Lads
I would like to talk about this "sideways pass merchant" reputation that Winks has gained.
Here are his stats in the league this season:
6.41 passes into the final third per 90 (highest in the squad)
6.22 progressive passes per 90 (3rd highest in the squad)
303.8 progressive yards per 90 (4th highest outfielder in the squad)
And if you think that's just because our squad is poor, out of all the CMs in the league (not including players like De Bruyne and David Silva etc) who have played at least 900 minutes, Winks ranks:
8th in progressive yards per 90,
12th in passes into the final third per 90
13th in progressive passes per 90.
Is he going to get us goals and assists, or create loads of chances for us? No, but why do fans keep complaining about that? It isn't his game; he's been playing as a holding midfielder for the last 2 seasons ffs. His job is to sit deep, make himself an option, keep things ticking over and progress the ball, moving it into areas where other players can create. You can still contribute effectively in possession even if you're not creating chances, just look at Dembele ffs
I'm not some huge Harry Winks fanboy - I don't think he should be a starter for us next season. Even with those numbers I have provided it's not like he is ranking in the top 3 for each like say Pogba and Kovacic are. He isn't at that level and I'm not trying to claim he is.
But, he is good enough to be a key squad player for a top 4 team - even starting some games when we need to dictate play a little more.
All I'm saying is that if you're going to criticise him, criticise him for how poor he is defending in transition or how easily attackers go past him. Those are the actual flaws in his game, don't criticise him for being "all sideways and backwards" when that isn't true.
Let's talk about Winks
posted on 16/7/20
We would make a great two man team at the ryder cup.
Course total is 72, we would both shoot that on the front 9.
posted on 16/7/20
As i think if Ndombele stays he still wont get a look in and it is only realistic we will sign one central midfielder(also be annoyed if we signed more than one at the expense of not upgrading both full backs) i would really like a midfield of:
----------Hojbjerg
--Winks--------GLC
bit of bite and energy to it, all decent on the ball.
Sissoko wont be sold but should only be used against the 'big' teams when we are being dominated, also be ok as a sub late on too.
posted on 16/7/20
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
We would make a great two man team at the ryder cup.
Course total is 72, we would both shoot that on the front 9.
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i shot level handicap round my course front 9(36(48)) on sunday, 4 over on the back.
posted on 16/7/20
He can be a useful player in the squad, I'm just not sure he's going to dictate a starting place going forward in our quest for being a top team again.
posted on 16/7/20
comment by Phenom (U20037)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
We would make a great two man team at the ryder cup.
Course total is 72, we would both shoot that on the front 9.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i shot level handicap round my course front 9(36(48)) on sunday, 4 over on the back.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My god just swap numbers already
posted on 16/7/20
Love creating a safe space for irish and phenom to hang out
posted on 16/7/20
comment by MKspur ツ - The Fountain of Knowledge (U9129)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by Phenom(U20037)
posted 27 minutes ago
comment by Irishred (U2539)
posted 2 minutes ago
We would make a great two man team at the ryder cup.
Course total is 72, we would both shoot that on the front 9.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i shot level handicap round my course front 9(36(48)) on sunday, 4 over on the back.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My god just swap numbers already
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 16/7/20
Great article
posted on 16/7/20
07
posted on 17/7/20
Interesting stats mate..... Good post. I'm not a fan personally but I can't help liking the guy... seems like he has a great attitude and what he does, he does well I just can't help thinking the way he play's doesn't help the players ahead of him. It just feels as though the distribution from CM takes to long and I never feel as though we get the ball to the likes of Son, Moura, Bergwijn & Dele with the defenders on their heels and the opposition out of shape. I always feel that with our current CM we have Sissoko charging forwards, stopping and passing sideways or with the ball at winks' feet with the opposition back in shape with 11 players in front of him.
Given the state of where Villa re at right now and with Man United's midfield looking very well stocked..... would it be worth us having another go for Grealish ???
Would like to see us play a 433......
******************Hugo**********
***New RB***Toby***Sanchez***New LB***
******GLC******Holberg*****Grealish******
***Bergwijn/Moura****Kane*****Son/Dele****