If You had to Pick player of the year right now ?

[Hawkswood]

...so just taking what we've seen so far. Im indulging myself a little with this, mainly because I very rarely slag the players off, frankly  cos I cant be bothered, but the one player I did publicly insult on a few occasions is now the one player who would be first on my team sheet, and thats Flynn Downes.

Hes completely changed my mind about him. I took him to be a bit of a Harry winks type player....a bit blah, just a recycler of a football ( thanks Russ) and not much more than  that, but his game has totally changed. Proper box to box midfielder with a bite in his challenges ( again, didn't think he was capable) and fantastic positional play ( probably from better coaching).

Close behind for me is THB ( turning into a leader) and  Breezy. A more competent right back you  couldnt wish to have. Would like to see him given a chance in the top flight if we make it.

 

Ive had to edit this as I forgot about Peretz.....he'd probably edge it above Downes I think.

Edited 1 hour ago by Hawkswood

[SaintSpank]

I would go with Azaz. Cant give a concrete reason, other than thinking he is actually rather good, he was just the man instantly thought of. 

[Saint Garrett]

THB or Scienza for me...so far. Sciena is the best player in the league, THB has been superb since Tonda came in, proper leader too.

[Miltonaggro]

Peretz, Scienza, Azaz, Bree. 

[Hawkswood]

12 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Peretz, Scienza, Azaz, Bree. 

Ooo Peretz, forgot about him

[SNSUN]

IMO it's between Downes, THB, Azaz and Leo. 

Leo wins it for me. Kill anyone interested in him in the summer.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Peretz for me. Yes, he’s a loan but our change of fortunes has come about since he got the keepers jersey more or less. There’s got to be a reason for that.

[trousers]

1 minute ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Peretz for me. Yes, he’s a loan but our change of fortunes has come about since he got the keepers jersey more or less. There’s got to be a reason for that.

Yep, Peretz for me too, for the reason you outline. 

[USaintA]

The fact there are now so many to pick from is a great indicator of how far the team has improved. For me, it would be Peretz. 

[SNSUN]

1 minute ago, trousers said:

Yep, Peretz for me too, for the reason you outline. 

He's definitely in the running, he's improved the position, and defence, no end, and there has been precedent for a January signing to get POTS after Andrew Davies, but I'm more inclined to go with someone that has been with us all season. Same principle with Bree who hasn't been with us all season.

Yes Leo has 14 goal involvements to Azaz's 18 but Leo is just so good to watch.

[kwsaint]

I’ve thought of this as ‘who would I least want to get injured out of anyone in the squad as they’re so valuable’.

Peretz for me.

[Sheaf Saint]

1 hour ago, Saint Garrett said:

THB or Scienza for me...so far. Sciena is the best player in the league, THB has been superb since Tonda came in, proper leader too.

Yet he's not even made the shortlist for the EFL POTS 🫤

For pure entertainment value, Leo shades it. But there are so many other good candidates.

Azaz has drifted in and out of games, but his overall contribution and goal involvements can't be understated.

Downes is now the beating heart of this side and is in with a good shout.

But I think it has to be Peretz, really. Just a ridiculous upgrade on what we had.

[SNSUN]

Just now, kwsaint said:

I’ve thought of this as ‘who would I least want to get injured out of anyone in the squad as they’re so valuable’.

Peretz for me.

Another way to phrase that is the drop in quality between Peretz and, currently, Jamie Jones is bloody massive compared to the drop in quality for the rest of the team. Azaz is a hugely key player but Matsuki can play there, likewise Leo to Edozie. Downes to Charles and even THB to Wood (though perhaps more so than the rest).

[Lighthouse]

A fair few who could win it but all have been inconsistent to some extent. I’d probably say Scienza for the simple reason that he looked properly decent early in the season, even under Still, whilst everyone else looked largely crap.

Downes, Azaz and THB probably the next best shouts.

[Pilchards]

Leo as he puts the fear in any opposition team.

Plus he’s a super human being.

[rallyboy]

Really difficult to choose one, so many contenders, but I agree with above, Peretz is the guy who has made the most difference - the defence has been a revelation since his introduction and that stability has turned the pressure onto the opposition goal.

[Chez]

Scienza has been good over the whole season, so gets my vote, although i wouldn't have an issue if Azaz won it.

I'd be surprised if Leo didn't make the pfa team of the season.

[spyinthesky]

Isn't nice to have a selection of players to consider.
I understand favouring of:
Perez (the most influential keeper since Niemi)
THB    (a rock in defence)
Aziz    (more and more influential)
Scienza (a great signing and a fan favourite for all the right reasons)

But we also have the often maligned Manning and Stephens plus Downes, who is now back to the form he displayed two years ago and since recovered from his stomach upset.
Cameron Bragg has really kicked on this year and Shea Charles has scored some increadably important goals.
Ross Stewart has begun  to display the kind of form that Sunderland fans knew was in his locker and both Lander and Matsuki have provided their own unexpected contributions.
I am a bit surprised to offer up a possible contender ie James Bree.
I didnt think it was possible to replace KWP, one of the best RB's I have seen in Saints colours but James has been a revelation this season and has added stability to the back line.
If we do go up, I think each squad member should be given some sort of award for their contribution in addition to their contracted salary increase!!

[S-Clarke]

I think you have to take these things over the season - and it'll be Leo for me.

Azaz would be close but he has had dips in and out, along with the team, but Leo has been more consistent even during the down moments. There are many more options now than there were a few months ago though, and that's an amazing turn around.

[Anthony]

Leo for me, with Bragg as most improved/young player.

 

However, I feel that most of the team deserve it, and wouldn't really be surprised if anyone did. 

 

Tonda has pretty much improved every player. It also doesn't seem like players are getting annoyed if they are not in the starting 11, as he is rotating the squad really well. 

 

Also, although I have no evidence, I do think certain players that left, were bad eggs and toxic. By then departing, the team could only then kick on and turn it around. 

New signings and returnees have fitted straight into the squad.

[saintant]

Azaz is by far the best footballer at the club. If the rest were on his wavelength he'd look even better. The guy is brilliant and we need to keep hold of him.

[AlexLaw76]

Finn Azaz

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, Anthony said:

Leo for me, with Bragg as most improved/young player.

 

However, I feel that most of the team deserve it, and wouldn't really be surprised if anyone did. 

 

Tonda has pretty much improved every player. It also doesn't seem like players are getting annoyed if they are not in the starting 11, as he is rotating the squad really well. 

 

Also, although I have no evidence, I do think certain players that left, were bad eggs and toxic. By then departing, the team could only then kick on and turn it around. 

New signings and returnees have fitted straight into the squad.

This!

[benjii]

It's a tough one.