Our most improved player over the last 12 months

Mala591 · Post by **Mala591** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:31 am

Chris Wood for me.

Looked a bit rusty after the season restart but before then he looked much improved (ball control, positioning and physical effort) over the previous season.

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:42 am

I think Wood is a good shout. Seems to be supremely confident and I always think he has a goal in him. I also think Charlie Taylor, despite missing a couple of chunks of the season, has developed into a top-class Premier League player and I always feel more confident when he is playing.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:44 am

Not sure on Wood because I think he was every bit as good in his first two seasons.

One player who I think is getting better and better is Charlie Taylor while Ashley Westwood has stepped up his game.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:47 am

Charlie Taylor will play for England, I’m absolutely convinced he’s good enough....

Difficult to chose one who has improved significantly, they all give so much every game.

Ill go for Wood though, he’s looked fit and strong, And his first touch (as seen for his goal tother day) although never bad, looks to have improved quite a bit. Been an excellent buy has Wood.

JonBerro · Post by **JonBerro** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:50 am

Even though he has left, I think it has to be Jeff Hendrick
Played a vital role on the right, and looked creative in a position he is not used to.
Still sad to see him go, although Brownhill looks to be a ready made replacement

Special mention for Dwight, his all round game is improving. We always have known his pure ability, but I think he has shown he can do his job defensively, while being the creative hub of the side. Long may it continue!

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:53 am

No doubt that Dwight has improved and he does now link up really well with his defensive partner on the left

Mattster · Post by **Mattster** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:06 pm

I think Ashley Westwood. And given I probably would have given the same answer last season I think that shows just how good I think he has been for us. Him and Dwight are our 2 creative forces, we'd seriously struggle without either.

Bertiebeehead · Post by **Bertiebeehead** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:08 pm

bobinho wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:47 am
Charlie Taylor will play for England, I’m absolutely convinced he’s good enough....

Difficult to chose one who has improved significantly, they all give so much every game.

Ill go for Wood though, he’s looked fit and strong, And his first touch (as seen for his goal tother day) although never bad, looks to have improved quite a bit. Been an excellent buy has Wood.

There’s some on here convinced Pieters is a better player.

BenWickes · Post by **BenWickes** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:09 pm

Westwood for me too. He just seems to have become a more all round midfielder. He's creative, neat in possession and can be a little Rottweiler when needed. Honourable mentions for Taylor and Dwight. Both come on well.

Rowls · Post by **Rowls** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:12 pm

Charlie Taylor for me.

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:19 pm

I agree with all mentioned but I would throw Pope in, the way he now commands his box is outstanding one criticism I had of him was that he didn't shout enough.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:41 pm

Bertiebeehead wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:08 pm
There’s some on here convinced Pieters is a better player.

Good player is Erik for sure. But I think Taylor is just that bit better when we are attacking and he has a great understanding with Dwight. Pieters whips a good ball in, but I think Taylor can do that AND convincingly beat a man either for pace or skill and I think that bit is lacking from Erik. I have no qualms at all with Erik as cover though, none at all. Happy with him, but happier with Taylor.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:44 pm

Wood and Taylor are both class acts.

Tarky for me. He has cut out errors, is even better on the ball and has taken his game to that of an elite centre half. He is worth an absolute fortune.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:58 pm

Pope has improved his all round game and is very dominating now of his box and defence.

McNeil has improved his strength and fitness more than anything, which is expected as he grows.

Probably Vydra shades it as he was a forgotten man 12 months ago and I think Dyche would of rather played me than him. Some very good performances and trickery from him when he got his chance.

BOYSIE31 · Post by **BOYSIE31** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:04 pm

I would say Tarks

Not as many mistakes as in previous seasons

tiger76 · Post by **tiger76** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:07 pm

Tarks for me- he looks every inch a PL centre half now whoever he's partnered with. And he's chipped with some vital goals.

A mention for Westwood -he's been incredibly consistent over the season, and he's kept us ticking over during Cork's absence. And his set-piece delivery is pivotal to many of our goals.

jurek · Post by **jurek** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:11 pm

Anyone of those mentioned.
Taylor, Pope, Tarks and Wood have all edged up
a little, if not a lot. McNeil also but think
he's levelled off a little as of late.

bfcmik · Post by **bfcmik** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:14 pm

Nick Pope is the stand-out for me. He has improved his all round performance and moved from being England's #1 ish to being easily the best English goalkeeper around. His much criticized distribution has been better since the restart as we have tried to give him people to pass/throw to rather than just kick it long as much. It is hard to get decent distribution stats if you are having to launch it into a crowd of players every time.
Special mentions have to go to Taylor, Mee, Tarkowsky, Westwood and Wood - all of whom have raised their consistency to new levels.

ewanrob · Post by **ewanrob** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:29 pm

Westwood, and to think Villa came back begging for money and knocked 50% off the final installment.

JohnDearyMe · Post by **JohnDearyMe** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:33 pm

In addition to the ones above i was pleasantly surprised by how much Pieters improved after the restart

Jakubs Tash · Post by **Jakubs Tash** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:40 pm

As others have mentioned Taylor, McNeil, Tarky and Pope have just got better and better.

Worth noting that Pope has only really played two full seasons for us - and both have been top half finishes in the Premier League. Tom who...???

huw.Y.WattfromWare · Post by **huw.Y.WattfromWare** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:41 pm

Bertiebeehead wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:08 pm
There’s some on here convinced Pieters is a better player.

Bertie, if that’s a pop at me for starting their stats thread you’ve got me wrong. I’ve said repeatedly I would start Charlie I’m just sick of reading negative Pieters threads. He isn’t as good defensively as Charlie but he gives us more going forward. Whether he links up better with Dwight, I would say not but they do play slightly differently together.

claretcarrot93 · Post by **claretcarrot93** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:14 pm

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 12:44 pm
Wood and Taylor are both class acts.

Tarky for me. He has cut out errors, is even better on the ball and has taken his game to that of an elite centre half. He is worth an absolute fortune.

This. Tarks has gone from a good premier league defender to one of the best this season. Not many i would swap him for after VVD and Laporte

Woonderbah · Post by **Woonderbah** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:33 pm

There's been improvements all over the pitch I'd say.
I like watching Vydra with Jay and with a longer run together I think they'd be a lethal mix.
Pieters has stepped up and I can't think of any other left backs who would slot into right midfield so comfortably.
Tarkowski is proving to be a Rolls Royce of a centre half.
But I'd say Charlie Taylor has improved the most. Not only with solid defending but he just brings out the best in Dwight McNeil on that side. They've a great understanding and we look a threat when they're both on song.
Not a player, but I think SD deserves credit too as it's all about learning from season to season.
Can't wait for the next season to start.

ceborame · Post by **ceborame** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:31 pm

This looks to me like people are quoting our best player not the most improved player

For me it's Dwight McNeil and since the restart Erik Pieters

Claretmatt4 · Post by **Claretmatt4** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:33 pm

Surprised nobody has mentioned Ben Mee. Always been solid but his captaincy has pushed him even further I think.

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 5:28 pm

Taylor is a good shout but I would go for Tarkowski. He has improved his game a great deal this season and is now one of the best centre backs in the PL.

Claret Toni · Post by **Claret Toni** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 5:45 pm

Pope for me - and he started from a high bench mark.

I don't think there's many who don't think he's England's No.1 and to almost pick up the golden gloves trophy playing for Burnley is astonishing.

Probably the best I've seen at taking high balls in the area.

Gordaleman · Post by **Gordaleman** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 5:52 pm

Pope has improved tremendously. At first he wasn't a patch on Heaton, but now he's on a par with him and could get even better.

His all round game has improved, mainly due to improved awareness.

If England ever play again, he has to be a shoe in.

MDWat · Post by **MDWat** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 6:00 pm

Hard question this. Hard to distinguish between most improved and the person who has shifted your opinion the most.

I agree with Tarkowski I think. As above, he barely makes mistakes anymore. He’s top drawer.

My opinion has probably shifted most on Westwood. Didn’t see it when he first played. Do now.

Honourable mentions for Dwight obviously being a kid learning the level and Taylor, who gets better and better.

Bfcboyo · Post by **Bfcboyo** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 6:08 pm

JonBerro wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 11:50 am
Even though he has left, I think it has to be Jeff Hendrick
Played a vital role on the right, and looked creative in a position he is not used to.
Still sad to see him go, although Brownhill looks to be a ready made replacement

Special mention for Dwight, his all round game is improving. We always have known his pure ability, but I think he has shown he can do his job defensively, while being the creative hub of the side. Long may it continue!

Come on Jeff stop messing about.

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:05 pm

Westwood has been nothing short of excellent this past season and seems to be our lynchpin.

BurnleyFC · Post by **BurnleyFC** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 9:09 pm

Jay Rod. Looks a far more accomplished player than the one who played for West Brom.

I thought he was only a penalty taker and his best years were behind him. I was wrong.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:15 pm

Gordaleman wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 5:52 pm
Pope has improved tremendously. At first he wasn't a patch on Heaton, but now he's on a par with him and could get even better.

His all round game has improved, mainly due to improved awareness.

If England ever play again, he has to be a shoe in.

Have you been drinking?

For the last 10 years solid?

Gordaleman · Post by **Gordaleman** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:18 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:15 pm
Have you been drinking?

For the last 10 years solid?

No, but you obviously have.

Vegas Claret · Post by **Vegas Claret** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:44 pm

McNeil by a ******* mile, he made the difference to us playing aimless hoof all - we became a far better side when he started games

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:48 pm

Gordaleman wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:18 pm
No, but you obviously have.

Ok then.

Can you name one bad game Pope has ever had for us?

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:49 pm

Long

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:50 pm

...Long.

HunterST_BFC · Post by **HunterST_BFC** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:51 pm

...Long.

end of thread

Local cricketer · Post by **Local cricketer** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 12:06 am

I'd give it Pope but he still cant kick

CharlieinNewMexico · Post by **CharlieinNewMexico** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 8:31 am

This time last year Pope was an England squad player, now he’s the pundits pick. And it takes a lot to make them see it.

That being said, Brownhill has looked seamless in central midfield. Decent on the right, but a metronome in the center just like AW.

Gordaleman · Post by **Gordaleman** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 8:37 am

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:48 pm
Ok then.

Can you name one bad game Pope has ever had for us?

This thread, as I recall is about an 'Improved' player isn't it? Are you saying that Pope hasn't improved dramatically over the last twelve months?

Heaton was the best goalkeeper we've ever had, and would have been a certainty for England No 1 had he not got hurt. So to say Pope is now on a par with how Heaton was, is a very big compliment, and to say he could be even better (As I suggested.) shows how much I now think of him.

So why did you feel the need to make sarky comments in your first post? Notice that I haven't responded in a similar vein.

Buxtonclaret · Post by **Buxtonclaret** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:13 am

Westwood.
Closely followed by Charlie & Mr Wood.

Super Teds · Post by **Super Teds** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:21 am

McNeil for me. Excellent with the ball at his feet, great close control, better decision making, can get that half a yard for a cross and can glide past players. He's composed and certainly improved his understanding of 'game management'. Loved seeing him in a freer role on occasion hopefully we'll see more of that next season. Oh and much improved fitness. He's come a long way and I think will go a lot further. Genuinely exciting player.

whiffa · Post by **whiffa** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:56 am

For me, honourable mention for Brownhill - stepped straight in when we needed him and didn't look out of place.
I personally think Westwood was better for us last season than this, totally agree with Charlie Taylor though.

taio · Post by **taio** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:03 am

For a 20 year old to follow up on an excellent previous season and play about 40 games this season is great to see. So for me McNeil.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:22 am

Gordaleman wrote: ↑
Sat Aug 01, 2020 8:37 am
This thread, as I recall is about an 'Improved' player isn't it? Are you saying that Pope hasn't improved dramatically over the last twelve months?

Heaton was the best goalkeeper we've ever had, and would have been a certainty for England No 1 had he not got hurt. So to say Pope is now on a par with how Heaton was, is a very big compliment, and to say he could be even better (As I suggested.) shows how much I now think of him.

So why did you feel the need to make sarky comments in your first post? Notice that I haven't responded in a similar vein.

Ok I will put it down to your love of Heaton more than thinking Pope was rubbish when he first came in.

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:26 am

Pope, McNeil, Taylor have all improved in different ways and being recognised by the outside world. For me though Tarkowski has jumped another level. He is the Van Dyke of our team and has kept a lot of real class strikers quiet this season. One of the key reasons for 15 clean sheets