I had a link for the game, though given it was not a compelling encounter I can't say I was glued to it and taking notes.Walsall were happy to sit in, and not especially expansive in possession other than the last few minutes and he was off at that point. So, he was not tested for pace. When we had the ball they did not press aggressively, rather they filled spaces trying to block passing lanes, they did not drop deep. They had a physical unit playing at 9 (possibly a trialist) and he handled him pretty well - trying to nick the ball in front a few times, which did prompt me to think that could be a risk if he tried it against more accomplished players. He maybe lost out once or twice, though I think they were (borderline) fouls. The ref was favouring Walsall in any decisions - including being over-indulgent with one numpty that came on for them, No. 16, who was charging around crashing into players which is not the 'done thing' in a pre-season friendly.He was paired with Feeney, so as the more senior pro, he attempted more of the progressive, forward passes. One or two early on were overhit, but he did make some good, precise passes into the likes of Buendia and Watkins. Though for the most part, as Luiz was playing with him, Dougie dropped deep to start attacks rather than either CB bringing it out. We went longer into Watkins than was the case for the second-half of last season, though I thought it was more purposeful than the stuff with Gerard, i.e., less of a ball into a channel for Watkins to chase in hope - though that might be me giving credit to Emery.I thought he did OK, without being spectacular. Though given the opposition and the balance of play it was probably tough for a CB to look more than assured/competent. UTV
Can we delete the (out injured) thread suffix? Tsk, as Baad-ass English would say.
He won some headers.
How did he do last night?
I thought his passing was quite poor last night. Gave it away a few times.
Quote from: Risso on July 27, 2023, 03:19:48 PMI thought his passing was quite poor last night. Gave it away a few times.yeh, he did once or twice. The conditions were awful especially early on so it wasn't just him.