Watched a fair bit of that match last night (as I really can't be bothered with the farce that the CL is now), and he was very good. The defensive side of his game has improved significantly since I last saw him play. He'll be in the PL next season one way or another. If Boro start to take their chances it will be with them - Carrick's got them playing some pretty slick stuff, although they have a tendency to go with one or two more passes than necessary at times.
I don't know if it's still on the table but City were reported to be considering offer McAtee a new deal in the summer. If that's still the case I hope he doesn't sign it, can't help but feel like it'd turn into another ESR, Reiss Nelson-type situation.
Whenever Rogers gets the ball he sticks out like a sore thumb. Very much looks like he belongs on this stage. You can tell Philogene isn't match sharp because he keeps losing his balance but he's doing very well all things considered. When you consider how few minutes he's played he's essentially gone straight from playing in the Championship for Hull to playing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
I don't think Emery being unhappy means Rogers will be so annoyed that he wouldn't turn up to this squad. There were plenty of pics of him laughing and smiling in U21 training last time out. Every U21 player wants to be in the seniors but it doesn't mean they'll all go on U21 strike until they get a senior call-up.
Villa could withdraw him and ignore the request for an examination as Palace appeared to do with Wharton.
Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton having a catch-up with England U21 pal Samuel Iling Junior— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) October 2, 2024 That was good to read.
I would imagine so, he’s only had one call up and didn’t play in any of the games so can’t be considered to have out grown the U21’s.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite a doubt after thigh injury in training https://t.co/jj6O9Neigv— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) October 3, 2024
He’s a cracking player but bloody hell I wish he was being played in midfield and not constantly in defence. I hope this doesn’t damage his development going forward in midfield.
Carney Chukwuemeka not even on the Chelsea bench. That will break his heart.— Rahman osman (@iamrahmanosman) October 3, 2024
As long as it doesn't go on too long it'll likely be beneficial in the long run because he's still so young. The big danger is that he becomes typecast as a utility player and never really shakes off the reputation. He can still be moulded into a versatile player who can play several roles in midfield but too many shifts in different positions across the back four has diminishing returns for a player of his quality imo. Ideally you'd want his role to become a little bit more refined in the next couple of years.
I assume the u21 squad has been finalised, but Archie Brown has a chance to impress against Chelsea tonight
Really feel for him but it is a effective cautionary tale for other young players thinking of moving to a top club too early.
Played the 2nd half at LB. Thought he was brilliant tonight. I'm sure there will be a comp out later as every youth player seems to get these days. MM also superb today.
I know people are divided about whether or not he should be in the squad but he really stood out last night. Outside of the established elite players in the squad I don't think any one else can say they've performed like that on such a stage.
Very little reason for Dennis Cirkin not to be in this squad today. Probably the best LB in the Championship both in terms of form and quality. I bet he's not though, my hunch is Futcher will still carry on using Doyle as a LB option on top of Lewis Hall.