Codner's Wallop
Well-known member
Amid all the speculation over retainees/departures during the upcoming weeks, I thought I’d rate the current Albion squad. I’ve put them in order, not by hard currency, but more their perceived value to club and us fans in the fight for promotion 2016/17. I’ve not included Zamora because I feel it’s highly unlikely he’ll feature next season and loanee Wilson is also missing from the list. I’ve included a few explanations with each pick. Hopefully I haven't missed anyone. Over to you.
1) Kayal
2) Knockaert. Proven match-winner
3) Goldson. Considering his age and sheer scale of progress, his stock value is rising with each match. Will no doubt get even better. Very mature for his age.
4) Stephens. Harmonious pairing with Kayal. Scores goals too.
5) Dunk. Will always attract his sceptics, mainly due to his disciplinary record, but on his day his defending/corner threat is top drawer
6) Stockdale. A real standout season following a hit-and-miss year. Saw some of the breath-taking reflex saves we’d all hoped to see. Goalkeeper is such an important positon, I’d be loathed to see him replaced.
7) Bruno. Not getting any younger but he oozes class and fits snugly into Hughton’s formation/tactics. A real team-player.
8) Rosenior. Perhaps a controversial number 8 but his versatility and cool head are a big asset (his replacement for Bong should not be under-estimated)
9) Hemed. 17 goals and really pushed on for the second half of the season. Enthusiastic. Being pedantic, I’d like to see closer to 25 goals. Plenty of hope for next season.
10) Skalak. I like him. A bit quirky on the pitch but gives it everything and blessed with a demon cross/strike. Expect him to make a big impact.
11) Murphy. Undoubted talent and looks a major threat in open spaces. Would like a little more consistency.
12) Bong. Imperious start to the season. Less impressive following his return from injury, in fact looked a different player. Fills a specialist position though.
13) Uwe. Unlucky to feature so few times but looked polished when he started. With Greer’s future uncertain, should see him more often in 2016/17, even if it’s only in a deputy’s role.
14) March. Really started to show promise and the kind of player so many fans had already identified. Sadly a bad injury makes him an unknown quantity. Age on his side.
15) Greer. Talisman and such a wonderful contribution to the growth of the Albion. But the years and battles have started to catch up with him – looks less noticeably less assured against pacy players. May not be around for much longer.
16) Sidwell. See Rosenior. Not a flashy or eye-catching player but a competent back-up in midfield. Bags of experience.
17) Lua Lua. The most mercurial Albion player I’ve seen in many years. One match he’s unplayable – the next, he’s a liability. Doesn’t seem to fit the Hughton ethos either. Injury-prone. Some great memories but now may be the time to bid an amicable farewell?
18) Towell. Needs more time to establish himself. Flashes of good stuff during the Boro tragedy but it was hardly a fair chance to prove himself in the Championship. Jury still well and truly out.
19) Baldock. I know, I know. This will be met with loads of disapproval from many fans who value Baldock’s contribution to the team. I’m not looking to re-ignite the debate, after all this is only ONE OPINION. But all the same, I’ve never been fully convinced. His finishing is mediocre and despite all his industry and hounding of defences, I’d like to see a striker with more bite and swagger. There, I’ve said it.
20) Casper. We may need him…one day.
21) Chicksen. Can he/will he stay with us? Doubtful.
22) Holla. Oh dear. Burst onto the scene and looked a worthy addition to the squad. But mobility/fitness/decision-making have all been questioned. And so far he doesn’t have the answers.
23) Calderon. What a servant to the club. But we have to be honest here, like racehorse running its final races, Inigo looks a long way behind the pace now. He also be a year older in 2016/17 (you don’t say…)
24) Manu. It’s all been said.
1) Kayal
2) Knockaert. Proven match-winner
3) Goldson. Considering his age and sheer scale of progress, his stock value is rising with each match. Will no doubt get even better. Very mature for his age.
4) Stephens. Harmonious pairing with Kayal. Scores goals too.
5) Dunk. Will always attract his sceptics, mainly due to his disciplinary record, but on his day his defending/corner threat is top drawer
6) Stockdale. A real standout season following a hit-and-miss year. Saw some of the breath-taking reflex saves we’d all hoped to see. Goalkeeper is such an important positon, I’d be loathed to see him replaced.
7) Bruno. Not getting any younger but he oozes class and fits snugly into Hughton’s formation/tactics. A real team-player.
8) Rosenior. Perhaps a controversial number 8 but his versatility and cool head are a big asset (his replacement for Bong should not be under-estimated)
9) Hemed. 17 goals and really pushed on for the second half of the season. Enthusiastic. Being pedantic, I’d like to see closer to 25 goals. Plenty of hope for next season.
10) Skalak. I like him. A bit quirky on the pitch but gives it everything and blessed with a demon cross/strike. Expect him to make a big impact.
11) Murphy. Undoubted talent and looks a major threat in open spaces. Would like a little more consistency.
12) Bong. Imperious start to the season. Less impressive following his return from injury, in fact looked a different player. Fills a specialist position though.
13) Uwe. Unlucky to feature so few times but looked polished when he started. With Greer’s future uncertain, should see him more often in 2016/17, even if it’s only in a deputy’s role.
14) March. Really started to show promise and the kind of player so many fans had already identified. Sadly a bad injury makes him an unknown quantity. Age on his side.
15) Greer. Talisman and such a wonderful contribution to the growth of the Albion. But the years and battles have started to catch up with him – looks less noticeably less assured against pacy players. May not be around for much longer.
16) Sidwell. See Rosenior. Not a flashy or eye-catching player but a competent back-up in midfield. Bags of experience.
17) Lua Lua. The most mercurial Albion player I’ve seen in many years. One match he’s unplayable – the next, he’s a liability. Doesn’t seem to fit the Hughton ethos either. Injury-prone. Some great memories but now may be the time to bid an amicable farewell?
18) Towell. Needs more time to establish himself. Flashes of good stuff during the Boro tragedy but it was hardly a fair chance to prove himself in the Championship. Jury still well and truly out.
19) Baldock. I know, I know. This will be met with loads of disapproval from many fans who value Baldock’s contribution to the team. I’m not looking to re-ignite the debate, after all this is only ONE OPINION. But all the same, I’ve never been fully convinced. His finishing is mediocre and despite all his industry and hounding of defences, I’d like to see a striker with more bite and swagger. There, I’ve said it.
20) Casper. We may need him…one day.
21) Chicksen. Can he/will he stay with us? Doubtful.
22) Holla. Oh dear. Burst onto the scene and looked a worthy addition to the squad. But mobility/fitness/decision-making have all been questioned. And so far he doesn’t have the answers.
23) Calderon. What a servant to the club. But we have to be honest here, like racehorse running its final races, Inigo looks a long way behind the pace now. He also be a year older in 2016/17 (you don’t say…)
24) Manu. It’s all been said.
