Matty Virtue

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I couldn't watch the game last night but I was pleased when Matty came on. How did he play. And did he make a difference?
 
I'm critical of him but actually, we need a midfielder who wants the ball and wants to get forward. He looked bigger from memory so has bulked out a bit and used his time injured wisely.

Good luck to him, although I don't rate him I'd definitely like to be wrong.

Wouldn't mind him getting a start on Saturday.
 
He looked committed when he came on and like he wanted to make a difference. He didn't. He was only on 10 mins though.
I'm not his biggest fan myself from previously but I hope he proves me wrong. He's not somebody who I'm thinking can be an answer to any of our problems, more an extra body who can play there. Hopefully he cracks on and makes the most of his opportunities though
 
He offers us goals from midfield which we've lacked so so badly this season. I could see a midfield three of Stewart, Virtue and Carey working quite well - Stewart for the composure, Virtue for the drive and energy, and Carey for the guile. Obviously there are big question marks over the long term fitness of Stewart and Virtue.

When you consider that we haven't had any of those three available for the majority of the season, the possibilities for next season are interesting as it would be like having a completely new midfield without actually signing anyone.
 
BFC_53 said:
Obviously there are big question marks over the long term fitness of Stewart and Virtue.
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I'm not sure why there are question marks over Virtue, he's 24 and has had a bad injury, it happens to pro footballers.

Also aren't most of Stewart's injuries impact rather than structural, whenever he has played hasn't he looked about the fittest player on the pitch?
 
Lost Seasider said:
I'm not sure why there are question marks over Virtue, he's 24 and has had a bad injury, it happens to pro footballers.

Also aren't most of Stewart's injuries impact rather than structural, whenever he has played hasn't he looked about the fittest player on the pitch?
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There's surely got to be question marks over the fitness of any player that has been out injured for so long with such a serious injury? You're right it does happen to pro-footballers - and some never fully recover from it, at least in terms of playing at a high level. I'm optimistic about MV and I'm not at all saying he won't.
Where Stewart is concerned, the point is he's injury prone. Very injury prone. It's pointless being the fittest player on the pitch if he's seldom on the pitch.
 
I wish Matty well and hope he is able to step up to Championship level. He’s an energetic player, but struggled at times in L1, due to his lack of pace getting around midfield. At times it was all happening a bit too quick for him, just a yard short. There is no faulting his attitude and he did show some aggression on Tuesday, although you can’t judge him on that 10 minutes.

Kenny has had a few off days, but he’s a much better all round player. Stewart is in a different class again. Carey has pace and lots of ability. Connolly, not a natural midfielder, is better.

It’s going to be tough for Matty, as I’d expect a couple more arriving in the centre this summer. I am sure Critch will give him some opportunities before the season end.
 
I thought he did ok with the few minutes he got. I rate him considerably higher than Robson to be honest, so I hope he can stay fit for a while and we can then see how he does in the championship rather than prejudging.
 
Would like to see what Virtue can do at this level given a run in the team. Is it just me or have we not scored from outside the box for about 6 months? At least it’s something he can do.

I also think we are missing Carey and if only we could get Stuart to remain properly fit, as he’s definitely a solid championship player.

Back to Virtue - can anyone think of a player that has had an ACL injury and still gone on to have a great career?
 
Graves said:
Would like to see what Virtue can do at this level given a run in the team. Is it just me or have we not scored from outside the box for about 6 months? At least it’s something he can do.

I also think we are missing Carey and if only we could get Stuart to remain properly fit, as he’s definitely a solid championship player.

Back to Virtue - can anyone think of a player that has had an ACL injury and still gone on to have a great career?
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Alan Shearer for one , I'm sure there will be plenty of others
 
Graves said:
Would like to see what Virtue can do at this level given a run in the team. Is it just me or have we not scored from outside the box for about 6 months? At least it’s something he can do.

I also think we are missing Carey and if only we could get Stuart to remain properly fit, as he’s definitely a solid championship player.

Back to Virtue - can anyone think of a player that has had an ACL injury and still gone on to have a great career?
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ACL reconstruction has massively advanced and almost all players return to the level they were. I had mine done 30 years ago and it’s stronger than my other knee. It’s advanced so much that not so much is made of the injury, in terms of it being career threatening.
 
Sorry, not in a million years is Virtue good enough to improve us in this division

He may have a goal in him but in terms of mobility and general play, miles off
 
poolko said:
Sorry, not in a million years is Virtue good enough to improve us in this division

He may have a goal in him but in terms of mobility and general play, miles off
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I saw a post about his time on a 10k run and it indicated his mobility was not a worry.
 
tangysider said:
I saw a post about his time on a 10k run and it indicated his mobility was not a worry.
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Believe me, as someone who runs 10ks but is knackered after 5 minutes playing 5-a-side it’s far from the same thing.

Still glad to see Matty back. Offers forward momentum and late arrival in the box in a way none of our other midfielders do.

And hopefully means the end of lightweight Robson, who was shocking the other night. Maybe could do it in a three but out of his depth in a pair.
 
tangysider said:
I saw a post about his time on a 10k run and it indicated his mobility was not a worry.
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Endurance is very different to the pace needed in midfield at Championship level.

Charlie Adam was a great example, could get around the pitch, but he had a speed over 5-10 yards that allowed him to cut out passes, get to the tackle and burst past players into space. We see similar in Stewart, very agile in the middle.
 
Good luck to the lad but if he is anywhere near our first 11 next season then we are going backwards...should be out on loan at a league 1 o league 2 side getting sharper...he was slow before and is likely even slower now. That said he is a better option than Ethan robson who is a million miles off this level...he has been awful in the two games he has played and we can get shot of him asap
 
TANGERINETOWERPOWER said:
Good luck to the lad but if he is anywhere near our first 11 next season then we are going backwards...should be out on loan at a league 1 o league 2 side getting sharper...he was slow before and is likely even slower now. That said he is a better option than Ethan robson who is a million miles off this level...he has been awful in the two games he has played and we can get shot of him asap
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Why would he be slower? Was Alan Shearer any slower when he came back ? Is Virgil van Dijk any slower now ? I dont
think so.
 
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