First half looked like no more than a nervous academy prospect but was much improved after the break and showed he is more than capable of filling in when needed. Not sure he will be in the squad for next season though.Squad player at best
So do I but that's 2027, wouldn't be surprised if he's our 4th centre back next season,and if he stays fit to get fairly regular minutes that's okay.Put us right in the shit by passing straight to an Everton player under no pressure to create the chance Beto really should have scored from.
As others have said he's rusty through coming back from yet another injury. I'd expect him to be gone when his contract ends.
So do I but that's 2027, wouldn't be surprised if he's our 4th centre back next season,and if he stays fit to get fairly regular minutes that's okay.
Maybe, but it would need to be an offer he wants,not always that easy, when he'll be 31.If he stays reasonably fit we might let him go before then if we get an offer.
Opposition usually leaves Dias with the time on the ball - remember Lescott used to have high passing stats. Ake usually much better on the ball, I'm hoping it's rustiness and he gets back to something close to his best, but he wasn't great at the weekendI focused on Ake's play quite a bit on Saturday, especially after that early misplaced pass which nearly cost us (he read it completely wrong). What struck me was how often he was actually on the ball, probably more than any of the other defenders, but his overall distribution and decision making were really poor.
Given we’ve lost Ederson and can’t rely on Stones to stay fit, we badly need a central defender who’s comfortable on the ball and can start attacks. Ake’s been a good servant, but at this stage I think it’s clear he’s not the right fit for how we’re trying to play. Unfortunately, it might be time to move him on.
Think he will leave in Jan as it’s a World Cup year. We have Stones still and Khus for cover. Shame his fitness has fallen off as he was excellent for us when fully fit
That would leave us without any cover.If a decent offer comes in, either in January or the summer, he should be sold. We cant offer someone with his fitness issues a new deal and he won’t want to be a bit-part player. A sale would likely suit both sides.
His contract runs through summer 2027. The question now is more whether he sees that out or departs beforehand, but he can have been under no illusions from the ‘difficult discussions’ that this very situation could arise.That would leave us without any cover.
He's likely to play plenty of games as the weekend - midweek - weekend pattern is established after the international breaks.
I agree that we won't be offering him a new contract.
That would leave us without any cover.
He's likely to play plenty of games as the weekend - midweek - weekend pattern is established after the international breaks.
I agree that we won't be offering him a new contract.