I love this quote by sXeistWesley. That guy can write a post... I bet Cams frustrated - especially after that election this week! (Yes, I am cracking me up over here!) It would be nice to have ol' Geoff back in the prem to check in on again. I hope he's up for Spurs.
The story today was Harry Kane's first half hat trick, as Tottenham got back to their winning ways with a 4-0 shutout. Cameron came in for Whelan in the 81st minute, great to see him back on the field, er pitch . . . http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...stoke-city-premier-league-live-score-updates/
They were already on the ascent before he got injured. Now they sit 10th, and there's effectively no difference between 10th and 13th. No, they didn't fall apart without him. He's not an indispensable player, and one of their very best. But he is an asset as a starter to them at 2/4 positions, and he proves all that much more valuable when they start to have attrition because he can fill 1 of 5 spots. Haven't been following Stoke much lately to know if they've been healthy recently or not, outside Geoff.
http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/us...ameron-returns-injury-update-stoke-city-usmnt This is great news for Bruce Arena. Assuming all goes well for Cameron’s recovery, he should be available for selection when the USMNT roster is decided on in a couple of weeks. While we still don’t have any idea how Arena rates the European-based USMNT players, you’d have to assume someone with Cameron’s pedigree and track record would be an easy call-up if he’s available. The 31-year-old hasn’t played in a while, but his experience would be a good addition to the Arena’s plans in all likelihood.
Timing was a touch off but he'll show well in 2 games. Cameron's epl cycle: recover from injury, show well as a substitute for a run of games, get moved into the starting lineup, start to develop chemistry with the team, appear a little shaky in a couple of occasions but for the most part be effective, pick up minor knock, supposed to be out 2 weeks miss 2 months, rinse and repeat.
He's definitely an asset due to his versatility, but like many Jack-of-all-trades, his multiple positions are perfectly well covered in case of his absence.
The versatility obscures that he's a solid starting cdm in the Premier League, and you aren't naturally covered at the positions at utility guy plays if they also get injured. That outcome is independent. 5 positions, normally you're going to have at least a temporary injury at one over the course of 4 months. If they stayed healthy, they were fortunate. I honestly don't know if they did, but Transfermarkt only lists Cameron's injury, and Diouf's temporary nt duty at a position Geoff doesn't play, so it does seem they were lucky. Otherwise it would have likely reflected more in the standings. Also read a thread on their forum where they anointed Lee Grant, their gk, as player of the season. He didn't open the season as their starting keeper and only took over a few games before Geoff went down. Stoke earned 8 points in those 4 games. The ascent had already started before Geoff went down, between Grant taking over betwixt the sticks, Allen breaking out, and their flair guys coming out of their slump. Geoff didn't get the full benefit of this continuation of form, which actually leveled off somewhat. 23 points in 17 games. That's a mid-table pace. A little below what was expected before the season, still. Last year they finished with a higher ppg and they made multiple significant financial investments during that winter window as well as the subsequent summer. They've still be somewhat disappointing. Should be competing for a European place.
Also should mean GC gets back on the field quickly because there are many more opportunities per game for him.
Stoke City FCVerified account@stokecity 14h14 hours ago More MH: @GeoffCameron has had a really good weel. He is a powerful and athletic guy, and he will certainly come into my thinking. #SCFC
Uh oh. "He will certainly come into my thinking" is even more vague than "he will be important for us in the season."
Yes! Starts CM alongside Whelan. Check out @stokecity's Tweet: 📝 #SCFC Starting XI v @Boro: Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, M. Indi, Pieters; Whelan, Cameron; Arnautovic, Allen, Ramadan; Crouch. pic.twitter.com/ac1wWwn4Mo— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 4, 2017
The difference in distribution from Brookes-Cameron to everyone else is huge. It's like walking off a distribution cliff.
I see what you did there. So far very influential in flipping defense to attack and control the flow of the game. First ten minutes top notch.
Geoff Cameron deserves massive credit this season. At the age of 31, he's found a new level to his game. Whenever he's played midfield before, he's been stilted and his lack of attacking ability stunts his game. This season, he's been our best midfielder not called Joe Allen. He slotted seamlessly back in today, after 4 months out. We've really missed him in his absence, we've had a dreadful 4 months. Unconvincing victories over also rans and smashed by the big teams. Whereas we nicked a point at Old Trafford with Cameron in midfield. Today could have been 5 or 6. Whelan looked so much better with a player who could run alongside him instead of Charlie Adam. As an aside, remember the name Ramadan Sobhi, that kid is going to be top class.
They were expected to win vs. Boro at home. Boro is in the relegation zone for a reason. Let's not get carried away, please.