Best performer so far

[SwissBlade]

It was a point that moDtheGod raised in another thread, but it'd be good to know opinions of the star performers up to now. I have not put this in a poll as I can't extend it far enough to the 18 players who have featured. So I've listed the players who have played 5 league games or more to date

Probably a bad week to do this after a defeat, but we're up to 20 games by some players.

PLAYER LEAGUE
Harry MAGUIRE 20
Nick BLACKMAN 20
Kevin MCDONALD 20
Tony MCMAHON 18
Michael DOYLE 17
Matthew HILL 17
Neill COLLINS 17
Ryan FLYNN 14
Marcus WILLIAMS 13
David MCALLISTER 12
Richard CRESSWELL 12
John COFIE 12
Chris PORTER 11
Shaun MILLER 11
Mark HOWARD 11
George LONG 10
Dave KITSON 9
Darryl WESTLAKE 5

Stats from the OS

 

[yorkshirecoast]

I think one of the main problems this season is that nobody has performed consistently well. Even our better players such as McDonald, Maguire & Collins have been hit & miss.

At times McDonald has looked a class above everyone else - but it's disappointing that we've only seen glimpses of this. Of the new players, I think Blackman has had the biggest impact. But overall, I'd probably go for Maguire even though I think he could and should do better at this level.

UTB

 

[moDtheGod]

Two goals and six assists from 14 games on the wing isn't really that bad for a player that's too lightweight and can't beat a man

Miller's had a cracking impact in terms of minutes on the pitch. Kitson's made a big contribution too, but again, for just a handful of games.

I think Harry gets my vote - just - as he's more consistent than Flynn.

 

[Balham]

Based on the games I've paid attention to:

Standout: Maguire

Good:
Kitson, Miller (11 games but only 3 starts!), Hill (centre back), Long

Acceptable:
Howard, Westlake, Flynn, Blackman (more performances like the 2nd half on Saturday, please!), Collins, McAllister (not a winger!), Porter, McDonald

Could do better:
Williams (left back), McMahon, Cofie, Hill (left back),

Not good enough:
Doyle, Williams (left wing), Cresswell

That may seem harsh on Doyle but as I've said on a number of other threads I just don't rate him.

 

[SwissBlade]

I haven't seen anywhere near enough games to judge properly this season, missed a lot early on in the season, but in the last month i've seen a few. So i'm also basing my comments on recent performances, reports and the commentaries I've listened to as as well (not something i normally do)

Standout:
Miller (I've seen 2 of his 3 starts)

Good:
Long, Blackman, Harry (even though he was awful on Sat), Porter, Kitson

Could do better
Flynn, Collins, Doyle, KMac(think i've seen his bad games), McMahon, Howard, Westlake

Not Good enough
Cofie, Hill, Williams, Cresswell

 

[Selly]

Go on then, who wants to average out the marks given by Deadbat ????

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

Think the players that have consistently done well this season are Maguire and Hill. Others that have done well when they have played, though have not got that many games under their belts, are Porter, Miller, Kitson and Long. Players that have been a bit up and down - Collins (generally up), Williams (generally up), Flynn, McDonald, Doyle and Blackman (generally down).

 

[bartman]

Don't know what games Balham and Swiss have been watching but Matt Hill has been the stand out performer for me so far this season along with Harry

 

[Balham]

Don't know what games Balham and Swiss have been watching but Matt Hill has been the stand out performer for me so far this season along with Harry

I've been far more impressed with him at centre half: he was excellent at Orient. His distribution and composure isn't good enough for him to make a decent full back, even at this level.

I thought he had a shocker at Brentford (as did most of the team) and was poor at Swindon too but it's all about opinions and I'm more than happy to accept that others might disagree with me.

 

[KenMcnaughtsNuts]

the old school way would be to add up all the ratings in the "match facts" and get averages for every player. nowadays all the football mags are aimed at 2 year olds though.

 

[Ollessendro]

Maguire by a country mile. No one else comes close. He has been a rock, carrying his older and more experienced (yet inept) centre back partners.

Hill gets most improved (though it was a low baseline) but I think people are going a bit over the top about him. He is solid though and has proved his value.

Most potential comes from Kitson and Miller, for different reasons. The former being unplayable when fit and the latter being very dangerous. Similarly, though having more of an impact, is Blackman. Inconsistent, frustrating, raw and selfish, yet when he wants to be miles better than this league. He is quick, excellent at set pieces and has real ability.

McMahon has been the biggest disappointment for me. Doyle has reverted back to his old ways and looks terrible. I have also been disappointed by K Mac. He can be brilliant, but is inconsistent. He has struggled parlty because he has no one to pass too, but he also looks lethargic and uninterested. The guy has real ability to pick a pass and find space, but it has been too infrequent. This may be harsh, as teams have studied us and press him hard. However he set high standards last year and has not lived up to those this time around. Plus his heading and shooting is frankly embarassing.

Go on SellyOakBlade, stop teasing and give us Deadbat's marks

 

[Hodgyman]

I'd have to choose Maguire, with Miller and Long showing promise going forward into the rest of the season.

 

[sitwell]

Don't know what games Balham and Swiss have been watching but Matt Hill has been the stand out performer for me so far this season along with Harry

Dont reckon Balham gets to many games.

 

[JohnDenver]

It seems people can be swayed by a couple of bad games. Miller has been excellent in the few games he's played, but he hasn't had the misfortune to be involved in too many grim team performances.

Meanwhile Hill has been excellent in virtually every game he's played at centre back, as has Maguire. It's these two who've ensured we're up the top despite our obvious weaknesses elsewhere in the side.

I do like Miller as a player - I expect him to be a top contributer for the remainder of the season. But up to this point, it's others who've borne the load.

 

[Balham]

Dont reckon Balham gets to many games.

I don't get to many games, you're right: that's why my tag line is "part-timer". Does that disqualify my opinion?

Matt Hill is an excellent centre half at this level: arguably better than Collins on the evidence of this season (albeit without Collins' goal threat). He is a poor left back because he lacks the attacking instincts, positioning, composure, skill and passing ability to be a success there. I'd be interested to hear the reasons behind anyone who disagrees with that view.

 

[sitwell]

Matt Hill is a defender and a good one ,he is not good going forward ,but i prefer a defender to defend. Its your slagging off of Doyle ,yet accepting of Westlake (2 games) and Macallister who has been dreadful which shows you are judging on very few games.

 

[Balham]

Matt Hill is a defender and a good one ,he is not good going forward ,but i prefer a defender to defend. Its your slagging off of Doyle ,yet accepting of Westlake (2 games) and Macallister who has been dreadful which shows you are judging on very few games.

Fair enough.

I agree about Hill but think he's better at centre half as modern full backs have to offer more than just defensive ability.

I've put McAllister in acceptable as he's been played out of position all season. Saturday gives us a great opportunity to try out players in their preferred positions - I'd give McDonald a rest and try McAllister in the middle but we'd also need to play two attack minded wingers to make that work.

Westlake has looked poor in a couple of games but good in others and was unfortunate to lose his place to McMahon on Saturday.

I've given my reasons for disliking Doyle but I'll say it again: I don't like the sly fouls and kicks off the ball you get from Doyle. He was shown up by the pace, touch and movement of the Brentford midfielders on Saturday and, as the opposition are wising up to the impact McDonald has on our play and are closing him down quicker, his lack of ability on the ball is impacting on the team performance as a whole. He's great at the 5 yard pass back to Collins but we need more - particularly if Wilson is going to play someone like McAllister on the wing.

Behind all of this is my annoyance at where we find ourselves and a deep-seated belief that we could and should be doing better.

 

[dublin 10 blade]

Slightly off topic but has to be yeatsey after last night only just finished laughing at the '' vile '' hughes ? o'neill ? for next manager talk? Other than that Maguire by ollies country mile. HaHaHa sorry mum dad & andrew but your team are shit.

 

[dublin 10 blade]

Maguire by a country mile. No one else comes close. He has been a rock, carrying his older and more experienced (yet inept) centre back partners.

Hill gets most improved (though it was a low baseline) but I think people are going a bit over the top about him. He is solid though and has proved his value.

Most potential comes from Kitson and Miller, for different reasons. The former being unplayable when fit and the latter being very dangerous. Similarly, though having more of an impact, is Blackman. Inconsistent, frustrating, raw and selfish, yet when he wants to be miles better than this league. He is quick, excellent at set pieces and has real ability.

McMahon has been the biggest disappointment for me. Doyle has reverted back to his old ways and looks terrible. I have also been disappointed by K Mac. He can be brilliant, but is inconsistent. He has struggled parlty because he has no one to pass too, but he also looks lethargic and uninterested. The guy has real ability to pick a pass and find space, but it has been too infrequent. This may be harsh, as teams have studied us and press him hard. However he set high standards last year and has not lived up to those this time around. Plus his heading and shooting is frankly embarassing.

Go on SellyOakBlade, stop teasing and give us Deadbat's marks

Agree with all that you say ollie, get that man a cigar

 

[Ollessendro]

When McAllister filled in for Doyle he did ok. He played the defensive midfield role quite well and allowed K Mac to play. He offered the back 4 some protection and we only conceded 1 goal in those 3 games. That said, McAllister is shocking out wide. He just has no idea. I would be tempted to drop Doyle (at least for the cup game(s) coming up) and put McAllister in as the defensive midfielder. Can't see Wilson dropping his captain though. The other option might be to 'rest' K Mac and give McAllister more of an attacking role.

 

[sitwell]

I love Doyles sly kicks and fouls ,thats what you want from a midfielder ,he always gets an early one in to make the opposition wary. He is much better than Monty and we missed him terribly when he was suspended. Macdonald needs him there and i think he is a good captain.
Sitwell #doylefan.

 

[SwissBlade]

When McAllister filled in for Doyle he did ok. He played the defensive midfield role quite well and allowed K Mac to play. He offered the back 4 some protection and we only conceded 1 goal in those 3 games. That said, McAllister is shocking out wide. He just has no idea. I would be tempted to drop Doyle (at least for the cup game(s) coming up) and put McAllister in as the defensive midfielder. Can't see Wilson dropping his captain though. The other option might be to 'rest' K Mac and give McAllister more of an attacking role.

I see your point, but who would you put in as captain. No real leaders out there

 

[Balham]

I love Doyles sly kicks and fouls ,thats what you want from a midfielder ,he always gets an early one in to make the opposition wary. He is much better than Monty and we missed him terribly when he was suspended. Macdonald needs him there and i think he is a good captain.
Sitwell #doylefan.

I'd rather have intelligent passing and movement than sly fouls and disguised thuggery from my midfielders. I'm not going to deny that Doyle is an improvement on Montgomery: at least he's efficient at what he does.

However, a stamp on a prone Scunthorpe player 15 minutes into an away game right in front of the referee is not good captaincy.

 

[sitwell]

I was there at Scunthorpe and still think he tried to get his balance rather than stamp on him ,it wasnt in the context of the game at that time and would have been suicide by him. 2 Macdonalds would see us over run completely in midfield ,every team needs a tackler ,you name me a team that hasnt.

 

[Balham]

I was there at Scunthorpe and still think he tried to get his balance rather than stamp on him ,it wasnt in the context of the game at that time and would have been suicide by him. 2 Macdonalds would see us over run completely in midfield ,every team needs a tackler ,you name me a team that hasnt.

Barcelona. Manchester United. Manchester City. Tottenham. Brentford. Swansea. Real Madrid.

I'm not advocating two McDonalds as he doesn't do enough defensively and doesn't have the engine.

ps your comments made me go and find the Scunthorpe game on youtube. I've never tried to get my balance by stamping down: it doesn't look good on video but evidently did live.

 

[norfolkblade]

Barcelona. Manchester United. Manchester City. Tottenham. Brentford. Swansea. Real Madrid.

Xavi. Carrick. Toure/Barry. Sandro. Alonso.

I don't know much about Brentford or Swansea tbh, hence me not naming any players for them, but I would suggest the players above are the players their respective teams look to for providing the tackling and doing the dirty work in the engine room.

 

[Balham]

Xavi. Carrick. Toure/Barry. Sandro. Alonso.

Xavi? A tackling midfielder? Seriously?!

If anyone in that Barcelona team is it's Busquets but he's not a tackler in the Doyle sense: he's there to nick the ball when it's loose.

Of the list you've named only Barry and Sandro could qualify as tacklers. The rest are playmakers; the point being that their teams don't need a tackling midfielder as they all press until the opposition make a mistake.

I'd wager that most of the teams I've named get the ball back far more often from opposition errors than United whereas we rely on tackling more.

 

[sitwell]

Because the teams youmention can afford players who do both as in scholes ,Alonso and dejong ,it has been tottenhams and Arsenals problem for years and why they have a weak backbone and win nothing. Man utd had Butt and Keane ,chelsea had makelele Liverpool had Case and McMahon ,Arsenal going back had Storey ,when they were highly succesful. You make Brentford out to be a class above us ,it was one game , they are below us and we have lost 2 in god knows how many. What I dont understand is why you are always negative about Sheff Utd , you never have anything good to say about us ?

 

[Selly]

Because the teams youmention can afford players who do both as in scholes ,Alonso and dejong ,it has been tottenhams and Arsenals problem for years and why they have a weak backbone and win nothing. Man utd had Butt and Keane ,chelsea had makelele Liverpool had Case and McMahon ,Arsenal going back had Storey ,when they were highly succesful. You make Brentford out to be a class above us ,it was one game , they are below us and we have lost 2 in god knows how many. What I dont understand is why you are always negative about Sheff Utd , you never have anything good to say about us ?

Seriously, have you just suggested that Scholes is a good passer and tackler????

My mums a better tackler than Scholes and she's been dead for nearly 3 years....

 

[Balham]

Because the teams youmention can afford players who do both as in scholes ,Alonso and dejong ,it has been tottenhams and Arsenals problem for years and why they have a weak backbone and win nothing. Man utd had Butt and Keane ,chelsea had makelele Liverpool had Case and McMahon ,Arsenal going back had Storey ,when they were highly succesful. You make Brentford out to be a class above us ,it was one game , they are below us and we have lost 2 in god knows how many. What I dont understand is why you are always negative about Sheff Utd , you never have anything good to say about us ?

When have I ever been negative about Sheffield United? Critical yes, negative no. I'm guessing that you've come to this opinion because you disagree with me which is in itself a little sad.