Manchester United Banter Archive February 15 2013

15 Feb 2013 21:59:37
Cleverley's had a quiet week hasn't he?

AJH

15 Feb 2013 18:54:55
The rest of the players mentioned are very good players and I don't see how signing them is a risk or make us a worst team.

Shahram

---------------

I would be happy with any one of the players you mentioned but it is too much to expect us to buy 3 or 4 foreign players at one time and expect them all to fit in, it just would not work. It is easy enough to allow kagawa time to settle when we are still winning games but if 4 players took time to settle the team would not be performing as well and you would be the first one on their back.

I agree we need a midfielder this summer, possibly 2 at a push, but I don't think we would get two with no premier league experience and expect them to play together for us, it just doesn't happen like that.

GDS

Impatient is what I would say. I agree we would need a midfielder to come in for sure. But wholesale changes? Not too sure, if that's how it works out.

And for people who are claiming Wayne Rooney should be sold, whilst agreeing, he still isn't at his best and far from being the vintage Rooney, here is food for thought.

26 games 13 goals 11 assists.

Please come up if you want with his still poor assumptions. But surely enough creating/scoring a goal matter more than anything else in terms of winning a football match. Whilst not being at his best, he has definitely won us matches and is only behind RVP in that regards.

You don't have to over emphasize how good he is, but please stop calling him poor at the drop of a hat. Like it or not, we will not be where we are this season without him.

Signing off.

Alcohol induced

Deeps.

GDS

Given the choices of Scholes, Cleverly, Jones and Anderson as a partnership with Carrick do you believe adding a Erickson with a strootman or wanyama to the squad would make us a better team or worse for it?

Shahram

Deeps

These are not wholesale changes as many of the players that I would like to see replaced are fringe players anyway. i. e. Scholes, Nani, Anderson and the other are positions everyone acknowledges that needs fixing i. e LB, CM

I have maintained Rooney is not effective dropping in the midfield and for me never good enough as a midfielder and better playing higher up the pitch.

The current team struggles with having rooney, kagawa, van persie and Welbeck/chicarito in the same line up and something is definitely not clicking.

This might be due to a lack of a decent midfield and a few signings that gives us better control in the middle of the pitch will allow people to play in their natural positions.

Shahram

Shahram we do need 2 midfielders as its widely expected Scholes will retire, Fletcher could also retire and then Anderson could be sold, so that's potentially 3 bodies out of our problem area.

So whilst I agree with 2 signings I don' think they will all come from abroad.

I think Strootman is a strong contender as carricks long term replacement.

I think Wanyama is a possibility as Scotland isn't really abroad as its a similar league, worse weather so would have less problems in settling in. But a lot depends on how Jones is used next seaosn and I see him getting more games in midfield than centre back.

Or even someone like Modric who has prem experience so wouldn't need to settle.

Leftback I don't think we'll touch now. Personally i'd still sign Baines, but I don't think we will now.

Wing is interesting not sure who we'll sign there.

Mort

I would look at luke shaw from saints before someone else takes him think he could be a class left back, would also try for wilshire or goetze may not get but let them know were interested and maybe in a year or 2 we may get one of them, strootman also would be a good option -------phil

15 Feb 2013 18:04:15
When was the last time you guy's won the F. A Cup? am just curious as I was looking up information about Rooney and noticed he's never won the F. A Cup and he's been there since 2004.

P. s am not trying to wind you up etc.

Plymouth Red.

Why ask us when your same question could be answered by google in 10 seconds! Jog on

IHaveNoName!

We beat millwall in the 2004 final in the may before Rooney signed in the August. If I am correct Rooney lost 2 finals in his first 3 years at the club.

GDS

They last won it in 2004 beating Millwall 3 - 0 in the final. As the other poster said, next time you have a question, use google.

Ignore this persons Plymouth Red, you're more than welcome to come onto this page and ask us anything we like.

The Moon.

15 Feb 2013 16:04:35
Though a blooded liverpool fan I am quite passionate on the bale subject and comparisons and I think wengers comments got it spot on. he's a very very good player with all the attributes to be a great player. I think the term great was lost in defintion along time ago and is used to. frequently to upcoming players. A great player is one that has won trophies, titles amd has been consistent for years, the maradonnas, messi's so on. But anyways i'd like to ask united fans. At this time who would you chose, bale or ronaldo without bias?

Big Al

Ronaldo every day of every week. Bale isn't Ronaldo/Messi class although he is quick and strong. Thing is, he will lose his pace in future years and when that goes he will struggle. He hasn't got the skill of Ronaldo and Messi and lots of other players around so I think he will end up as just an ok striker when that pace deteriorates.

Brendan

Pathetic comparison, Ronaldo is a far far better player. I do not think Bale has what is takes to get to Ronaldo's or Messi's level. They are a class above Bale at least.

Sydney!

Ronaldo every single time. Don't even have to think about it. Ronaldo is one of the 2 greatest players ever. Bale has talent, but for god sake, he is not even close to Ronaldo.

G. A. G. U. S

Ronaldo is the 2nd best player on the planet, so there's only 1 player I would even consider taking above him. And that's not Bale, lol.

Gav

Ronaldo every day of the week. The ONLY thing Bale has in his favour is the fact that he is younger than Ronaldo but if these 2 were the same age, nobody would even think about comparing them as Ronaldo is a class apart.

TK-Red

Ronaldo, at the same age ronaldo had got 42 goals, won a CL and went on to win the Ballon d'or.

bale is a very good player but ronaldo along with messi are head and shoulders better.

JK92

Bales left foot and speed are comparable to a young Ronaldo, and his form is very good at the moment.

BUT Ronaldo is right footed (!) and is one of the best attacking headers of a ball in the world. He can skin a defender either to the left or right and is the most complete attacking player I've ever seen in world football. (Messi's dribbling is what makes him sooooo good, his game is not as complete)

Would rather have Bale than any Liverpool player though if that's an option? ;)

DodgyBanter

I thought I'd add - and I know some people will disagree with this but here goes - Bale is one of the nearest players to Ronaldo in, terms of playing style, there is at this moment. He doesn't have the same skill levels and Ronaldo is slightly better in all aspects - but Bale has a certain combination of pace, power and fiercesome shooting ability that makes him look like a left footed, lesser version of Ronaldo at times. And recently he's started adopting the same shoot-through-the-laces technique for direct free kicks too. I've seen posters ridicule any comparisons between the 2 players but I think if you stand back and accept that no1 sane is saying Bale is as good as Ronaldo - he certainly is one of the next best options, and does play a very similar - if less skillful - game.

The bonus' with Bale are that he's far younger, would be cheaper in terms of transfer fee + wage combination and would still have sell on value in 5 years time. So Bale would be the wise option in business sense. But if it were a straight choice between the 2 there's no question who would get picked!

Gav

Look the difference is that Bale might, just might, one day reach the same level as Ronaldo. But that's beyond unlikely. So for me ronaldo any day.

Mick

Ronaldo is and always will be the best player on the planet for the premier league then Bale then Messi, but that is for our league and it's my opinion

Pardoe

Pardoe

So you'd rather have Bale than RVP?

DodgyBanter

15 Feb 2013 15:02:28
Been reading on sly sports that Anderson wants to leave the club and has tried many times, I'm not sure what to think of this and I have always liked the lad and wanted him to do well but if the story is true then maybe we should offload him and buy someone like Gotze.

AvidDevil

Gotze is out of the question for at least another year, isn't a central midfielder either and I know you'll claim he can play there but in the premier league in centre midfield he'd learn a tough lesson of yaya toure, gerrards, lampards out strengthening him completely

15 Feb 2013 14:33:29
I noticed your reply from 10. 20'ish last night Fresh!
I'm afraid by that time I am either tucked up in bed after my cocoa or I am on the MAIN site (you know the one)You asked me to explain:
It would be far too boring to go through all of your listings so I will content myself with just three of them.

DDG - will be the best goalkeeper in the world- HELLO!
Evra has one more season in him (he is 2 or 3 seasons past his sell-by date as it is)
Now for the one which had me falling off the chair-
Strikers - we have 4 of the best in Europe.
What colour is the sky in your world?
You have van Persie, granted. but I am still trying to think of another one who could conceivably come into that category from OT

Puzzled

Puzzled, if you don't see that DDG is going to be one of the best in the world in a few years then even for a scouser you're an person. Evra has been great going forward this year and probably does just about have a season left with help from Fabio/Blackett/Buttner. Defensively he has not been as good unfortunately but hey we're 12 points clear so he can't be that bad.
RVP is world class as is Rooney when not played out of position. Hernandez would get into most 1st teams in Europe and would get in EVERY squad in europe. Welbeck's finishing leaves a lot to be desired 90% of the time, but as we saw on Wednesday in the Champions League, (remember that?) when played out wide and allowed to move around his work rate and forward play were much much better and that comes from me one of his biggest critics.

How any Liverpool supporter can come on here commenting on our team is beyond me. It will only take another few bad league results and you will start looking over your shoulders at the relegation places. can't wait for that I have to say, liverpool relegated and number 20 in one season would be the ultimate season :-)

Brendan

Brendan - I actually posted a reply to the views of Fresh! (though they weren't very) rather than come on the site merely to criticise your players. But
his views (which you seem to share)
are just a little bit out there. I think that you have both been Disneyed!

Puzzled

Puzzled, your opinions are worthless on here to all of us. I had forgotten that you were a Scouse fan, if I had remembered I wouldn't of bothered to ask for your explanation.

Fresh!

15 Feb 2013 13:10:06
It's great testament to the development work we do with young players. We had young Nick Powell and Adnan Januzaj in the Reserves on Monday and you say to yourself: 'These are definite Manchester United first-team players
loved this part of fridays press conference.
Aravinda (srilanka)

Our midfield doesn't look too shabby for the future. Powell, Petrucci, Januzaj, Daehli, Cleverley & Jones. However I think an Eriksen or a Strootman would be good for the squad.

Sydney!

I want to ask you Syd, and many others placing a large amount of faith in the current youngsters at Manchester United, how many of them do you think will actually make it in the first team squad?

I only ask as I suspect it will be far fewer than all of them. As history suggests, we always have a talented crop, but rarely get a bunch coming through at once. Is this group different/special?

Nizza

Of the ones I've seen play regulary I think the following have a great chance of breaking through eventually, obviously powell and pettrucci, the 2 keanes, januzaj, daehli, ben pearson, james wilson, pierra and a couple of others.
johndenton

I agree with all of John's, Blackett and Ioannou too. Ben Pearson is a top player. Dimitri could be good too.

Sydney!

I would echo Johndenton & Sydney on this one, all look like they could make it at Utd, though as you say one or two will un-doubtably fall by the wayside unfortunately.

For me though as much as I like Erikson I would rather a Wanyama or strrotman type just to add a little more physicality. Interesting to see no real mention of tunnners.

Red BEar

15 Feb 2013 18:34:39
i think we got lucky with the class of 92 and have been trying to replicate having half a dozen come through at once. The standard at the academy has improved massively and the players there currently are quite a step up from the players that were there a decade ago. Not all of them will make it at united and its a case of usually players make it when you have a need in that position. But I think we are genuinely trying to pace the development of the squad so we get a load come through all at once.

15 Feb 2013 11:15:09
I think most things have been touched on throughout here regarding Wednesday but 1 player I think deserves praise who hasn't seem to of got a mention is Rio.

I'll admit I was concerned when I saw him in the line up but thought he was a rock at the back and lead the team even though obviously not captain.

Well done Rio, still some life in those legs.

Ports

15 Feb 2013 09:44:00
Some thoughts on the game and what the future holds.

We look to be building a formidable 5 with a young goalie who is going to be outstanding and a back four that with the purchase of a left back will be dominating games for many years as Vidic and Ferdinand will transition out over the next few years and smalling, jones, evans and the rest of the young breed come into their prime.

Midfield remains the big question mark as Carrick is not going to be round for ever and cleverly is good player but never the creative or combative force that can dominate games. The summer transfer window is pivotal where we go as a club over the next 5 years.

Forwards and wingers is where I see a need for quite few new faces and dispose of old faces. I do hope we buy Lewandowski and at least 1 winger with potentially disposing of 3 to 4 players.

I know it sounds a lot but my wish list is as follows:

In: Wanyama, Erickson, Baines, Lewandowski, Muniain/rodriguez/isco

Out: Nani, Young, Scholes, Rooney

Finally, very happy with wednesday's result and quite content with life as United supporter. Leading the league by 12, no major injuries to the squad and in the running for 3 major trophies. As they say life is good:)

Shahram

PS the latest financial figures are quite encouraging and as previously posted we are only going up from here and the club will be a financial giant.

Rooney and Young ain't going anywhere Shabnam!

IHaveNoName!

I like the suggestions but personally I think we could have just as effective a summer with less movement in and out:

e. g. 3 INS Baines, Strootman, Rodriguez/Muniain/Isco. and 3 OUTS Evra, Nani, Scholes (retire).

IMO trying to replace Young and Rooney on top of that would be too much in one hit and we'd have lots of players needing bedding in time. Consistency is key at United.

We already have Zaha signed up too and I'm hoping Powell will make more of an impact next year.

Gav

p. s. very happy with my lot as United fan these days too :)

Who knows what is going on behind the scenes and would not count any player as untouchable. The teams transition to a new playing style will need new personnel and that means change.

Apparently we put a bid in for Sneijder last summer and inter rejected it and ended up selling at 40% of what we had bid.

I did not even include some players like Goetze or Ozil as in my mind they are unattainable.

Young is always injured and Rooney has become a mystery as to his indifferent form, so nothing would surprise me.

Shahram

Shahram,

You are happy with the result on Wednesday but you want a major overhaul of the team in the summer, including changing our forward line?

We have been in transition for the last couple of years and Fergie has created another squad that can challenge on all fronts. What we do not need is 5 players, 4 of which are foreign and never played in the premier league, to come along and replace 3 English players.

I am unsure how you think this could ever work, we would have 4 players who we would need to settle in. You have seen how long it has taken Kagawa to settle. How often do we sign 4 players in a summer that have no experience in England?

GDS

GAV

I think valencia and zaha will be the right wingers and if we pick up a left winger Munina/isco/rodriguez that leaves Young as surplus as Welbeck seems to get games there at the moment and something needs to give.

The rooney debate will go on forever with many sides to the argument. I would like lew signed and think he will score bucket loads for us with our style of play and the players around him.

Goetze would be my ideal/favorite signing as he was outstanding the other night and given his age, it is scary what he will be like when he actually peaks which is a few years away.

Shahram

GDS

Whilst we are getting results our control of midfield leaves a lot to be desired and the current personnel don't do it for me.

Having to defend to the last man is not great to watch and our midfield needs better players. Our wingers at the moment don't give us anything and I believe we need a change.

If we buy quality players I am not too concerned with them not having played in the PL. I saw what Munian did to us last year so not too worried about if he can play in the pl and the same goes for Wanyama, Erickson and lewandowski.


Shahram

Shahram,

The same goes for Wanyama? When exactly has he shone against English opposition?

You might not see a problem with bringing in 4 foreign players with no premier league experience, but Fergie definitely does and so do I. You can have your dreams of who you want to buy, but in reality we have chance of perhaps one of them players, maybe none.

GDS

Shahram

Though I don't disagree in principal with most of the individual changes you propose it's just too much change in one hit IMO.

Why would we disturb the consistency of the team by undertaking such a big overhaul of players? You've already said we are in a great position so why risk taking a step backwards from here with too many players needing time to gel?

We never tend to buy more than 2 or maybe 3 first teamers in one summer, evolution not revolution. I think we will sign 3 first teamers MAX, but probably just 2. One will be a CM'er but I'm not sure what else (LB/LW?)

I just think you are expecting too much change based on our history of signings and current healthy posisition.

Gav

I've just read GDS' post - I should have just said 'agree with GDS' lol.

Gav

GDS

I agree I'm not so sure on a complete haul of 5 first team/1st back ups getting moved on but contracts will play a massive part in this.

Nani is gone, Rooney at a pivotal time for negotiation or selling, CM has to be looked at and that's all on top of other teams moving for our earmarked targets.

It's not beyond the realms of reality although still unlikely.

IMO Evra although still horrendous in defense has played better this season so unless we get a steal for baines I think he won't come and fabio or Butts will get a loan so basically the same as just now.

CM has to be looked at. Carrick will be 32 next year, clevs done ok, ando did his usual after everyone got hard over his 3 game salvo again earlier in the season, scholes will go, giggs had shown he still has a role and that role is back up LW/LM not CM, and all the youngsters (if you can call them that in their twenties) still have not had enough progression in loans or shown enough to be thrust in with the big boys. So IMO we will defo sign 1 CMer but we should look at 2 and over the next two summers let Scholes, giggs, ando and Carrick go.

Wings we have Zaha but where does he fit? Not good enough for direct Nani swap so I think he will be our only wide signing. Toni, young, Zaha and Giggs plus Welbeck Rooney and Kags all available to play differing roles out wide.

Up top is interesting as the RVP signing would normally cement our strike force for 2-3 years easy but jut 12 months later Rooneys contract will throw a spanner in the works. He has not played well enough to even get a renewal on the same money IMO so will he take a reduction? Will we move him on at best business opportunity or will a move for say lewy force us to act swiftly and maybe sell Chicho? Who knows.

There are so many combinations it's not as easy as other squads where if a player leaves they need a direct replacement.

I think DDG will probably stay another year IF he keeps up improving in the usual areas, LB is a maybe for me but god I would rather just punt mad pad and get baines, CM 1 but shoul be 2, Zaha for the wings and possibly a striker depending on Rooney or a move on lewy.

So CMer and Zaha definitely but possibly a LB, ST and another CMer.

Jono

GDS

Wanyama for those who have watched him enough has great feet and control for his size and gets rid of the ball very quickly.

Watched him against the best midfield in the world and if he had a decent group around him he could be very good. Besides going by your own evolution remark it is not like we have a established midfield and making huge changes. I would argue we are searching to establish a midfield and fergie is definitely looking at him.

I don't believe fergie for one minute does not realize that our midfield needs a changeover and this summer will see 2 arrivals in my opinion.

The rest of the players mentioned are very good players and I don't see how signing them is a risk or make us a worst team.

Shahram

Jono

How is selling Nani, Scholes retiring, Young and might as well add Anderson is a complete overhaul. The above players hardly play either through injuries or other reasons.

The only debate is do you keep Rooney or sell him and for me his peak was 3 years ago right before he got that ankle injury and never been the same since then.

This might all be down to our lack of a competitive midfield and maybe a couple of great players in the middle will also help Rooney's game and allow him to play further up the pitch.

Shahram

Shahram

It's an overhaul as the players brought in will need to be of 1st pick quality ie starters. So Nani - replaced with LW starter Scholes - CM starter, evra LB starter Rooney CaM or ST starter so Ando- 1st back up CMer so the 5 slots there would effect the first team massively that if all done at once could backfire if they don't click.

I agree in the players I many ions above need moved on and replaced but as I said I think Evra will have 1 more year and Zaha may well be the only win option coming in so a CMer and Zaha defo will be the summer but hoping for another CM. the ST or LB will come down to Saf choice in the Rooney contract and whether he wants to move for baines when Evra could struggle through another year.

There are way to many things to consider to say whether 4-5 signings will or won't happen but I feel 2-3 inc Zaha is likely but I would like to see baines aswel as lewy.

It should make for a very interesting summer with no international tourney on.

Jono

Jono

I say excluding Zaha we will have 3 to 4 new signing and see some players leave or retiring:

out: Nani, Scholes, Anderson (if an acceptable offer comes in)

In: 2 cm maybe one established and one for the future,
Lewandowski as there is too much chatter about him and as you know once Fergie has his eye on someone he usually gets them.

LW: Definitely a left winger

Given the fact that we will be looking to spend 40 to 50 million net and taking the proceeds from players leaving the 4 to 5 signings are not out of the norm.

Shahram

15 Feb 2013 08:43:01
I think some players have finally shown to the fans, critics and neutrals that they are United quality.

Two of the stand out players for me in the RM game and also through out the season which haven't been mentioned too much are:

Johnny Evans: After a solid season and picking up a few injuries he has really turned into one of the best defenders in the premier league. When Pique and Shawcross left everyone thought we got the short straw with Evans and boy has he proved to be at least on level or just under in ability behind pique.

Danny Welbeck: Hasn't scored many goals as we all thought but he is only 22 and for a striker who has been moved out on to the wing for several reasons has done extremely well IMO. Some don't like him but what more can we ask for for a 3rd/4th choice striker? English, Young, Homegrown and he has talent.

And of course there is Rafael, Carrick, DDG etc. But these two have really impressed me this season.

-JakeW

15 Feb 2013 05:41:35
I'm not claiming that Kagawa isn't good on the counter, but it seems to me thus far (and I know he's new and will settle) that he is best when we play against a team that sits back and let's us possess the ball in the attacking third. Small passes, close control, thru balls, etc. On the counter his speed is lacking and he's not physical enough when we play a counterattacking style to hold the ball when cleared, which is vital and is done so well by RVP, Valencia, Rooney, etc. Give him some time in the weight room and I still believe he'll be great, but SAF needs to use him carefully and specifically in matches that suit him, bc he's been a liability in matches like Madrid where we almost never get more than 3-4 players into the attacking third. -KG

15 Feb 2013 00:15:03
Just wanted to share my thoughts on yesterday's performance, even though most of what i'm going to say has already been said.

First of all, great team effort. We defended really well and attaced with purpose. The pressing was not Barcelonesque but we were solid defeinsivly. We had just as many chances As RM, if not more, and this they are, on paper, the better team and playing at home, we did more than ok.

About the players:

De Gea: one of the best performances in his united career. He looked shaky on crosses but he can produce saves like it's nobody's bussiness. I've seen cats with slower reflexes.

Jones: the word beast is an understatement. People simply bounced off him. Its like having Vidic in central midfield. Still think CB is his best position, but he is a towering presence in cm.

Evans : last season people wanted Evans out. Since then he has shut off his doubters and is now develloping into one of the best CBs in the world. with his ability to read the game, his pace and his ability on the ball, he has Rio Ferdinand written all over him.

Carrick : we're lucky to have such a player. So calm and smart in possession, it's a shame he doesn't have a midfielder of similar quality next to him. Imagine him playing with the likes of Roy Keane. Hopefully next season he will have Kevin Strootman as his partner in crime.

Welbeck : hit the ground running and was our most dangerous attacker throughout ( something I would have never suspected of happening with Rooney, Van Persie and Kagawa on the field ). Hope he keeps up these types of showings.

These were the good ones. Now onto the less impressive performers.

Rafael: he had a bad first half, though imo not fault of his own. He has probably been preparing himself for weeks to be able to handle Cristiano, examining every aspect of his game. So he was targeted by Ozil, who is the absolute opposite of Ronaldo. Great tactical decision by the special one. Adjusted later and played well.

Rooney : Simply not good enough. Great workrate, covered a lot of ground but that didn't equate into him winning the ball back. He put it one tackle in his time on the pitch. And when on the ball, he was atrocious most of the time. For a second there I thought he was Nani bar the pace. For the highest paid player of a team of manchester united's quality, this is unacceptable.
Some will say he was playing in an unfamiliar position, and yet we pride ourselves that Rooney is the complete player and can cover any position, and that's why he is so highly rated. You expect more from such a player, disappointing display.

Kagawa : When a new signing seems not to have been able to adapt to his new team, and who looks to be struggling with our style of play, he is not supposed to start what might prove to be the biggest match of the season. Rooney aside, he was probably our least impressive performer.

Mick

Mick, completely agree with everything you have said

AJH

Rooney was the worst player on the pitch by a mile. He looked disinterested. Welbeck & Carrick were outstanding. Got back late last night after taking my 9 year old son to his first away game. He absolutely loved it even if we were in the madrid end but so were hundreds of other reds. Great trip
Blackpool Red

14 Feb 2013 23:29:14
Reading the Daily Fail today (I know, my bad, but I only get it for the puzzle page, honest). Anyway, , in his player ratings, gave Jones a 5/10. . 5. . out of 10.

Was he watching the same game as most of the rest of us?

My 10 year old picked his performance out, amongst all the 'sexy' flair players ffs.

StevieK

Tbh only thing I remember jones doing is kickin ball away from ronny in the final minutes. he did his job quietly and effectively. a 5 is a bit harsh but in all fairness he kept his head down and got on with it. hard to score him much higher. he has a lot to learn still

ms85

Ms85,

Watch the game again, you clearly didn't see it all the first time if you thought that was all Phil jones did. As well as his fantastic tackling all game and workrate he also picked the pass for Rvps chance in the last minute.

He looks like a natural leader and I would go as far as to say future captain for club and country if he can stay clear of injuries. What a player we have on our hands with years ahead of him. And you saw what winning means to him on the final day of last season.

He could be one of my favourite ever united players if he continues like this, and I said that at the start of last season, this is not just based on one game, the lad has amazing amounts of ability and potential to be anything he wants to be.

GDS

GDS,

The problem is some people only notice when players score goals, get assists, dribble past players or make big tackles/defensive headers. There is a lot more to football and Jones is one of those who excells at the 'hidden' and unglamerous side of the game. I thought he was outstanding against both Real and Everton and should have been in contention for MOTM in both games.

Strangely enough, I still believe Jones will end up at CB. And I think he'll be great there! Though he can do a top job at CDM for the time being.

Gav