any theories why a player good enough to be an import in the A league was on the bench behind amateurs?
Very curious about Ridenton's lack of opportunities. He did as well as anyone else in that first game, in fact the AWs were dominating before he was subbed off.
This player seems to polarise people, with commentators and journalists talking about his outstanding performances, 'breakthrough season' etc. And a successful coach just picked him as an import. Others like Schmidt see it differently.
I only saw H2 Kenya, and India. Two touches, coughed up the ball twice, once leading to a goal. Vs India, he put himself at striker for a while, while Billingsley was back helping defend a 2-1 lead.
That's not enough evidence to hang a player, but have a look at his last few games for the Nix and rate each of his touches out of ten.
How often did the team retain possession? Was it the best option? Was it an 'easy' play (like a pass back) or something challenging? Were his passes accurate, well weighted, well timed, easy to receive, or misplaced, bobbling, too hard, hospital passes, etc?
Look at his play off the ball - where is he? Is he helping the team? Is he marking a player or marking space? Is he on his toes, or plodding? Check out this highlights reel. 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rdJaJ0Cc9k'
Lots of back passes there. In the highlights reel.
Lastly, compare results and general play with 23 on, and off. The Nix beat Melbourne when he didn't start. The Nix started playing much better in another game when he was replaced by Singh.
IMO #23 had a subtle but huge impact on the Nix last season. He hid, and lost the ball too often, so in effect, we played with ten.
I hope he has a fantastic season with the Jets, but I'll bet a chocolate fish that if he starts more than half the games, the Jets don't make the playoffs.
Would love to be proven wrong here.