I wouldnt disagree with part of what your saying mate over the last couple of years, i would say positionaly defensively he has improved immensely, i would admit he lacks the aggression in the blood and guts way of flying into tackles and being a physical presence in midfield, i think thats there but not as developed as other attirbutes, especially the positional play defensively, he has improved immensely in the last six months but certainly room for improvement.
Hes not an out an out defensive midfeilder though, hes more of an architecht with an immense engine, which reminds me of Keane so much. People often forget when Keane moved to Utd he was piss poor defensively and more of an attacking midfielder albeit he always had an aggressive streak - but was more of a headless chicken. Like Keane McCarthy can dictate a game, the pace of play and turnover momentum, he can see a game systemcially and his decisions are impecable and mature for one so young. He out thinks opponents. He out thought the like of Toure and Barry in the FA Cup final and has been pivotal in some of the shock results Wigan got in the league over the years and often in the last half of seasons for the same reasons. I would argue a lot of the chances made for McManeman, Maloney, Beusjour and previously Moses were made by McCarthys play and decision making. Im not saying hes the finished article at 22 who is, there is plenty he can improve on, but some of the talent he has shown and play is certainly Champions League standard and there is only room for improvment, his talent and potential is immense.
