Most improved player this season
- Thread starter Chatterbox1169
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silveraeon
Well-Known Member
- May 5, 2005
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Agree, there has been some strong improvement across the board but still Bale for me. Really cannot wait to see Bale and Lennon terrorising teams next season (hopefully in the Champions League)
nedley
John Duncan's Love Child
- Jul 28, 2006
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- 28,136
I think we will just have to agree to disagree there. I'm not disputing that he was a top keeper when we bought him.
My point is that he took a while to settle. The PL is a different kettle of fish. It is far more aggressive and fast and he tried to play his same game ie taking everyone one out whilst attempting to get the ball and these stupid long throws giving it straight back to the opposition. He need to adapt.
There was certainly a period when his decision making was iffy and he suffered a dip in confidence, which in turn put the shits up the back four.
Then the press turned on him and even some of our own fans (including me) were thinking is this 10 mil well spent?
He still made great saves yes.
But now he has learnt about the PL, when and how to distribute- when to come out and punch.
I think we both agree that after two seasons in the PL he has now established himself as one of the best in the world.
- Oct 17, 2006
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If the question was asked, who had the most impact, it would be Bale by a country mile!
But I think Bale is just playing to the potential and ability that he always had. He was injury prone and lacked confiedence, but now being fully fit and full of confident, his game automatically rises, so the "improvement" is no more than he is finishing where he started.
My most improved player believe it or not is Huddlestone, who I slated at the begining of this campaign, but it seemsd that some of Palacious' industry has rubbed off on him!
But I think Bale is just playing to the potential and ability that he always had. He was injury prone and lacked confiedence, but now being fully fit and full of confident, his game automatically rises, so the "improvement" is no more than he is finishing where he started.
My most improved player believe it or not is Huddlestone, who I slated at the begining of this campaign, but it seemsd that some of Palacious' industry has rubbed off on him!
tippspur59
Well-Known Member
- Aug 21, 2006
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Michael Dawson,leading by example.
raf18
Well-Known Member
- Aug 29, 2006
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Dawson has gone from dodgy to established as one of the best in the league. The amount of credit i've seen given to him from other fans was surprising to me. He also isnt a young boy anymore and has really matured.
But obviously Bale has been superhuman compared to what he was a couple of months back. He wasnt particularly bad before but his jump in ability has been bigger than dawson who showed this form before but not consistently.
But obviously Bale has been superhuman compared to what he was a couple of months back. He wasnt particularly bad before but his jump in ability has been bigger than dawson who showed this form before but not consistently.
- May 21, 2004
- 25,468
- 2,408
- Admin
- #50
Well I also voted Gomes - simply because I've not been 100% confident in his keeping until part way through this season, even taking in to account his stopping / blocking talents.
This season he has the confidence of his back four, and that can also be put down to a regular back four line-up. He is not so often rash in clearing his lines these days and catches as often as he punches.
My one reservation with him is his low pain threshold and taking in to account one or two of his injuries have been painful and occasionally prevented him from lining up he does have a remarkable skill of recovery, through the tears and anguish of pain. His teammates pat him on the arse and walk away shaking their heads!!
That said, he is, for me, the most improved, only because it is the most exposed position. Otherwise Bale.
This season he has the confidence of his back four, and that can also be put down to a regular back four line-up. He is not so often rash in clearing his lines these days and catches as often as he punches.
My one reservation with him is his low pain threshold and taking in to account one or two of his injuries have been painful and occasionally prevented him from lining up he does have a remarkable skill of recovery, through the tears and anguish of pain. His teammates pat him on the arse and walk away shaking their heads!!
That said, he is, for me, the most improved, only because it is the most exposed position. Otherwise Bale.
Dr Know
SC Supporter
- Aug 21, 2008
- 11,636
- 9,456
Well I would say Bale but Gomes, Hudd and Dawson are right up there too. Bassong is playing better than when he first came but the whole team has improved greatly. I was one of those who said Hudd was a waste but he has proved me wrong, if only Jenas can step up too I'd be happy to be wrong again
michaelden
Knight of the Fat Fanny
- Aug 13, 2004
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- 21,818
Over the season I think the Hudd has been a phenomenon. Daws, Bale and Pav have all stepped up too but consistantly the Hudd has been in the team impressing
CosmicHotspur
Better a wag than a WAG
- Aug 14, 2006
- 51,069
- 22,383
Really difficult to choose just one and that's down to Harry and his training team who have done a magnificent job, particularly in developing our younger players.
I had to choose one so it has to be Bale at the top for me but Gomes, Hudd and Daws have all come a long way this season.
The exciting thing for me is how many of our younger players are going to come through the system over the next few seasons: hopefully we'll be able to keep the best of the bunch at the Lane.
I had to choose one so it has to be Bale at the top for me but Gomes, Hudd and Daws have all come a long way this season.
The exciting thing for me is how many of our younger players are going to come through the system over the next few seasons: hopefully we'll be able to keep the best of the bunch at the Lane.
