The youth 'dont have the physicality' to compete at this level

[Chelmofox]

FWIW, i've been to Northampton and Burton at home, and was in the away end today.

 

When it was clear that our academy players were the most exciting prospects in preseason, this was met with lots of comments and concerns that we had to prop them up with experienced players, as the younger players lacked the physicality and temperament to cope with the demands of L1 football. Concerns about getting bullied etc etc.

 

After today, i am convinced that the players that are both; best suited to the demands of Russels system and the physicality of L1 are those that recently through our academy. The experienced players are frequently underwhelming and continue to dissapoint.

 

• Jayden Joseph has looked utterly brilliant, and bagged a very good goal. Physical, full of Stamina, and quick. The senior game is no problem for him. Got assaulted in the Notts County game and just got back up and finished the game. Had a game off just to be careful and then straight back to his best. How i wish we had this version of him last season instead of Riccy P.
• Similar with Aluko, who scores a header again PL opposition. Playing as CB and looks quick and strong. 
• Braybrooke gets better and better, and for a little bloke copes with big b@astars lunging into him. His best performance today, and will get better and better. He has really surprised me with how he copes with games
• Louis Page has been sensational in the last 2 games. Does not look out of place defensively, and getting stuck in like someone playing at this level for some time.
• Then we have Alves, who has looked top draw at times. Probably the only one of the 5 i listed that needs looking after, but is quick, skillful and again, isnt getting bullied.

 

Compare this to the 'experienced' lot.

 

• Okoli cant cope with basic demands of the game (passing, skill or stamina wise and looked like he was going to pass out after Northampton) and for some reason decided to laugh like a pr1ck at a Notts County attacker when 1-0 up
• Souttar (although better today), cannot cope with the pace of the game, and misplaces horrible passes and cannot recover when out of position
• Dont need to explain anything about Stephy, who was woeful against Northampton
• Skipp has no tools that work even at this level and cant make a tackle. Over compensated again Burton and massively let everyone down.
• McCarthy slow and underwhelming and offering no leadership
• Chaplin cant get fit. I thought was poor against Ipswich and terrible today. 
• Burns the worst of the wingers. Terrible today. Looks unfit and gets bullied off the ball.
• Bobby in fairness is taking one for the team playing out of position, but even when in position he is largely useless. Let us down a lot last season. Must score today with his chance.
• Cullen is completely anonymous. Must score today with his chance.

 

We dont need the experienced lot - they are the ones who have and continue to let us down. 

[Oldblueyes]

This is why our manager refuses to let our tow rag oldies escape to pastures new unfortunately.

 

He hinted this on one of his recent podcasts warning some that they are going nowhere.

[Ric Flair]

Exactly, it's the likes of Burns, Chaplin, Cullen, Reid who have a criminal lack of paceand intensity to play his football. Mystifying how he doesn't get it.

[st albans fox]

1 minute ago, Ric Flair said:

Exactly, it's the likes of Burns, Chaplin, Cullen, Reid who have a criminal lack of paceand intensity to play his football. Mystifying how he doesn't get it.

If he’s been central to getting burns, Chaplin and Cullen in then it’s not going to be easy for him to use them as subs rather than starters 

[Chelmofox]

Just now, st albans fox said:

If he’s been central to getting burns, Chaplin and Cullen in then it’s not going to be easy for him to use them as subs rather than starters 

Genuinely shocked McCarthy didn’t play. Our social team had loads of pics of him the other day, and presumed he only came here to be no 1. 
 

Am now very concerned about Burns and Chaplin. They both need a very good performance soon to prove themselves.