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Alan Browne

Alan Browne

I don't fully understand the criticism. Particularly in the 2nd half I thought Browne and DJ linked up really well with their respective wing backs and forwards on each side, finding loads of space and their energy in particular dragged that Rotherham midfield all over the place.

In the first half, although not as impressive admittedly, Browne still created the best chance of the game with a perfect ball to Parrott who really should have scored.

As others have noted, the substitutions of both at the same time caused us to lose momentum. McCann and Woodburn couldn't replicate those partnerships that DJ and Browne had cultivated with Brady and Potts respectively. The game was rapid for a good 20-25 minutes or so and it seemed that they both struggled to settle into the patterns of play and ultimately slowed them down.

I think (and thought) RL should've left one of them on. Despite Potts playing very well, he started to look a little leggy and could've put Browne in at RWB to bring on Woodburn or McCann. That probably would've disrupted the team a little less.
 
I'm going to say it and I'm sure I'll get absolute pelters (as I'm probably in a very small minority) but I think Ali McCann is one of the most overrated players we have had in a long time.

I am not saying Browne has been excellent and based on performances he probably shouldn't be in the 11 (even though I thought he was okay last night and we lost all the momentum when he went off) but I saw someone say McCann has the 'potential to be the best Preston player in the last 20 years' the other week. Crazy talk.

I know some say 'football isn't based on stats' but its a valuable indicator in today's game so I did a bit of digging and compared the two during the 21/22 season:

Shot Accuracy (%): McCann - 25%, Browne - 37.93%
Chances Created per 90: McCann - 0.3, Browne - 1.24
Short Passing Accuracy (%): McCann - 76.03%, Browne - 76.98%
Long Passing Accuracy (%): McCann - 35.59%, Browne - 57.96%
Take on Success Rate (%): McCann - 46.15%, Browne - 57.14%
Ball Recoveries per 90: McCann - 6.65, Browne - 7.19
Ground Duels won (%) - McCann - 57.14%, Browne - 50.94%

I could carry on, however, I don't want to bore everyone. In relation to progressive ball playing stats, Browne beats McCann again.

I'm not here to say McCann isn't a good footballer, he is, however, the scape goating of Browne is completely over the top. Whiteman plays in the 6 and we have two roaming 8's behind a sole striker at the moment. McCann is absolutely not suited to that position. Browne's running stats are far more suited to the style that Lowe want's to play.

I know this will upset some who see McCann as the second coming of Christ, but this is just my take.

Please don't batter me too much.
 
Warton PNE said:
I'm going to say it and I'm sure I'll get absolute pelters (as I'm probably in a very small minority) but I think Ali McCann is one of the most overrated players we have had in a long time.

I am not saying Browne has been excellent and based on performances he probably shouldn't be in the 11 (even though I thought he was okay last night and we lost all the momentum when he went off) but I saw someone say McCann has the 'potential to be the best Preston player in the last 20 years' the other week. Crazy talk.

I know some say 'football isn't based on stats' but its a valuable indicator in today's game so I did a bit of digging and compared the two during the 21/22 season:

Shot Accuracy (%): McCann - 25%, Browne - 37.93%
Chances Created per 90: McCann - 0.3, Browne - 1.24
Short Passing Accuracy (%): McCann - 76.03%, Browne - 76.98%
Long Passing Accuracy (%): McCann - 35.59%, Browne - 57.96%
Take on Success Rate (%): McCann - 46.15%, Browne - 57.14%
Ball Recoveries per 90: McCann - 6.65, Browne - 7.19
Ground Duels won (%) - McCann - 57.14%, Browne - 50.94%

I could carry on, however, I don't want to bore everyone. In relation to progressive ball playing stats, Browne beats McCann again.

I'm not here to say McCann isn't a good footballer, he is, however, the scape goating of Browne is completely over the top. Whiteman plays in the 6 and we have two roaming 8's behind a sole striker at the moment. McCann is absolutely not suited to that position. Browne's running stats are far more suited to the style that Lowe want's to play.

I know this will upset some who see McCann as the second coming of Christ, but this is just my take.

Please don't batter me too much.
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McCann is a fantastic tackler but Browne is better at all the attacking actions that the role requires. I don't feel Browne was as bad as some people made out last night but he does get overplayed and McCann does deserve some game time. Browne is still the better person to play in that position on most occasions though.

I was more disappointed with DJ last night. Also Woodburn needs to bulk up as he's looking too lightweight at the moment
 
I don’t really get it. Why do we have another thread about Alan Browne. Is it because he is our captain? Is it because he has posted another story on instagram about his meal?
I don’t understand. First half admittedly he was poor. But second half he tried to make things happen and I was surprised when he was taken off.

Our poorest performer so far this season has been DJ. Didn’t look interested last night. But I’m sure if he has another bad game on Saturday fans will just blame Browne again.
 
RibbletonWhite2.0 said:
I don’t really get it. Why do we have another thread about Alan Browne. Is it because he is our captain? Is it because he has posted another story on instagram about his meal?
I don’t understand. First half admittedly he was poor. But second half he tried to make things happen and I was surprised when he was taken off.

Our poorest performer so far this season has been DJ. Didn’t look interested last night. But I’m sure if he has another bad game on Saturday fans will just blame Browne again.
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North End fans have form when it comes to knocking their own and in particular midfielders . In the last 15 years or so they hounded Appleton, Chaplow and even McKenna who all went on to better things despite what the so called “ knowledgeable fans “ thought. Always need a scapegoat and when one is found it is always that player that takes the stick and the herd join in .🤷🏼‍♂️
 
Issue with Browne seems to be consistency, he puts in a 8/10 performance, then a 5/10 then another 5/10 then a 4/10 first half and 9/10 second half..

We know he's a great player but sometimes looks to amble which comes across a lack of passion, fight and doesn't look like a leader.

Ali and Leddo are in the faces and Browne covers spaces and doesn't engage the same so doesn't come across great from a spectators perspective, but then again, does Lowe want ratters in midfield or to cover space and not commit in a challenge....?

When their keeper was taking the pi55 it was Dj who was in the refs face, that should be our captain.
Captain by default due to length of service, can lead by example sometimes but a Captain (growing up watching Gregan) is so much more.
 
Doyler said:
Tbf he even said himself in an interview with the LEP that he had a shocker at Wigan.

Our MOTM against Hull imo.

And then that first half last night was just abysmal from him. I like him, but his inconsistency never fails to baffle me.
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Shit first half, decent second at Wigan for me.
Great against Hull, did his job against Luton. Not good enough against Rotherham.

I'm not sure what Lowe is asking of him in that position to be honest. If he wants someone to create and move the ball quickly, then forget it with Browne. He needs to be one of furthest men up the pitch, pressing defenders and always looking to get in the box.
 
BPIG - GBNF said:
Eh? It’s a brilliant pass and gives Parrott a very easy chance that he snatches at.
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True, it was a great pass, my point is that it was quite an intricate pass that could have been cut out easily as it was played bwtween 2 defenders , whereas the simple ball on to Potts would have given Brad just as good chance but without the risk.
Just opinions
 
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