Utility players

[blueloon]

Callum Connolly to be our next one?

This. Connolly is the most versatile player we have at the club, all that remains is for him to prove himself at PL level. Remarkably last season he played all back four positions in two u21 games, starting at RB then moving to right centre back in one then in the next starting at left CB and then moving to left Full back to accommodate a sub. Plays midfield too when needed.

I agree with the commments about being not so necessary these days with the number of subs, but this versatility certainly helps if you can tackle and clear a ball with both feet and do it on each side of the pitch. One thing we do very well with our youngsters is to continually train them to shoot/kick with either foot and when needed play in different positions e.g Gethin Jones aRB has played at left back for the U23s and indeed played his first game on loan at Barnsley at left back. Likewise Kenny has played ,all be it rarely , at left back and as a CB . So maybe these days they are "utility lite" , not needed so much but having the ability to play in a number of positions if needed.

Can't let any thread on Utility Players go without mentioning Paul Madeley from the Leeds team of the 70s , the most accomplished utility player I've ever seen , and would be more recognised if his team hadn't been so hated.

 

[kev]

This. Connolly is the most versatile player we have at the club, all that remains is for him to prove himself at PL level. Remarkably last season he played all back four positions in two u21 games, starting at RB then moving to right centre back in one then in the next starting at left CB and then moving to left Full back to accommodate a sub. Plays midfield too when needed.

I agree with the commments about being not so necessary these days with the number of subs, but this versatility certainly helps if you can tackle and clear a ball with both feet and do it on each side of the pitch. One thing we do very well with our youngsters is to continually train them to shoot/kick with either foot and when needed play in different positions e.g Gethin Jones aRB has played at left back for the U23s and indeed played his first game on loan at Barnsley at left back. Likewise Kenny has played ,all be it rarely , at left back and as a CB . So maybe these days they are "utility lite" , not needed so much but having the ability to play in a number of positions if needed.

Can't let any thread on Utility Players go without mentioning Paul Madeley from the Leeds team of the 70s , the most accomplished utility player I've ever seen , and would be more recognised if his team hadn't been so hated.

That's a good shout. Very underrated player.

 

[marchy]

This. Connolly is the most versatile player we have at the club, all that remains is for him to prove himself at PL level. Remarkably last season he played all back four positions in two u21 games, starting at RB then moving to right centre back in one then in the next starting at left CB and then moving to left Full back to accommodate a sub. Plays midfield too when needed.

I agree with the commments about being not so necessary these days with the number of subs, but this versatility certainly helps if you can tackle and clear a ball with both feet and do it on each side of the pitch. One thing we do very well with our youngsters is to continually train them to shoot/kick with either foot and when needed play in different positions e.g Gethin Jones aRB has played at left back for the U23s and indeed played his first game on loan at Barnsley at left back. Likewise Kenny has played ,all be it rarely , at left back and as a CB . So maybe these days they are "utility lite" , not needed so much but having the ability to play in a number of positions if needed.

Can't let any thread on Utility Players go without mentioning Paul Madeley from the Leeds team of the 70s , the most accomplished utility player I've ever seen , and would be more recognised if his team hadn't been so hated.

Vital for a young players development that he learns to play in a variety of positions. Once they reach a certain age they will begin to specialise but a thorough undertsanding of the game can only come from playing at the back, in midfield and up front.

 

[Baines' left foot]

I always like it when a big grock of a centre back gets put up front.

 

[MikeH72]

Cleverley has played both full back positions, both 'wing' positions and both defensive and attacking centre mid. Stinking the place out in all of them.

Yeah, a utility player in the sense that he was equally good at finding somewhere to hide no matter what position he played in.

 

[Eggs]

...Kevin Richardson was a fine player. If I remember rightly he covered for Sheedy in the 1984 FA Cup Final. I think he might also have won a title with Arsenal.

 

[Eggs]

I always like it when a big grock of a centre back gets put up front.

..I hate it. I always think it's a sad reflection of your team. I cringed when Mick Lyons went up top.

 

[davids]

Phil Neville played, LB, RB, DM

Phil Jakielka has played, CB, RB, DM and in goal in his career (at Sheffield Utd)

I kind of remember Steve Watson as playing everywhere on the right hand side, RB, RWB, RM, which I think Coleman has done for us in his time here

He even played up front which showed how clueless we were at that time.

 

[TheGhostOfBolasie]

I remember once Phil Neville was playing left wing under Moyes.

 

[Baines' left foot]

..I hate it. I always think it's a sad reflection of your team. I cringed when Mick Lyons went up top.

I was thinking more from a comedy perspective.

 

[Eggs]

I was thinking more from a comedy perspective.

..I must admit to laughing when the Reds did it a few times not so long ago.

 

[Baines' left foot]

..I must admit to laughing when the Reds did it a few times not so long ago.

It just screams desperation and chaos always ensues.

 

[Barnfred 55]

Callum Connolly to be our next one?

Took the words out of my mouth.

Actually, I think his versatility may be the reason he doesn't make it at Everton.

 

[Barnfred 55]

Phil Neville.

Besic

Barry

Mccarthy

Jagielka

All been utilised in a number of positions

That's a team in itself. didn't Jagielka cover in goal too?.

 

[Deleted member 24970]

Unfortunately @Groucho Im actually more concerned with the fact that almost every player has become too 'rounded'.
A forward who just scores goals is considered a liability (see Lukaku) because he cannot hold a ball up, pass, use his right foot and doesn't run all over the pitch (I too have had a go at him in the past).

Even the attacking midfielders have a duty to track back, yet the teams play two holding midfielders and therefore take away the CAM main objective of supporting the lone striker.

Not sure if this answers your question like lol