Agreed. Al-Taay may not have the muscularity of Payne, but he has a superb "wide field of vision", and so is better than Payne at diagonal runs and making precision passes to LKH or Old without losing the ball in the process. An unassuming, consummate professional that never gets into ref's face.
On Hughes's performance, another fairly incredible shift. Not only throwing his body around with some bloody good timing but also bringing the ball out a few times when there was no passing option. I wonder if could develop into an all action DM, in a similar model of Devlin. Not sure he has the height or size to play at the back but maybe a push forward into an anchor/disruptor type role might suit him well. Seems mobile enough and reads the game well. Not that I think we will see him there this season with the current midfield stock.
It is early days yet for Hughes, but I recall seeing the same confidence on debut from Fin Surman. Hughes certainly seems to have what it takes if he performed this well under pressure against good opposition, especially that Rufer and Pennington were not on the park.
I watched the game again last night and I was surprised at just how many blocks, intercepts and clearing headers he made, especially in the second half.
The thing I really like about him is his positional sense, constantly checking where he is in relation to the rest of the defence and what space or player he needs to cover. Of course some of that comes from Chiefy's instructions and good communication from Wootton and Paulsen, but it also shows that he's got a smart head on young shoulders.
It's so common to see very young, inexperienced defenders at this level have a brain freeze and try to dribble out of trouble or give the ball away with a speculative pass upfield but there has been none of that from Hughes. When he gets the ball he simply offloads it sideways to Wootton or LKH to set up the next phase. He knows exactly what he's supposed to do and does it. Very impressive start to what will hopefully be a long career.
On Hughes's performance, another fairly incredible shift. Not only throwing his body around with some bloody good timing but also bringing the ball out a few times when there was no passing option. I wonder if could develop into an all action DM, in a similar model of Devlin. Not sure he has the height or size to play at the back but maybe a push forward into an anchor/disruptor type role might suit him well. Seems mobile enough and reads the game well. Not that I think we will see him there this season with the current midfield stock.
It is early days yet for Hughes, but I recall seeing the same confidence on debut from Fin Surman. Hughes certainly seems to have what it takes if he performed this well under pressure against good opposition, especially that Rufer and Pennington were not on the park.
I watched the game again last night and I was surprised at just how many blocks, intercepts and clearing headers he made, especially in the second half.
The thing I really like about him is his positional sense, constantly checking where he is in relation to the rest of the defence and what space or player he needs to cover. Of course some of that comes from Chiefy's instructions and good communication from Wootton and Paulsen, but it also shows that he's got a smart head on young shoulders.
It's so common to see very young, inexperienced defenders at this level have a brain freeze and try to dribble out of trouble or give the ball away with a speculative pass upfield but there has been none of that from Hughes. When he gets the ball he simply offloads it sideways to Wootton or LKH to set up the next phase. He knows exactly what he's supposed to do and does it. Very impressive start to what will hopefully be a long career.
Some good CB options for the Olympic team this year then with Surman, Hughes and Bindon all eligible.
On Hughes's performance, another fairly incredible shift. Not only throwing his body around with some bloody good timing but also bringing the ball out a few times when there was no passing option. I wonder if could develop into an all action DM, in a similar model of Devlin. Not sure he has the height or size to play at the back but maybe a push forward into an anchor/disruptor type role might suit him well. Seems mobile enough and reads the game well. Not that I think we will see him there this season with the current midfield stock.
It is early days yet for Hughes, but I recall seeing the same confidence on debut from Fin Surman. Hughes certainly seems to have what it takes if he performed this well under pressure against good opposition, especially that Rufer and Pennington were not on the park.
I watched the game again last night and I was surprised at just how many blocks, intercepts and clearing headers he made, especially in the second half.
The thing I really like about him is his positional sense, constantly checking where he is in relation to the rest of the defence and what space or player he needs to cover. Of course some of that comes from Chiefy's instructions and good communication from Wootton and Paulsen, but it also shows that he's got a smart head on young shoulders.
It's so common to see very young, inexperienced defenders at this level have a brain freeze and try to dribble out of trouble or give the ball away with a speculative pass upfield but there has been none of that from Hughes. When he gets the ball he simply offloads it sideways to Wootton or LKH to set up the next phase. He knows exactly what he's supposed to do and does it. Very impressive start to what will hopefully be a long career.
Some good CB options for the Olympic team this year then with Surman, Hughes and Bindon all eligible.
And LKH as well - so potentially four options for that role, especially if they pick Cacarce who would be a lock in starter.
Sutton also an option to start at LB - given he has captained the u23 side previously (or maybe that was the u20s??)
Hughes offers something a little different as a CB to Surman, in that he seems more confortable bringing the ball forward, which can be great in creating overlods.
