Lamare Bogarde

[Beard82]

I thought he did fine today.  As a defensive midfielder or centre back he seems reasonable.  I think Youri failed to set any kind of a tempo in midfield alongside him and that was more of an issue.  McGinn was slightly better - but missing Onnana, Kamara and Barkley missing and Youri going off injured we're missing 4 of 5 best central midfielders.

[Brend'Watkins]

Crap on the ball. Which isn't good when you're a midfielder.

Harsh, he was far from the biggest problem today.

But still a problem. Having to play Bogarde and even Buendia (our best player today) this early in the season highlights the seriousness of our current state. Couple that with no really stand out performances from any outfield players and this is why we haven’t scored. The 2 points we’ve got flatter us.

[villa for life]

Crap on the ball. Which isn't good when you're a midfielder.

Harsh, he was far from the biggest problem today.

But still a problem. Having to play Bogarde and even Buendia (our best player today) this early in the season highlights the seriousness of our current state. Couple that with no really stand out performances from any outfield players and this is why we haven’t scored. The 2 points we’ve got flatter us.

If so, who are we actually going to finish above this season?

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

Quality today, as good as Bouba which is high praise.

[eamonn]

Yeah, he's becoming a bit of a baller. I'm still sad about JJ leaving, we need fresh youth to come through and pwn.

[rougegorge]

Yes he played very well today and was very tidy and measured in defensive work and distribution.

[aj2k77]

Settled in a bit now, doesn't look so limited on the ball. A work in progress. I might be wrong about this lad.

[Exeter 77]

More confident now so looks to make more progressive passes.

[Ger Regan]

His technique has improved hugely, he seems much more confident on the ball both dribbling and passing. He's a really important squad player for us now, especially considering his versatility and homegrown status.

[Demitri_C]

Motm for me. Thought he was excellent

[adrenachrome]

He is a good player, and Unai clearly has a lot of faith in him.

[PaulWinch again]

I think he’s gained a yard. He can now get away from players really effectively.

[Smithy]

I think he’s gained a yard. He can now get away from players really effectively.

It was very noticeable how he was often given the responsibility of turning with the ball and breaking the lines when we were under a press in our own defensive third.   That shows trust, both from the manager and his teammates.  His ability to turn and carry the ball 20 yards up the field was evident today.  Maybe he won't get as much time in future, when other teams learn what he's capable of, but that just creates time for others.  He's definitely still improving, which is great, and becoming a solid option in that 'double pivot' position alongside Bouba.

[tomd2103]

Motm for me. Thought he was excellent

Yep.  Thought it was a real 'coming of age' performance.

[Richard E]

Really assured performance. He’s looking the real deal.