| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko 12:58 - Dec 12 with 2575 views | BigCommon |
A really mature and accomplished performance from Humphreys on Saturday, I thought. Less bombing around , and more of a sensible approach. Choosing wisely when to get forwards. And leaving a bit in the tank to see out the 90 minutes.
Our midfield didn't seem to fade as much as it did against Fleetwood. Perhaps you could say that Peterborough offered a different tactical approach. But I'd like to think, that just having the experience of Aluko back on the pitch, may have helped, just guide one or two players slightly, just generally. When I've listened to Aluko on comm's , he has really bought into KM's approach and fully understands where players should be, and what runs to make at any given time, for the system to work properly... I mean, I thought Aluko played really well, especially considering how long he's been out. And I also believe, that experienced pro's like Sone, bring so much more to the table, than what they do with the ball..
Humphreys keeps on impressing me. He has a wand of a left foot, great desire. And each time I spot a rough edge. He seems to iron it out with his next appearance. So, he's an exceptionally quick learner, too, imo. Saturday was a good example of him, just managing the minutes better. He's slotted in pretty seamlessly. Far better than I thought he might, (not gonna lie)
How lucky we are to have such a talented kid at the club. And some , experienced, wise heads around him, can only serve to accelerate his progress.. Easy to forget he's only just turned 19yrs, when he keeps turning out solid performances game after game. I'm excited to see just how much more there is to come from him over the next season or two. I can't , honestly say , he's had a single bad game yet. Gonna be a nice headache for KM, when Evans returns..... |  | | |  |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:08 - Dec 12 with 2516 views | clive_baker |
I think Aluko probably helps from a fitness perspective too as what he lacks in goals / assists compared with a Harness he certainly makes up for in terms of ball retention. His close control and street wise approach either buys a freekick or generally sees him making the right decision on the ball. Harness brings something different but I'm sure the stats would say he's responsible for more opposition turnovers which in turn means more pressing from Morsy and Humphreys. Must be so nice having a player like that you can give the ball to and know he'll look after it.
Humpreys has done incredibly well, to be thrust into the side really and start 8 games in the last 7 weeks. Physically as much as anything its a big thing to ask, especially on heavy winter pitches. The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he hasn't looked out of place, has at no point looked like a passenger. The faith his teammates put in his ability says a lot about him, nobody appears to be making any allowances for him. Obviously Evans returning is important as we're so thin on the ground and he brings that experience, the 3 of them will give us nice balance. If you said to me right now we could have 1 of Ball or Humphreys fit for the 2nd half of the season I would pick young Cam based on what we've seen. |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:28 - Dec 12 with 2445 views | NthQldITFC |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:08 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
I think Aluko probably helps from a fitness perspective too as what he lacks in goals / assists compared with a Harness he certainly makes up for in terms of ball retention. His close control and street wise approach either buys a freekick or generally sees him making the right decision on the ball. Harness brings something different but I'm sure the stats would say he's responsible for more opposition turnovers which in turn means more pressing from Morsy and Humphreys. Must be so nice having a player like that you can give the ball to and know he'll look after it.
Humpreys has done incredibly well, to be thrust into the side really and start 8 games in the last 7 weeks. Physically as much as anything its a big thing to ask, especially on heavy winter pitches. The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he hasn't looked out of place, has at no point looked like a passenger. The faith his teammates put in his ability says a lot about him, nobody appears to be making any allowances for him. Obviously Evans returning is important as we're so thin on the ground and he brings that experience, the 3 of them will give us nice balance. If you said to me right now we could have 1 of Ball or Humphreys fit for the 2nd half of the season I would pick young Cam based on what we've seen. |
The other thing about Humphreys is his maturity, confidence and composure. He's already starting to dictate play a bit in phases of the game, demanding and getting the ball off the likes of Morsy (who clearly believes in him and trusts him), and when something doesn't come off he doesn't look flustered for a second. Some of his through balls, and balls lifted over the defence are exquisite. |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:30 - Dec 12 with 2439 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:08 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
I think Aluko probably helps from a fitness perspective too as what he lacks in goals / assists compared with a Harness he certainly makes up for in terms of ball retention. His close control and street wise approach either buys a freekick or generally sees him making the right decision on the ball. Harness brings something different but I'm sure the stats would say he's responsible for more opposition turnovers which in turn means more pressing from Morsy and Humphreys. Must be so nice having a player like that you can give the ball to and know he'll look after it.
Humpreys has done incredibly well, to be thrust into the side really and start 8 games in the last 7 weeks. Physically as much as anything its a big thing to ask, especially on heavy winter pitches. The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he hasn't looked out of place, has at no point looked like a passenger. The faith his teammates put in his ability says a lot about him, nobody appears to be making any allowances for him. Obviously Evans returning is important as we're so thin on the ground and he brings that experience, the 3 of them will give us nice balance. If you said to me right now we could have 1 of Ball or Humphreys fit for the 2nd half of the season I would pick young Cam based on what we've seen. |
He's a phenomenal talent. The technical ability is one thing but he's also got the engine, durability and adaptability. McKenna has alluded to it a few times (and it's obvious in his performances) but he's so coachable and learns fast. |  | | |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:37 - Dec 12 with 2396 views | clive_baker |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:28 - Dec 12 by NthQldITFC |
The other thing about Humphreys is his maturity, confidence and composure. He's already starting to dictate play a bit in phases of the game, demanding and getting the ball off the likes of Morsy (who clearly believes in him and trusts him), and when something doesn't come off he doesn't look flustered for a second. Some of his through balls, and balls lifted over the defence are exquisite. |
Yeah agreed, his decision making is impressive too. Seems to choose the right pass, knows when to go short, or when to drop a ball into the channel and get their full backs facing their own goal. He's not afraid to go long at times too and I really like that variety. There's sometimes a certain predictability about players of his nature which makes them a little less dangerous but he can mix it up. It's one thing having technical ability which he has but what I think takes a player to the next level is the ability to mix it up, use it in the right ways at the right times and ultimately influence a game. That should be his north star really, has he influenced the game and he's done that a lot. Not much value in drawing comparisons but someone like Carroll last season isn't dissimilar, but never seemed to take that leap into that category. | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:38 - Dec 12 with 2381 views | Illinoisblue |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:08 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
I think Aluko probably helps from a fitness perspective too as what he lacks in goals / assists compared with a Harness he certainly makes up for in terms of ball retention. His close control and street wise approach either buys a freekick or generally sees him making the right decision on the ball. Harness brings something different but I'm sure the stats would say he's responsible for more opposition turnovers which in turn means more pressing from Morsy and Humphreys. Must be so nice having a player like that you can give the ball to and know he'll look after it.
Humpreys has done incredibly well, to be thrust into the side really and start 8 games in the last 7 weeks. Physically as much as anything its a big thing to ask, especially on heavy winter pitches. The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he hasn't looked out of place, has at no point looked like a passenger. The faith his teammates put in his ability says a lot about him, nobody appears to be making any allowances for him. Obviously Evans returning is important as we're so thin on the ground and he brings that experience, the 3 of them will give us nice balance. If you said to me right now we could have 1 of Ball or Humphreys fit for the 2nd half of the season I would pick young Cam based on what we've seen. |
EADT reporting Evans could be back Boxing Day. Which is a huge boost for the squad. |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:44 - Dec 12 with 2344 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:37 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
Yeah agreed, his decision making is impressive too. Seems to choose the right pass, knows when to go short, or when to drop a ball into the channel and get their full backs facing their own goal. He's not afraid to go long at times too and I really like that variety. There's sometimes a certain predictability about players of his nature which makes them a little less dangerous but he can mix it up. It's one thing having technical ability which he has but what I think takes a player to the next level is the ability to mix it up, use it in the right ways at the right times and ultimately influence a game. That should be his north star really, has he influenced the game and he's done that a lot. Not much value in drawing comparisons but someone like Carroll last season isn't dissimilar, but never seemed to take that leap into that category. |
And this is where the 'you need to be given a proper chance' argument proves to be true. I won't get into whether he was ready to play last season or not but he's miles better than Carroll. I imagine if we could have got a more experienced loan player in when Evans got injured we would have done. Many people on here would have bitten your hand off for it saying we need instant results and need to get promoted. But he's proven more than good enough, he's contracted to us for 3 years and he's got a massive future. | | | |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:47 - Dec 12 with 2331 views | itfcjoe |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:30 - Dec 12 by tractorboy1978 |
He's a phenomenal talent. The technical ability is one thing but he's also got the engine, durability and adaptability. McKenna has alluded to it a few times (and it's obvious in his performances) but he's so coachable and learns fast. |
I think it is good vindication for Keiron Dyer as well, not that he needs it, but there were plenty mocking him when he said Humphreys was best midfielder not called Sam Morsy at the club |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:51 - Dec 12 with 2286 views | itfcjoe |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:44 - Dec 12 by tractorboy1978 |
And this is where the 'you need to be given a proper chance' argument proves to be true. I won't get into whether he was ready to play last season or not but he's miles better than Carroll. I imagine if we could have got a more experienced loan player in when Evans got injured we would have done. Many people on here would have bitten your hand off for it saying we need instant results and need to get promoted. But he's proven more than good enough, he's contracted to us for 3 years and he's got a massive future. |
First team football isn't the end of the journey, it is part of a players development - 99% of young players aren't 'ready' to play but need to play to become ready.
Humphreys was/is effectively 5th choice central midfielder, we needed a big mess for him to get games and he has excelled - plenty of others won't get that chance especially if squad continues to be padded at times.
Transfer windows make this worse, because you bring in someone to cover a key player missing a dozen games, and all they do is take away the opportunity of a youngster covering the key player when they miss just 1 or 2 games | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:57 - Dec 12 with 2246 views | LankHenners |
What I really like about Humphreys, to add to what else has been said, is his enthusiasm. Not in a patronising way you sometimes say about a technically limited player who does a lot of running, but how keen he is to get on the ball and get it moving.
There was a moment in a home game recently (I forget exactly which one) where we had a throw-in and Davis walked down the pitch to retrieve it but Humphreys sprinted past him, picked it up, chucked it back into play and gave Davis a 'come on let's go' gesture.
Also like that he tries difficult or less obvious passes sometimes. Doesn't always come off but it shows he doesn't play with the fear of making a mistake and clearly has the quality to make those things work. |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:10 - Dec 12 with 2116 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:47 - Dec 12 by itfcjoe |
I think it is good vindication for Keiron Dyer as well, not that he needs it, but there were plenty mocking him when he said Humphreys was best midfielder not called Sam Morsy at the club |
I don't personally believe he's better than Evans or Aluko. And whilst I might not like him personally, Ball came in as an experienced championship midfielder. So imo he was still wrong. Will he end up better. Who knows
What didn't help Dyer.. was the way he went about things. Not the comment anyway. |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:13 - Dec 12 with 2112 views | oldburian |
I agree with all that been said unfortunately other sides further up the ladder will have noticed as well. | | | |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:13 - Dec 12 with 2091 views | Deano69 |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:28 - Dec 12 by NthQldITFC |
The other thing about Humphreys is his maturity, confidence and composure. He's already starting to dictate play a bit in phases of the game, demanding and getting the ball off the likes of Morsy (who clearly believes in him and trusts him), and when something doesn't come off he doesn't look flustered for a second. Some of his through balls, and balls lifted over the defence are exquisite. |
If he keeps his place I think he is contender for Player of the Season. Been really impressed and certainly isnt going to fall under the category of a one game wonder |  |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:19 - Dec 12 with 2028 views | clive_baker |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:10 - Dec 12 by FrimleyBlue |
I don't personally believe he's better than Evans or Aluko. And whilst I might not like him personally, Ball came in as an experienced championship midfielder. So imo he was still wrong. Will he end up better. Who knows
What didn't help Dyer.. was the way he went about things. Not the comment anyway. |
It was a comment designed for effect and deliberately contrarian IMO. Dyer wanted to make his point and dipped into the Talk Sport-esque play book. If you take it literally though to say that a player with no senior football is better than someone like Lee Evans, in the prime of their career and with Championship experience, is a bit nonsensical tbh. | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:24 - Dec 12 with 1989 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:13 - Dec 12 by Deano69 |
If he keeps his place I think he is contender for Player of the Season. Been really impressed and certainly isnt going to fall under the category of a one game wonder |
I don't think he will keep Evans out the side. But what it dies mean is KM can now have confidence to have Humphreys on the bench and know he can be trusted to come on a do a job.
It's also handy for when morsy gets his 2 game ban soon. | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:55 - Dec 12 with 1924 views | HighgateBlue |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 13:47 - Dec 12 by itfcjoe |
I think it is good vindication for Keiron Dyer as well, not that he needs it, but there were plenty mocking him when he said Humphreys was best midfielder not called Sam Morsy at the club |
Absolutely. It's a real shame that Dyer has left with some degree of wistfulness, and maybe even a bad taste in the mouth. Town hero through and through. I wouldn't swap McKenna for anyone right now, but it's a shame we couldn't have kept Dyer in the tent. |  | | |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 15:04 - Dec 12 with 1888 views | itfcjoe |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:55 - Dec 12 by HighgateBlue |
Absolutely. It's a real shame that Dyer has left with some degree of wistfulness, and maybe even a bad taste in the mouth. Town hero through and through. I wouldn't swap McKenna for anyone right now, but it's a shame we couldn't have kept Dyer in the tent. |
Yep, McKenna is a fantastic manager and I wouldn't swap him for anyone - but does feel like Dyer was pushed out of the club by the powers that be.
Could easily read between lines that his popularity, and willingness to be outspoken and platform he can get, makes him someone who is a threat. We know Mark Ashton is a control freak, and its par for the course in a job like that, and having his own appointments in there is much easier for him to manage so guess this was inevitable at some point | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 15:15 - Dec 12 with 1785 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:19 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
It was a comment designed for effect and deliberately contrarian IMO. Dyer wanted to make his point and dipped into the Talk Sport-esque play book. If you take it literally though to say that a player with no senior football is better than someone like Lee Evans, in the prime of their career and with Championship experience, is a bit nonsensical tbh. |
Probably an element of that but I wouldn't describe it as hugely nonsensical based on last year's Evans much of the time vs this years Humphreys. The bulk of Evans career has been in L1 and then he's been bit part in the Championship. His lack of mobility will/has been an issue at that level. Humphreys won't be playing second fiddle to him for too long. [Post edited 12 Dec 2022 15:17]
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 15:30 - Dec 12 with 1735 views | clive_baker |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 15:15 - Dec 12 by tractorboy1978 |
Probably an element of that but I wouldn't describe it as hugely nonsensical based on last year's Evans much of the time vs this years Humphreys. The bulk of Evans career has been in L1 and then he's been bit part in the Championship. His lack of mobility will/has been an issue at that level. Humphreys won't be playing second fiddle to him for too long. [Post edited 12 Dec 2022 15:17]
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Evans has spent more of his career in the Championship than he has in L1, and was a regular for Wigan barring injuries (of which he's had his fair share). I think he's one of those players that sits between the 2 leagues when fit and on song as he has been this season pre injury. Humpreys has done really well and I rate him highly but I still think it was then, and still is a stretch to say he's a better player than someone in the prime of his career and with full international honours like Evans. He's certainly catching him up, but if we had a playoff final tomorrow and everyone's fit there's only 1 player I'm putting next to Morsy and that would be Evans. | |
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| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 16:54 - Dec 12 with 1534 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 15:30 - Dec 12 by clive_baker |
Evans has spent more of his career in the Championship than he has in L1, and was a regular for Wigan barring injuries (of which he's had his fair share). I think he's one of those players that sits between the 2 leagues when fit and on song as he has been this season pre injury. Humpreys has done really well and I rate him highly but I still think it was then, and still is a stretch to say he's a better player than someone in the prime of his career and with full international honours like Evans. He's certainly catching him up, but if we had a playoff final tomorrow and everyone's fit there's only 1 player I'm putting next to Morsy and that would be Evans. |
I stand corrected on Evans history, didn't realise he'd played that many at Champ level. | | | |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 16:58 - Dec 12 with 1509 views | FrimleyBlue |
| Cam Humphreys/ Aluko on 14:55 - Dec 12 by HighgateBlue |
Absolutely. It's a real shame that Dyer has left with some degree of wistfulness, and maybe even a bad taste in the mouth. Town hero through and through. I wouldn't swap McKenna for anyone right now, but it's a shame we couldn't have kept Dyer in the tent. |
Personally the way Dyer has acted and some of the latest to come from him, gives the impression that behind the scenes it's not a threat the club were feeling, it was more being wary of the bad parts of Dyer.
He speaks of how close he was to players.. sometimes saying to close. That in itself can be an issue which we kinda saw with the whole humphries stuff and the wearing of a shirt with his name on the back. Very petty stuff from someone who had such a role at the club.
I think personally KD has shown that certain aspects of his past hasn't moved on. | |
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