Saint Charlie Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Is this his best spell of performances for Saints? Has been class for a while now and first choice central midfielder for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dronskisaint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Probably...he has been outstanding as you say. Absolute class and his improved tackling and decision making has reduced the tendency to get booked cheaply. Definitely, for me, a cornerstone to build around should we get promoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eelpie Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 I do agree. I always felt that one of the many reasons for our decline and relegation from the Premiership was the injury to Matt Oakley, who never seemed to regain his best form when he returned to the side. Morgan is the creative playmaker in the centre of our team that we have lacked since Oakley was at his peak. With Schneiderlin's class performances we are progressing upwards again. Brilliant! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 What's so suprising? Morgan was a class act when he came here - under-21 French international when France was winning things - and he gets better and better. OK I've been a fan since he arrived as first and foremost he gets the ball down and passes almost magically. No other player has such confidence on the ball - maybe Hoover - and you can see now that everyone is looking to get the ball to Morgan asap. For sure he'll play for France for many years once we or he is in the PL. For now, watch, admire and pray that he will be content enough to stay here. As our friends from somewhere up north sang a few weeks ago, "You're so southern, you're practically French" Maybe that's enough for Morgan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedge End Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Best central midfielder we have imo. Is a premiership player in waiting... Also one of our longest serving players! Its nice to see him getting some recognition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 I think having strong players around him have helped. Earlier in his Saints' career he was being criticised for not doing the things expected of an 'English' midfielder in a relegation battle. He has developed his game a bit but is essentially the same player (albeit older, stronger and more experienced) but has much better players around him and a squad that allows him to be rested every now and again, to keep him fresh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 A touch of class, calm and rarely noticed...... because he doesn't make any major errors. He is our midfield rock and I still feel to this day that him and Chaplow allow for our best midfield 'balance,' determination calm and stability foiled by a box to box player with crusading energy and desire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintbob40 Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Chaplow hasn't the positional discipline for a central role and his first touch can sometimes let him down, although highly useful on the right where mistakes are not so heavily punished. ...IMHO Cork/Morgan as young (22) and developing talents could blossom into one of the best pairings in England if we can keep hold of them both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 (edited) Been excellent of late - nips in with tackles without crashing in and doesn't give possession away. Can also speed up the tempo when necessary in a way the likes of DH can't. And to those who thinks he only passes backwards, he put Lallana in with a lovely disguised through ball on Tues and also released SDR on the wing for the goal. Pretty sure that his involvement has something to do with our pick up of form on the road where possession is key. The idea that you have to go into scrappy or tight away games with a Hammond say is boll*cks. No point having a bit of extra bite or fight if you're going to surrender the ball cheaply. Edited 9 March, 2012 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simondo Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 i haven't been a fan in the past, but his last 10 or so performances have been excellent - finally seeing (and by that i mean he is demonstrating) what people have been raving on about... well done and keep it going !!! (and i'll forgive him the slip that lead to Ipswich's goal ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MongoNeil Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Was it him who did that lovely lofted pass to I think Lallana in the box earlier in the season, who then slotted past the keeper. One of the best goals I've seen in recent years, great vision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madruss Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Totally agree, he's always been a class act but now he's finally got some consistency going with his performances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vin Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Been excellent of late - nips in with tackles without crashing in and doesn't give possession away. Can also speed up the tempo when necessary in a way the likes of DH can't. And to those who thinks he only passes backwards, he put Lallana in with a lovely disguised through ball on Tues and also released SDR on the wing for the goal. Pretty sure that his involvement has something to do with our pick up of form on the road where possession is key. The idea that you have to go into scrappy or tight away games with a Hammond say is boll*cks. No point having a bit of extra bite or fight if you're going to surrender the ball cheaply. Agree completely with this. He had a great game on Tuesday - playing a number of great crossfield passes (one which led to the goal), making numerous interceptions and even breaking into the box on a couple of occasions (not bad for a holding midfielder). He always seems to be so assured on the ball, even in the tightest of areas and just keeps us ticking along nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Agreed he's been quality this season, really stepped up and made the role his own. I wasn't his biggest fan previously, I'll hold my hands up to that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Still gives away too many freekicks though - although so did/does Paul Scholes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 You could always see his class... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWD Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Will he go to the Olympics i wonder? Deserves it imo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpturner Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 (edited) I'm sure I remember when he was signed the OS stating he was a dead ball specialist!I think they were referring to the likely outcome after he has taken a shot, rather than his ability to strike a free-kick or corner Edited 9 March, 2012 by kpturner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 if he carries on like this...imagine how good he will be when he is 26-28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 You could always see his class... There's no doubt about that. His ability to ping 50 yard passes straight to a players feet and his calmness on the ball in a sometimes crowded midfield have been a joy to watch. However he's now added more to his game, one of the most notable assests being in his tackling and closing down. He will now try to win the ball while staying on his feet whereas before he was often sliding in mistiming tackles and giving away free kicks. Just shows what you can achieve with close analysis of a players game and subsequent work on it in training by a clued up manager and coaching staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trousers Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 One of Lowe's better acquisitions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Grute Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Great player- if only he could shoot as well! Probably be playing for someone better than us if he could though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toofarnorth Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 I think it was his cross-field ball on Tuesday that led to our goal. Fantastic pass from a quality player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minty Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 However he's now added more to his game, one of the most notable assests being in his tackling and closing down. He will now try to win the ball while staying on his feet whereas before he was often sliding in mistiming tackles and giving away free kicks. There are still many people who don't think Morgan is suitable for 'up-and-at-em' type games but the more I see of him now the more I think he is becoming a very complete midfielder, with a very good (yet deceptive) engine on him, and a much improved tackle (fnarr). He is an automatic starter for me at present, but the positive pressure it creates for places is good for the whole team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Total class player, has been for some time now. Is hampered though when Hammond plays, becaus their roles overlap, hence I believe why NA prefers Morgan with Cork or Chaplow. It was no coincidence that on Tuesday Morgan had his poorest game for a long time when started alongside Hammond. I'm not bothered about his lack of goals, although its worth remembering that he has scored 2 this season which is more than Hammond has who is considered more of an attacking MF player. The goalscoring MF players should be Lallana, Chaplow and Cork (and Guly/Puncheon), Cork and Punch have not contributed much in this department as yet. I liken Morgan to Oaks, class players not appreciated by some who do not uderstand their crucial role in the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 If we could get one of our subs to stand behind the opposition's goal shouting for a long pass, he'd score a shedload. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Always though he was a good player - gets the ball down and passes no hoofing from MS. Personally tho I feel he has improved this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadhall Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 If we could get one of our subs to stand behind the opposition's goal shouting for a long pass, he'd score a shedload. Very true - have said similar on loads of occasions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Total class player, has been for some time now. Is hampered though when Hammond plays, becaus their roles overlap, hence I believe why NA prefers Morgan with Cork or Chaplow. It was no coincidence that on Tuesday Morgan had his poorest game for a long time when started alongside Hammond. I'm not bothered about his lack of goals, although its worth remembering that he has scored 2 this season which is more than Hammond has who is considered more of an attacking MF player. The goalscoring MF players should be Lallana, Chaplow and Cork (and Guly/Puncheon), Cork and Punch have not contributed much in this department as yet. I liken Morgan to Oaks, class players not appreciated by some who do not uderstand their crucial role in the team. I bet you the same people who missed the value of Oakley, regard Hammond as one of our best players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughba Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Really good player. But I think Cork is better, despite poor performance against Leeds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viking Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 I bet you the same people who missed the value of Oakley, regard Hammond as one of our best players. probably, Hammond is one CM I wouldn't be overly upset to lose.....fear he'll be exposed if we get promoted, whereas Morgan's class will shine in the Premiership where it's not all about physicality but playing your way through teams.....am really chuffed he's now playing with greater consistency which was his achilles heel in the past..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmic Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 To compare MS to Oakley is laughable for me. Oakley was a loyal servant and a steady performer, but nothing more. Schneiderlin has the potential to become a top, top midfielder in Europe - infinitely more potential than someone like Lallana, who I think probably lacks the pace to shine at the very highest level. The fact that he couldn't get into the team at beginning of season still baffles me. Of all our players, I take far more joy in watching him play than anyone else. He is just as (if not more) important to the team as AL and RL for me, and will be better suited to playing at a higher level. Really, really hope we can hold onto him: Adkins needs to build our future around him and Cork. When he first arrived it was obvious he had class, but he was soft, basically - would duck out of headers and challenges, and seemed to lack the appetite for the physicality of the English game, and I feared he would become an 'Arsenal' player - fantastic on a good pitch, when given time and space to dictate, but a bottler when you have to go and play at the Stokes etc. But the improvement he has made in the last 2 years has been astonishing: I think the experience of League One football has greatly helped him. The improvement to that side of his game has greatly reduced the necessity for Hammond - although unlike many on here, I still like Hammond and think he has something to offer us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Really good player. But I think Cork is better, despite poor performance against Leeds Give credit for Corky's cross (from a Morgan pass, mind!) that led to the goal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 Give credit for Corky's cross (from a Morgan pass, mind!) that led to the goal? Richardson's pass. Morgan not involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenue Saint Posted 9 March, 2012 Share Posted 9 March, 2012 probably, Hammond is one CM I wouldn't be overly upset to lose.....fear he'll be exposed if we get promoted, whereas Morgan's class will shine in the Premiership where it's not all about physicality but playing your way through teams.....am really chuffed he's now playing with greater consistency which was his achilles heel in the past..... Agreed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mafiboy27 Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 I do agree. I always felt that one of the many reasons for our decline and relegation from the Premiership was the injury to Matt Oakley, who never seemed to regain his best form when he returned to the side. Morgan is the creative playmaker in the centre of our team that we have lacked since Oakley was at his peak. With Schneiderlin's class performances we are progressing upwards again. Brilliant! +1 Brilliant player. Hope to keep Morgan for a long time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesb Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 To compare MS to Oakley is laughable for me. Oakley was a loyal servant and a steady performer, but nothing more. Schneiderlin has the potential to become a top, top midfielder in Europe - infinitely more potential than someone like Lallana, who I think probably lacks the pace to shine at the very highest level. The fact that he couldn't get into the team at beginning of season still baffles me. Of all our players, I take far more joy in watching him play than anyone else. He is just as (if not more) important to the team as AL and RL for me, and will be better suited to playing at a higher level. Really, really hope we can hold onto him: Adkins needs to build our future around him and Cork. When he first arrived it was obvious he had class, but he was soft, basically - would duck out of headers and challenges, and seemed to lack the appetite for the physicality of the English game, and I feared he would become an 'Arsenal' player - fantastic on a good pitch, when given time and space to dictate, but a bottler when you have to go and play at the Stokes etc. But the improvement he has made in the last 2 years has been astonishing: I think the experience of League One football has greatly helped him. The improvement to that side of his game has greatly reduced the necessity for Hammond - although unlike many on here, I still like Hammond and think he has something to offer us. summed it up very well. Its a joy to watch Morgan grow and improve with us. Will be quality in the prem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 you could see from his very first touch in his very first game that he had quality. I've just been amazed at the number if fans that haven't seen that quality and constantly moan about square passes and lack of goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fen Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 Chaplow hasn't the positional discipline for a central role and his first touch can sometimes let him down, although highly useful on the right where mistakes are not so heavily punished. ...IMHO Cork/Morgan as young (22) and developing talents could blossom into one of the best pairings in England if we can keep hold of them both. Got to agree with this comment on Chaplow, he isn't good enough central midfield due to his passing and control, however when on the right he is excellent because of his workrate. Missed him when he was injured in Dec / Jan. Morgan has been brilliant lately but I feel he needs to play with Cork as Cork is a box to box player, Hammond sits to deep and with him and Morgan in the side we tend to loose something going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 Thought Morgan had another excellent game today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectisSaint Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 Thought Morgan had another excellent game today. He had a good game today but not outstanding. As on Tuesday his game suffers when Hammond plays alongside. Our best partnership by a long way is Morgan and Cork. Hammond was better today than Tuesday, but he really does get shown up nowadays when played alongside Spiderman and Cork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvaughanwilliams Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 In the season we were relegated from the Championship, he had the passing, but nothing else. Since then his tackling has got a lot better and also his decision-making. He has also controlled his temper a lot more, in the past he had a few red cards for silly, petulant kicks at the opposition. He has been the player I have been most worried about losing for the last couple of seasons and really hope we can keep him for at least one season in the Premiership (if we get there). When we have the ball, he is always available for a pass, even when he's being marked. When the defenders break forward, he has the sense to fill in their position. When we don't have the ball he presses and tackles well and doesn't dive in. He doesn't shoot enough, but the one shot he had today wasn't bad. However, if he knows that he doesn't have the composure to finish well, then I would rather he kept possession and found a team mate, than pointlessly blast wide or over. Deserves to get a nomination for player of the season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladysaint Posted 10 March, 2012 Share Posted 10 March, 2012 Agree with post above and love to see him nominated for player of the season too but that's sewn up by Lambert or Lallana, be good if someone could come up with a chant or song for Morgan too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 Such a classy player who seems to have so much room around him now that we are out of Div 1. He will excell in the Premiership as he is at the moment and well worth his regular place in the team . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 he was my MoM yesterday, class Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint dyer Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 deserves a special mention. been outstanding since xmas. class Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAFE_SAINT Posted 11 March, 2012 Share Posted 11 March, 2012 http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?36241-Morgan-very-important Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now