75 | Nico O'Reilly - 2024/25

[citytill1die84]

Immense, absolutely brilliant. I really hope he continues in this way.

Keep up the good work kiddo

 

[doobyedoobye]

Was he always the standout player in our youth teams?

 

[oldius]

Was he always the standout player in our youth teams?

No, not IMO, but he was one of a group. Who comes through is not always predictable but he is seizing the chance and is a hell of a prospect.

 

[mexico1970]

Big strong lad with quick feet and a footballing brain, this lad could be the best player we have brought through the academy.

 

[Gaz76]

Has he got something wrong with his eyes? Every time he plays he is doing that strange blinky thing

 

[MCFC ISRAEL]

Has he got something wrong with his eyes? Every time he plays he is doing that strange blinky thing

I think he just has eye tics..

 

[shevtheblue]

I think he's shown things in the last few games that points to him easily being able to move into an 8. The difference between him and say Rico for example is, he's strong, maybe not as great positionally as Rico but because he has that physical side he can hold players off whereas Rico gets nudged off. Seems like he has learnt a lot on the ball as well, controlling and being calm when needed. Could potentially be 50m saved with this kid.

 

[Brewster's millions]

Hopefully he’ll end up in midfield next season, but I wouldn’t rush him into midfield at the moment.

Playing left back he can see the whole game in front of him, where the space is etc and who is around him, and that’s been important in building up his confidence and letting him develop in the first team.

Very different playing in our midfield where he’ll have his back to goal for lots of the game in a congested area. But he certainly looks like he can do it, and he could do great things with Rodri next to him, getting up and down the pitch. The team has been crying out for some size and height as well, so it’s very positive.

 

[Blue warrior]

Anyone know if he has eye problems he’s constantly blinking.

 

[jollylescott]

Anyone know if he has eye problems he’s constantly blinking.

See three or four posts before your question

 

[Blue warrior]

See three or four posts before your question

Thanks mate

 

[WallyA]

I didnt know he had that whipped in cross in his locker.

He is even better suited to being a LB than I thought.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Was he always the standout player in our youth teams?

He stood out for the same reasons he got into the first team. His impressive physical attributes amongst a sea of technical midgets.

 

[TonyM]

I hope he stays at LB as our first choice. And similarly Gvardiol stays at Left Center Back.

I like the idea of the left side of defense being sorted for years to come.

 

[Churchlawtonblue]

Had a great game IMHO. Getting better and better.

 

[oldius]

What is encouraging is that he is improving.
It may be an unfamiliar position, but full-back is not a formulaic position in our team: he is getting the chance to attack, defend, move in to midfield, inside-left, attack the ball at set-pieces, and build relationships with other team members. He offers technical ability, intelligence, and pace and physicality. If his progress continues, he could well be a main-stay for a long time. Good luck to him.

 

[oldius]

Had a great game IMHO. Getting better and better.

Didn't notice that you had posted this - I agree, as my post suggests.

 

[Nevizade]

Yeah alright, he’s big and strong, with a great engine, excellent technique, an eye for goal and a great delivery from wide areas, plus he can carry the ball

But aside from that? Shite

He's got a cagoule

 

[sir baconface]

Was he always the standout player in our youth teams?

Strange but there isn’t always a correlation. I imagine it’s a combination of four things:

- Continuing personal development (or otherwise) beyond age 16, 17, 18.
- Adaptabilty to new team mates, a different system, different opponents. Some seem to just slot in. Others take time.
- Opportunities, e.g. full games or serious minutes v 10 minutes as a sub.
- Self-confidence.

Cole Palmer is probably a good example. He didn’t really excel in bit parts with us but really shone at Chelsea under totally different circumstances.

 

[OldhamBlue94]

Starting to think he could well keep the left back roll as his own. Great crosser of the ball, fast, such good feet for a lanky lad and as much as I’d like to see him in the middle he was absolutely fantastic defensively last night, Rogers was in his back pocket all game.