Under 21s (Match updates and news) - pre-season friendly v Dorking Wanderers (p411)

mart77

RugbyAddick said:

Crusty54 said:

I've only ever seen Kai Enslin kick a ball with his right foot twice. I wonder how he injured it.

I wonder if his younger brother was involved in the game. 

Hopefully it’s not too serious. Must’ve happened in training. His last game was vs Wimbledon where he came on around the 60 minute mark. 

Being so one footed may be his downfall. As I said yesterday, my mates a Dorking ST holder and said that he was streets ahead of his teammates whilst he was with them. 

You’d expect him to be one to go out on loan at some point during the course of the season. 

If there was one to go out on loan to an EFL club, it would be Josh Laq. He’s definitely bulked up this summer. Played CB yesterday which has always been his preferred position and was solid. 

It’s very hard to write off players when they’re so young, but Henry Rylah didn’t do too much yesterday. Showed so much promise a few seasons ago but couldn’t get in the Derry team and can’t shine for the U21s. 

I wonder if Rylah will be similar to Adigun and need to leave and graft his way back up. 

I have real hopes for Josh Laq and I really hope the injuries don’t hurt his career too much. Hopefully this season he can really push on. 

LenGlover

I think Rylah was able to rely on his physical strength and pace as a youngster. Now others have caught him up and he is in with experienced men so needs to adapt. Pace is a rare commodity so he can still be a good player if he does learn to adapt.

RugbyAddick

Stefan17 said:

I did get chatting to a Charlton sub warming up at one point. He said his impression was the injury wasn't too bad, for what that's worth.

I think Rylah came on in the second half, he did show his pace at one point by outstripping the defender and getting a great shot off that was well saved. Important to bear in mind that very few Charlton players saw a lot of the ball, so difficult to read anything into his contribution in this match. At his best he is an explosive player that can cause defences problems.

One player that caught the eye but only came on near the end was right back Phoenix Valentine. From his half-time warming-up - touch, ball striking, obvious confidence, and way he carried himself - to the late cameo he reminded me of a young Jude Bellingham (different position I know). Josh Hebert also shows he has something about him - his directness, pace and physicality. And Ethan Brown needs a bigger challenge - very solid player.

Josh Hebert looked very good. Worked hard defensively and when he had the ball, managed to get out of some difficult situations. He made 12 appearances at NLS level last season (whilst only 17yo), and was on trial with us from around Christmas onwards. Was very highly thought of at Dorking. It’s quite a good find. 

Dorking are a solid side. We trusted them with Casey and Enslin… wouldn’t surprise me to see more players going there this season, even if it’s for minutes in the men’s game in the latter stages of the season. 

Michael Mylona deserves a mention. Scores twice and assisted the third. He’s also only 17. Granted he probably won’t score two easier goals in his career. 

mart77

Mylona has had a very strong pre season. 

Danny_Jenner

Who was the trialist listed?

Scoham

In Group I of the PL Cup with Leeds, Stockport and Stoke.

https://x.com/youthhawk/status/2085731517863535026

mart77

Nice to see Ethan Brown, Phoenix Valentine, Tate Elliott and Bradley Tagoe posting about signing deals with us today, on their socials. There may have been more that I missed.

RugbyAddick

Josh Laqeretabua has gone on an initial short term loan to Dorking.