On the whole it was more positive than not. Crewe came with a plan to sit very deep and keep it tight. Meant we were never going to have to do much defensively. Which we really didn’t.
First half we created enough chances to take the lead and really should have. But I wouldn’t say we looked very inspiring. Build up was slow and we never tore them apart.
Always felt confident we would score and once we had that they would have to leave space for us to get another.
Llorente played some really nice progressive passes.
Forshaw had some great touches and looked like someone who could play a part this season. We lack a player that does the simple stuff he does so well. Was very happy to get stuck in too. Fingers crossed.
Harrison looked very good throughout. Easily MOTM
Rodrigo was very poor. Dissapointed that Bielsa played Rodrigo in midfield and Roberts up top. Didn’t work and was clear they should be swapped.
Bamford came on and Roberts dropped into midfield. Both looked excellent.
Firpo looks comfortable on the ball. Overall he had a good game. Just looks tentative at times and feels like he needs more time in the side to be able to express himself.
Costa had too many poor touches and it’s clear the crowd are losing patience. I worry if his confidence can recover at the club now. But most disappointing was Rodrigo who had no impact.
Would honestly play Roberts ahead of Rodrigo against Burnley right now.
Harrison, Llorente & Bamford big positives.
Forshaw, Roberts continue to impress.
Worry about Rodrigo and Costa.
A shame that Summerville or Cresswell didn’t get the opportunity to play. Hopefully in another round.
Crewe Performance
posted on 25/8/21
Roberts would play for plenty of other PL clubs. He'd probably start regularly for at least a few.
posted on 25/8/21
comment by Lubo - Struijk of Genius (U14008)
posted 2 minutes ago
Roberts would play for plenty of other PL clubs. He'd probably start regularly for at least a few.
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Based on what?
Name the plenty.
Name the few he is good enough to start for, just so we can see what level forward you think we should aspire to.
posted on 25/8/21
I think he would be in the squads of Norwich, Watford, Brentford, Burnley, Newcastle, Brighton, Southampton, Villa, Palace, Wolves, Everton, and West Ham, maybe some others.
Of those, I think he would probably start for Norwich, Watford, and would start for Brentford, Southampton, and Burnley, if they operated with a 10.
posted on 25/8/21
Els, you've got me wondering if Costa's playing because the club are trying to sell him - shop window and all that. Because I'm with you. What else does Summerville have to do?
posted on 25/8/21
Summerville has never played a senior game for the club. He's not done anything yet. The only reason he would play is because Costa is underperforming.
posted on 26/8/21
There is no way that bielsa would let both our back up wingers leave the club.
He let povesa go out on loan and so clearly sees costa as back up.
Costa is bang average and not worth what we paid for him.
However he is still second choice to both raph and Harrison.
That's just where our squad is
posted on 26/8/21
Summerville's achievements are being over exaggerated here. I'm sure he will get his chance but he's not the only player playing well in the u23s that hasn't got minutes for the first team.
Costa has talent and ability but looks hopelessly short of confidence and I struggle to see how he recovers without a move. A move to Portugal/Spain would hopefully give him the fresh start he needs. While we don't have a replacement lined up we cannot afford to lose him though.
posted on 26/8/21
I have to say that the comment on the thread I can
't comment on about not being able to judge Rodrigo until Bamford has played in midfield is one of the strangest takes I have ever seen.
posted on 26/8/21
I think it's worth saying that I thought Costa had some good approach play the other day, it's just that his end product was consistently woeful, perhaps best summarised by blazing one out of the stadium. It's frustrating that he gets into good positions and can't produce.
posted on 26/8/21
Costa lacks any sort of confidence. Sadly, I'm not sure he will find it at Leeds.