Player ratings yesterday

I know it might seem unusual to do player ratings for a friendly, but as yesterday was such a good, competitive game I thought I would give my opinion on the performances.

Theo - Thought he did well with the kicking and was also very vocal which was encouraging since he has only been here a month or so. Couldn't do much about the goals really and was encouraged by what I saw. 6.5/10

Otsemobor - Looked a changed man. Attacked, defended well with his lightening pace coming to the fore. Gave the Wigan left-back some hairy moments and played like a man whose place is under threat. lets hope he can reproduce this next season. 9/10

Drury - Looked dependable again, was same old Drury really. Still needs a few games to get back to full speed in my opinion but had a sold game. 6/10

Doherty - Again, had a solid game. Won his fair share of headers and pretty much played Rodallega out of the game 1st half. Read the game well and didnt make any clumsy challenges for once! 7/10

Spillane - Was pleased at how well he played at centre back, although think he is more likely to challenge for right back this year. Won some good headers and put strong challenges in. Would obviously prefer Askou or Nelson at CB but would be fairly happy if Spillane had to step in, should be on bench for his versatility. 7/10

Tudur-Jones - He is the pick of the centre mids we have signed. He looks rangey and like he can pick a pass as well as make vital interceptions and tackles. Sits and holds the midfield together well. 7/10

Hughes - Surprised how lightweight he looks physically but had a decent game. Looks like a playmaker and was encouraged at his partnership with OTJ. Unsure whether I would go with him or Gill to partner the big man who would be my first choice. 6/10

Whaley - Looked sharp again and his finish for the goal was good. Linked up well with Semi and their partnership down that wing will really threaten league one defences mainly due to their pace. His crossing wasn't great but overall encouraging. 7/10

Hoolahan - A wonderful performance by the little wizard! Know he has his critics and gave the ball away for the Wigan 1st goal but will probably get away with that more in League One. To be honest, he tries something different; runs at people and seems to get through gaps when it seems impossible! Thought at the start of the summer he was the one player we need to hold on to and today proved that. He wa everywhere. Great vision for Whaley's goal in particular and he ran Semi close for MOTM. 9/10

Martin - A good performance which will make it hard for Gunn to drop him against Col U. Quicke feet for second goal and was impressed with how he got into the position for the first one. Tracked back at times and seems to have beefed up. Was nice to see the reception between fans and him when he got subbed as he needs that. 8/10

Holt - Has something we have missed since Iwan. Battling spirit and the ability to make defenders bounce off him. Bramble knew he was in a game that is for sure. Won some god headers, didnt really get many chances himself but his movement gives others room to play in. 7/10

Subs
Adeyemi - Neat and tidy again, should be on the bench next week and most of the season challenging to start. Really promising and won a ball back that he had lost in the first place which is admirable. 7/10

Gill - Won some good tackles and looks busy. Close call between him, Hughes and Adeyemi for centre mid. 6/10

McDonald - 6/10 showed his pace but didnt have much time to impress. Martin has done enough to see of his challenge to start next week.

Cureton - Why the f**k are people booing when he comes on?! It is mindless and idiotic. Fair enough, the man is not on the best of form but it is pre-season and we are all in this together. Thought he looked neat and tidy when he came on anyway. 6/10

Overall, very encouraging performance and the starting team looked strong with competition for places everyone seems to be working hard and playing well. Apart from replacing Spillane with Askou I would keep the starting line up pretty much as it was with perhaps Maric and Nelson replacing Cureton and Lappin on the bench. Good summer's work Gunny! let's hope it pays off next week!

Posted By: Riverking, Aug 2, 13:01:28