Is this the season when Shane Duffy breaks through?

[jerseytoffee]

Duffy does need to work on his passing, but he's young and can get better. He does lack a bit of pace but so does Mertersacker, his positioning makes up for that. Had a great season last year and was highly rated in the Championship, so I think he can make it, time will tell though

 

[griffla]

Distin is 37 in a couple of months and even though the milkman 'always delivers' it's inevitable that age will catch up with him at some point. I think Shane has a chance for that reason alone

 

[orchard]

Still think he's got what it takes, especially if he continues to develop. His one key asset, for me at least, is heading the ball out of danger areas, rather than the usual nodding it to the edge of the area and having a good chance of re-inviting pressure, Duffy gets it feck out.

 

[when i score we riot]

Did not see the game but to those who did, what did you think of Duffy?

 

[Pavement Blue]

Put some good blocks and tackles in. Looked out of position a few times and made a couple of poor choices in possession.

Average game really. Only got the first half.

That game went have changed anyone's opinion on him.

 

[Blue Cheese]

His defensive attributes are actually ok, good tackler/header of the ball. Seems a bit slow at reading the game though, which is why he needs to make so many last ditch tackles. Like a jarg Jags. He is decent enough for the Championship not a team looking to improve on 5th.

 

[AusToffee]

Will never become an everton regular

 

[Greek Fisherman]

Was solid again today. Haven't conceded a goal in pre-season with him on the pitch. Has real presence and surprisingly good composure. Needs to improve but then again so do all CB at his age. CB don't mature until there mid to late 20's.

Alcaraz is a hoax. Will play a role in our Cup/Europa run.

 

[sageyefc]

Thought he did well, had one iffy moment when he misread hibbo poor pass and just got there, and little mix up with distin for nugents dissallowed goal

 

[Toffe3m4n]

For me he plays a bit like Jags. Retains the ball well enough but always looks for the long pass out of defence (it's either that or he hits a sideways pass to Distin or Barry). I actually think he's been alright in the two games so far.

 

[Pavement Blue]

For me he plays a bit like Jags. Retains the ball well enough but always looks for the long pass out of defence (it's either that or he hits a sideways pass to Distin or Barry). I actually think he's been alright in the two games so far.

The sideways pass to Barry is exactly what Barry is there for though. Drops deep love possession in to the midfield area. It's great having stones who can carry it forward himself, but when he does Barry has to drop in to cover (not a negative) and that type or defender is rare.

It's when he hits the long pass that is disappointing for me because it makes me think he's not listened to Martinez. I want to see him make it but he will have to show he can play in the system. Him and stones in theory could make a great partnership.

 

[Dithering Dougie]

I think he needs to move on, at 22 there's to many obstacles blocking his path now into the first team. We're well covered for experience at centreback and obviously Stones is ahead of him in the pecking order and I think probably Browning. Considering this new lad Galloway is also supposed to a centreback he seems stuck in some kind of no mans land.

I think he's capable of having a decent top flight career at somewhere like Hull or Sunderland say and anyone one of the newly promoted clubs should also be looking for a good solid defender. Shame for the lad as he seems to want it so much here but he's better off thinking of himself and asking for a move.

 

[banno]

His defensive attributes are actually ok, good tackler/header of the ball. Seems a bit slow at reading the game though, which is why he needs to make so many last ditch tackles. Like a jarg Jags. He is decent enough for the Championship not a team looking to improve on 5th.

Stones was also guilty of this today but redeemed himself with brilliant tackles. Stones will also continue to make mistakes and that is why duffy and stones should not pair up just yet. Experienced player always needed to see them through the game.

 

[Always better in blue]

If Martinez rates him then why not blood him for the rest of 2014. With the cup competitions and the need to be able to change systems at times, i.e 3 at the back and injuries. There should be opportunities to play. If he looks good enough he can offer him a new contract early next year. Martinez, has not come from a background of dealing with world class defenders. He tends to take what he has and makes them comfortable on the ball and good passers. Apart from Stones the other 3 CBs are north of 30, significantly so in Distin's case.

 

[davek]

If Martinez rates him then why not blood him for the rest of 2014. With the cup competitions and the need to be able to change systems at times, i.e 3 at the back and injuries. There should be opportunities to play. If he looks good enough he can offer him a new contract early next year. Martinez, has not come from a background of dealing with world class defenders. He tends to take what he has and makes them comfortable on the ball and good passers. Apart from Stones the other 3 CBs are north of 30, significantly so in Distin's case.

He needs to start practicing what he's preached and give these lads a chance.

The starting line up tonight was very poor in that respect.