I think the reluctance to buy a midfielder this summer speaks volumes about Curtis Jones. You’ve written in other articles about how getting another midfielder wouldn’t be “a transfer for transfer’s sake” but I disagree. As ever with transfers in this era of success, we will only buy if we are certain what we are getting is a) available at good value and b) better than what we already have at said value and availability. I don’t think there are many midfielders out there that could upgrade this squad at their relative price point, and I think that is largely in part because of how highly the staff rates Curtis Jones.
as you said, Curtis would be with someone who at starts for a number of Premier League teams. That’s a lot better than most players. Yes, he has problems, but he is not just a good ball carrier, he is a GREAT ball carrier. He’s only 21 - it’s no crime not to get in ahead of Thiago/Hendo/Fab/Naby. I think they very much see him as a future replacement for our two aging eights.
another excellent analysis. I'd add GOALS – the things he needs to add. That's related to your decision-making point: in the box or when a shot is on, his nerve and his and his otherwise excellent technique fail him . One for the sport psychologist.
Great write up and statistics Joel, as usual.
I think the reluctance to buy a midfielder this summer speaks volumes about Curtis Jones. You’ve written in other articles about how getting another midfielder wouldn’t be “a transfer for transfer’s sake” but I disagree. As ever with transfers in this era of success, we will only buy if we are certain what we are getting is a) available at good value and b) better than what we already have at said value and availability. I don’t think there are many midfielders out there that could upgrade this squad at their relative price point, and I think that is largely in part because of how highly the staff rates Curtis Jones.
as you said, Curtis would be with someone who at starts for a number of Premier League teams. That’s a lot better than most players. Yes, he has problems, but he is not just a good ball carrier, he is a GREAT ball carrier. He’s only 21 - it’s no crime not to get in ahead of Thiago/Hendo/Fab/Naby. I think they very much see him as a future replacement for our two aging eights.
He'll improve with more playing time.
another excellent analysis. I'd add GOALS – the things he needs to add. That's related to your decision-making point: in the box or when a shot is on, his nerve and his and his otherwise excellent technique fail him . One for the sport psychologist.