he is a case study in the stepup in requirements from the championship to the prem. hes very technical for the championship but not technical enough to offset his lack of pace in the prem
Agreed. The prem attackers are the elite of the elite. I think he could hang in other top divisions given his tenure and ability demonstrated in the C'ship, but there is so much money at the Prem clubs that they can just buy literally the best money can buy. Not everyone can handle that type of talent, speed, movement, especially in their 30s. No shame there. The C'ship is clearly just a cut well below.
This, I think, is basically the equation. If he were more dangerous going forward or faster, he is "good enough" on the ball, but it's not impossible to find someone else younger, faster and just as good.
I actually don't think it's his speed that's the problem - I do think he is above average on the ball and his passing/possession skill is clearly an asset. I just think he's not quite all there in terms of strength, ability in the air, aggressiveness and emergency defending, and he's prone to bad mental errors. The goal yesterday was sorta typical Ream - he got outmuscled for a header that he had position on and just had the Ream in the headlights look. If he had a little of the Popovic "nasty", he might be solidly midtable PL level. But he just can't be trusted to come up with the big play often enough.
Agree 100% with your assessment. His straight line speed is fine, but his athleticism is not great and that’s especially apparent in aerial duels at the top level. He’s sort of like a defensive midfielder playing at CB. I actually really like his style and skills, but it’s definitely not sustainable in the EPL.
But perfect for an MLS expansion side looking for leadership at the back. Is his home town getting an expansion side?
Agree. I used "athleticism/speed" because I do think it is more than just speed, but were he faster, it would ameliorate some of the other deficiencies - it's physical battles, ups, quickness, footspeed, reaction time in combination - and perhaps "bite" too. He seems to me the classic "missed it by that much" player who, had he gotten the right chance at his prime, might have cemented himself into a regular Cameron-eque PL role for a few more seasons than he got, but also had a very decent career.
Starts: Marco’s call!Serving up #FULHUL soon! 🍽 pic.twitter.com/cYRkGjp3SP— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 21, 2021 Out early with an injury: 21' An enforced change. It's Alfie on for @timream5 as his afternoon ends early following a painful landing. 😕🤍 0-0 🐯 | #FULHUL pic.twitter.com/DcagL2uM3U— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 21, 2021
Not gonna kill him, it appears... Well that sucked…or was it awesome?? Mixed feelings about that outing 🤣🤣 yes it is painful, no it is not life threatening. Thanks for the well wishes and concern 👍🏻👍🏻 Well done to Alf and Bob for stepping in and performing 👏🏻— Tim Ream (@timream5) August 21, 2021
I don't know, but likely he would not have played today in any event. He's been the captain several times already - we'll know more by Saturday, I'm sure.
Starts: A fresh XI post-break! 🍊#BLKFUL pic.twitter.com/TvCL1NS1MI— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 11, 2021
Starts: In the Championship, Birmingham City host Fulham at 2:45pm EST. Tim Ream captains Fulham while Antonee Robinson is on the bench for Cottagers. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/rBXS0RMj10— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) September 15, 2021
Fulham win away 4-1. Birmingham got a late penalty from an Odoi foul, but otherwise a comfortable day at the office for Ream.
Starts: Your #FULREA team coming in hot! 🥵 pic.twitter.com/hg1H5yVEFz— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 18, 2021
Starts: Your #FULREA team coming in hot! 🥵 pic.twitter.com/hg1H5yVEFz— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 18, 2021
At over $162 million, they have the most valuable squad in the Ch'ship as per Transfermarkt: https://www.transfermarkt.us/championship/startseite/wettbewerb/GB2