Lovely bit of free footy!

Thoughts:

Centre back...
Loving Omobamidele and Tomkinson, can see why we held firm in our valuation of Ajer, though I think we do need another left footed centre back to compete with Gibson. Love Zimbo as a character but I do think he lacks the technical ability that makes us purr. Everything he does looks so much slower.
Hanley, Gibson, Omobamidele, new left footer, Tomkinson works for me as the group and allows us to go 3 at the back nicely.

Full back...
I can see why Bali has been kept around rather than let our he really looks quality going forward, great jinking run late on and he was the second coming of Max in the first half. Imagine he'd be about as effective as Aarons was defensively last time out in the Prem but Aarons really pushed on defensively last year. Placheta was decent I thought at wing back, he's got better but not a huge leap. Good to see Nizet he looked OK, think we should be looking for an English loan for him really. We definitely do need left back cover in case something happens with Dimi and everything goes up in flames if Max goes.
Aarons, Giannoulis, Mumba, new left footer, Byram works as a 5 for the two spots.

Gilmour looked good, was impressed with the passes Sorensen was seeing and second half was really get the ball forward on the floor but he also read well and snuffed a few potential dangers out at source. I really like Rupps game, and Cantwell is different gravy. Feels like we're a defensive midfield enforcer short so maybe they really will push for Billing if that's what they see.

Bored now, yellow and green glasses but I live watching Farke teams play and I'm all for giving those young lads chances where possible.

Posted By: trafford_canary, Jul 16, 21:04:47