SkyBlueCRJ
Well-Known Member
That's fair enough. I didn't go that far back to find out whether or not he'd played in that position. Interesting to know!
It's from what I've seen with my own eyes. Albeit it's not helped by the rawness he possesses due to the amount of time out of the game. But for instance, the Plymouth game particularly comes to mind. It was clear he had a great deal of talent but his movement was sloppy, his passes weren't the best although there were one or two through balls that Baka should've dealt with better,and his pace was bordering on the non-existent. Understandably he was never blessed with pace in the first place but it was noticeable that he was struggling, even in the first half. The game looked like it completely bypassed him.
Whilst he does look like he's puffing wind by the 70th at least he can last the full 90 - I highly doubt Andreu would however.
I do understand your point and on paper I'd agree (if that makes sense), but my response is why isn't he getting first team minutes? There's been a number of opportunities this month for him to come on yet MR chose to leave him on the bench. As you say Bayliss can at times struggle beyond the 70th so surely if MR thought he would be a like-for-like replacement he would've subbed him on to take charge of our creativity.
I'd agree with that as personally I'd rather use the Checkatrade to get those fringe players who are desperate for match sharpness/fitness, some minutes. I just don't agree that F.A. Cup game should be used in the same way.