IMO as a center back he lacks focus and discipline (which is easy to understand given his age) as a center mid he lacks positional awareness, - hes a ready made RB though.
Phil Jones
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He does, but against teams like Wolves, he gives us aggression, incentive to press higher up the pitch, drive on the ball, and his powerful bursts create havoc in opposition defences, as a CM. Was good on saturday.
I hope his versatility won't backfire though.... The player himself said he likes Cb so let's hope he gets a run there, for me it's our job to find a top notch DM.... I wouldn't mind another jones type player right now
That comment doesnt make any sense....
That's probably judging from the rare CB appearances for us and his current games... He was decking good at blackburn
Why do you think he lacks positional awareness Jim, he looked to take up some great positions on Sat. More importantly imo, was his willingness to carry the ball deep into the opponents half, giving the ball to the forwards in areas that they can cause the most damage.
His positive impact on our offensive play was obvious imo, this season whenever we have had a player capable of carrying the ball forward, our attacking players score goals. We had it at the start of the season with Anderson and Cleverley, and we have it again now with Jones.
For me his positional awareness is no worse than Fletcher's, and he contributes far more to the overall effectiveness of our play going forward than Fletcher does. With Carrick providing the defensive discipline, Jones has the freedom to get forward and contribute to the attack, which i felt worked very well on Sat.
Any scenario which gets more out of our attacking players is surely preferable to the type of often ineffective attacking performances we have seen regularly over the last couple of months.
He was good against Wolves, but in his couple of previous matches for us in central midfield there was a definite lack of positional awareness.
The question is, was it just a good match against Wolves and shouldn't be expected, or were the earlier matches the exception as he hadn't played with our other players enough but he now understands what positions to take up?
I had the same thought, he was atrocious in those first couple of games in midfield. I can't quite recall, who was he alongside at the time?
He's only young and if we are going to use him in that role then playing alongside Carrick will no doubt help him improve his judgement
He's getting used to an entirely new role.
It's one thing playing as a shield in front of the back four for Blackburn - another thing all together to be part of a midfield two at home against a side you're supposed to beat.
Now, he needs to show invention and passing ability on the ball, as well as his driving runs forward. It's all a new experience for him, but he adaps really quickly so far.
Against Basle, we were not really very good full stop, and of course Carrick was suspended. Whenever Carrick does not play for us, our positional awareness in midfield is poor no matter who we pick, so in that game it is harsh to point that fact out with regards to Jones and not mention that it would have been no better with Fletcher or Anderson in there.
What i find most telling is that in the 2 games Jones and Carrick have played together in midfield, we have pretty much bossed the games from start to finish.
No i don't think it is either of those tbh. the bottom line is whenever Carrick plays for us we know what job he is going to fulfill. So when Carrick plays with Jones, Jones knows he can go forward with the confidence that our defence is not going to be left exposed behind him. He does not really have that security with any other partner.
Good partnerships are based on complimentary attributes imo. Carrick does what he does, which frees Jones to join in the attack and influence the play when we have possession, while still being capable of getting back to help out when we lose the ball.
Well, it's good to finally see Carrick getting some love from the caf though.
Frustrates me when he doesnt. Him and Fletcher.
Just dont get me started on Anderson....
Does this mean we will seldom see Jones at centre back again this season?
I wont be surprised if jones is given a longer run in midfield. With Fletcher out for the time being, jones is the nearest thing we have to the 'tough tackling midfielder'.
It s true that he has plenty to learn, especially when it comes to positioning, but our coaching staff may possibly be convinced that they could improve aspects of jones game and transform him in a complete box to box midfielder.
his leadership qualities will also help..
jones might be needed in midifeld for now, him and carrick look to be our best options in midifeld, just hope Rio stay fit please.
Faster pace game on a smaller pitch and he really doesn't look comfortable out there. All good experience for him but he's a weak link for us at the moment.
(here's hoping this now means he scores a hat-trick in the last half hour)
(here's hoping this now means he scores a hat-trick in the last half hour)
Joneessi
Jones has made some great runs forward today and has been unfortunate not to score. He has also made some good tackles. Other than the odd loose pass, a good performance. Him and carrick have bossed the midfield.
I've decided he's my favorite player ever.
Made a few good interceptions and has also made it difficult for QPR in trying to find any options when they've had the ball. He has done pretty ok by my book.
I've also never any idea what position he's playing from week to week, but I've decided it's Centre Beast.
Quickly becoming one of mine. Meant to be a funny lad too.
I like!!! Reckon he's really hard in a street brawl?
Phil Jones plays wherever Phil Jones wants to play.
Don't think he put a foot wrong after my bump. Big feck you in my face.
I thought he looked very good today. Him and Carrick makes a very well balanced partnership.
I don't think playing him at centre back would be a waste of his ball-playing capabilities because they can still be put to good use there, but I'm beginning to think it'd be a waste of his engine. He just doesn't stop.
He's starting to excel wherever we play him on the pitch. That's a very promising sign and we should continue with this midfield partnership he's forming with Carrick. They seem to complement each other very well.
Just imagine what will happen when his luck changes in front of goal. He's gonna be a box to box goalscoring collussus. He can't keep hitting the post, surely?
Just imagine what will happen when his luck changes in front of goal. He's gonna be a box to box goalscoring collussus. He can't keep hitting the post, surely?
He's going to be one of the best players in the world, what a player. His drive, his determination .. wow just wow. He'll be wasted at centre back, I think his future is in the middle, he has too much energy and skills to operate only at the back.
His temperament is admirable. Extremely mature. Channels all that anger into turning into this Super Saiyan.
Keep playing him in midfield as far as I'm concerned. Adds bite, engine and strangely enough an attacking threat as well.
I said it before though, no matter where he plays the important thing is that he plays.
I said it before though, no matter where he plays the important thing is that he plays.
------Carrick--------
-Cleverly----Jones----
drool
-Cleverly----Jones----
drool
Love this guys energy in our midfield.
Vital at the moment, and loves to put in a tackle, something we also miss in that area.
Good stuff
Vital at the moment, and loves to put in a tackle, something we also miss in that area.
Good stuff
Our best performances this season were with Cleverley and Anderson in Midfield in a 4-4-2.
In the big games I think our best Midfield is still:
Carrick
Cleverley - Anderson
Cleverley - Anderson
I think Jones is actually a bit lacking in his ball-playing capabilities to play long term in midfield unless of course that part of his game improves.
Definitely agree though playing him at centre half would waste his engine, if he learns how to coolly slot the ball away as well, we have an amazing asset in the middle.
Is this what you call Box to box ?
Have those three ever played together? I don't remember seeing it, although I agree that is looks very strong in theory.
Once he learns to improve his finishing, you can see him scoring a shed-load from those runs from midfield if that's where he is played.
Sorry yeah, that line up is based on theory.
Carrick sitting a little deeper than he has been, three very good passers, one of which has great positional sense, the other two who are free moving and pacey.