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Certainly the most underrated player we’ve had in my lifetime. Had countless conversations with both blues and non-blues who think he’s shit. Madness.

Granite wrote: ↑Sat Jan 25, 2025 11:03 pm Certainly the most underrated player we’ve had in my lifetime. Had countless conversations with both blues and non-blues who think he’s shit. Madness.

He's world class at what he does, no doubt about it. And in games like yesterday its perfect and he's invaluable.

But, if he's asked to sit, screen and build play, it's not playing to his strengths, it's not his natural game and he's not brilliant at it.

So if he's playing alongside someone like Mangala, for e.g., he can play to his strengths if the opposition are having more possession than us, trying to break us down etc.

It's when we're the team that's expected to break the opposition down and be creative that he doesn't quite fit, a bit of a wasted position.

In those games, I'd prefer Leon Osman type players. The Dewsbury-Halls etc

Though to be fair it most of our games at the moment, we are the underdog so Gana is perfect.

He's probably the only 1 who's out of contract who we desperately need to keep. Think he's our best player

It’s such a luxury having a midfielder who feels like they’re going to win every duel on the ground. Even better when they cover as much ground as he does.

I’m renewing his contract and trying to sign his successor at the same time, understanding that we will not find the same type of player on the market. It’s tough to pivot away from someone who does so much off the ball but you never know when the cliff is coming.

It's not just winning duels that's important with him, he manages to wriggle out of tight situations and advance the ball by carrying which is extremely important if we want to retain possession and take more risks. His close control and ability to turn whilst under pressure is something that gets overlooked imo.

Second most important player after Pickford and it’s fucking close.

He’s a player who is very easily taken for granted in what he does but is badly missed when he’s not there.

I hope he has some solid help now that his offsider is out. He's good, excellent for his age, but he's not 25 any more.
Much more of a concern than the situation up front. We need the two pivots to really click.

Cods wrote: ↑Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:52 pm I hope he has some solid help now that his offsider is out. He's good, excellent for his age, but he's not 25 any more.
Much more of a concern than the situation up front. We need the two pivots to really click.

I wonder if they think Garner might be ready to fill that role, or between him and tim once he's back in a few weeks.

Talks started on new contract!

Needed.

KingdingalingNL wrote: ↑Fri Jan 31, 2025 9:00 pm Talks started on new contract!

The most obvious contract renewal ever hopefully

Been the most important player for us down the years.

Possibly my second favourite player ever to play for us after Big Nev