The Samir Carruthers Mystery

[SwissBlade]

When Samir Carruthers arrived he came with a fair bit of expectation, at least at league one. He showed glimpses of quality before and after his injury last season and this season I thought that whilst the advanced midfield role wasn’t suited to him, he was able to do a job.

Not blessed with height or bags of pace, I think he’s quite a combative midfielder that can pass a ball well, but primarily he can break up play.

Ideal replacement for Fleck then, in my opinion.

Lundstram, being the summer signing, perhaps has worked harder to get into contention, particularly as a replacement for Coutts, but also as a defensive midfielder to replace an attacker late in games when we need to break up play and ‘consolidate’ a bit, not that consolidation is ever in Wilders mind.

However, when Fleck was out on Tuesday for QPR, I thought that Samir was better suited to slot in than Lundstram. Lundstram has been ‘ok’ when he’s played. I think he’s struggled at times to fill a role when he’s come off the bench, but he’s been far from terrible, however, this puzzles me more about Carruthers.

Just checked and he’s played 3 games and made 2 sub appearances this season. He seems to always make the bench, so injury is probably not an issue. I know that his chances will be limited in midfield this year and its not to criticise or suggest that he should be playing, however, it’s that I expected him to play a bigger role by this point in the season.

If anything Carruthers was one player that I fully expected to be able to step up this year.

 

[Ron_Justice]

It's a weird one for sure; as your say, Samir, in principle, looks the perfect understudy for Fleck and I've been expecting to see him when Flecks been unavailable. It seems though, and there may be some confirmation bias here, that when Fleck or Coutts are out, CW takes the opportunity to rest players and rejig - like QPR - more than try to do a like for like swap.

 

[TarquinDelouche]

Maybe he’s just got shitbreath.

 

[SwissBlade]

It's a weird one for sure; as your say, Samir, in principle, looks the perfect understudy for Fleck and I've been expecting to see him when Flecks been unavailable. It seems though, and there may be some confirmation bias here, that when Fleck or Coutts are out, CW takes the opportunity to rest players and rejig - like QPR - more than try to do a like for like swap.

It seems a little unusual though as Wilder also doesn't like to fit square pegs in round holes when he doesn't have to.

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

When Samir Carruthers arrived he came with a fair bit of expectation, at least at league one. He showed glimpses of quality before and after his injury last season and this season I thought that whilst the advanced midfield role wasn’t suited to him, he was able to do a job.

Not blessed with height or bags of pace, I think he’s quite a combative midfielder that can pass a ball well, but primarily he can break up play.

Ideal replacement for Fleck then, in my opinion.

Lundstram, being the summer signing, perhaps has worked harder to get into contention, particularly as a replacement for Coutts, but also as a defensive midfielder to replace an attacker late in games when we need to break up play and ‘consolidate’ a bit, not that consolidation is ever in Wilders mind.

However, when Fleck was out on Tuesday for QPR, I thought that Samir was better suited to slot in than Lundstram. Lundstram has been ‘ok’ when he’s played. I think he’s struggled at times to fill a role when he’s come off the bench, but he’s been far from terrible, however, this puzzles me more about Carruthers.

Just checked and he’s played 3 games and made 2 sub appearances this season. He seems to always make the bench, so injury is probably not an issue. I know that his chances will be limited in midfield this year and its not to criticise or suggest that he should be playing, however, it’s that I expected him to play a bigger role by this point in the season.

If anything Carruthers was one player that I fully expected to be able to step up this year.

As I've said on another thread I think there's a direct correlation between the emergence of Brooks and the demise of Carruthers.

The system Tufty plays allows for one care free ball playing attacking midfielder. The default starting setting is Duffy with Brooks able to deputise or come on when the game is stretched enough or we're chasing a result to warrant two.

Not sure there's anything sinister other than CW sees Brooks as a better player. I'm sure an injury to either would see Carruthers involved.

I'm not sure I share others views that he'd be a default replacement in the engine room. He's too care free with the ball and tries one too many dribbles to be played in a deep midfield role.

 

[Carlton Blade]

Carruthers is a luxury player. When he played well last year he was great to watch but he's liable to give the ball away a lot. I do think he could get a game against someone like Birmingham who will likely sit very deep.

Not got the discipline for Flecks role and holds the ball too long for Duffys.

 

[SwissBlade]

As I've said on another thread I think there's a direct correlation between the emergence of Brooks and the demise of Carruthers.

The system Tufty plays allows for one care free ball playing attacking midfielder. The default starting setting is Duffy with Brooks able to deputise or come on when the game is stretched enough or we're chasing a result to warrant two.

Not sure there's anything sinister other than CW sees Brooks as a better player. I'm sure an injury to either would see Carruthers involved.

I'm not sure I share others views that he'd be a default replacement in the engine room. He's too care free with the ball and tries one too many dribbles to be played in a deep midfield role.

I don't think he's an attacking midfielder though, obviously i don't see enough of him like Wilder and Knill, but from his early season showings he was playing a role where he was breaking up play instead of attacking with the ball like Duffy and Brooks do.

I should probably say then that if Fleck is out for any period, i'd like to see Carruthers get his chance there alongside Coutts rather than slot Lundstram in there (too similar).

If Carruthers isn't the man to slot in for Fleck, then we need to be getting that back up in January

 

[IdLiketoRogerMoore]

I don't think he's an attacking midfielder though, obviously i don't see enough of him like Wilder and Knill, but from his early season showings he was playing a role where he was breaking up play instead of attacking with the ball like Duffy and Brooks do.

I should probably say then that if Fleck is out for any period, i'd like to see Carruthers get his chance there alongside Coutts rather than slot Lundstram in there (too similar).

If Carruthers isn't the man to slot in for Fleck, then we need to be getting that back up in January

Not sure I see him in the engine room either. Maybe a run in there would see him prove me wrong but from what I've seen last and this season, he's too care free with the ball. I remember Middlesbrough Away when he spent most of the first half hurting us by constantly giving the ball away.

I think his natural position is head of the midfield trimumverate which now sees Duffy and Brooks ahead of him.

Lundstram has done ok in the engine room but I'm not sure he has fast enough feet to be a long term prospect in there. He covers the ground ok but can't move the ball like Fleck & Coutts...

 

[Rodders]

Carruthers - busy but zero end product. Will be moved on by the start of the 18/19 season.

 

[Foody]

Samir Caruthers is the footballing equivalent of the stereotypical dense fake page 3 girl. Sure they would be great to look at, and show off with. But would you want to rely upon them when you really need them? Coutts on the other hand is more like Rachel Riley, the thinking man's crumpet.

Samir has strength and great feet and can do some incredible stuff, but he lacks a footballing brain, making the wrong decisions constantly.

 

[FTPE]

I think Carruthers was expected to step up in the Championship but I also think Duffy was expected not to.
I think Duffy is even more influential this year then he was in League 1. His final ball is getting even more consisitant.

 

[SwissBlade]

I think Carruthers was expected to step up in the Championship but I also think Duffy was expected not to.
I think Duffy is even more influential this year then he was in League 1. His final ball is getting even more consisitant.

Yeah completely agree, that was my expectation, but Duffy has been fantastic. I dare say he'll make the step up to the Premier league too.

 

[Ron_Justice]

I think Carruthers was expected to step up in the Championship but I also think Duffy was expected not to.
I think Duffy is even more influential this year then he was in League 1. His final ball is getting even more consisitant.

When he's in full flow, which is most of the time tbf, his final ball is devastating for the opposition. The real beauty however is when in full flow, his final ball is often his first touch. His anticipation, movement, link up play and skill all make him unplayable at times.

 

[vorpal blade]

I think the negative aspects af Carruther's play are mainly down to him not having had a regular place in the team. Nor this season nor last.

I think he's very good, and will show us.

I was disappointed not to see him deputise for Fleck at QPR.

 

[spongebobblade]

Carruthers had a decent pre season in the number 10 role alternating with Brooks and the pair of them looked likely to share the position while Duffy was lagging behind pre season with his girlfriend being ready to drop and a slight injury. I think plenty of us thought that maybe the championship was a step too far for him anyway based on the fact Burton weren’t that bothered and he didn’t make it at Birmingham. How wrong we all were. His performances have been outstanding and with the emergence of Brooks (who was originally earmarked for Chesterfield) it’s just pushed Samir down the pecking order. Would love to see him given at chance when players are rested at some point though. I’m sure he’ll a “don’t forget me” point to prove.

 

[8lade]

One thing that Carruthers can do that hasn't been mentioned yet is 'win a penalty', not sure if Wilder sees this as a negative thing but when we come down to it people are happy to do it against us and considering the prize on offer one goal may make all the difference.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

I don't think he's an attacking midfielder though, obviously i don't see enough of him like Wilder and Knill, but from his early season showings he was playing a role where he was breaking up play instead of attacking with the ball like Duffy and Brooks do.

I should probably say then that if Fleck is out for any period, i'd like to see Carruthers get his chance there alongside Coutts rather than slot Lundstram in there (too similar).

If Carruthers isn't the man to slot in for Fleck, then we need to be getting that back up in January

He’s definitely more of an attacking midfielder than an engine room type.
That’s how Wilder sees him too based on his tactics board:-



He started the season as first choice in the “Duffy” role but didn’t really take his opportunity..
Both Duffy and Brooks have been consistently better than him.
I don’t think there’s any great mystery personally.
I do think he’s a great option to have as third choice though and his time will come.

Wilder intended to sign Quina from West Ham as additional cover for Fleck/Coutts but his greedy agent reneged on the deal.

 

[JohnDenver]

I think he’s quite a combative midfielder that can pass a ball well, but primarily he can break up play.
.

That's absolutely not the player I see. He's defensively weak and irresponsible.

What he can do is open up the game with a clever touch, beat players on the half-turn or slip in players running beyond. I think he still has plenty to offer as cover for Duffy, but if we played him next to Paul Coutts we'd be horribly overrun.

 

[Rodley]

He’s definitely more of an attacking midfielder than an engine room type.
That’s how Wilder sees him too based on his tactics board:-

View attachment 32860

He started the season as first choice in the “Duffy” role but didn’t really take his opportunity..
Both Duffy and Brooks have been consistently better than him.
I don’t think there’s any great mystery personally.
I do think he’s a great option to have as third choice though and his time will come.

Wilder intended to sign Quina from West Ham as additional cover for Fleck/Coutts but his greedy agent reneged on the deal.

No mystery for me at all. Duffy has been superb. Lunny covers Coutts & Fleck.

 

[Blade58]

He’s definitely more of an attacking midfielder than an engine room type.
That’s how Wilder sees him too based on his tactics board:-

View attachment 32860

He started the season as first choice in the “Duffy” role but didn’t really take his opportunity..
Both Duffy and Brooks have been consistently better than him.
I don’t think there’s any great mystery personally.
I do think he’s a great option to have as third choice though and his time will come.

Wilder intended to sign Quina from West Ham as additional cover for Fleck/Coutts but his greedy agent reneged on the deal.

I see CW had crossed out the initials JH.

He was supposedly off to Scunny until he got injured

 

[Antonb]

No mystery, Wilder likes his midfielders to be able to do a bit of everything. Samir is a attacking midfielder, who only does just that, at the moment anyhow. The Leicester game was the perfect example.The team played well first half, game was still open, 0-0 . Second half, Was a different story. We were under a lot of pressure, and to be frank, Samir went missing. Lundtram, who had just arrived, wasn't very good, but he kept going and didn't hide. And since that game, Samir hasn't played another game!

 

[Ricky]

Carruthers is probably the unluckiest player at the club at the minute.

 

[Slim Man]

For me he isn’t good enough and will be moved on in January to probably make room for Ryan Leonard who will be a cut price from whatever he cost in the summer.

He does a lot of nothing and hasn’t stepped up to a consistent Championship standard. It’s a shame as there is a player in there, but I don’t think he has the end product or defensive responsibility for a central role nor the pace for a wide role in this league.

 

[davidblade]

Samir Caruthers is the footballing equivalent of the stereotypical dense fake page 3 girl. Sure they would be great to look at, and show off with. But would you want to rely upon them when you really need them? Coutts on the other hand is more like Rachel Riley, the thinking man's crumpet.

Samir has strength and great feet and can do some incredible stuff, but he lacks a footballing brain, making the wrong decisions constantly.

Personally I don’t want my women to be too clever, if they were clever they wouldn’t be with me , I’d make an exception for Rachel though.

 

[N20 Blade]

This is a normal situation; some players step up and others are overtaken. Going back Alan Roberts, Paul Wood and Paul Ifill were players who were tipped to be integral post promotion but for different reasons they we’r and moved on. Much of this can be the approach of the player himself and their own self-belief or lack of.

 

[Sheff de party]

I still like having him in the squad. If we’re trying to break a team down and it’s 0-0 with 10 mins left, Carruthers might be the man to get through.

Even if it is through diving to win a penalty ...

 

[LoughboroBlade]

This is a normal situation; some players step up and others are overtaken. Going back Alan Roberts, Paul Wood and Paul Ifill were players who were tipped to be integral post promotion but for different reasons they we’r and moved on. Much of this can be the approach of the player himself and their own self-belief or lack of.

It’s no mystery – as you say, circumstances will result in some getting less game time than originally thought. Much as I rated Duffy last season, I had wondered whether he could step up and wouldn’t have been surprised to have seen Carruthers hold on to his place when he started vs Brentford. Duffy’s performances have been a delight – for me he’s been our most important player this season so far. It’s all about taking opportunities when they come with this squad – Duffy hasn’t looked back since he came back in, and Brooks is probably the first back-up option to replace him when required now. The fact we’re struggling to find a place to start Brooks is in itself an indication why the likes of Carruthers have found it so difficult to find time on the pitch.

 

[N20 Blade]

It’s no mystery – as you say, circumstances will result in some getting less game time than originally thought. Much as I rated Duffy last season, I had wondered whether he could step up and wouldn’t have been surprised to have seen Carruthers hold on to his place when he started vs Brentford. Duffy’s performances have been a delight – for me he’s been our most important player this season so far. It’s all about taking opportunities when they come with this squad – Duffy hasn’t looked back since he came back in, and Brooks is probably the first back-up option to replace him when required now. The fact we’re struggling to find a place to start Brooks is in itself and indication why the likes of Carruthers have found it so difficult to find time on the pitch.

Yes, you just can’t legislate for the Duffy factor, no words do his contributions and brilliance justice; quite remarkable.

 

[super_pig]

When Samir Carruthers arrived he came with a fair bit of expectation, at least at league one. He showed glimpses of quality before and after his injury last season and this season I thought that whilst the advanced midfield role wasn’t suited to him, he was able to do a job.

Not blessed with height or bags of pace, I think he’s quite a combative midfielder that can pass a ball well, but primarily he can break up play.

Ideal replacement for Fleck then, in my opinion.

Lundstram, being the summer signing, perhaps has worked harder to get into contention, particularly as a replacement for Coutts, but also as a defensive midfielder to replace an attacker late in games when we need to break up play and ‘consolidate’ a bit, not that consolidation is ever in Wilders mind.

However, when Fleck was out on Tuesday for QPR, I thought that Samir was better suited to slot in than Lundstram. Lundstram has been ‘ok’ when he’s played. I think he’s struggled at times to fill a role when he’s come off the bench, but he’s been far from terrible, however, this puzzles me more about Carruthers.

Just checked and he’s played 3 games and made 2 sub appearances this season. He seems to always make the bench, so injury is probably not an issue. I know that his chances will be limited in midfield this year and its not to criticise or suggest that he should be playing, however, it’s that I expected him to play a bigger role by this point in the season.

If anything Carruthers was one player that I fully expected to be able to step up this year.

don’t need scooby doo for this one Swiss
we’ve been winning with the same setup and i reckon CW made a mistake at QPR

 

[stringer]

For me he isn’t good enough and will be moved on in January

After 5 Championship appearances, totalling 220 minutes. Blimey