Samir Carruthers - time to step up

[Ricky]

If we're to retain the midfield fluidity we've become accustomed to then he's the only option for now.

He's a very good technical footballer and often played in a deeper role for MK Dons, including in that game at Bramall Lane where he looked so good but had to go off injured.

If he can be disciplined enough and work hard enough then he can do a good job in that role for us.

He's not going to get a better chance than this to establish himself in the team. And given our rise and league position it's an even bigger opportunity for him than he probably ever anticipated. So I'm sure he'll give it absolutely 100%.

I remember watching our games back early last season on Blades Player, Wilder was always shouting at Coutts, noticeably more than any other player. He obviously got through to him. Maybe he could do the same with Carruthers.

Someone posted on here that they were talking to Coutts and one of the things he said was about Carruthers being a very talented player and that 'his time will come'.

Maybe that time is now. Cruel that it would be at Coutts' expense.

 

[blade789]

If we're to retain the midfield fluidity we've become accustomed to then he's the only option for now.

He's a very good technical footballer and often played in a deeper role for MK Dons, including in that game at Bramall Lane where he looked so good but had to go off injured.

If he can be disciplined enough and work hard enough then he can do a good job in that role for us.

He's not going to get a better chance than this to establish himself in the team. And given our rise and league position it's an even bigger opportunity for him than he probably ever anticipated. So I'm sure he'll give it absolutely 100%.

I remember watching our games back early last season on Blades Player, Wilder was always shouting at Coutts, noticeably more than any other player. He obviously got through to him. Maybe he could do the same with Carruthers.

Someone posted on here that they were talking to Coutts and one of the things he said was about Carruthers being a very talented player and that 'his time will come'.

Maybe that time is now. Cruel that it would be at Coutts' expense.

Would love him to step up to the plate, genuinely don't think he has the discipline for it.

 

[bromtom]

Wonder if Duffy could play in Coutts position and Carruthers in Duffy's? Duffy can defend and doesn't often lose possession, Carruthers can run at players like Duffy, they were interchangeable at the beginning of the season, obviously Duffy has stepped it up a notch with Brooksy challenging him, but I can't see a closer player in terms of quality of pass and possession.

Carruthers would then have Brooks breathing down his neck, and they're good mates, could push him forward like it did Duffy.

Lundstram could come good though, makes some decent passes but it seems like he's unpredictable to his team mates, and he gives it away a bit too often, maybe a run in the team would help, but it's the balance, can we give him the time?

I'd prefer to have the Wendy beating Bash in midfield formation if we have Lundstram, at least until he's settled, that all depends on having Baldock or Freeman fit though, and we'd have to leave Billy or Leon out, or play them both and miss Duffy or Brooks.

Difficult decision but we have the players, staff and spirit to work around it.

UTB

 

[Ranmoorblade]

The good thing is we have a few options with some talented players to come in. Wilder will sort something out I'm sure.

 

[SwissBlade]

If we're to retain the midfield fluidity we've become accustomed to then he's the only option for now.

He's a very good technical footballer and often played in a deeper role for MK Dons, including in that game at Bramall Lane where he looked so good but had to go off injured.

If he can be disciplined enough and work hard enough then he can do a good job in that role for us.

He's not going to get a better chance than this to establish himself in the team. And given our rise and league position it's an even bigger opportunity for him than he probably ever anticipated. So I'm sure he'll give it absolutely 100%.

I remember watching our games back early last season on Blades Player, Wilder was always shouting at Coutts, noticeably more than any other player. He obviously got through to him. Maybe he could do the same with Carruthers.

Someone posted on here that they were talking to Coutts and one of the things he said was about Carruthers being a very talented player and that 'his time will come'.

Maybe that time is now. Cruel that it would be at Coutts' expense.

I talked a couple of weeks back about the enigma of Carruthers recently and how he'd dropped off the radar a bit. I always thought he was more accustomed to deputising for Fleck, but last night he added a little bit of stability alongside Fleck and Lundstram.

There's certainly a talented player in Carruthers, but he needs to take his chance better than he did when he started the season in Duffy's slot, which wasn't for him really.

 

[Superblades]

People talking about Bash stepping up into midfield but what about CCV? Tall, strong and decent on the ball and fairly quick and a good range of passing. Think he played the ball through for Sharp’s second.

 

[wavy-blade]

People talking about Bash stepping up into midfield but what about CCV? Tall, strong and decent on the ball and fairly quick and a good range of passing. Think he played the ball through for Sharp’s second.

He's playing to well at the back mate plus that's his position , the simple fact is WERE GONA MISS Coutts , he was playing fantastic , his distbution was outstanding and it's something you've got as a natural talent you can't just put any player in there and say to him step up , I wonder what the satistics are on the teams performances without coutts??

 

[sheffielder]

I don't think Carruthers had the football discipline to take Coutts role, but then again I didn't think Coutts did either.
Personally I think the midfield will be too short if it's Carruthers as Coutts is important at defending set pieces.

We need to try and change as little as possible and I think Lundstream should have a crack at starting the next two games, but there is an opportunity for Carruthers if he wants it.

 

[1973_Blade]

Why not bring Whiteman back? I feel he is in a similar style to Coutts and has an eye for the goal too.

 

[EmleyMoorBlade]

First thing is will Carruthers be given a starting role by Wilder, at the moment Lundstram seems to be his preferred change in midfield. Personally I would like to see Carruthers get a shot at filling in for Coutts with maybe Fleck sitting a little deeper.
Whilst last year I think this terrible injury would have had a seriously detrimental effect on the team we now have a much stronger squad and whilst I fully accept Coutts role in the team will be very difficult to fill at least we have options with players who are desperate to get the starting role so,hopefully one of them will be able to step up to the plate
Let’s hope Coutts makes not only a speedy but a full recovery from this and comes back as strong as ever
UTB

 

[S64 Blade]

Whoever comes in has to make the most of the opportunity. They won’t get another as good as this, so it’s now or never if they want to really make it at the club.

 

[B.Lade]

Why not bring Whiteman back? I feel he is in a similar style to Coutts and has an eye for the goal too.

Judging from Roy's 'View From' Donny fans think he's gone off the boil. If he's not impressing them in league 1 what makes you think he can replace Coutts in the championship?

 

[Stretch]

Judging from Roy's 'View From' Donny fans think he's gone off the boil. If he's not impressing them in league 1 what makes you think he can replace Coutts in the championship?

I see what you are saying but most of their team aren't impressing much this season. Playing for Ferguson or playing for Wilder, big difference.

 

[B.Lade]

I see what you are saying but most of their team aren't impressing much this season. Playing for Ferguson or playing for Wilder, big difference.

Understood, and I'm not writing him off, but just think it's a bit much to expect of him yet

 

[Carlton Blade]

Don't underestimate Coutts physical presence. He's a big strong lad. Allying that with his distribution is why he's been so good. Nobody else in the squad has both so we have to adjust our thinking and be creative. No like for like swaps so others need to take parts of Coutts' role into theirs to allow whoever comes in an easier transition.

If you ask Duffy, Carruthers or anyone else to replicate his role it'll go tits up quickly

 

[Champagneblade]

My main reservations about Carruthers are:

1. He was one of the most guilty vs Boro of turning the ball over. Quite the opposite of Coutts.

2. At 5’8” we’re back to a Clough midfield of midgits without Coutts, Basham or Lundstram in there.

Seems a waste him not playing more; he’s just been unlucky with Brooks’ emergence.

 

[Roygbiv]

How about Fleck in the deeper role he used to play for Coventry with Carruthurs and Duffy?

 

[robbiez666]

Samir's ball retention is dreadful. The only position I can see him playing, at the moment, is Duffy's.

It will have to be Lundstram for Coutts. We could probably get away with Basham in that role and play differently, but only against some teams. However, Bash is currently covering at right back.

Can we recall Whiteman? I don't think we can. Missing out on a midfielder in the summer may come back to haunt us.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

How about Fleck in the deeper role he used to play for Coventry with Carruthurs and Duffy?

Thats the role he played recently when Coutts was missing in a home match against Ipswich,the midfield was Duffy Lundstram Fleck.

 

[Roygbiv]

Thats the role he played recently when Coutts was missing in a home match against Ipswich,the midfield was Duffy Lundstram Fleck.

I'm thinking this might be the best solution if Lundstram doesn't set up.

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

The fact we are touting Samir, Lundstrum (and somebody suggested Brookes) as possible replacements shows we havent got a ready made replacement for Couttsy.

I like Samir, he is talented, but not sure he is suited to the Coutts role. More of a forward-midfielder.

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

Coutts offered way more than his passing.

He's a decent sized unit, was winning tackles, harrassing opposition players and winning aerial battles when defending corners.

The guy is irreplaceable, even if you looked into Premier League options, nobody could come in and replace him straight away.

 

[Ricky]

Don't underestimate Coutts physical presence. He's a big strong lad. Allying that with his distribution is why he's been so good. Nobody else in the squad has both so we have to adjust our thinking and be creative. No like for like swaps so others need to take parts of Coutts' role into theirs to allow whoever comes in an easier transition.

If you ask Duffy, Carruthers or anyone else to replicate his role it'll go tits up quickly

There's no way we can replace Coutts like for like. That physical presence is one of the biggest reasons why. Add to that his consistency in decision making and execution. We don't have anyone who offers the same and it will be extremely hard to sign anyone who does. There really aren't many players like him.

What we've got to do is adjust and go with someone who offers as many of his attributes as possible while hopefully compensating for the ones they don't.

Carruthers is technically the best option we have and what he lacks in physicality and ball retention he can hopefully make up for to some extent with with his flair and ball carrying ability.

Wilder and his staff have to work on him relentlessly in training for the next few weeks.

 

[itsinyerblood]

What's the fat, scouse-like, Jan Molby doing these days?

That's the type of quality you're looking at to replace Coutts. Guile, tactical and spacial awareness, and so many other good attributes, what a superb player Coutts is, hope to see him again in a red and white shirt playing before the season's out.. The more I see that tackle, the more I see intent rather than clueless defending. It's not the first time the big twat has attacked someone, if you doubt me see the comments emanating from the sty. Sordell should be ashamed of what he did, I'm waiting for a public apology, at least. I hope Sordell's been in touch with Coutts already.

 

[Dnblade]

Remember when Coutts was out injured for the Posh away game last season..Carruthers played alongside Fleck that day looked impressive.
I see him more in the Fleck role to be honest,as he can pick it up deep,burst past a player and drive forward..He's a talented player,just needs to be a bit more disciplined...maybe with a run in the team will be what he needs to shine..same with Lundstram.
Look at CCV after a run of games and even JOC when he first came in or Fleck..I'd stick him in personally,but he seems to be behind Lundstram in the pecking order at the minute.

 

[coolhandluke]

There's no way we can replace Coutts like for like. That physical presence is one of the biggest reasons why. Add to that his consistency in decision making and execution. We don't have anyone who offers the same and it will be extremely hard to sign anyone who does. There really aren't many players like him.

What we've got to do is adjust and go with someone who offers as many of his attributes as possible while hopefully compensating for the ones they don't.

Carruthers is technically the best option we have and what he lacks in physicality and ball retention he can hopefully make up for to some extent with with his flair and ball carrying ability.

Wilder and his staff have to work on him relentlessly in training for the next few weeks.

Round pegs for round holes mate . I like Carruthers but to play him in Coutts position would be wholly wrong . Carruthers isn't that type of midfielder . Carruthers for me is more a back up for Fleck and possibly Duffy but definitely not Coutts .

Lundstram is back up for Coutts and I'm pretty much certain that's exactly why he was signed by Wilder . It's time for him to step up to the plate now and show us exactly what Wilder sees in him and why the oxford fans rated him as highly as they did . Lunstrams inclusion in this role will also allow us to maintain our shape and fluidity .

I have a feeling that given a run he'll go on to surprise us all .

 

[raimond]

People talking about Bash stepping up into midfield but what about CCV? Tall, strong and decent on the ball and fairly quick and a good range of passing. Think he played the ball through for Sharp’s second.

He's a centre half. Great on the ball, great through ball last night, but still a centre half. Simon Moore got a couple of assists last year but I wouldn't stick him in there either

 

[Ricky]

Round pegs for round holes mate . I like Carruthers but to play him in Coutts position would be wholly wrong . Carruthers isn't that type of midfielder . Carruthers for me is more a back up for Fleck and possibly Duffy but definitely not Coutts .

Lundstram is back up for Coutts and I'm pretty much certain that's exactly why he was signed by Wilder . It's time for him to step up to the plate now and show us exactly what Wilder sees in him and why the oxford fans rated him as highly as they did . Lunstrams inclusion in this role will also allow us to maintain our shape and fluidity .

I have a feeling that given a run he'll go on to surprise us all .

Lundstram is more suited to the role than Carruthers but there's a gap in technical ability between the two - Carruthers is considerably better. Considering the team we've become I'd prioritise technical ability in there above all else. It's vital that we carry on playing with a certain level of quality in midfield.

We're not going to replace like for like, certainly with what we've got. We'll have to make adjustments. I'd rather see us adjust around Carruthers than Lundstram.

I'm sure Lundstram will be preferred initially but when he's taken Coutts' place we haven't looked anywhere near as fluid.

I think we'll almost certainly be signing someone in January to replace Coutts but until then I'd like to see us give Carruthers a chance. Generally I see more potential in him than Lundstram and this is the best chance we'll get to see if he can fulfil that potential.

 

[UnitedBlade]

There's no way we can replace Coutts like for like. That physical presence is one of the biggest reasons why. Add to that his consistency in decision making and execution. We don't have anyone who offers the same and it will be extremely hard to sign anyone who does. There really aren't many players like him.

What we've got to do is adjust and go with someone who offers as many of his attributes as possible while hopefully compensating for the ones they don't.

Carruthers is technically the best option we have and what he lacks in physicality and ball retention he can hopefully make up for to some extent with with his flair and ball carrying ability.

Wilder and his staff have to work on him relentlessly in training for the next few weeks.

Interestingly, this season, Carruthers has a pass completion rate that matches Coutts ie both about 85%. . The problem is that is for very few minutes and mainly when we've been trying to kill off a game. My perception is he is prone to losing concentration and giving the ball away in dangerous situations but I agree if the coaching staff work on him he could be the one.

 

[coolhandluke]

Lundstram is more suited to the role than Carruthers but there's a gap in technical ability between the two - Carruthers is considerably better. Considering the team we've become I'd prioritise technical ability in there above all else. It's vital that we carry on playing with a certain level of quality in midfield.

We're not going to replace like for like, certainly with what we've got. We'll have to make adjustments. I'd rather see us adjust around Carruthers than Lundstram.

I'm sure Lundstram will be preferred initially but when he's taken Coutts' place we haven't looked anywhere near as fluid.

Carruthers is undoubtedly more skilfull than lundstram but i think the key here is how you want to prioritise technical ability in midfield . I don't think Wilder will .

For me I think Carruthers biggest weakness is the fact that he's not disciplined enough for the Coutts role . Lundstram is as it's a position he made his own at Oxford . I believe playing Carruthers in Coutts role will alter the overall dynamics of our midfield set up and even though I rate Carruthers very highly I dont think its a risk worth taking .

It'll certainly be interesting to see how Wilder reacts to Coutts injury .