Not The Top 20 is probably at the forefront of the fanalysis movement.
Some think Arsenal Fan TV paved the way, or that muppet Goldbridge, but for me, fanalysis is about genuine insight, not reactionary rubbish performed for likes. Ali Maxwell and George Elek started their pod as football fans looking to deliver something different, and they are now hugely respected across the country.
That’s why they are one of the few podcasts I listen to (Undr The Cosh and The Hard Truth being two others). I want to know their opinion on my club because I respect what they say. Honestly, it was George Elek who first sold me on xG, and who highlighted the Plymouth anomaly a few years ago that I often cite.
This week, they dropped their League One Christmas schedule special, which can be found here if you want a listen. I’d highly recommend it, because they cover us in some depth, and everything they say is spot on. I won’t replicate it all here; you’ll need to listen, but as I churned out another 10km this lunchtime, I had their dulcet tones on, and I loved what they said about two of our players.
Ali Maxwell, after praising our overall performances, picked out two players for special praise, and it’s well worth a read here, and a listen for more depth.
“I think their full backs, Tendayi Darikwa and Adam Reach, are the best full backs in the division,” he said, comparing them to other League One players who get more plaudits.
“I think probably because they are veteran players and they’re not the sexiest necessarily. I think it’s probably been overlooked more generally how good they both have been.”
I’m sure Mrs Reach and Mrs Darikwa won’t be too happy with that, but we’ll let it slide for now.
“Reach, in terms of having joined in the summer, and you’re kind of hoping, you know, does he still have the legs? Because we know he’s got quality in his left peg.
“He’s been way better than I thought he would be. He’s just been an absolute class act, basically. Popping up with a lot of goals and assists as well, as he did against Posh.”
While Reach is new to us, praise for Tendayi is something we have got used to. Last season, he was Player of the Year, and while competition for the accolade will be fierce this campaign, he’s another who, internally, is highly valued. Externally? Ali thinks he’s hugely underrated after his outstanding performance against Posh.
“Darikwa, I actually think probably has a shout to be the most underrated player in the whole league.
“He’s an absolute menace both defensively and going forward. He had a remarkable game against Posh, including scoring an absolute worldie on the half-volley and then randomly just running clear at the end to ice the cake, probably the first one-on-one of his whole career, and he took it really well.
“He’s absolutely excellent, and I think those two provide a lot for them.”
It’s all fair analysis, and they go into more depth on what they like about us. I’d definitely give it a listen, but perhaps sitting on the sofa with a brew, rather than running on black ice in the cold.
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