views | Churchman |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:27 - Oct 10 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Just cant help but laugh that Leif has 5 assists already. 3 of those to Chaplin.
Guy is an absolute machine, think we are all in agreement he will be playing in the prem next season, hopefully with us. His final ball is just insanely good.
My top 5 performers so far.
Leif
Morsy
Broadhead
Hladky
Woolfy |
My top five in order are:
Morsy
Davis
Luongo
Broadhead
Chaplin
What the hell, next five in order:
Woolfenden
Burgess
Lladky
Burns
Hutchinson
Finally:
Hirst
Williams
Harness
Jackson
Ladapo
Taylor
Donacien
Clarke
Evans
All very subjective, an 11 game snapshot and actually a bit harsh - and easily shot to bits. What is interesting though is how close the level of performance is between most of them. It really is a squad and when the subs come on, the opposition are reaching for the oxygen cylinder, not the pipe and slippers. [Post edited 10 Oct 2023 9:15]
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 09:24 - Oct 10 with 1100 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 09:12 - Oct 10 by Churchman |
My top five in order are:
Morsy
Davis
Luongo
Broadhead
Chaplin
What the hell, next five in order:
Woolfenden
Burgess
Lladky
Burns
Hutchinson
Finally:
Hirst
Williams
Harness
Jackson
Ladapo
Taylor
Donacien
Clarke
Evans
All very subjective, an 11 game snapshot and actually a bit harsh - and easily shot to bits. What is interesting though is how close the level of performance is between most of them. It really is a squad and when the subs come on, the opposition are reaching for the oxygen cylinder, not the pipe and slippers. [Post edited 10 Oct 2023 9:15]
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I would have Hirst up one | |
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| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 09:36 - Oct 10 with 1079 views | NthQldITFC |
| Player Assessment - Quarter Past Season on 08:57 - Oct 10 by Steve_M |
Agree with much of that, a couple of comments:
- Hladky's general control of the defence is weaker than Walton's, he' stepped up excellently but there's still a sense of panic at times. Maybe his calmness on the ball makes up for that but not sure he can eradicate the flaws in his game.
- Chaplin. As good as Chaplin has been there are times his lack of phyicality will be hindrance, against Leeds it was especially apparent but in a couple of other games too.
Definitely scope to improve the squad and some clear weaker links, that's fine it's a process of continual improvement. Your post just reiterates that central midfield just looks short at the moment, such a big drop off after Morsy, Luongo and Taylor. |
Hladky's just needs to be more vocal and authoritative with his defence. It's more of a personality thing, I think, he's almost too humble and polite. His footwork has been excellent and has contributed to several goals, his shot stopping has been good too, and spilling a couple into the path of attackers is something that can happen to any keeper (but he could improve a bit on). Been pretty decent with dealing with crosses too, and judging when to come of the line / out of the box.
The main thing is getting through that psychological barrier of knowing he can shout at his defence, talk to them all the time, and boss them about. Sorting out a player's confidence and attitude is something that I think KMc is the absolute master of, so if Hladky stays in, I can see him continuing to improve in this regard, although I think it's more of a personality than a confidence thing, so not so clear cut. Maybe some chilli powder in his underpants before the game to make him mad? 
Having been very unsure of him at the start of the season, I'm really not sure whether he or Walton is our best overall option now. | |
| # WE ARE STEALING THE FUTURE FROM OUR CHILDREN --- WE MUST CHANGE COURSE # | | Poll: | It's driving me nuts |
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