I do think there's some merit to the idea of playing Baleba at CB as 'Libero', but it would surely be odds-on for Maddison going down 'cleverly' in the box to get a pen out of him.
That's the thing, surely they'd then be less at risk of injury if they have some match fitness behind them before they get drafted in to play a full 90 in the first team, rather than after only making the odd cup appearance. PL2 is of course less physically demanding compared to PL as well so...
Random thought: players like Igor, Webster, Ayari, Steele, Lamptey, Moder etc, who will mostly only be used if we have injuries, could surely do with playing u23s to get/keep match sharp. Is there a reason why we rarely use first team squad players in PL2? There must be a reason because it seems...
I keep thinking he's signed a new deal when I see this thread bounced :nono: A Chelsea-style 9 year deal will do.
Ah well, another opportunity to say he is f***ing quality. I'm certain he will go on to be the best defender to ever play for us (I never saw Lawrenson play so I can't really judge...
I genuinely thought he was in his late 20s/early 30s when he came on for them against us the other week. Could not believe it when I saw he has just turned 25! He looks like an old man on his last legs.