….I think he’s dreadful, reckless and gets caught ball watching. He gives away loads of free kicks in dangerous areas (one early when Mount was running beyond him) because he can’t cope.
One thing he doesn’t lack, though, is attitude and it might have been a shrewd move by Lampard to play him. We need players who are not scared of the situation. Dogs of War.
i admit I wouldn’t play him, even ahead of Keane. i actually think Branthwaite has a competitive edge, quality, pace and carries a threat from set pieces, I’d certainly have him ahead of Holgate.
I normally agree wholeheartedly with Eggs, but not on this. Holgate is easily above Keane and likely above Branthwaite in ten pecking order. He’s aggressive, competitive and strong in the tackle. Keane is none of those. Branthwaite is a better footballer, but we need strength and commitment in our hour of need. Let’s give the lad a break and get behind him.
I think the best 3 are Mina, Godfrey and
Branthwaite.
In theory we should go with Mina and one of them. However, as mentioned Holgate gets the nod over
Branthwaite due to his mentality. Next season is the time for Branthwaite.
The odd one out is Keane who should be binned in the summer.
I think decisions will be made on Mina and Holgate in the summer as well. To go into next season we need 4 centre backs and Mina, Godfrey, Branthwaite and Holgate doesnt fill me with enormous confidence.
Although perhaps having protection from a DM with Delph back has massively helped?
….but football is about opinion, Tony, & I think Holgate is a defensive liability. He’s genuinely not very good, I think Lampard has worked that out but Holgate’s not scared of playing & in this moment he’s getting selected.
Let’s not forget, Branthwaite played in the backs to the wall encounter at Chelsea. He’s not lacking attitude and aggression. He’s different level to Holgate, but Lampard has him down the pecking order.
Saying all of that, regardless of who plays we’re at a point where we just have to find a way to win games (as we did yesterday).
Who would you keep/replace in the summer for next season and do you see Branthwaite as a starter after preseason?
I'd be moving Keane and Holgate. Keane will be hard to shift with his wages. Holgate not so much, younger premier league experience. I'll gladly go with Mina for another year as he doesn't have as many Colombia games next year, Godfrey and Braithwaite also good options. Need another good talker with experience. I think it's nailed on Lampard goes for Christiansen with him being out of contract, I like him. Tough teak
Christensen is strongly rumoured to be going to Barcelona
