Watched the the full matches of a couple of WBA games (vs Liverpool and Chelsea) -focusing on Evans- over the last couple of days whilst listening to my usual podcasts.
Some thoughts
PROS
1.) Organiser:
Constantly orchestrates WBA's backline, and this is something we don't have when Vinny isn't there. I'm not even sure Stones and Nico talk to eachother. Evans is very vocal.
2.) Positioning:
His positioning and sensing of danger is quite impressive tbh. Always looking around and behind him to make sure he doesn't lose sight of the forwards. Steps out when needed, covers well.
3.) Composure:
He's decent enough on the ball and looks for the pass rather than hoofing it but it's his composure in possession which stands out more. He's not like Mangala who looks like he's scared shitless when the ball comes to him.
(non playing)
4.) Homegrown
CONS
1.) Mobility:
Not hugely slow but he's not fast and he is quite wooden/lacking in agility, he's not someone you're confident can make up the ground once turned.
2.) Silly fouls:
Habit of giving fouls away by clattering into the back of an opponent. TBF this was only evident against Liverpool
(non playing)
3.) 30 in January
4.) Reported price is too high
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Having studied him in these 2 games I've changed my mind somewhat. He looks a better player than he was at Utd, where he could be quite rash, he's matured as a player since then and is pretty steady. How he takes to a higher line and playing on the left of a back 3 at times - where he'd have to defend wide areas - I'm not sure but, on this evidence, he's a better player than I thought he was. His age means I wouldn't be going above £20m but I think I'd be fine with him being 4th CB.
Couldn't care less about him playing for Utd. It's hardly Crerand
We do need to make sure we sign that FW (Sanchez) tho for this to make sense, otherwise we should just take that money and put it on Van Dijk
