Was that the post red card 3 game period where we amassed 7 points and started a down turn when he returned?
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[Albion] Dale Stephens
- Thread starter Stato
- Start date
Was that the post red card 3 game period where we amassed 7 points and started a down turn when he returned?
I think the style and position he plays in is vital to the team. I don’t think he is though; if we are to do better next season he should be upgraded.
You’re right, but it could be said of any current first team player/position.
Nixonator
Well-known member
MotM yesterday by some distance. How anybody could be blind to the amount of times he pressed, broke up their play and turned over possession is beyond my understanding.
Love the way that he gets criticised for not taking risks, when it is obvious he is instructed not to based on where he plays on the pitch, yet distributed some of the best passes of the match regardless.
He is obviously not beyond replacing, but with only a handful of others he has been ever present in this club's upward trajectory over 4 seasons. Careful what you wish for.
Love the way that he gets criticised for not taking risks, when it is obvious he is instructed not to based on where he plays on the pitch, yet distributed some of the best passes of the match regardless.
He is obviously not beyond replacing, but with only a handful of others he has been ever present in this club's upward trajectory over 4 seasons. Careful what you wish for.
Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
Priority has to be centre forward. I’d actually have down my list of who needs upgrading in the summer. Right back ahead too.
Aveacarlin'
New member
- Jul 5, 2011
- 1,177
Yes he is. I can't think of anyone else in our squad that could/would carry out that role any better.
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Icy Gull
Back on the rollercoaster
- Jul 5, 2003
- 72,015
Problem is that many fans decide a player is shit/not up to it and then absolutely refuse to change that opinion regardless of how well the player plays in subsequent games. Stephens, Bong and Locadia always seem to get shit reviews from the same fans after every game, regardless
It is very easy to end up looking like a complete mug taking this approach though.
I agree scoring goals is key. But we have conceded a hell of a lot this season so I feel it’s a position we need to review in light of this.
Whilst I agree with the general principle that we need Stephens to play that midfield rock role and that he usually does that well I thought that we needed to push and press against Huddersfield and that, for me, Stephens was far too cautious yesterday. The pace and progression that was evident after the substitutions was vital to getting that goal and I was glad Kayal was brought on and would have gladly seen Stephens subbed for him.
When it looked like Stephens was going to go I desperately wanted him to stay and that remains the case overall, but I just think he needs to take the lead in motivating the push, the press, the progression, the closing down. When we play like that it’s then that we seem so much better.
When it looked like Stephens was going to go I desperately wanted him to stay and that remains the case overall, but I just think he needs to take the lead in motivating the push, the press, the progression, the closing down. When we play like that it’s then that we seem so much better.
I hope we review CM creativity, pace, ability to burst forward in ‘transition’. We haven’t really cracked that at PL level.
Skaville
Well-known member
God this AGAIN! Are people that bloody thick that they can’t see a midfield needs someone to sit, protect the defence and let others play? It absolutely beggars belief.
Kante played Stephens role for Chelsea and Leicester for the last three seasons. He played 106 games and scored 3 goals. Does that make him crap?
Kante played Stephens role for Chelsea and Leicester for the last three seasons. He played 106 games and scored 3 goals. Does that make him crap?
portslade seagull
Well-known member
I believe CH needs to let the safety net go he feels by playing a majority of the team that gained promotion. A RB CM and striker/s are a priority if we stay up
S'hampton Seagull
Well-known member
This thread is about the player though, not just the position he plays. For me he gives the ball away too often so IMO we could do with someone who does that less.
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London Irish
Well-known member
Disagree Propper has played the deep lying role and done well. He certainly wouldn’t have surrendered the Cardiff away game in that second touch a tackle mode
Skaville
Well-known member
71 passes yesterday. 88% pass completion. RUBBISH!
Propper hasn’t got the steel and positional awareness to simply shield the defence all day long and passing it simple. Plus every team requires a Stephens or two to avoid being bullied out of games. No wonder the Albion’s players rate DS highly.
Skaville
Well-known member
54 passes against Leicester. 92% accuracy, so 90% accuracy this week but he gives the ball away too much?
Thank god Hughton picks the side, not half of you lot. One of the first names on the teamsheet and rightly so.
Thank god Hughton picks the side, not half of you lot. One of the first names on the teamsheet and rightly so.
Totally agree. Most of us understand and see value in the role Stephens plays....it more that we want someone with more dynamism and ability than Stephens.