..lots to do with Unsworth’s organisation and approach to the game. Was more about winning and holding on to a lead. No real issue with that, the team are top but perhaps he could’ve given one or two of the subs 20mins or so.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
thought the young kid johns did well in that game
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
Report from Brighton.
https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/17198794.amp/?ref=twtrec&__twitter_impression=true
https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/17198794.amp/?ref=twtrec&__twitter_impression=true
I saw this at the time mate but held back responding hoping we'd see more of Astley and get other views too. Well at least we saw him last night, so here goes on my views on Astley, as ever just my opinion.
He's a captain and a leader on the pitch. Half the streamed games I've watched him he's been Captain , either at u16s for us or with Wales, he's always commanding the back line , making sure they are in the right position. You can see it differently in the u23s games he's played where he hasn't been captain. Last night Browning was the dominant defender , but you could see Astley was always looking around , making sure he was in the right position even when running back.
" Crunching tackle" is something I've seen from him in every game. If its in the centre of the pitch he's happy to take man and ball and go through the man. Its slightly perturbing when you see it done at u16 level leaving an opponent writhing on the pitch, but in fairness he does it with bigger u 23 players too. Last nights tackle prior to the one when he was booked was a good example. Its the kind of thing that will get you sent off in a derby match and maybe will be less and less tolerated in future.
He is such a composed and skilful ball player for a young defender. In last season's u23 game he was closed down near the touchline , but turned effortlessly inside away from his opponent and moved the ball forward. It was a bit like a young John Stones, not in a fancy Cruyft turn way but just elegantly simple to get him out of trouble. There weren't any similar examples I saw last night, but he's always prepared to get on the ball and play a range of passes forward. This aspect is a big strength of his.
Physically he's not the biggest defender , but at 17 that will develop. In one of the u16 games he was playing alongside a blonde centre back who looked about 6 ins taller, not sure who he was ,not a current scholar, but Astley was the better player. His timing in the air is excellent particularly going forward for one on ones , but again there is a tendency to take out the man while winning the ball in the air too. Perhaps not a bad attribute, his physicality , for one so young. I don't see any issues with his size at this age, and it may help in that he's not moved up too early until he's physically ready for it.
I will be interesting to see how much he can develop this season, I hope he can get regular u23 games, he certainly doesn't look out of his depth.
...very good insight, thanks for that. I really don’t mind the competitive nature of his game because it shows he has attitude to go with the ability you highlight. The concern is his size, but as you say he has a few years growth left. I remember meeting Richard Dunne’s parents at Bellefield and immediately understanding where he got his frame from, seeing Astley’s folks might indicate his eventual size.
Yeh think height and size at this age (unless really short) aren't really anything to consider. Think just how much Gordon has grown between end of last season and now.
Barnfred 55
Player Valuation: £80m
The last few games I have seen of the u23s one player has stood out, and that player is Browning.
I know he is now 24 and is very much a man playing against boys at his level, so it is hard to form a proper opinion of him. But if you look through his career he is a man who has been plagued by injuries and this is the first decent run of games he has had for as long as I can remember. From a defensive aspect he looks an absolute specimen. Pace, power and strength in abundance.
I'd given up on him as an Everton player tbh, but he has looked so so dominant this season I'm now asking myself whether there is still a glimmer of a chance for him. he's out of contract in the summer. If I was Brands/Silva I'd be looking to get him a loan at a decent Championship club in January, and be saying to the lad, if you go there and smash it then you'll earn yourself another contract. If he is indeed over his injury woes he could save us a lot of money in the transfer window.
I know he is now 24 and is very much a man playing against boys at his level, so it is hard to form a proper opinion of him. But if you look through his career he is a man who has been plagued by injuries and this is the first decent run of games he has had for as long as I can remember. From a defensive aspect he looks an absolute specimen. Pace, power and strength in abundance.
I'd given up on him as an Everton player tbh, but he has looked so so dominant this season I'm now asking myself whether there is still a glimmer of a chance for him. he's out of contract in the summer. If I was Brands/Silva I'd be looking to get him a loan at a decent Championship club in January, and be saying to the lad, if you go there and smash it then you'll earn yourself another contract. If he is indeed over his injury woes he could save us a lot of money in the transfer window.
Cameron Manning
Player Valuation: £35m
I only watched the last twenty minutes, Bowler's goal was very good as was his general play, thought the defence was very lax and slow to react when Brighton scored their goal, Hilton mad a good save from the strikers header but the defence stood still while the striker reacted quickly to poke in the rebound, very poor by the defence.
mightymoyes
Player Valuation: £70m
I would say no chance, he's around the same age as Zouma, keane and mina. No future at everton
Barnfred 55
Player Valuation: £80m
You're probably right mate. The only reason I'm even asking the question is that his career has been blighted by one injury after another. Physically he has all the attributes you would want from a central defender.
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
Can't be that wonderful.
...stand-out for me too, Fred. Can’t see him getting a contract from us but can see a club taking a punt on him in January. Perhaps his performances are more an indication that those around him are a long way off Premiership standard. Food for thought.
Barnfred 55
Player Valuation: £80m
Not one that I know. Blueloon is probably best to ask.
mightymoyes
Player Valuation: £70m
Yeh though he's English