Maatsen as a defender has really dropped in form of late. He's promising but learning on the job. I'd like to play Purrington and use Maatsen as a midfield sub where his pace and enthusiasm can be used.
The areas where Maatsan frustrates, passing and crossing. How many times does he pass go the oppo in a dangerous area and also cross for a goal kick from a promising position.
I think if it wasn't for the fact he had a good start and is from Chelsea, Maatsen would have been dropped a while back. Purrington is what 23/24, really hope he does well in the future.
Where I think Purrington is underrated is going forwards. Clearly not as pacey as Maatsen, but his link up with Millar, and the way he made space for Millar today, were spot on full-back support. He has great positioning. Where Maatsen should perhaps play is against the paciest wingers, where Purrington got a bit show up earlier in the season (principally in one game, for which he's been vilified)
“Great positioning”. Hmm. Don’t get me wrong, if he goes back to being steady and we stop shipping goals, I’ll be delighted, but let’s not make him out to be a good full back.
He's decent at this level imo - I think he gets too much criticism.
And people focus too much on his limitations, ignoring what he does well.
Because it reinforces their bias. They don't want to know anything good about his play.
Too many fans are focussed on the attacking abilities of full backs and forget about their defensive role. I've more faith in Purrington than Maatsen as a defender however pacey Maatsen is - given our weakness at the back I'd rather Ben starts.
I know this is unfashionable, but I quiet like Purrington, he's defensively sound, can get forward, and puts in a shift. Not a flashy bombing on full back, but he's your constant 7.5/10 player who you build around
Maatsen as a defender has really dropped in form of late. He's promising but learning on the job. I'd like to play Purrington and use Maatsen as a midfield sub where his pace and enthusiasm can be used.
The areas where Maatsan frustrates, passing and crossing. How many times does he pass go the oppo in a dangerous area and also cross for a goal kick from a promising position.
Defending wise, I think Maatsen is fine, he's made a few bad choices of late, but is generally solid. The problems come when he tries to pass, shoot or cross. He's not good enough consistently in those areas.
He can tackle, he can dribble and he can bring the ball up pitch well. Just needs some time to polish up the crosses and short passing under pressure.
I know this is unfashionable, but I quiet like Purrington, he's defensively sound, can get forward, and puts in a shift. Not a flashy bombing on full back, but he's your constant 7.5/10 player who you build around
Not as unfashionable as you may think (not that I know fashionable!) The "modern fullback" is expected to be an Ashley Cole or Andrew Robertson who are equally adept as ad-hoc wingers as well as defenders but at the level we find ourselves those are very rare. You have to prioritize between attacking potential (Maatsen) and defensive solidity (Purrington).
Given our recent defensive problems and Maatsen having an (understandable) drop in form, Purrington seems the logical choice for the foreseeable future.
Saw the stats with and without purrington and he clearly makes a difference. Think if Maatsen plays he should be a backup winger as imo he is a liability at the back.
I now I'm traditional, but I've watched a lot of football during the past 55 years or so. I've also played competitively for a long time in my day.
In my 30's I was converted from ageing midfielder to Right Back - and it gave my playing days a new lease of life. Consequently, I like to watch fullbacks in a game, on and off the ball.
Rule number 1, this was drummed into me ...... defenders must first of all defend. No ifs and buts, defend. That's your job.
Rule number 2 ...... you get forward when there's an opportunity, overlap, overload, get that cross in, (it's someone else's job to be alert, move across and cover you) - and get back quick. You are still a defender.
You know, I like Purrington. He's got his limitations, which is why he plays in the Third Division. But at this level, he's a decent defender. And he gets forward and back when he can.
He's pretty dependable, although a bit suspect to being run at by a tricky pacy winger. But in that case, his manager should have done his homework - and asked team mates to be aware and cover.
In Bowyer's often favoured Diamond formation, the full backs tend to be exposed. That doesn't help Purrington, when he''s overloaded and no midfielder has tracked back to help out. That's when he's in trouble. And that's when he gets flack.
Almost all promotion winning sides are built on a solid defence. No reason why Purrington can't be part of that. He was last time we were promoted.
Certainly wouldn’t mind Maatsen at left mid when we inevitably rest Millar, he’s good going forward and quick.
He is also naturally left footed whereas our two wingers are not . JFC is our only lf option going forward which is why I suspect we went after Josh Morris
Certainly wouldn’t mind Maatsen at left mid when we inevitably rest Millar, he’s good going forward and quick.
He is also naturally left footed whereas our two wingers are not . JFC is our only lf option going forward which is why I suspect we went after Josh Morris
I do wonder if both Morris and Jaiyesimi were permanent targets, not either of but both.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Depends on whether you prefer a solid reliable 7/10 or take the chance if getting either a 9 or a 3. For me (certainly with our centre back situation at the moment) I'd much rather have a left back who will defend well and stick to his guns.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Depends on whether you prefer a solid reliable 7/10 or take the chance if getting either a 9 or a 3. For me (certainly with our centre back situation at the moment) I'd much rather have a left back who will defend well and stick to his guns.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
I guess it’s a game of opinions but I don’t think you can say Maatsen is either a 9/10 or a 3/10 - he’s a pretty constant performer but he’s just dropped off a touch in the past month.
I agree Purrington is better for the team right now considering our defence. Still, I suspect talent will prevail and Maatsen will be back in no time.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Nope Maatsen runs into the same areas as Millar. Purrington a steady eddy stay at home type player who will allow Millar to get more forward. Plus he's not 5'3" and can defend aerially.
Purrington is what we need now with our defensive frailties, only cos Maatsen has dipped off from his early season form . Purringtons shirt to keep . How’s he 24 he’s already in slow motion !
Maatsen hasn't been the same since Famewo got injured. I don't know if these guys struck up an understanding that made them both look better.
In a 4-4-2 Purrington has looked much better but when playing the diamond or using wingbacks then Maatsen might fit better.
Ben had an excellent game on Saturday, probably better than the 7/10 he's been tarred with. I hope we don't see too much tinkering in the next few games in which case that left back spot is his...or at least it should be.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Depends on whether you prefer a solid reliable 7/10 or take the chance if getting either a 9 or a 3. For me (certainly with our centre back situation at the moment) I'd much rather have a left back who will defend well and stick to his guns.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
Slight mythology that’s he’s always a 7 though, isn’t it ? He might have been in 2018/19 when we had other players to do all the attacking and 60% of the ball in most games. He was very poor in the championship and not good at the start of this.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Depends on whether you prefer a solid reliable 7/10 or take the chance if getting either a 9 or a 3. For me (certainly with our centre back situation at the moment) I'd much rather have a left back who will defend well and stick to his guns.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
Slight mythology that’s he’s always a 7 though, isn’t it ? He might have been in 2018/19 when we had other players to do all the attacking and 60% of the ball in most games. He was very poor in the championship and not good at the start of this.
Yeah, that is a fair comment but in general terms I think the point is valid. Maatsen at his best is better, but when you actually average it out, Purrington is the more reliable in purely defensive terms.
He’s solid at this level without a doubt. he joined us and gave us stability when he left Rotherham on loan. Pulled to bits in the Championship. Sneaks in at the back post.
I like Ben and he certainly gets more stick than is warranted, but I’d still play Maatsen 9 times out of 10.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
Maatsen at his best (albeit he blows hot and cold due to only being 18) is arguably the best full-back in the division on his day. He can be both solid defensively and be one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Yes he’s been a bit poor in recent weeks but that’s almost certainly down to inexperience. I suspect before too long he will be back in the side and Ben will be a dependable back-up.
Depends on whether you prefer a solid reliable 7/10 or take the chance if getting either a 9 or a 3. For me (certainly with our centre back situation at the moment) I'd much rather have a left back who will defend well and stick to his guns.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
Slight mythology that’s he’s always a 7 though, isn’t it ? He might have been in 2018/19 when we had other players to do all the attacking and 60% of the ball in most games. He was very poor in the championship and not good at the start of this.
Yeah, that is a fair comment but in general terms I think the point is valid. Maatsen at his best is better, but when you actually average it out, Purrington is the more reliable in purely defensive terms.
Maatsen is a kid, with good to very good potential, but he's probably played too much. I would hope that if we seem to be financially ok in the summer that a new left back is high priority.
Comments
The areas where Maatsan frustrates, passing and crossing. How many times does he pass go the oppo in a dangerous area and also cross for a goal kick from a promising position.
He can tackle, he can dribble and he can bring the ball up pitch well. Just needs some time to polish up the crosses and short passing under pressure.
Given our recent defensive problems and Maatsen having an (understandable) drop in form, Purrington seems the logical choice for the foreseeable future.
I've also played competitively for a long time in my day.
In my 30's I was converted from ageing midfielder to Right Back - and it gave my playing days a new lease of life.
Consequently, I like to watch fullbacks in a game, on and off the ball.
Rule number 1, this was drummed into me ...... defenders must first of all defend. No ifs and buts, defend. That's your job.
Rule number 2 ...... you get forward when there's an opportunity, overlap, overload, get that cross in, (it's someone else's job to be alert, move across and cover you) - and get back quick. You are still a defender.
You know, I like Purrington. He's got his limitations, which is why he plays in the Third Division. But at this level, he's a decent defender.
And he gets forward and back when he can.
He's pretty dependable, although a bit suspect to being run at by a tricky pacy winger.
But in that case, his manager should have done his homework - and asked team mates to be aware and cover.
In Bowyer's often favoured Diamond formation, the full backs tend to be exposed.
That doesn't help Purrington, when he''s overloaded and no midfielder has tracked back to help out. That's when he's in trouble. And that's when he gets flack.
Almost all promotion winning sides are built on a solid defence. No reason why Purrington can't be part of that.
He was last time we were promoted.
Powelly kept it simple, reading the game, working with his inside CB and the midfielder in front of him.
Partnerships ..... like a mini-team within the team.
Deserves to keep his starting place.
A great game for Ben Purrington means he hasn’t given away any silly chances or been skinned by his winger. At his very best he’s a 7/10 player in League One. He may be a better partner for Liam Miller right now, as he allows Liam more freedom to stay forward and not have to worry about filling in for Maatsen.
The additions of the likes of Millar, Smith and DJ and Shinnie coming back make our need for attacking threat less pressing.
Maatsen probably will go on to better things, maybe even is the better player in terms of skill and technique already. But Purrington is better for the team right now.
Purringtons shirt to keep .
How’s he 24 he’s already in slow motion !
he joined us and gave us stability when he left Rotherham on loan.
Pulled to bits in the Championship.
Sneaks in at the back post.