One of my highlights of the season has been the emergence of the George Wickens song. Anything that brings back the Quo will have my Dad tapping his feet up there.
Wickens had a big season, not just getting 19 clean sheets and the Golden Glove, but four assists as well. He’s doubtless won over any doubters he had, and comes across as a really nice lad, focused on the future with a clear career path in his head.
He’s recently done a free-to-read interview with the excellent Athletic journalist Eduardo Tansley, talking about his career, this season, and the future. I’m an Athletic subscriber, and it is brilliant to see us getting deeper coverage on a website I really look up to.
In it, the former Fulham man discusses his plans for next season, which include addressing one of the minor frustrations some people have. He’s punched a lot this season, and in fairness, it’s almost always been the right decision, but as a big keeper growing to command his area, George is focused on making sure there are fewer balls being pushed away and more being held close.
“I’d say my target for next year is to claim more than I’ve punched,” he told Eduardo. “But at the same time, I’ve been fairly pleased with when I have gone for punches more often than not, it has been the right decision or helped take pressure off the team.
“The game in terms of set pieces has changed in the last season, where teams are sticking seven in the six-yard box and then on top of that, you’ve got people marking.”
Wickens got 19 clean sheets this season, but according to Wyscout, he didn’t come under a lot of pressure. He doesn’t appear in the top 20 keepers for shots against, and was 15th for total saves, and 16th for prevented goals. It doesn’t mean he wasn’t excellent, just that he had a strong defence in front of him.
That’s something he acknowledges, and perhaps something we might see shift next season.
“Shot-stopping is a big part of my game and I’ve probably not had to show it an awful lot this year at times, just because of how good my defenders are and how quiet I am kept most games,” he added.
“But I’m well aware it won’t be as quiet as it has been this year because of moving up a level. That’s what I’m looking forward to most, being slightly busier and embracing that a little bit and being able to help my team.”
I’m not quoting anymore of the article; it’s well worth a read, so make sure you follow the link and have a look for yourself.
That’s a good and interesting read from GW. Thanks for sharing 👍