Howard and Long are both good enough as a 1 2 tandom, however Howard's distribution is the weakest part of his game. I think it's easy to level everything at a young keeper as most do on here but let's not forget he got 24 odd clean sheets last season.
I am part of the keepers union myself and I keep an eye on this and with Long, it's confidence. If you watch him at half time his control is as good as some of the outfield players. When you're young and play in the next though you don't think you have as much time as you do. If you were given the same pass in midfield you wouldn't worry about it, however a back pass from 15 yards on your wrong foot can cause panic making the pitch feel smaller. Same can be said about crosses.
Whatever some of the usual suspects say and they are all here in force, Long has the talent, just not the confidence or awareness to use his own natural ability, YET.
I always find is strange how obviously old men on here find it easier to be down on a youngsters, yet say anything about what some senior players were playing like up to February and they get themselves into a pickle.
