Matthew Pennington

bluestevon · April 9, 2017

Eggs said:
...I know what you mean but Holgate did fine at United and he might not want to change things too much. The other threat is Huth at set pieces, he'll probably allocate Lukaku to mark him rather than one of our CBs.

Or schneiderlin may take Huth if fit.

4737carlin · April 9, 2017

nsnojosh said:
Could get a right hammering from Slimani today. Wouldn't start him.

I would start him and give more young players game time for the rest of the season, we are pretty much guaranteed Europa League anyway, use the remaining games to give these players experience ypu can only get in a match.
I'm sure over the last two games he has learnt a lot, I would give him the crest of the season

TheFinnFan · April 9, 2017

looks like all but fans think he can make it. i hope he can win the fans on his side today.

Woolly Blue · April 9, 2017

TheFinnFan said:
looks like all but fans think he can make it. i hope he can win the fans on his side today.

I've seen him play a few times for the U23's recently and he's impressed me. He's not perfect, and might not make the step up to top class Premier League football, but I think he'll make a decent living in the game at either Championship or mid to lower Premier League level. If he was partnered with a pacy centre half, he'd likely look better than what people have seen of him in the derby ( where he was poor ) and against United ( where I think he did all right overall ).

It baffles me as to why people think someone will step up from U23 level to playing against top players and immediately look like a world beater. As usual on the internet, there's no middle ground, someone's either "world class" or "crap", Pennington's somewhere in the middle, which is quite apt for a centre half.

messymascot · April 9, 2017

I think he needs judged if he ever gets a chance in a stronger team. Regular right back missing, midfield playing an unfamiliar style, 2 really slow players alongside. Even an experienced centre back would have struggled under them circumstances.

MikeH72 · April 9, 2017

He is terrifyingly crap

flibbyflob · April 9, 2017

Giving him a new contract is this years version of Gibson getting one last season.

diggerdestroyer · April 9, 2017

Doesnt have the physical attributes to cut it as a premier center back yet. Doesnt look comfortable. Needs time to see if he can make it but looks miles off currently.

USAtoffee12 · April 9, 2017

He looks absolutely terrified every time the ball comes near him, which would seem to be a liability. At his age, it's clear he isn't up to par for this division. Championship player at best.

Fedlingen · April 9, 2017

Still needs to show he has the quality, but he's only 22, playing his 7th first team match today. Can't expect him to be a world beater already.

And to be fair to the lad, he's our 4th pick for the position, clearly he won't be perfect.

flibbyflob · April 9, 2017

Fedlingen said:
Still needs to show he has the quality, but he's only 22, playing his 7th first team match today. Can't expect him to be a world beater already.

No but would hope he isn't like a rabbit trapped in the headlights every time the ball enters his half of the pitch.

Fedlingen · April 9, 2017

flibbyflob said:
No but would hope he isn't like a rabbit trapped in the headlights every time the ball enters his half of the pitch.

He hasn't though. Made some good tackles and clearly some bad decisions aswell, but that's what you get from a youngster.

diggerdestroyer · April 9, 2017

Fedlingen said:
Still needs to show he has the quality, but he's only 22, playing his 7th first team match today. Can't expect him to be a world beater already.

True but forget about a world beater. Even an avarage baller would do for a start. I know its unfair and he needs time but looks way off the mark. Especially physically. We have very few options there anyway so great chance for koeman to see if he might have a future at everton.