Danny Drinkwater

[kingfox]

Of our usual starting 11, Drinkwater is currently the worst player in our side. He's gone back to his old frustrating ways which made me dislike him when we were in the Championship. For me his form is one of our biggest problems right now, of our central midfielders he is the one who possesses the forward drive, he is the one we look towards for a bit of creativity; however as of now he's the Drinkwater of old, backwards, sideways and tonnes of wasted passes. 

 

He needed some competition last season, but we had to rely on him because we had nobody else. Right now he'd be my fourth choice central midfielder, I'd have N'Didi, Iborra and James all ahead of him right now. Would Matty James give us that forward thinking impetus we so desperately need from midfield, he's shown glimpses in our two friendly games and he's looked far better than Drinkwater. With the way we set up is a replacement for Drinkwater a bigger priority than buying a number 10 role player? I can't see us buying both but we definitely need to strengthen in at least one of those areas. Do we run with N'Didi partnering James or do we stick with Drinky and hope his form improves?

[Blue ROI]

1 minute ago, kingfox said:

Of our usual starting 11, Drinkwater is currently the worst player in our side. He's gone back to his old frustrating ways which made me dislike him when we were in the Championship. For me his form is one of our biggest problems right now, of our central midfielders he is the one who possesses the forward drive, he is the one we look towards for a bit of creativity; however as of now he's the Drinkwater of old, backwards, sideways and tonnes of wasted passes. 

 

He needed some competition last season, but we had to rely on him because we had nobody else. Right now he'd be my fourth choice central midfielder, I'd have N'Didi, Iborra and James all ahead of him right now. Would Matty James give us that forward thinking impetus we so desperately need from midfield, he's shown glimpses in our two friendly games and he's looked far better than Drinkwater. With the way we set up is a replacement for Drinkwater a bigger priority than buying a number 10 role player? I can't see us buying both but we definitely need to strengthen in at least one of those areas. Do we run with N'Didi partnering James or do we stick with Drinky and hope his form improves?

I'd be tempted to go with James for the first few games this season. 

[Kitchandro]

1 minute ago, kingfox said:

Of our usual starting 11, Drinkwater is currently the worst player in our side. He's gone back to his old frustrating ways which made me dislike him when we were in the Championship. For me his form is one of our biggest problems right now, of our central midfielders he is the one who possesses the forward drive, he is the one we look towards for a bit of creativity; however as of now he's the Drinkwater of old, backwards, sideways and tonnes of wasted passes. 

 

He needed some competition last season, but we had to rely on him because we had nobody else. Right now he'd be my fourth choice central midfielder, I'd have N'Didi, Iborra and James all ahead of him right now. Would Matty James give us that forward thinking impetus we so desperately need from midfield, he's shown glimpses in our two friendly games and he's looked far better than Drinkwater. With the way we set up is a replacement for Drinkwater a bigger priority than buying a number 10 role player? I can't see us buying both but we definitely need to strengthen in at least one of those areas. Do we run with N'Didi partnering James or do we stick with Drinky and hope his form improves?

I agree with this. We are in desperate need of a creative central midfielder. Shakespeare set up with Mahrez in the middle yesterday and that may be our only option.

 

Drinkwater is so frustrating, he's an absolutely fabulous player at his best, one of the best English players there is, but he seems to have real confidence issues. The difference in his form from one season to the next is massive.

 

And without him we really struggle in the middle. I wouldn't be against starting James against Arsenal if his form warrants it but it's very telling if he's the best option when he's not played at the top level for almost 2 years now. Unless Iborra and Ndidi can play together of course.

[kingfox]

20 minutes ago, Kitchandro said:

I agree with this. We are in desperate need of a creative central midfielder. Shakespeare set up with Mahrez in the middle yesterday and that may be our only option.

 

Drinkwater is so frustrating, he's an absolutely fabulous player at his best, one of the best English players there is, but he seems to have real confidence issues. The difference in his form from one season to the next is massive.

 

And without him we really struggle in the middle. I wouldn't be against starting James against Arsenal if his form warrants it but it's very telling if he's the best option when he's not played at the top level for almost 2 years now. Unless Iborra and Ndidi can play together of course.

We rely too heavily on Mahrez and as seen last season we are absolutely shit if certain players don't perform, I'd put Drinkwater in that category, he is the one who makes the forward passes from midfield, he is our engine in midfield who we look towards to create. Comparing stats from 15/16 and 16/17 season, 37 key passes, 44 chances created in our title winning season, last season he made only 14 key passes and created 15 chances, that just shows how negative he was. Matty James only played 15 games for Barnsley last season, made 13 key passes and created 14 chances, he played 15 games less than Drinkwater.

 

Drinkwater has done it so often though like you said, Championship winning season he was Player of the Year, first season back in the Prem he turned shit and got rightfully dropped, Premier League winning season even though Kante helped him a lot he was absolutely brilliant, last season he struggled and returned to his negative ways.

 

I can't see N'Didi and Iborra being the right central midfield partnership, two powerhouses both of which are more defensive, can't see either of them being the creative midfielder we need. If we don't get anybody in I'd run with N'Didi and James, against Arsenal though I wouldn't be surprised if we play 5 in midfield.

[Clever Fox]

1 hour ago, kingfox said:

We rely too heavily on Mahrez and as seen last season we are absolutely shit if certain players don't perform, I'd put Drinkwater in that category, he is the one who makes the forward passes from midfield, he is our engine in midfield who we look towards to create. Comparing stats from 15/16 and 16/17 season, 37 key passes, 44 chances created in our title winning season, last season he made only 14 key passes and created 15 chances, that just shows how negative he was. Matty James only played 15 games for Barnsley last season, made 13 key passes and created 14 chances, he played 15 games less than Drinkwater.

 

Drinkwater has done it so often though like you said, Championship winning season he was Player of the Year, first season back in the Prem he turned shit and got rightfully dropped, Premier League winning season even though Kante helped him a lot he was absolutely brilliant, last season he struggled and returned to his negative ways.

 

I can't see N'Didi and Iborra being the right central midfield partnership, two powerhouses both of which are more defensive, can't see either of them being the creative midfielder we need. If we don't get anybody in I'd run with N'Didi and James, against Arsenal though I wouldn't be surprised if we play 5 in midfield.

Both posts pretty much spot on. I've said before I believe James is a much better player than DD. It just remains to find out if he's recovered enough from his injury. so far he's looking good whereas DD is looking sluggish.

I'd go with 4 across the middle. Chilwell Iborra NDiddi Albrighton. Both Chilwell and Albrighton do the defensive duties very well. While they also have the ability to get forward in the wide positions. With the same back 4 as yesterday. 

Arsenal are likely to have a lot of possession, It's important that we're close to them to keep breaking up their play.

Then Vardy and Iheanacho if he signs up top. But we will need everyone working their socks off.

 

If there's one win I want more than any other this season it's against Arsenal. I've lost all respect for Wenger.

 

[Guest the fox]

my main frustration with drinky and why i like james to start is the backward passes! yeah, they both do it but you sometimes feel that james does it to open space a rebuild the play from the back (the right way) while drinky passes it so he can have it back and add another pass and ending up. 1- hoofing it. 2- giving it to simmo/wes/huth so they can hoof it 3- give it to fuchs in a tight area and he has to play a long ball to mark/vardy. or 4-the very rare chance of positive play.

 

not all the backwards/sideways passes are the same. some can use it effectively to manage time/absorb the other team's momentum or just to build the play

[NotTheMarketLeader]

1 hour ago, Clever Fox said:

Both posts pretty much spot on. I've said before I believe James is a much better player than DD. It just remains to find out if he's recovered enough from his injury. so far he's looking good whereas DD is looking sluggish.

I'd go with 4 across the middle. Chilwell Iborra NDiddi Albrighton. Both Chilwell and Albrighton do the defensive duties very well. While they also have the ability to get forward in the wide positions. With the same back 4 as yesterday. 

Arsenal are likely to have a lot of possession, It's important that we're close to them to keep breaking up their play.

Then Vardy and Iheanacho if he signs up top. But we will need everyone working their socks off.

 

If there's one win I want more than any other this season it's against Arsenal. I've lost all respect for Wenger.

 

 Correct.

 

Vardy and Jaymo were our best players in the Championship winning season. That's what I thought at the time; when James didn't play DD was nowhere near as effective; whereas the other way around MJ bossed it.

 

I think it's was Babylon who last week posted the stats comparison for that season between the two, and James was indeed the better in almost every department (he can't shoot for shit though).

 

I do think DD was great in the title winning season but whether he can do it again for a season don't know. He had Kante as a partner which was a great help.

 

An issue I think he has is if things aren't going great, he seems to unravel.

[Jimmy]

We pick a system that only allows for 2 creative players otherwise we can't cope, until the players and coaches get over their obsession with 442/4411 we won't progress, frankly that's why we need to move certain players on

[Leamington Fox]

If anyone watched the two matches in Hong Kong, they will have seen pretty decent performances from Drinky.  Let's not forget how good he was in the first third of last season whilst most of those around him were shite.  I thought he looked fit and lively.

 

I also thought it was interesting how heavily Matty James featured, even being captain for a while.  CS obviously can remember him in his pomp.  My gut instinct is that MJ has a shout of establishing himself, but the competition is very stiff in our midfield.

 

I really don't think I've got a handle on our likely first starting XI.

[ZeGuy]

34 minutes ago, Leamington Fox said:

If anyone watched the two matches in Hong Kong, they will have seen pretty decent performances from Drinky.  Let's not forget how good he was in the first third of last season whilst most of those around him were shite.  I thought he looked fit and lively.

 

I also thought it was interesting how heavily Matty James featured, even being captain for a while.  CS obviously can remember him in his pomp.  My gut instinct is that MJ has a shout of establishing himself, but the competition is very stiff in our midfield.

 

I really don't think I've got a handle on our likely first starting XI.

Anyone who watched the two games can see that DD is in deep shit right now and not a starter anymore. I'd start James over DD all day. At least the first games. 

[FoxinNotts]

15 minutes ago, ZeGuy said:

Anyone who watched the two games can see that DD is in deep shit right now and not a starter anymore. I'd start James over DD all day. At least the first games. 

Nah, you're over reacting massively here. I watched both games in full. Drinkwater was ok. Not great, but not terrible.

[ZeGuy]

1 minute ago, FoxinNotts said:

Nah, you're over reacting massively here. I watched both games in full. Drinkwater was ok. Not great, but not terrible.

Don't think so. If he stays as this level, the bench is the only place waiting for him.

[kingfox]

44 minutes ago, Leamington Fox said:

If anyone watched the two matches in Hong Kong, they will have seen pretty decent performances from Drinky.  Let's not forget how good he was in the first third of last season whilst most of those around him were shite.  I thought he looked fit and lively.

 

I also thought it was interesting how heavily Matty James featured, even being captain for a while.  CS obviously can remember him in his pomp.  My gut instinct is that MJ has a shout of establishing himself, but the competition is very stiff in our midfield.

 

I really don't think I've got a handle on our likely first starting XI.

Come off it, Drinkwater looked non existent in both games, about everytime he touched the ball he played it backwards or sideways. Drinkwater in the first few months of last season was no doubt our best player, he picked up an injury if I record and from then on he was absolutely dreadful. 

 

James deserves the chance and I bet every fan hopes he succeeds, he is a class act and for me one of the most underrated English midfielders out there. He deserves to start right now imo, Ndidi should be one of the first names on the team sheet but if we look past him, James would be my second choice. I don't think Iborra will be a starter, he is the kind of player who will play in certain games, Drinkwater is out of form and King is pretty much finished at this level.

 

As of now I wouldn't be surprised if Shakespeare contemplates playing 3-5-2 along with playing our normal 4-4-1-1/4-4-2

 

Schmeichel

Simpson - Maguire - Morgan/Huth - Fuchs/Chilwell

Mahrez - Ndidi - James - Albrighton/Gray

Slimani/Okazaki - Vardy

 

or

 

Schmeichel

Morgan - Maguire - Huth 

Albrighton - Ndidi - Iborra - James - Chilwell

Mahrez/Okazaki

Vardy

 

Right now I'd go with one of those setups, some nice competition here and there but another CB & CM/CAM needed.

[Old Fox]

There isn't half some bull spouted on here at times.

 

Drinky was one of the few prior to Porto away who actually performed in the early part of last season and then was injured. He played through the injury until we were mathematically safe and that was to rest him as he needed to recover from injury which was why he withdrew from every England squad to put this club first!

 

We gave had two preseason friendlies and he has become the latest scapegoat by some yet he has looked pretty good so far as has James and Ndidi plus Iborra gives us great midfield options but to suggest he is way off is ridiculous!

 

I hope he continues to build his fitness and then we may see Drinky back at his 100% fit best which means he will be in the team possibly with Ndidi and James in a 3 man midfield.

 

why do some need to slate or ridicule our quality players rather than applaud a good quality set of midfielders....for me our big creative hole needs filling by a proper No.10 which KI won't be but maybe if we can keep Riyad we will have the creative spark we need.

[TheMightySystem]

1 hour ago, kingfox said:

Come off it, Drinkwater looked non existent in both games, about everytime he touched the ball he played it backwards or sideways. Drinkwater in the first few months of last season was no doubt our best player, he picked up an injury if I record and from then on he was absolutely dreadful. 

 

James deserves the chance and I bet every fan hopes he succeeds, he is a class act and for me one of the most underrated English midfielders out there. He deserves to start right now imo, Ndidi should be one of the first names on the team sheet but if we look past him, James would be my second choice. I don't think Iborra will be a starter, he is the kind of player who will play in certain games, Drinkwater is out of form and King is pretty much finished at this level.

 

As of now I wouldn't be surprised if Shakespeare contemplates playing 3-5-2 along with playing our normal 4-4-1-1/4-4-2

 

Schmeichel

Simpson - Maguire - Morgan/Huth - Fuchs/Chilwell

Mahrez - Ndidi - James - Albrighton/Gray

Slimani/Okazaki - Vardy

 

or

 

Schmeichel

Morgan - Maguire - Huth 

Albrighton - Ndidi - Iborra - James - Chilwell

Mahrez/Okazaki

Vardy

 

Right now I'd go with one of those setups, some nice competition here and there but another CB & CM/CAM needed.

A formation I would like to see tried during pre season would be 4-3-3

                   Schmeichel

Amartey - Morgan - Maguire - Chilwell

                        Iborra

                 James - Ndidi

Mahrez                                     Gray

                       Slimani

Amartey only because he over laps more then Simpson which will give Mahrez more space as shown in that post a few days ago by @the fox

Iborra sits infront of the back 4 and can move over to cover the fullbacks when they make runs  up the pitch. Drinkwater could also take on this role as he would have more options to pass foward to in midfield so he doesn't have to pass back constantly

James and Ndidi can freely move throughout the midfield as box to box.

Mahrez and Gray will play more like Hazard and Pedro staying more central with the width being provided by the fullbacks

Slimani can get on the crosses from the fullbacks or hold up play to bring in James/Ndidi or Gray/Mahrez who can make runs beyond him and in behind the defence.

This formation will help bring something we have missed in the final third for a number of seasons now, movement from multiple players. We usually only have Mahrez and Vardy making runs when not on the ball as the others don't want to leave gaps in behind. With Iborra covering the midfielders can get foward more and Gray/Mahrez can move across the front freely.

[fuchsntf]

I wonder if we, change our and his attitude, to the way he plays.

Hes got use to being the holding come DM.

Why not try and give him the responsibilty as the driving, attacking mifielder..

Ndidi still needs some time to grow into a PL midfield player. He is one of our successfull players.no doubt.

But why not start with DD, James and Iborra.. Iborra holding midfield.DD driving forward, or box to box.

That would cover the work that Okazaki from the frontline gets credit for, but why not give Okis work back to midfield.

ImHO we need 3 real midfielders in the middle of the park.Might give us slightly more possesion, less pressure on 

the backline....Better linkup to the frontline.

Then Vardy  one of Slimani/Albrighton/Gray plus Mahrez if he stays.

 

Also why not tell Mahrez and ie Gray, they should play full power for 65-70 mins, then expect to be substituted.

We should take the idea we had had with Okazaki and Ulloa, but change the concept a little with the more talented

players..

 

I dont want our style to become static or obvious.Its time to start to evolve how we play.

More from midfield, our forward line with Vardy might sometimes be obvious, but has proven,

the oppo when we create space and chances still have difficulties, in holding us in check.

More impetus, from midfield in going forward, would also give more breaks and chances.

 

[foxes21]

16 hours ago, Jimmy said:

We pick a system that only allows for 2 creative players otherwise we can't cope, until the players and coaches get over their obsession with 442/4411 we won't progress, frankly that's why we need to move certain players on

The formation is fine.

 

Its the personnel.

 

Mahrez needs as much support as Vardy. An attacking RB, Iheanacho at number 10 and the Drinkwater of 2015/16 or a fully fit Matty James might help.

 

If Mahrez gets support, then the other flank gets opened up for Fuchs/Albrighton who are both capable of creating chances.

[Gerard]

I think Drinky needs to be cut a bit of slack here.

 

He was brilliant in our title winning season and for the first few months of last season when it was only him, Simpson and Schmeichel who retained or improved on their level.

 

He was carrying an injury for the second half of last season and now a lot of people want to hang him out to dry on the strength of a pre season match.

[ZeGuy]

3 hours ago, Gerard said:

I think Drinky needs to be cut a bit of slack here.

 

He was brilliant in our title winning season and for the first few months of last season when it was only him, Simpson and Schmeichel who retained or improved on their level.

 

He was carrying an injury for the second half of last season and now a lot of people want to hang him out to dry on the strength of a pre season match.

It's not just about two friendlies.

 

You're right when you say he was one of the best players and carried the team until his blunder against WBA. Since then he nose dived and doesn't show any signs of improvement. Even after the break.

 

Some like to put it on the injury account, we'll see about that. He's actually negative in his way of playing, constantly back or side passing and slowing the game. Let's be honest and admit that if there was any decent concurrence in the team last season, he'd have been benched a long time ago. Now the concurrence is here and we'll see how he will cope with it.

[foxfanazer]

He's gonna have a good season mark my words. Don't come back and quote this though if he's turd

[leicesterlad1989]

I think Drinkwater, just like every other player, needs to work hard and prove he deserves a place in our starting 11. I know in reality 5 or 6 players are nailed on starters but I wouldn't put Drinkwater in that category currently.

You need to form a balanced opinion and to say that he deserves a place based on our title winning season or the first third of last season is ridiculous. He clearly has the ability but if he doesn't show it then he's next to useless for us. I think Pearson was quoted as saying that he's a complex character and he's probably right.

 

I think he's a player that puts a lot of pressure upon himself. I think it was Porto away when he kept giving the ball away and you could see him shouting at himself and getting frustrated. He's a confidence type of player. I am certain if he get off to a good start then he will have a good season.

 

Hopefully a bit of healthy competition will bring the best out of him.

 

[fuchsntf]

38 minutes ago, Gerard said:

I think Drinky needs to be cut a bit of slack here.

 

He was brilliant in our title winning season and for the first few months of last season when it was only him, Simpson and Schmeichel who retained or improved on their level.

 

He was carrying an injury for the second half of last season and now a lot of people want to hang him out to dry on the strength of a pre season match.

I never go negative on any player....but this forum has been more than patient and cut alot of slack for DD, more than any other

Player.This season again we will expect..its a new ball game as they say.

There is now some competition for places, an healthy position for Team, Shakey and the fans.

He sacrificed himself for club last season, by playing on , appreciation is there.

But...!!!  

 

Football is an unforgiving sport at this PL level, though I see no reason why DD, shouldnt have another

Top season and re-kindle also his England ambitions, though we as a club cant afford to depend on him,

or worst still past reputation.  Its now the time for him to bloom and use his peak period as a Profi-player,

for himself and club. I cant see Morgan playing everygame this season, so why not now give Danny

the role as club captain...

[HoustonFox]

On 7/23/2017 at 06:03, kingfox said:

Of our usual starting 11, Drinkwater is currently the worst player in our side. He's gone back to his old frustrating ways which made me dislike him when we were in the Championship. For me his form is one of our biggest problems right now, of our central midfielders he is the one who possesses the forward drive, he is the one we look towards for a bit of creativity; however as of now he's the Drinkwater of old, backwards, sideways and tonnes of wasted passes. 

 

He needed some competition last season, but we had to rely on him because we had nobody else. Right now he'd be my fourth choice central midfielder, I'd have N'Didi, Iborra and James all ahead of him right now. Would Matty James give us that forward thinking impetus we so desperately need from midfield, he's shown glimpses in our two friendly games and he's looked far better than Drinkwater. With the way we set up is a replacement for Drinkwater a bigger priority than buying a number 10 role player? I can't see us buying both but we definitely need to strengthen in at least one of those areas. Do we run with N'Didi partnering James or do we stick with Drinky and hope his form improves?

 

22 hours ago, NotTheMarketLeader said:

 Correct.

 

Vardy and Jaymo were our best players in the Championship winning season. That's what I thought at the time; when James didn't play DD was nowhere near as effective; whereas the other way around MJ bossed it.

 

I think it's was Babylon who last week posted the stats comparison for that season between the two, and James was indeed the better in almost every department (he can't shoot for shit though).

 

I do think DD was great in the title winning season but whether he can do it again for a season don't know. He had Kante as a partner which was a great help.

 

An issue I think he has is if things aren't going great, he seems to unravel.

What? Danny Drinkwater who was player of the season in 2013/14, in the Championship Team of the Season, scored goal of the season? Danny Drinkwater who destroyed us while playing for Barnsley. So much so we bought him. 

 

If anything, he needs to go back to that box to box player that gets up and down and chips in a few goals. 

 

I with @Aaron and his post earlier. He's become too much like the 35 yr old Scholes rather than the 27 yr old Scholes and I think he's lost his way on the type of midfielder he's supposed to be. He's holding but doesn't tackle or intercept and his passing is more negative than King at the moment. When it's not straight back to the keeper, it's a first time pass to the back four without turning and looking up. There was a case of this on Saturday when Riyad has a ton of space in front of him after the ball was recycled. Drinky received the ball in space and without even looking up played a first time ball back to Kasper. Riyad visibly lost it. 

 

We all know Drinky can do a lot better and for me certainly, the criticism comes from a place of love. I want him to get more confident and dominating, because I know he can do it, and have seen he can do it. If he wants to be our "Pirlo", then fine, but he needs to link attacks more and push forward. He did it in the title winning year and he carried it on to the start of last season. I wonder if his head isn't right after getting overlooked for the Euros still. We know he is mentally harsh on himself but he needs to pull it out, otherwise, he'll start to find himself on the bench as third or possibly fourth choice for CM. It's Ndidi + 1 for me now. 

 

I love Drinky, he has the talent.  Come on lad, show us! 

[NotTheMarketLeader]

21 minutes ago, HoustonFox said:

 

What? Danny Drinkwater who was player of the season in 2013/14, in the Championship Team of the Season, scored goal of the season? Danny Drinkwater who destroyed us while playing for Barnsley. So much so we bought him. 

 

If anything, he needs to go back to that box to box player that gets up and down and chips in a few goals. 

 

I with @Aaron and his post earlier. He's become too much like the 35 yr old Scholes rather than the 27 yr old Scholes and I think he's lost his way on the type of midfielder he's supposed to be. He's holding but doesn't tackle or intercept and his passing is more negative than King at the moment. When it's not straight back to the keeper, it's a first time pass to the back four without turning and looking up. There was a case of this on Saturday when Riyad has a ton of space in front of him after the ball was recycled. Drinky received the ball in space and without even looking up played a first time ball back to Kasper. Riyad visibly lost it. 

 

We all know Drinky can do a lot better and for me certainly, the criticism comes from a place of love. I want him to get more confident and dominating, because I know he can do it, and have seen he can do it. If he wants to be our "Pirlo", then fine, but he needs to link attacks more and push forward. He did it in the title winning year and he carried it on to the start of last season. I wonder if his head isn't right after getting overlooked for the Euros still. We know he is mentally harsh on himself but he needs to pull it out, otherwise, he'll start to find himself on the bench as third or possibly fourth choice for CM. It's Ndidi + 1 for me now. 

 

I love Drinky, he has the talent.  Come on lad, show us! 

I dont really pay too much attention to who won player of the year when I have eyes of my own.

 

Like Schlupp winning young player of the year for example!

 

I don't begrudge DD winning it - he had a great season also - but watching every game at the time in my mind, Jaymo was more effective. With him playing so well let DD do his thing.

 

Now within the last couple of weeks Babylon posted the stats comparison between the two, three years after the event and, low and behold I was correct.

 

Look at the stats of the two in the Championship season on Sqwaka, and you find in most areas James was the better, more effective player.

 

The end.

 

Anyway, that aside I agree with what you say re: Drinks.

 

In summary he needs be fit,

cheer up, and be more mobile than he was last season with the injury, and he should be ok.

[HoustonFox]

19 minutes ago, NotTheMarketLeader said:

I dont really pay too much attention to who won player of the year when I have eyes of my own.

 

Like Schlupp winning young player of the year for example!

 

I don't begrudge DD winning it - he had a great season also - but watching every game at the time in my mind, Jaymo was more effective. With him playing so well let DD do his thing.

 

Now within the last couple of weeks Babylon posted the stats comparison between the two, three years after the event and, low and behold I was correct.

 

Look at the stats of the two in the Championship season on Sqwaka, and you find in most areas James was the better, more effective player.

 

The end.

 

Anyway, that aside I agree with what you say re: Drinks.

 

In summary he needs be fit,

cheer up, and be more mobile than he was last season with the injury, and he should be ok.

I just looked at the stats for that season on Squawka, guess what, Drinky has higher player rating - total, per game and per 90. James has great stats too and if anything he was slightly better defensively but for passing and overall attacking contribution, Drinky is way ahead. 

 

That being said, they were both good and if anything, backs up my theory that Drinky is most effective when contributing to us going forward and has someone to help him out defensively (that he can trust). That forward driving force is what we need and what the team is missing, and overly reliant on Riyad for. Think of all Drinky's crucial goals that Championship season. 

 

Er...the end. 

 

(PS - at least we both want him to be successful! Which is nice for a FT argument!)