EMC has been really impressive this season very hard to bundle off the ball a major focal point of our attacks scored some big goals and provided a few assists. Works harder for the team aswell now tracking back. Pusb
Bizarrely, as we've been so good and bar the December - Feb dip pretty consistent throughout the season, none of the outfield players have particularly stood out, they have all been good, and have all had bursts where their levels have gone up, e.g. BTA early in the season, Simms and his run if goals, Rudoni now. Same with the midfield with Torp for example and defenders where Kitching and Thomas started so strongly then fell off a cliff.
The only player despite his kicking has been 7-9 week in week out is Rushworth.
Rushworth is going to win it by a landslide, the rest have just been good its a case of picking the more consistent players which Grimes falls into that category considering when he drops a decent performance we say he’s not at it, Thomas has been quite important and it is noticeable when he’s not in the side
I can’t consider Wright in top 3. Obviously his goals make a huge difference and has tons of ability and potential but the inconsistency and “can’t be bothered” phases just drive me nuts. He also has one trait that as a former player I see and hate. He dribbles into positions where he’s blocked or boxed in and hits a shot that has absolutely nowhere to go but straight into a defender’s leg. He did really well to score a “hit and hope” from a similar position and scored recently (Sheff Utd?) but in this case there was an actual gap. I’ll continue to be patient but I really want to see the best version of him more often.
Rushy - If we win the League he should get POTS for the whole division, but hell will freeze over before they give a Goalkeeper/Defender an award like that so it will be Hayden Hackney
Rushworth. Honourable mention for EMC and now Haji after he’s turned a corner since his dry spell. Those 3 are our most important match winners this season.
Grimes and MVE are stalwarts that keep this team ticking.
I’ve been thinking this about Rushworth and champ POTS for a while now. Agree that keepers and defenders hardly ever get it. Hackney is clearly a big favourite.
But don’t forget there was a lot of noise when James Trafford didn’t get it last year. I would argue Rushworth has had more influence on our position than Trafford did for Burnley.
Rushworth for me. Grimes' quality can easily be taken for granted but he has been instrumental and I am sure his calm leadership too. Then EMC because he has often been the creative difference for us and often occupies 2 and sometimes 3.
DaSilva, just behind. He had a wobble after his suspension but has been so good on the ball.