05-03-2019, 07:44 PM
(05-03-2019, 03:49 PM)NG3 Wrote:(05-03-2019, 03:27 PM)Supa Billy Davies Wrote: What concerns me with Carvalho is his mentality. I think he's pretty weak-minded, and goes missing when it counts.
I haven't mentioned that as I don't want it to look like I'm bullying the kid, as I got accused recently of doing a "hatchet job" on him, but I've actually held back on a lot of stuff, mindful of not wanting to bring supporters down to much, but, yes, there is evidence that he "retreats".
In one game earlier in the season, after taking a couple of kicks, over 70% of his remaining touches occurred in our own half, with Colback, one of 2 DCM's employed that day having twice as many touches, in the opposition half, as our self-withdrawn ACM.
He was in no way ever ready for a full season here, without cover.
Less than a year before we signed him, after he'd returned from his loan spell at Vitória (playing the role now filled by freebie Hildeberto Pereira), his Benfica manager openly stated that he still didn't even know what Carvalho would be, whether he'd be an #8, #10 or on the flanks.
That's a player that needs developing, not a £13m signing to shoulder the weight of a promotion push.
Couldn't agree more mate. They've had our pants down.