Middlesbrough friendly

He is injured now but when Baldwin returns I dont think he even makes the matchday 18.

 

Don't get me wrong i'm happy with a win and a good performance but equally understand that these games are primarily to get minutes in the bank and to get new players adapted to the club.

 

Stand outs tonight were Joe Wright, Josh Neufville and Will Swann.
Max Power had a good game.
Sarc and Bobby disappointing 1st half.
Jack Hunt is a very dependable utility player who we should look to offer a deal imo.
Looking forward to seeing Metcalfe join up with the team.
I've been to 3 pre season games and we've not conceded in any which shows the direction we are heading going into the new season.

 

Interestingly I felt Power was short on pace and Leigh was chasing shadows and rightly taken off at halftime. There’s no way he’s a starter. Neufville was excellent and has that shirt, the other wingback was solid too. I was close to the dugout and Kav was getting absolute pelters from Alexander for walking back and not picking up. Pointon didnt get a sniff and I think the front three will probably be Humphrey, Swan and Sarcevic. I’m hoping the lad from Everton has pace because we seemed to run through treacle at times. We won’t face that level of opposition too often, but will face youth and pace in the middle. I only hope the decision to go for age and experience doesn’t catch us out.

 

For me Curtis Tilt was another stand out,the fans at the match made that clear when he was subbed with the biggest clapping of the night.

 

If you look at our 9 signings (inc Metcalfe) then 5 are 30+ and 4 are 27 and under. Its a good blend IMO.

 

I doubt GA agrees with you

 

Plenty to be happy about in a meaningless game both wing backs look very good and all the centre halves played well. We struggled a bit against some good midfielders down the middle but we had most of the best chances of the night Walker was hardly troubled. Not sure Humphrey was suited to the role he played tonight we need a challenger to Cook

 

So which 2 of the 6 CBs miss out?

 

I just hope Metcalf has the pace and drive that we'll need. We saw yesterday how Boro broke quickly and were around our box with 2 or 3 options, only to squander the opportunity. The blend is good, but the pace is lacking in the key area for me. Hopefully we'll be fine.

 

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, GA deliberately has them playing these friendlies when they're fatigued so it's hard for us to really weigh up the impact on that when we're watching the game. That said, I agree with your concerns on central midfield.

 

Indeed,

There is definitely a hole to fill, hopefully the new lad will have the pace and drive !

 

Who is Metcalf? Have I missed a signing?

 

Jenson Metcalfe, 20 year old Everton midfield player in the stands watching last nights game, rumoured to be signing. Spent last season at Chesterfield.

Confusion as to whether loan or permanent, I suspect loan.

 

https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/25337100.bradford-city-boss-link-evertons-jenson-metcalfe/

 

Why did their keeper go to look at the dressing room entrance when Sarcevic was about to take the pen. Who does he think he is Reya? It’s only a friendly

 

There’s no competition on that showing for the opener . Bobby isn’t yet up to pace.

 

Based on what we saw last night, and I know it’s early doors but I’m more than happy to suggest not one of their front men would get in our side .
Their lad Whittaker was excellent btw. The midfield difference was Boro’s skill and confidence to play the ball “round the corner” with one touch passing, however with no outlet they will struggle big style in the CC. They cannot rely on just goals from midfield .

 

Middlesbrough were really up for this match they played a very strong squad and have no doubt they were going all out