Shiggy
Well-known member
For me, the season ends with question marks hanging over both of these players.
Lavery had a fantastic first half of the season for us but faded away as the season went on. I think his last goal was against Reading at home?
Yates never really got going all season from a goalscoring point of view. We all know there's much more to his game than goals, and he did find himself on the bench a lot, but when he got his chances he didn't really take them.
I don't think anyone will disagree that the service from the midfielders could be better at times and the strikers have suffered as a result, but I think there's more to it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of both players. They work tirelessly off the ball, both are skilled in possession and link-up play, and when they get on a run can be dangerous finishers at this level.
However, I am worried that if we persist with the reliance on Madine as an outlet, then they will both suffer.
Of course, Critchley could change the approach going into next season, but considering the new contract given to Madine and the presence of Beesley, it wouldn't surprise me if we adopt the same style.
If we do, one of Lavery and Yates will find themselves on the bench. They both seem like the type of players who need a run in the side to get going, particularly Yates, so I struggle to see how the system benefits either of them in the long run.
So what happens now? Does Yates leave this summer? Do we change system more frequently? Or do we continue with the constant presence of a big man up front which results in one of Lavery and Yates being on the bench?
I think these are important questions because I think we have two seriously good forwards at our disposal in Yates and Lavery, but you could argue that we didn't get the best out of either of them this season.
Lavery had a fantastic first half of the season for us but faded away as the season went on. I think his last goal was against Reading at home?
Yates never really got going all season from a goalscoring point of view. We all know there's much more to his game than goals, and he did find himself on the bench a lot, but when he got his chances he didn't really take them.
I don't think anyone will disagree that the service from the midfielders could be better at times and the strikers have suffered as a result, but I think there's more to it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of both players. They work tirelessly off the ball, both are skilled in possession and link-up play, and when they get on a run can be dangerous finishers at this level.
However, I am worried that if we persist with the reliance on Madine as an outlet, then they will both suffer.
Of course, Critchley could change the approach going into next season, but considering the new contract given to Madine and the presence of Beesley, it wouldn't surprise me if we adopt the same style.
If we do, one of Lavery and Yates will find themselves on the bench. They both seem like the type of players who need a run in the side to get going, particularly Yates, so I struggle to see how the system benefits either of them in the long run.
So what happens now? Does Yates leave this summer? Do we change system more frequently? Or do we continue with the constant presence of a big man up front which results in one of Lavery and Yates being on the bench?
I think these are important questions because I think we have two seriously good forwards at our disposal in Yates and Lavery, but you could argue that we didn't get the best out of either of them this season.