Future Captain Harrison Armstrong

[AjaxAndy]

He's 19, first season at the top level.

Absolutely willing to overlook any of the criticisms people are throwing at him about this or that aspects of his game that aren't up to elite standard, yet.

The lad is more than holding his own in the Premier League. If he was worth £40m a few months ago I'm excited to see what a full season can do for him and the developing asset we have on our hands.

I get what you and others are saying, but a lot of the major talents that break through seem to have that one thing you can't help but sit up and take notice of.

Maybe it's brilliant dribbling, or a great range of passing... Armstrong doesn't seem to have that, other than just being able to run all game long.

Hard to tell what kind of midfielder he'll be other than a general box to box type. That's fine if that's what he is, but people talk him up to be much more than that.

Maybe he'll be an elite level box to box player, or maybe he'll suddenly develop brilliant line breaking passing ability, or long raking balls from deep. Hard to know at this age.

This isn't a criticism of him btw, I just think right now, as comfortable as he looks at this level, I'm as yet to be convinced he's got any particular stand out attributes that will make him an elite level player one day. Obviously I hope I'm wrong and he goes on to be just that.

[Audrey Horne]

19..... absolutely crazy. Love him

[AjaxAndy]

19..... absolutely crazy. Love him

It's not crazy. It's a valid question... What does he actually do beyond run all game?

He does all the basics really well, but that only gets you so far.

I also really like him, how could you not? Local lad with an amazing attitude and works his arse off. I'll celebrate that all day long.

Just not sure where the Gerrard etc comparisons come from, as he doesn't seem to have anything stand out in his arsenal beyond his workrate and stamina.

I appreciate players develop, and he's got a great base to kick on from. I just question if he'll eve be more than a good at most things, not elite at any type of player.

[StirlingBlue]

It's not crazy. It's a valid question... What does he actually do beyond run all game?

He does all the basics really well, but that only gets you so far.

I also really like him, how could you not? Local lad with an amazing attitude and works his arse off. I'll celebrate that all day long.

Just not sure where the Gerrard etc comparisons come from, as he doesn't seem to have anything stand out in his arsenal beyond his workrate and stamina.

I appreciate players develop, and he's got a great base to kick on from. I just question if he'll eve be more than a good at most things, not elite at any type of player.

As well as the engine to run, he's also got the pace to get where he wants to quickly and the strength to do something when he gets there.

Soucek for example never stopped moving and covered a huge amount of ground, but too slowly to actually do anything when he got there. Same with someone like Bernardo Silva who covered ground but didn't actually win the ball. Having stamina, pace and power whilst also being a neat and tidy footballer isn't as common as you're making out.

[Audrey Horne]

It's not crazy. It's a valid question... What does he actually do beyond run all game?

He does all the basics really well, but that only gets you so far.

I also really like him, how could you not? Local lad with an amazing attitude and works his arse off. I'll celebrate that all day long.

Just not sure where the Gerrard etc comparisons come from, as he doesn't seem to have anything stand out in his arsenal beyond his workrate and stamina.

I appreciate players develop, and he's got a great base to kick on from. I just question if he'll eve be more than a good at most things, not elite at any type of player.

I wasnt responding to you? I was merely stating that its crazy that he is only 19?

[TheRam]

He’s the perfect modern day midfielder who’ll go right to the top in no time imo.

[Kerryblueboy]

Nearly fucked up royally by selling him in the summer

[AjaxAndy]

I wasnt responding to you? I was merely stating that its crazy that he is only 19?

Haha well that's not the first time I've thought you were replying to me when you weren't

Agreed though, he looks so comfortable on the pitch that you'd expect him to be a few years older, and with far more experience than he has.

[AjaxAndy]

He’s the perfect modern day midfielder who’ll go right to the top in no time imo.

This is where I struggle to see when it comes to Armstrong.

Not saying you're wrong, as let's face it he's already very comfortable in the Premier League with little experience and only being 19. However, going right to the top demands a very unique skillset usually, and so far I'm not seeing it.

What type of midfielder do you think he'll become, and are there any player comparisons like Pedri or Rice etc you think he'll be like?

[Cods]

Hope he's OK.

The slow-mo of the Ramsay 'tackle' had greenstick fracture written all over it, and he was hobbling badly at full time.

Gonna be a sore one. Not sure he'll be right for the weekend.

[UnsyisaRhino]

my only concern with him, beyond his finishing and composure around the box, which I think will come,is that he's a massive moaner.

I'd have no problem if he was making all the right choices and taking his chances, but he's been more miss than hit in the final third and sometimes he's not right. He exploded at rohl twice yesterday and he was wrong both times.

[4evablu]

I don’t go with this he’s only 19 blarg…if he’s good enough….he’s old enough…at the minute he’s good enough to make our first team but I think that’s more a case of the bar for our midfield is not that high…having said that looking at his development he is on a steady upward trend…..still lots to learn and be is still learning…..for me personally…..he gives the ball away a little too much…is a little rash and naive at times…..and panicky around the box….ours and theirs…his concentration lapses at times and his spacial awareness could improve out of possession…will he develop into a “world class” talent…that’s down to him..there’s no reason why he can’t as long as he keeps learning and developing the way he is….everton first teamer…England international so he has the right people around him….

[TheRam]

This is where I struggle to see when it comes to Armstrong.

Not saying you're wrong, as let's face it he's already very comfortable in the Premier League with little experience and only being 19. However, going right to the top demands a very unique skillset usually, and so far I'm not seeing it.

What type of midfielder do you think he'll become, and are there any player comparisons like Pedri or Rice etc you think he'll be like?

He’s good at everything.

Can pass, can dribble, moves with the ball well, can tackle, he’s very physical, has the vision, the touch.

You can just see in the way he moves with the ball that he’s going to be a top level player.

He went to the championship at 18 and made it look too easy. Hes now slotted into a premier league side and look well at ease.

Next step is figuring out what type of midfielder he wants to be as his role at the moment is a bit jack of all trades, but that will come.

Declan rice was still figuring out if he was going to be a centre half or a midfielder at this age.

I think the fact a manager like Glasner was pushing to sign this lad for £40m after six months of premier league football, playing mostly out of position tells you everyone in the game knows what his level is.

Other than Bouaddi at City I can’t think of many midfielders under the age of 20 playing to a high level in the premier league?

Hes going right to the top. Won’t be with us unfortunately and I’d be surprised if he’s still here next season.

[AjaxAndy]

He’s good at everything.

Can pass, can dribble, moves with the ball well, can tackle, he’s very physical, has the vision, the touch.

You can just see in the way he moves with the ball that he’s going to be a top level player.

He went to the championship at 18 and made it look too easy. Hes now slotted into a premier league side and look well at ease.

Next step is figuring out what type of midfielder he wants to be as his role at the moment is a bit jack of all trades, but that will come.

Declan rice was still figuring out if he was going to be a centre half or a midfielder at this age.

I think the fact a manager like Glasner was pushing to sign this lad for £40m after six months of premier league football, playing mostly out of position tells you everyone in the game knows what his level is.

Other than Bouaddi at City I can’t think of many midfielders under the age of 20 playing to a high level in the premier league?

Hes going right to the top. Won’t be with us unfortunately and I’d be surprised if he’s still here next season.

Fair points, let's hope he does continue to develop in to an elite player, and we can enjoy it until he leaves for a huge fee

[blueToffee]

Would ultimately be good if he can chip in with goals. I do think he's playing a little safe/keeping it simple at times this season in the PL, which is understandable. However, it was actually preseason that got me excited as I thought he was showing a lot more in terms of making runs into the box, linking play (I think he got a fair few assists preseason) and if he can bring that sort of thing into his game in the league he'll be looking top top tier.

I like our side more and more when we have him, George, Hackney, Rohl and Dibling in the mix as there is just so much more energy and I feel it suits us more in general. Slow and sideways/backwards/patient which has it's place often just doesn't do it for our crowd it feels like.