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Cunningham vs Earl

Cunningham vs Earl

JSPNE

JSPNE

Joined
Jul 5, 2012
Messages
1,319
Does Greg walk back into our team upon return, or is Earl doing enough to put serious doubt in Neil's mind on who to pick?

For me Cunningham was captain fantastic and one of the first names on the team sheet. Earl on the other hand has really impressed.

Worrying that if Cunningham returns, Earl's progression could be halted.


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From today's performance, Cunningham returns in the back four and Earl plays wide left midfield- he has the power and the skill to improve our attacking potential and the defensive understanding to offer support to the defence- something that neither Barky nor Harrop offered today.
 
lesfry said:
From today's performance, Cunningham returns in the back four and Earl plays wide left midfield- he has the power and the skill to improve our attacking potential and the defensive understanding to offer support to the defence- something that neither Barky nor Harrop offered today.
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Neil has said previously he sees Earl very much as a left back in this system -

“I thought Josh was great against Reading and for me, left-back in his position.

“He played on the wing in the youth team but I think he is better when the game is in front of him.

“The way my wide players play, at times they have their backs to goal and I think Josh’s biggest strength is stepping into the game and driving into space in front of him.
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http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football...ptions-after-josh-earl-s-fine-debut-1-8712494
 
I can't believe Earl is 18. His performances have been superb and he already looks like an established Championship player. Granted the experience of Clarke or Cunningham would have been handy today but is that a criticism of Earl or Davies? Not a chance. Both terrific today and glad we've got them both.
 
GK_92 said:
I can't believe Earl is 18. His performances have been superb and he already looks like an established Championship player. Granted the experience of Clarke or Cunningham would have been handy today but is that a criticism of Earl or Davies? Not a chance. Both terrific today and glad we've got them both.
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This completely, last week was my first view of him live and I was amazed at his maturity for an 18 year old. Seriously going to be the next big thing I fear that we will struggle to hold on to
 
I've only seen the highlights but i think Josh could have done better for all three goals. Could have put a better challenge at the start of the move that led to the first goal and appeared out of position for the second and the third. A doubt Cunningham would have made those mistakes so when fit he should be our left back in my opinion.
 
This is were AN will earn his corn and will need to sit down with Earl but I think Cunningham should be brought back in however he doesn't have to rush him back as Earl has been an excellent stand in and will still be a key member of the squad. I think if Earl is a realist he will know Cunningham will potentially walk back into the team and like somebody pointed out on here he is 18 years old.
 
Schemer said:
I can't see him playing on the left of the 3 behind Hugill.
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He could be an option for that position as more defensive alternative to Maguire if, say, we need to see a game out. But as far as we can tell Cunningham is still at least a few months off being anything like match fit and that is yet more time for Early to continue developing, so it is just not an issue we need concern ourselves with for the moment.
 
Maybe one of them will be used instead of Browne or Pearson as and when they are injured/suspended.
 
On Cunninghams return would AN consider a 3 - 5 - 2 formation, with Cunningham to the left of a central back 3 & Earl as left wingback? Under Grayson this formation often wasn't fluid attacking wise but could it work with the right personnel under AN? Pushing the wingbacks further forward with Earl on the left and ...say... Barkhuizen on the opposite flank could well be a winner. Sometimes the formation can be dictated by ensuring all of your best players on the pitch. Earl has impressed me this season & his performances don't warrant him having to take a backward step in his development. From what I have seen the fact that he has great ability & is also a unit with athleticism , means that he is an almost a cert to play in the premiership one day pretty soon. Hope its with us
 
buckshawwhite said:
On Cunninghams return would AN consider a 3 - 5 - 2 formation, with Cunningham to the left of a central back 3 & Earl as left wingback? Under Grayson this formation often wasn't fluid attacking wise but could it work with the right personnel under AN? Pushing the wingbacks further forward with Earl on the left and ...say... Barkhuizen on the opposite flank could well be a winner. Sometimes the formation can be dictated by ensuring all of your best players on the pitch. Earl has impressed me this season & his performances don't warrant him having to take a backward step in his development. From what I have seen the fact that he has great ability & is also a unit with athleticism , means that he is an almost a cert to play in the premiership one day pretty soon. Hope its with us
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Where do Fisher, Huntington and Davies all fit in? 3 of our best players this season. Would be hard to drop either of current the back 4.


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SouthWhite said:
For me, I would send Earl out on Loan to a League one side... Cunningham is our best LB...

CB when Clarke is back is where the questions will be asked...
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Lots of merit in this.

For personal development the chance to play without the constant pressure of lacking in raw pace will allow his game to mature more quickly. Let's remember his body is still changing rapidly and as a big lad who is carrying a little bit extra timber he maybe needs that extra time to develop as an athlete.

For the team the here and now KEEP KEEP KEEP and play as and when here and wherever. He is developing hand over fist but I don't think he is a nailed on replacement for Greg.
 
buckshawwhite said:
On Cunninghams return would AN consider a 3 - 5 - 2 formation, with Cunningham to the left of a central back 3 & Earl as left wingback? Under Grayson this formation often wasn't fluid attacking wise but could it work with the right personnel under AN? Pushing the wingbacks further forward with Earl on the left and ...say... Barkhuizen on the opposite flank could well be a winner. Sometimes the formation can be dictated by ensuring all of your best players on the pitch. Earl has impressed me this season & his performances don't warrant him having to take a backward step in his development. From what I have seen the fact that he has great ability & is also a unit with athleticism , means that he is an almost a cert to play in the premiership one day pretty soon. Hope its with us
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Why change a formation that’s been working very well just to try and accommodate certain players.

Stick to what we’re doing now and let them battle it out for the LB spot, send O’Connor out on loan for experience in the New Year.
 
deepdale123 said:
Where do Fisher, Huntington and Davies all fit in? 3 of our best players this season. Would be hard to drop either of current the back 4.


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Good question. Huntingdon could be central to the back 3 with Fisher/Davies to the right.. Fisher could always play right wing back. Not forgetting we also have Tommy Clarke coming back & what of Tommy Spurr (who has looked much improved in the games he has played this season). All this goes to prove we have some strength in depth and plenty of options both formation and personnel wise
 
It may seem a bit harsh on Josh but we have to play to our strengths. Once Cunningham is match fit he'll start. The experience Josh has gained this season so far will invaluable.
 
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