02 Feb 2016 14:48:37
Just wanna put my take on McCarthy. So its a three way opinion rather than 2 way between Swan n NBTB, ohh make that 4 way, missed WorcesterEFC input.
McCarthy as Swan says doesn't score nor does he assist in goals but have to say that the one thing we are better at is our defence improves.
{Ed001's Note - as a neutral, I would say McCarthy works hard, covers a lot of ground, but lacks positional sense. His passing is ok, but lacks that incisive quality to provide the killer balls. His defending is ok, but his lack of positioning means he is often having to throw himself into challenges he shouldn't have to make. He doesn't block off passing lanes to force opponents back, he doesn't have the vision to see them, which can make him a bit of a headless chicken at times. Paired alongside someone like Barry, who will hold his position and cover the gaps, McCarthy works well, as he makes up for Barry's lack of mobility. Pair him alongside someone like Cleverley or Gibson and there are huge gaps for opponents to exploit. He is simply just not tactically or technically good enough on his own, but give him a quality partner, who can work with him and cover the gaps plus provide the passing, he is a useful player but not top class.}
02 Feb 2016 15:51:59
Whats your thoughts on Besic ed? I think he's a great combination on Barry's brain, McCarthy's workrate and aggression, Gibsons passing and Barkley's ability to go past people.
Not sure how other fans rate him though.
02 Feb 2016 15:31:43
I know where your coming from Ed001 but I wouldn't agree to the extent that you put it. Your talking about world class player standard, am I right? He's still only 24 or 25. I think he will improve greatly over the coming years and when he reaches his peak like Barry was when he was 28 - 32 he'll be a much better player.
Keane at Utd was much better in his late twenties. McCarthy still has plenty of time to grow and improve imho.
{Ed001's Note - I agree, he should become better, but I feel the areas of his game he needs to improve in particular, his positioning especially, are not ones Martinez does any kind of work on.}
02 Feb 2016 16:19:39
Besic will be better than McCarthy. Just my opinion.
02 Feb 2016 16:32:05
I really like Besic, and think he has the ability to be a really good player, his one weakness is to many injuries, yet every time he comes back from one he looks better!
02 Feb 2016 16:34:02
Most of the fans I know and myself love him! It's luke you said Swan he has the best qualities of all our other midfielders.
02 Feb 2016 17:59:35
Sorry lads I was supposed to say fans of other teams hence why I asked ed001 if he rates him, my wording jeez.
02 Feb 2016 18:38:47
If we could clone Mccarthys energy and work rate, with Gibsons vision and passing, what a player we would have.