Mark Davies

[lovethesmellofnapalm]

depends if you can get summat more useful to us than him for the short term then.... a midfield player with a better passing range would be a start
and if the 4 mill offered is true (doubtful) then we probably could

If they're that easily attained,the question begs as to why West Brom have four mil to spend and want Mark Davies? See, very shortly, our reputation (according to some) as a selling club is going to kick us right up the rectum. We talk about a settled team and players not getting time together, yet somebody comes in for one of our players and we want to sell and assume a superstar saviour is just waiting in the wings with a "please buy me" Paddington Bear like tag round his neck. Go with what we have, get Lee and Holden back in the team and get out of danger before even thinking about bringing in any more Mears, Pratleys, Blakes, Boyatas, Tuncays or Kakutas to sit on the bench.

that'll be the "what we have" that has taken us to the dizzying heights of third bottom?
in my opinion Eagles is better option than Davies wide right and Davies can't by all reckoning play in a 4-4-2
so if the 4 million was on offer and with the Cahill money in addition i would hope we could get someone in who was more that a peripheral figure.
i'm not for selling for sellings sake for e.g
losing Muamba for 4 million would be a bad bit of business for me.
but a "club like ours" needs to do business and take views on players and 4 mill for Davies would be a decent bit of business

[One Hump Or Two?]

any midfielder who had claims to be the "best player at the club" would be able to have a consistent impact in a 4-4-2 - if he can't and i don't believe M Davies can then he is as much a luxury player as a Petrov.
for me as far as centre mid goes

Yeah but judging a player on whether he will fit into a rigid 4-4-2 is a bad yardstick. Traditional 4-4-2 is a dying system, and it looks like even Coyle has got the message now. The only reasons we've made it work at all under Coyle were Wilshere and then Holden - two exceptional talents who could do it all in terms of workrate, tackling, box-to-box, distribution and goal threat. There is plenty of room for Mavies in a five man midfield or in a 4-2-3-1. And if we have to stick him out wide, he is certainly a better player than Eagles.

disagree. Eagles has made the greater impact on games than Davies this season.
as for formation its horses for courses 4-4-2 still has legs in a fair proportion of games given the personnel (Holden and Muamba) but unfortunately we havent had that available. but simply because we haven't doesn't make 4-4-2 a "dying system" just inappropriate/ineffectual at the moment.

But most teams at the top level are moving decisively away from the traditional 4-4-2 with the flat midfield 4. Man U are probably the last of a dying breed in that respect, and they've only been able to get away with it for so long because of the quality of the individual players they have through the side.

I agree that it can still work sometimes with the right players, but those kind of players are few and far between.

I would rather have Mavies than Eagles because the ball sticks when it's played to his feet, and because he can beat a man. Given that one of our major problems this season has been that we just can't hold on to the fvcking ball for more than three seconds, these are not attributes to be underrated.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

most teams at the top level are moving decisively away from the traditional 4-4-2 with the flat midfield 4. Man U are probably the last of a dying breed in that respect, and they've only been able to get away with it for so long because of the quality of the individual players they have through the side.

They went 4-2-3-1 a decade ago, when they bought Veron to play behind Van Nistelrooy. That didn't work but more or less ever since they've basically played the double-pivot of two holding midfielders behind a frequently fluid front four. And there's very little "flat" about their positional movement; against weaker teams Evra's basically an extra winger.

The flattest 4-4-2 at the moment is Newcastle, and guess what? Their two central midfielders Cabaye and Tiote are among the top tacklers, the Stuey & Mooey of this season.

[boltonboris]

in my opinion Eagles is better option than Davies wide right and Davies can't by all reckoning play in a 4-4-2

As long is Petrov is playing on the left, Davies HAS to play on the right.

In a 4-4-2, unless you're a very good side, you can't really afford to carry 2 out and out wingers, which is why Davies comes inside and let's the right back offer the width. That's the only way to play it. IMO

[One Hump Or Two?]

most teams at the top level are moving decisively away from the traditional 4-4-2 with the flat midfield 4. Man U are probably the last of a dying breed in that respect, and they've only been able to get away with it for so long because of the quality of the individual players they have through the side.

They went 4-2-3-1 a decade ago, when they bought Veron to play behind Van Nistelrooy. That didn't work but more or less ever since they've basically played the double-pivot of two holding midfielders behind a frequently fluid front four. And there's very little "flat" about their positional movement; against weaker teams Evra's basically an extra winger.

The flattest 4-4-2 at the moment is Newcastle, and guess what? Their two central midfielders Cabaye and Tiote are among the top tacklers, the Stuey & Mooey of this season.

You are right about Newcastle, but completely wrong about the Scum.

Veron was a short term experiment who didn't work out. IMO because the formation was actually a barely tweaked 4-4-2 which didn't suit him.

Who are these two "holding midfielders" they have been playing for the last decade? Scholes? Giggs? Carrick? Anderson? None of them fit the description. Keane on the other hand was the classic all action box-to-box passing, tackling player you need for the perfect 4-4-2.

Look at Man U against Barcelona, Berne, Blackburn (and that's just the Bs this year). Flat as a pancake every time. Just because Evra bombs on when they're up against opponents who are financially overmatched by a factor of 10 or 15, doesn't mean it isn't basically a 4-4-2.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Veron was a short term experiment who didn't work out. IMO because the formation was actually a barely tweaked 4-4-2 which didn't suit him.

Who are these two "holding midfielders" they have been playing for the last decade? Scholes? Giggs? Carrick? Anderson? None of them fit the description. Keane on the other hand was the classic all action box-to-box passing, tackling player you need for the perfect 4-4-2.

Look at Man U against Barcelona, Berne, Blackburn (and that's just the Bs this year). Flat as a pancake every time. Just because Evra bombs on when they're up against opponents who are financially overmatched by a factor of 10 or 15, doesn't mean it isn't basically a 4-4-2.

You're right to a certain extent. Ferguson wasn't bold enough with the Veron change, which United traditionalists saw as making it 4-5-1. And "holding midfielders" might not be the right phrase but there are certainly two central midfielders without the duty of getting forward. As Michael 'Zonal Marking' Cox wrote this week in The Guardian:

For much of last season, Ferguson played a two-man midfield combination of a "passer" – Scholes or Michael Carrick, and a "runner" – Darren Fletcher or Anderson. It creates a nice balance – two passers and you lack mobility, two runners and you lack guile. His intention is to continue with the same pattern.

Ferguson – who interestingly denies he's ever played a straight 4-4-2 – has long played with split strikers and attacking wingers. In effect these are the difference between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1; if Rooney (or Sheringham, or Cantona, or McClair) drop off the target man, while Sharpe (or Giggs, or Ronaldo, or Nani) bomb on down the wings, they occupy a fourth space between midfield and attack, effectively creating a 4-2-3-1.

So we may be splitting hairs, but it's scarcely credible to say a club so obsessed with wingers and flair-based forwards plays a 'flat' 4-4-2. Is Nani really a 'midfielder' in the same vein as Paul Comstive? The foremost tactical writers of our generation think not...

...the evolution could come from the other direction: a side playing 4-4-2, with the wingers pushed high and one of the centre-forward dropping deep, is effectively playing a 4-2-3-1. When Manchester United beat Barcelona in the 1991 Cup-Winners' Cup final, for instance, they had Bryan Robson and Paul Ince holding, with Lee Sharpe and Mike Phelan wide, and Brian McClair dropping off Mark Hughes. Everybody still referred to it as 4-4-2, but it was in effect a 4-2-3-1...

...4-2-3-1's transfer to England – at least in terms of a recognition of it as something distinct from 4-4-2 – came with Manchester United as an emphatic 3-2 home defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League in 1999-2000 convinced Sir Alex Ferguson that the more orthodox 4-4-2 he had employed to win the treble the previous season had had its day in European competition (although he maintains, with some justification, that he has never played 4-4-2, but has always used split forwards).

...a strong argument in favour of the 4-4-1-1-cum-4-2-3-1 shape United used in both quarter-finals against Chelsea...

...last season at Stamford Bridge he altered his 4-2-3-1 system by playing Ryan Giggs as a very central left-sided midfielder...

And a fair few rag-bloggers...

...Ferguson goes to great lengths in fact to stress that he has never actually played a strict 4-4-2...

...United have used the '4-2-3-1' shape to start five of their past six matches...

...United started the game with a 4-2-3-1...

That's enough of researching those wankers on my day off...

[aussie_wanderer]

dont sell mark davies, we would be even worse without him. how much did megson pay for him? i thaught it was a fair bit

[Lord Kangana]

Million quid I think.

[CAPSLOCK]

Mark Davies is the best (fit) 'footballer' we have left

Macc are way below the level we need players to perform at, but ffs, it was like Messi came on the pitch when he arrived

[Prufrock]

Cahill gone then?

[Bolton-France]

My article about this awesome player : http://boltonfrance.wordpress.com/2012/ ... a/#more-45" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Above the lot this season, Mark Davies is currently conducting one of the best seasons of his career, balance career and the style of one of the best midfielders in English at this time.

It is 18 years since Mark Davies entered the world of football in the colors of Wolverhampton at the time in the Championship. From his early appearances, he will impress his coach Glen Hoddle to make a name in midfield between the Scottish Colin Cameron and the experienced Paul Ince, only 18 he is the youngest player of the workforce to be used by former coach of the English national team with 24 games and 1 goal, the club will finish in 7th place overall. An auspicious first season but the departure of Glen Hoddle significantly reduce the time of play from midfield, in fact just arrived at the club from Sunderland, the Irish Mick McCarthy will give full confidence to the duo Olofinjana - Henry in midfield, the choice will prove effective as Wolverhampton 5th place finish at the championship with a total of 10 games in all competitions for Mark Davies. The 2007/2008 season will not be as beautiful as the first since it will not used by Mick McCarthy preferring Darron Gibson. In 2008/2009, Davies will not participate in the backswing in the Premier League, does treading on English lawns only once during a cup match.

On January 25 he will join the team at Leicester City on loan, by playing 9 games he will participate in the backswing in Npower Championship by winning the same time a second trophy in a season after the title of Wolves in the second division. His few good performances in League One does not go unnoticed, after returning to Wolverhampton he will sign for free in Bolton, a few days later the legendary Kevin Nolan packed his bags and signs to Newcastle. The perfect opportunity to be able to make a name in the size of Gary Megson being the replacement for Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba, he will play 11 games but failed to register a goal, however, the Reebok Stadium side of his technical have quickly won over fans.

The performance of Gary McCann is far less satisfactory than the previous season, he will seize his chance beautifully as the Israeli Tamir Cohen, both players are very good technically be propelled on to center stage by Megson, Wigley, and Owen Evans Coyle. It is with this latter that Mark Davies will learn a lot, based on a midfield very young (22 years Muamba, Cohen 26 years, Mark Davies 22 years, 24 years Stuart Holden and Jack Wilshere 18) Owen Coyle will perfectly work on the transition between defense and attack through the midfield. Just as Jack Wilshere & Tamir Cohen, one we nicknamed The English Iniesta is quite capable of distributing the game by distilling accurate passes but also by eliminating when necessary his direct opponent but the main weakness of the player being its defensive investment. With 24 games in a season high two goals and Mark Davies found playing time he had during his first season at Wolverhampton.

The 2010/2011 season will be the confirmation within the club, by playing 31 games there a good season by entering one of the best goals of the club's history (see order) against Blackpool. By answering all the needs of Owen Coyle when he needed him Mark Davies proved he could claim a place as the holder but the great season of American Stuart Holden will be the delight of the season . Following the injury of the U.S. against Manchester United, Mark Davies had the opportunity to prove his abilities but also to show his defensive shortcomings, the lack of American will be costly to the club since the club to an 14th place finish no way deserved. Unfortunately for the club's injury Stuart Holden will be extended for the 2011/2012 season, the absence of U.S. international will be very hard in midfield for Wanderers, although the arrival of Nigel Reo-Coker added physical impact by the time absent during the previous season, receiving great English clubs will plunge the club into a downward spiral ending. After some modifications during the winter transfer window, since the year 2012 Bolton is back with a new identity similar to that of the previous season at certain meetings, regarding Mark Davies he reveals all its qualities by participating in offensive tasks on his goal against Liverpool but also to defensive duties, if the club wants to maintain it is no doubt that the new Paul Gascoigne from his coach will be one of the major players in the exciting race to maintaining.

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[plymouth wanderer]

My article about this awesome player : http://boltonfrance.wordpress.com/2012/ ... a/#more-45" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Above the lot this season, Mark Davies is currently conducting one of the best seasons of his career, balance career and the style of one of the best midfielders in English at this time.

It is 18 years since Mark Davies entered the world of football in the colors of Wolverhampton at the time in the Championship. From his early appearances, he will impress his coach Glen Hoddle to make a name in midfield between the Scottish Colin Cameron and the experienced Paul Ince, only 18 he is the youngest player of the workforce to be used by former coach of the English national team with 24 games and 1 goal, the club will finish in 7th place overall. An auspicious first season but the departure of Glen Hoddle significantly reduce the time of play from midfield, in fact just arrived at the club from Sunderland, the Irish Mick McCarthy will give full confidence to the duo Olofinjana - Henry in midfield, the choice will prove effective as Wolverhampton 5th place finish at the championship with a total of 10 games in all competitions for Mark Davies. The 2007/2008 season will not be as beautiful as the first since it will not used by Mick McCarthy preferring Darron Gibson. In 2008/2009, Davies will not participate in the backswing in the Premier League, does treading on English lawns only once during a cup match.

On January 25 he will join the team at Leicester City on loan, by playing 9 games he will participate in the backswing in Npower Championship by winning the same time a second trophy in a season after the title of Wolves in the second division. His few good performances in League One does not go unnoticed, after returning to Wolverhampton he will sign for free in Bolton, a few days later the legendary Kevin Nolan packed his bags and signs to Newcastle. The perfect opportunity to be able to make a name in the size of Gary Megson being the replacement for Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba, he will play 11 games but failed to register a goal, however, the Reebok Stadium side of his technical have quickly won over fans.

The performance of Gary McCann is far less satisfactory than the previous season, he will seize his chance beautifully as the Israeli Tamir Cohen, both players are very good technically be propelled on to center stage by Megson, Wigley, and Owen Evans Coyle. It is with this latter that Mark Davies will learn a lot, based on a midfield very young (22 years Muamba, Cohen 26 years, Mark Davies 22 years, 24 years Stuart Holden and Jack Wilshere 18) Owen Coyle will perfectly work on the transition between defense and attack through the midfield. Just as Jack Wilshere & Tamir Cohen, one we nicknamed The English Iniesta is quite capable of distributing the game by distilling accurate passes but also by eliminating when necessary his direct opponent but the main weakness of the player being its defensive investment. With 24 games in a season high two goals and Mark Davies found playing time he had during his first season at Wolverhampton.

The 2010/2011 season will be the confirmation within the club, by playing 31 games there a good season by entering one of the best goals of the club's history (see order) against Blackpool. By answering all the needs of Owen Coyle when he needed him Mark Davies proved he could claim a place as the holder but the great season of American Stuart Holden will be the delight of the season . Following the injury of the U.S. against Manchester United, Mark Davies had the opportunity to prove his abilities but also to show his defensive shortcomings, the lack of American will be costly to the club since the club to an 14th place finish no way deserved. Unfortunately for the club's injury Stuart Holden will be extended for the 2011/2012 season, the absence of U.S. international will be very hard in midfield for Wanderers, although the arrival of Nigel Reo-Coker added physical impact by the time absent during the previous season, receiving great English clubs will plunge the club into a downward spiral ending. After some modifications during the winter transfer window, since the year 2012 Bolton is back with a new identity similar to that of the previous season at certain meetings, regarding Mark Davies he reveals all its qualities by participating in offensive tasks on his goal against Liverpool but also to defensive duties, if the club wants to maintain it is no doubt that the new Paul Gascoigne from his coach will be one of the major players in the exciting race to maintaining.

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[Worthy4England]

My article about this awesome player : http://boltonfrance.wordpress.com/2012/ ... a/#more-45" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Above the lot this season, Mark Davies is currently conducting one of the best seasons of his career, balance career and the style of one of the best midfielders in English at this time.

It is 18 years since Mark Davies entered the world of football in the colors of Wolverhampton at the time in the Championship. From his early appearances, he will impress his coach Glen Hoddle to make a name in midfield between the Scottish Colin Cameron and the experienced Paul Ince, only 18 he is the youngest player of the workforce to be used by former coach of the English national team with 24 games and 1 goal, the club will finish in 7th place overall. An auspicious first season but the departure of Glen Hoddle significantly reduce the time of play from midfield, in fact just arrived at the club from Sunderland, the Irish Mick McCarthy will give full confidence to the duo Olofinjana - Henry in midfield, the choice will prove effective as Wolverhampton 5th place finish at the championship with a total of 10 games in all competitions for Mark Davies. The 2007/2008 season will not be as beautiful as the first since it will not used by Mick McCarthy preferring Darron Gibson. In 2008/2009, Davies will not participate in the backswing in the Premier League, does treading on English lawns only once during a cup match.

On January 25 he will join the team at Leicester City on loan, by playing 9 games he will participate in the backswing in Npower Championship by winning the same time a second trophy in a season after the title of Wolves in the second division. His few good performances in League One does not go unnoticed, after returning to Wolverhampton he will sign for free in Bolton, a few days later the legendary Kevin Nolan packed his bags and signs to Newcastle. The perfect opportunity to be able to make a name in the size of Gary Megson being the replacement for Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba, he will play 11 games but failed to register a goal, however, the Reebok Stadium side of his technical have quickly won over fans.

The performance of Gary McCann is far less satisfactory than the previous season, he will seize his chance beautifully as the Israeli Tamir Cohen, both players are very good technically be propelled on to center stage by Megson, Wigley, and Owen Evans Coyle. It is with this latter that Mark Davies will learn a lot, based on a midfield very young (22 years Muamba, Cohen 26 years, Mark Davies 22 years, 24 years Stuart Holden and Jack Wilshere 18) Owen Coyle will perfectly work on the transition between defense and attack through the midfield. Just as Jack Wilshere & Tamir Cohen, one we nicknamed The English Iniesta is quite capable of distributing the game by distilling accurate passes but also by eliminating when necessary his direct opponent but the main weakness of the player being its defensive investment. With 24 games in a season high two goals and Mark Davies found playing time he had during his first season at Wolverhampton.

The 2010/2011 season will be the confirmation within the club, by playing 31 games there a good season by entering one of the best goals of the club's history (see order) against Blackpool. By answering all the needs of Owen Coyle when he needed him Mark Davies proved he could claim a place as the holder but the great season of American Stuart Holden will be the delight of the season . Following the injury of the U.S. against Manchester United, Mark Davies had the opportunity to prove his abilities but also to show his defensive shortcomings, the lack of American will be costly to the club since the club to an 14th place finish no way deserved. Unfortunately for the club's injury Stuart Holden will be extended for the 2011/2012 season, the absence of U.S. international will be very hard in midfield for Wanderers, although the arrival of Nigel Reo-Coker added physical impact by the time absent during the previous season, receiving great English clubs will plunge the club into a downward spiral ending. After some modifications during the winter transfer window, since the year 2012 Bolton is back with a new identity similar to that of the previous season at certain meetings, regarding Mark Davies he reveals all its qualities by participating in offensive tasks on his goal against Liverpool but also to defensive duties, if the club wants to maintain it is no doubt that the new Paul Gascoigne from his coach will be one of the major players in the exciting race to maintaining.

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It's very good.

[the-Bowtun-Warrior]

Haven't read the full op - give me a break. It's 5:55am.

What I will say is what I say week in week out on the terraces; if Mark Davies was a foreigner he wouldn't get such a good press.

A handful of battling and positive performances isn't enough for me to forget the liability he has been on numerous (costly) occasions. It may not be his game but he's in the team and asked and expected to do it. Too often he hasn't.
On his day this lad is fantastic. He can change games. His day isn't often enough for me.

[bobo the clown]

In a winning team, in a good team, he'd be a great boon. In one struggling for performances and with Captain Chaos chopping & changing & not knowing who to use, or how, Davies will struggle.

But a man who reads by braille can see that the lad has talent & a great deal of it.

[lovethesmellofnapalm]

best game yesterday in last 3 months

[wanderers_on_tour]

My article about this awesome player : http://boltonfrance.wordpress.com/2012/ ... a/#more-45" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Above the lot this season, Mark Davies is currently conducting one of the best seasons of his career, balance career and the style of one of the best midfielders in English at this time.

It is 18 years since Mark Davies entered the world of football in the colors of Wolverhampton at the time in the Championship. From his early appearances, he will impress his coach Glen Hoddle to make a name in midfield between the Scottish Colin Cameron and the experienced Paul Ince, only 18 he is the youngest player of the workforce to be used by former coach of the English national team with 24 games and 1 goal, the club will finish in 7th place overall. An auspicious first season but the departure of Glen Hoddle significantly reduce the time of play from midfield, in fact just arrived at the club from Sunderland, the Irish Mick McCarthy will give full confidence to the duo Olofinjana - Henry in midfield, the choice will prove effective as Wolverhampton 5th place finish at the championship with a total of 10 games in all competitions for Mark Davies. The 2007/2008 season will not be as beautiful as the first since it will not used by Mick McCarthy preferring Darron Gibson. In 2008/2009, Davies will not participate in the backswing in the Premier League, does treading on English lawns only once during a cup match.

On January 25 he will join the team at Leicester City on loan, by playing 9 games he will participate in the backswing in Npower Championship by winning the same time a second trophy in a season after the title of Wolves in the second division. His few good performances in League One does not go unnoticed, after returning to Wolverhampton he will sign for free in Bolton, a few days later the legendary Kevin Nolan packed his bags and signs to Newcastle. The perfect opportunity to be able to make a name in the size of Gary Megson being the replacement for Gavin McCann and Fabrice Muamba, he will play 11 games but failed to register a goal, however, the Reebok Stadium side of his technical have quickly won over fans.

The performance of Gary McCann is far less satisfactory than the previous season, he will seize his chance beautifully as the Israeli Tamir Cohen, both players are very good technically be propelled on to center stage by Megson, Wigley, and Owen Evans Coyle. It is with this latter that Mark Davies will learn a lot, based on a midfield very young (22 years Muamba, Cohen 26 years, Mark Davies 22 years, 24 years Stuart Holden and Jack Wilshere 18) Owen Coyle will perfectly work on the transition between defense and attack through the midfield. Just as Jack Wilshere & Tamir Cohen, one we nicknamed The English Iniesta is quite capable of distributing the game by distilling accurate passes but also by eliminating when necessary his direct opponent but the main weakness of the player being its defensive investment. With 24 games in a season high two goals and Mark Davies found playing time he had during his first season at Wolverhampton.

The 2010/2011 season will be the confirmation within the club, by playing 31 games there a good season by entering one of the best goals of the club's history (see order) against Blackpool. By answering all the needs of Owen Coyle when he needed him Mark Davies proved he could claim a place as the holder but the great season of American Stuart Holden will be the delight of the season . Following the injury of the U.S. against Manchester United, Mark Davies had the opportunity to prove his abilities but also to show his defensive shortcomings, the lack of American will be costly to the club since the club to an 14th place finish no way deserved. Unfortunately for the club's injury Stuart Holden will be extended for the 2011/2012 season, the absence of U.S. international will be very hard in midfield for Wanderers, although the arrival of Nigel Reo-Coker added physical impact by the time absent during the previous season, receiving great English clubs will plunge the club into a downward spiral ending. After some modifications during the winter transfer window, since the year 2012 Bolton is back with a new identity similar to that of the previous season at certain meetings, regarding Mark Davies he reveals all its qualities by participating in offensive tasks on his goal against Liverpool but also to defensive duties, if the club wants to maintain it is no doubt that the new Paul Gascoigne from his coach will be one of the major players in the exciting race to maintaining.

Translate with http://translate.google.fr/#fr|en|" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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This.

[Hoboh]

Haven't read the full op - give me a break. It's 5:55am.

What I will say is what I say week in week out on the terraces; if Mark Davies was a foreigner he wouldn't get such a good press.

A handful of battling and positive performances isn't enough for me to forget the liability he has been on numerous (costly) occasions. It may not be his game but he's in the team and asked and expected to do it. Too often he hasn't.
On his day this lad is fantastic. He can change games. His day isn't often enough for me.

Nail, Head!

[Loyal White]

He's a poor man's Joe Cole.

Needs a team building around him to get the best out of him, it's no coincidence that since Muamba's been out, he's been asked to play in a deeper role and he's looked average at best.

Play him in front of two battlers he'll be decent, ask him to play in a 4-4-2 and he blends into mediocrity.

[Worthy4England]

He's a poor man's Joe Cole.

Needs a team building around him to get the best out of him, it's no coincidence that since Muamba's been out, he's been asked to play in a deeper role and he's looked average at best.

Play him in front of two battlers he'll be decent, ask him to play in a 4-4-2 and he blends into mediocrity.

Can't really disagree with this. I struggle to be too critical of his recent performances as he's being asked to play in a role for which he's blatantly not equipped. In a 5 he's ok and helps drive us forwards. Not good enough in a 4 generally.