Ireland U19s, not U18s, makes it even more impressive. Saw him against the dippers in the U18 league in October, and that might be the best midfield performance I’ve ever seen at any level. He was absolutely mindblowing that game. Don’t think he misplaced a single pass for 90 mins, won back the ball constantly and beat the dippers high press every time. At times he was surrounded by 3 dippers at once, and he somehow managed to dribble them all or find an amazing pass. Reminds me of Verratti. Just a shame that he’s about 4’3 or something. Very small, not good in the air, but pretty strong for his size. If he was 6ft+ I would be 100% sure he would make our first team.Seems he is creating a bit of a stir.....a 16yr old midfield general,currently playing for Ireland u18's and scoring their equaliser earlier today.
Another to soon make the break through?
Cheers.Ireland U19s, not U18s, makes it even more impressive. Saw him against the dippers in the U18 league in October, and that might be the best midfield performance I’ve ever seen at any level. He was absolutely mindblowing that game. Don’t think he misplaced a single pass for 90 mins, won back the ball constantly and beat the dippers high press every time. At times he was surrounded by 3 dippers at once, and he somehow managed to dribble them all or find an amazing pass. Reminds me of Verratti. Just a shame that he’s about 4’3 or something. Very small, not good in the air, but pretty strong for his size. If he was 6ft+ I would be 100% sure he would make our first team.
We have loads of potential future Fernandinho successors/Rodri backups already at the club; Zinchenko, Smith, Palaversa, McDonald, Doyle, Pozo, Gomes and Hodge
Look at the video over where he`s celebrating with his teammates, he`s pretty small. Pep said at the end of the season that defending from set pieces was one of our weakest points, and Hodge certainly wouldn`t be able to do much of that unless he grows a lot. Fantastic talent thoughCheers.
He may be on the short side but he isnt small.His physique looks strong and he doesnt appear to get intimidated - he looks handy,in every respect.
Besides,our club knows better than most......when has size ever been an accurate barometer?
His team mates could be up to 3 years older than him though (I've no idea of the makeup of the Irish squad).Look at the video over where he`s celebrating with his teammates, he`s pretty small. Pep said at the end of the season that defending from set pieces was one of our weakest points, and Hodge certainly wouldn`t be able to do much of that unless he grows a lot. Fantastic talent though
Look at the video over where he`s celebrating with his teammates, he`s pretty small. Pep said at the end of the season that defending from set pieces was one of our weakest points, and Hodge certainly wouldn`t be able to do much of that unless he grows a lot. Fantastic talent though