billycopper
Player Valuation: £40m
Devils advocate here but is the common conception that the lad is a 'wonderkid' and the next big England star a bit over the top?
To add any substance you'd expect to answer yes to a few of the below;
Does he have any outstanding attributes? I think he's viewed as an all-rounder as opposed to someone like Wilshere who is excellent at moving the ball around, but perhaps not so hot defensively. - What are they? He can pass, tackle, shoot, drive forward with the ball etc. He's atleast another 6 years off his peak. Hopefully he will continue to improve in each department.
Has he ever looked capable of taking control of a game or turning one on its head? He's surrounded by big personalities like Neville and Cahill on the pitch, which makes it difficult to stand out. He's feeling his way in to the team and trying to adhere to Moyes's work ethic. Once he gets his bearings and develops a bit of confidence you should see him starting to express himself more. - When? We've seen in glimpses against the Manchester sides and in Europe how devastating he can be when things click.
Does he have a presence on the field? If you look at his England record he's scored vital goals and put in commanding performances when it mattered and against the best young players in Europe.
Where is his natural position? In the run he had with Fellaini we suddenly became very mean defensively. He's capable of breaking forward from that position. Some mutter centre half? Is he box to box? Defensive midfield? Attacking midfield? I see him as a physically strong player able to get forward from deep very much like Huddlestone or Essien. I don't really see what we'd gain by switching him to centreback, especially when we have a lot of players coming through in that position anyway.
Will he command a starting place next season? Ahead of Arteta/Fellaini/Cahill? I think we can accommodate all of them- Fellaini and Rodwell shielding the back four, with Arteta on the left and Cahill in behind the striker. I think we need to consider Neville in there too. Jack has made 10 league starts for us so far this season. If he starts half the games next season that will be good progress for him.
Moyes has today said 17-year-old Ross Barkley would have featured this season if it wasn't for his injury. What does that mean for Rodwell? I can't see Moyes using a 17 year old in central midfield. He must be thinking of giving him game time in the wider areas in which case it wouldn't affect Rodwell.
At 20 years of age What do we have on our hands here? The next Michael Carrick or the next Steven Gerrard? At the moment he's more like a John Obi Mikel. He's quietly effective. Hopefully his influence on our play will steadily grow.
I can't make up my mind. I've never been so indecisive in my judgement on a player. I'm not convinced with the hype. He looks assured enough in possession but very rarely looks comfortable/confident/willing enough to make it count... I think it's the same with Bily. His natural instinct is to get forward, but Moyes is drumming defensive responsibility and shape in to him. He's taking time to find the right balance and to understand what he should be doing.
From the performances you have seen, would you consider him capable of being 'World Class'? It's difficult to be a 'world class' defensive midfielder. Song has been excellent for Arsenal, but the plaudits go to his team mates. Lucas tops all the stats tables but is even derided by his own fans. Stuart Holden slips under the radar at Bolton. Even Scott Parker is only getting the recognition that he deserves in the twilight of his career. If he bangs in a couple of goals then suddenly everyone will be talking about what a sensation he is. His impact might not have been as instant as Coleman's, but I'm sure that he will endure and grow into a mountain of a player for the blues.
Thoughts?
Keep the faith.