James McAtee

In no way discrediting him for that goal, he did everything he needed to do but it's not as good of a goal as it sounds when you hear he's it described as a 70 yard solo goal, he's basically just sprinted 70 yards unchallenged.

Anyway, great that the lad is getting goals now, don't see much of Sheffield United but it appears he's settling into men's football now after a tricky start. This loan shaping up to be exactly what he needed.
 
I must admit to being very confused... McAtee is shit, all the expert Sheffield United fans said so, and they surely couldn't have been wrong?
 
I don't know what will happen to him. his place is a 10 or a advanced 8 but right now KDB has that place.
 
Watched the second half - so saw his goal, which was well taken. He also produced a nice bit of skill to open up a chance for Norwood to shoot.

But most of the play was over his head as both teams launched long balls into the channels. I think he was playing in a deep central midfield position - but it was difficult to work out any tactical shape. Sheffield United are now 11 points clear of third place, so should get promoted if they keep it going - but they will suffer in PL without a squad overhaul.
 
blade01 said:
Bear in mind that the last time we took on a hot young talent was Ben Woodburn from Liverpool and he was surprisingly poor. Like a rabit in the headlights, low confidence and hardly played for us and every time he came on as sub you could see he couldn't adapt to the Championship level. So when we heard great things about McAtee...there were plenty of Blades thinking...."probably another Ben Woodburn".

Update on your players:
Tommy Doyle
He is more of a consistent engine room type of midfielder, decent with the ball but also excellent without the ball.
He doesn't stand out as anything special but he's a solid 7 out of 10 most matches. He's an asset at Championship level but due to his style of play but I'm not sure he'll ever be anything special at PL level. Not seen anything to suggest he's good enough to play for Man City, good all-round midfielder though so maybe we can sign him?

James McAtee
In early matches McAtee did the odd trick and flick but was generally ineffective, also he looked really poor when out of possession. He came across as more of a show pony/ flair player with potential but didn't like defending/ tackling.
His 1st start in an away match was at Luton and he very much looked like a lost little boy playing against the men of Luton. Hence the early comments from our fans that McAtee won't hack it at this level, yes, he might have some talent but there's more to football than mere talent. However gradually he's improved his performances, worked harder when out of possession showing fight and effort, this is a good way to win over our fans. His general performances were pretty average/ acceptable but we noticed he'd pop up with a moment of skill/ class to create clear goal scoring chances.

However since the World Cup break he's now played 3 matches, and he's improved again, he seems physically stronger and easily able to ride tackles and challenges, his confidence seems higher because he's now demanding/ seeing more of the ball. He playing for us like a poor mans Phil Foden, good 1st touch, nice awareness with good passing but what makes him stand out is like our other player (N'Diaye) he's capable of short busts of speed and dribbling/ ghosting past defenders causing opposition defences to panic.

The beauty for Sheff Utd is we can be playing quite poorly in a match but N'Diaye and McAtee are 2 players who might also be playing poorly doing very little, then they'll produce a moment of PL level skill/ class from nothing, dribbling past their defenders to set up a goal.

Although McAtee is quality he's currently no where near Man City squad level. He's just an above average Championship player with moments of high quality. However he's gradually improving each match so it does make you wonder what his ceiling is and where his improvement will end? Towards the end of this season he might end up being one of our star players and far too good for Championship level.

Conclusion
My honest opinion is that Doyle is a good player who, if he develops might have a career as an average PL player, so doubt he'll ever be good enough for City. Would think Sheff Utd might try to sign him if we gain promotion back to PL.

Regards McAtee, if he continues to progress this season then next season he needs to be loaned out to a PL club where he's sees plenty of game time. He's clearly a talent and massively improved his game this season when out of possession. So think he will forge a career in the PL but being around the City squad is a different prospect, pretty sure he won't be good enough for your squad next season but after gaining experience in the PL then in 2 or 3 years who knows how good he'll be.
Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to share these updates mate and keep us all up to speed on their progress. Hope you guys continue to have a great season. Looks like a Premier League return with Burnley is on the horizon - it''s just a case of who takes the title IMO.
 
ninjamonkey said:
In no way discrediting him for that goal, he did everything he needed to do but it's not as good of a goal as it sounds when you hear he's it described as a 70 yard solo goal, he's basically just sprinted 70 yards unchallenged.

Anyway, great that the lad is getting goals now, don't see much of Sheffield United but it appears he's settling into men's football now after a tricky start. This loan shaping up to be exactly what he needed.
Click to expand...
Ninja
entirely agree not a worldie but a great run and finish and you’re right he’s settling in well now. Did you spot that the Pool keeper he gave the eyes to was our ex Dan Grimshaw?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Unread Posts

Don't have an account? Register now and see fewer ads!

SIGN UP
Back
Top
✖
  AdBlock Detected
Bluemoon relies on advertising to pay our hosting fees. Please support the site by disabling your ad blocking software to help keep the forum sustainable. Thanks.