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

Hawkswood

By Hawkswood
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Hawkswood

Hawkswood

Posted
Posted (edited)

...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 by Hawkswood
Saint Garrett

Saint Garrett

Posted
Posted (edited)

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

Edited by Saint Garrett
  • Like 1
trousers

trousers

Posted
Posted
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. 

  • Like 1
USaintA

USaintA

Posted
Posted

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. 

  • Like 2
SNSUN

SNSUN

Posted
Posted
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

kwsaint

Posted
Posted

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.

  • Like 1
Sheaf Saint

Sheaf Saint

Posted
Posted
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.

  • Like 1
SNSUN

SNSUN

Posted
Posted
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).

  • Like 2
Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Posted
Posted

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.

  • Like 2
rallyboy

rallyboy

Posted
Posted

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.

  • Like 2
Chez

Chez

Posted
Posted

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

spyinthesky

Posted
Posted

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

S-Clarke

Posted
Posted

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.

  • Like 3
Anthony

Anthony

Posted
Posted

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

saintant

Posted
Posted

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.

  • Like 3
saintant

saintant

Posted
Posted
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!

Convict Colony

Convict Colony

Posted
Posted

not read anyones post so my malleable brain can't be influenced but player of the year so far....

Am gonna say what might be unpopular  but THB, the 5 goals, the passing, defending, calmness on the ball etc.

  • Like 1
Lee On Solent Saint

Lee On Solent Saint

Posted
Posted

Really difficult pick. And to think none of our players or indeed manger are nominated for any awards. For me, its between Scienza and Peretz. I'd be inclined to give it to Peretz, the difference he has made to the defence is incredible.

  • Like 1
Roo1976

Roo1976

Posted
Posted

James Bree or Daniel Peretz.........defence is a good start for a firm foundation, THB is starting to look more confident and assured and a possible new Captain material. But lets not get too far ahead of ourselves there's much more to do before we pat ourselves on the back.

benjii

benjii

Posted
Posted

I'll give a shout to Stephens.

Has he done much wrong? He's been excellent in the recent good run and I think the players respect his leadership.

  • Like 1
St. Ciervo

St. Ciervo

Posted
Posted (edited)

Scienza all the way. When the fans had turned on the team, 1 person came forward. This is bigger than wins to me. Otherwise, Peretz for his immediate impact. 

Edit: Also Scienza for that goal celebration vs. Pompey. Legend.

Edited by St. Ciervo
  • Like 2
Patches O Houlihan

Patches O Houlihan

Posted
Posted
5 hours ago, St. Ciervo said:

Scienza all the way. When the fans had turned on the team, 1 person came forward. This is bigger than wins to me. Otherwise, Peretz for his immediate impact. 

Edit: Also Scienza for that goal celebration vs. Pompey. Legend.

This. 

Under Will Still our frustrations with the team grew, to the stage that many were worried about relegation. There was chat that our core of experienced players didn't fancy it and wanted to keep playing Russball.

At the end of dismal matches many players would show visible reluctance to approach the fans. But Leo would charge over and throw half his kit into the stands for kids. At the time I was concerned that this behaviour might be seen as cynical, and self-serving by his team mates, as he became a firm fan favourite when everyone else was getting chewed out. 

But in every interview the warmth and generosity of spirit just pours out of him, and the candid changing room video post Arsenal win show him behaving generously with the team in just the same way. This relentless positivity and warmth must have helped buoy the atmosphere in the team.

On top of that there was a willingness to always receive the ball and always try to do something useful with it. There was no hiding during that period, he was always showing for the ball and willing to get hoofed up in the air again.

When Azaz was still finding his feet Leo was pretty much setting up all our positive play. 

Since January I agree it is tricky to pick out our best player; so many have been performing really well and consistently. But the season didn't start in January. (If it did Peretz would be in with a shout) This period also revealed that we could still play well and win without Leo.

But for me after some thought it has to be Leo because of what he did for us in September and October, as well as his efforts under Tonda. He gave us hope when it seemed a silly thing to have. 

  • Like 2
pingpong

pingpong

Posted
Posted

If you are looking for a single individual moment that had the most impact, it has to be bazunu - the turnaround Vs Wrexham proved to be critical to us getting into the playoffs and that single moment was worth 6 points.

The rest has really been a team effort .

  • Haha 1
Lighthouse

Lighthouse

Posted
Posted
8 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

re: Peretz, has anyone ever come in half way through the season and won POTS before?

Andrew Davies and Alex McCarthy spring to mind, but they were generally just the least sh*t players in a sh*t season.

Zorba

Zorba

Posted
Posted

Peretz for me. Top man.

Manager of the season has to go to Eckert. He’s just about done enough.

Flop of the season is DD, followed by Archer.. but I really want Archer to score everytime he comes on. There just has to be something there..  somewhere.

 

 

StrangelyBrown

StrangelyBrown

Posted
Posted

Lots of good shouts above so far.

Azaz for me. Even when things weren't coming off for him you could see he was trying things and just needed a few players around him on the same wavelength. When we're playing well he makes the whole side tick. Irreplaceable IMO.

Leo a very close second - has been a huge part in turning our season around and when we weren't clicking as a team was a very important outlet. Azaz gets it ahead of Leo for me because Leo isn't quite irreplaceable.

Special mentions for Peretz, Harwood-bellis, Bree, Downes and 4 at the back (which all came together to result in our upturn in form).

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