K Naughton

[Snarfalicious]

If Benny was healthy he'd have to be picked over Walker at this point.

He's actually showing the ability to pick a pass that can unlock a defense. He's been very good in the air, his tackles are getting better on the left, and the way he's holding possession is very Benny-like.

Overall, for a guy playing out of position, you've got to have a lot of respect for what he's doing. I'd love to see him on the right once Benny returns. To me, that'd provide us with two very good fullbacks that can be difference makers in attack.

 

[ItsBoris]

I think Walker will have to mold himself a bit if he wants to fit into this team, because at the moment Naughton is a far better fit at RB. We aren't really a team that just bombs forward anymore, we need players to be more intelligent and intricate and Walker hasn't really shown that he can be that. Benny, Naughton, and Rose (if his loan at Sunderland is anything to go by), can be.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Naughton has been very good the last few games. The annoying thing is people are too quick to criticize and get on players backs.

Same thing is now happening with Walker. Yes his all round game needs work and he needs to become a bit more street smart defensively but he still has the raw attributes to be a great rb imo.

Also people saying he can't pick out a pass, how about his pass to Sig in the Villa game? Or his pass with the outside of his boot, inch perfect to Lennon? People would be creaming themselves if Modric had made that pass.

 

[Gbspurs]

We seem quick to get on walkers back. He is English, younger than Bale and shows huge promise. We should play Naughton now as I'm a believer in playing the form player but to have them both is fantastic. I still think walker will become a top player, but I wouldn't be suprised to see us cash in on him soon as his value is probably pretty good.

 

[HodisGawd]

When he came onto the scene and was hyped massively I could see straight away that Walker wasn't quite what he was made out to be (yet). He should be, but he's not there yet. However, what I really like about him that Naughton hasn't shown yet is that Walker, as well as being capable of a howler, is capable of scoring a stunning goal. He's got a bit of magic in his boots and can win us games. A rough diamond if you like. At the moment, I prefer Naughton though.

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

To think some people wrote Naughton of as "not good enough" even though he has been playing out of position. I wouldn't expect anything less from kneejerking idiots though.

 

[only1waddle]

When he came onto the scene and was hyped massively I could see straight away that Walker wasn't quite what he was made out to be (yet). He should be, but he's not there yet. However, what I really like about him that Naughton hasn't shown yet is that Walker, as well as being capable of a howler, is capable of scoring a stunning goal. He's got a bit of magic in his boots and can win us games. A rough diamond if you like. At the moment, I prefer Naughton though.

Walkers 1/2 goals a season might be spectacular but he is offsetting them with 4/5 mistakes for goals against, i would rather we have a good solid defensive RB rather than one prone to errors that might throw up a wonder goal or 2..

 

[waresy]

I've been impressed with KN, he has grown in confidence as he has played more games and is working hard on using his left foot.
Having both KW and him to fight it out for RB as well as suitable cover on the left is promising.
When BAE is back fit it will give opportunity to give KW a break every now and again

 

[Spurger King]

Thought he looked good again today. Played one fantastic diagonal pass across to Lennon, and generally his decision-making seemed very good.

Let's see him on the right for a bit.

 

[beats1]

Thought he looked good again today. Played one fantastic diagonal pass across to Lennon, and generally his decision-making seemed very good.

Let's see him on the right for a bit.

Most seem to disagree with you from what I read

 

[mpickard2087]

I have sympathy for him a lot of the time. It doesn't help him when Bale goes wandering from the left wing to do his own thing and he doesn't have an option down the line to give the ball to.

 

[Spurger King]

Most seem to disagree with you from what I read

Yeah I've read the negative comments, but I was impressed with a few of the things he did in the game. Far from perfect, but every time I see him he seems to surprise me. Players like him and Caulker are still young and inexperienced, so I guess my idea of a good game allows room for some errors.

 

[beats1]

Yeah I've read the negative comments, but I was impressed with a few of the things he did in the game. Far from perfect, but every time I see him he seems to surprise me. Players like him and Caulker are still young and inexperienced, so I guess my idea of a good game allows room for some errors.

I think people forget he isnt a lb, I often see the argument Lee was a good LB but he was a LB!

 

[parklane1]

He had another good game today.

 

[Hitch]

Would certainly look to bring in Benny for the FA Cup game with Naughton moving to right back. Depending on how that goes it may well be a good decision to keep it that way for a few games. Walker needs some time out.

Long term though I don't think we should be looking at Naughton as a viable option over Walker. He's a good player and his versatility makes him very useful indeed, but Walker's ceiling is probably higher than any other right back in England. He's had a dip this season for sure but that's pretty normal for players of his age and experience. Bale and others went through the same thing. Walker will come back and in time he will be fantastic.

As for Naughton, as much as I appreciate his contribution I think that it might be the right thing to move him on in the Summer. I say that with reluctance and ordinarily it'd be the last thing that I would suggest, but there's one main reason that I do say it - Adam Smith. I think that he's going to be (if he isn't already) a much better player than Naughton and one that may even supersede Walker in the long term. I don't think that he has the same sort of versatility as Naughton, which is a bummer, but he's at the age now where we really either have to shit or get off the pot. Besides, we should make at least £5m on Naughton at this point. That could contribute quite nicely towards us buying a proper striker (bizarre idea I know).

 

[Kendall]

I think people forget he isnt a lb, I often see the argument Lee was a good LB but he was a LB!

Yep. Naughton has been shoe-horned to left back ever since Walker's emergence at Sheffield United. Fair play to him for vastly improving in this position.

 

[Kendall]

I have sympathy for him a lot of the time. It doesn't help him when Bale goes wandering from the left wing to do his own thing and he doesn't have an option down the line to give the ball to.

Yep, and also Lennon and Bale are chalk and cheese when it comes to accepting defensive responsibility.

 

[carpediem991]

I think Naughton is a perfect squad player

- english
- seems to be a nice character who has some buddys in the team
- can play right back and left back

Not sure if he can establish himself as first choice, but it is very good to have him around IMO

 

[L-man]

Just want to see him at RB and given a fair chance. Dumb me or whatever, but Walker is seriously dogshit now, I keep seeing people mention it as a blip or poor run of form from him but it's every single game he does something stupid or nearly costs us a goal and we're well into the second half of the season now. 23 games in the league this season and he's had a decent game in about 3 of those, coincidentally those games were against teams that didn't attack us like Spam and Swansea at home

 

[cwhite02]

Thought he did well enough today. Anyone know why Disco's not getting back in the team? Or even SuperVerts today?