Player Assessment With a Third of the Season Gone – Pt1

Courtesy of Graham Burrell

Usually around this time I do a series of pieces on the key players, or assess how the whole squad have done in the first third of the season.

I don’t want to break tradition, so he is my look back at the opening 15 games and the players who have made us a table-topping side. It’s going to be reverse alphabetical, just to keep the obvious talking point until last.

James Wilson

Courtesy Graham Burrell

We start at the end of the alphabet with defender / versatility man James Wilson. I fear he’s becoming one of those players we might not get to see the best of. He was excellent for Walsall last season, ask any of their fans, but since moving to us he’s struggled to nail down his place.

Last season’s injury against Cambridge set him back and since Jason Shackell arrived and Bozzy dropped into midfield, chances have been limited for the Wales international. He’s been in at centre half, central midfield and in a non-natural position of right back.

He’s drawn some criticism for his performances at full back but I believe he offers a steady if unspectacular presence when he fills in for Neal Eardley. With a lack of opportunity in the middle of defence he’s forced to drop in where he can for a game. It’s a shame too, he’s clearly a decent player with a lot to offer but has become a victim of circumstance, a bit like Sean Long last season.

I believe James Wilson was signed with League One in mind but I can only see bit roles for him in our League Two side from hereon in, which is a shame.

Best Moment

Port Vale, without a doubt. He came on under tough circumstances and was excellent, bagging a goal in the 6-2 rout.

6/10

 

4 Comments

  1. About right but I think Toffolo has dropped off slightly from early in the season. I couldn’t put him along side Vickers score wise. I think a 7.

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