Tam wrote:
What do people make of his chances overall with us? I've been impressed a few times when I've seen him but I always tend to think (to an extent) it's somewhat easier for more physically blessed players to stand out at a lower level amongst their peers. I'd like to see him develop a bit more then see how he plays against some real men.Â
Another season or maybe two in the reserves then a loan?
He had a very, very good last three months of the season. In the first half he played well but struggled to keep his game simple enough when playing centreback to not make mistakes that costs goals. He has adjusted to the new position really well now though, looks much more comfortable and is taking the right sort of risk with the ball and when trying to win it early etc.
I watched him live a couple of times at the Emirates and whilst his strength and power was a clear advantage, what really stood out was his anticipation; he just read the play so well, almost Mertesacker-esque. His ability and composure on the ball was impressive too.
He still has to work on his defending inside the box, from crosses in particular, but from everything I've read about him - turning down playing in a couple of friendly matches with Poland during the international break we had toward the end of the season because he was desperate to stay and work with the coaches to improve himself, for example - he seems really determined to do well here.
Not sure what to make of his potential contribution next season. He is still new to playing centreback, can't imagine he's going to be thrown in agaisnt Premier League attackers and not come off badly for a while at least, but I'm not writing him off altogether because he looks a serious talent.
Maybe a really good loan for a season playing centreback somewhere will serve him best?
