Dara O’Shea

[CoolClaret]

Terrible signing.

Poor athlete, not particularly strong in the tackle or an organiser, poor with the ball at his feet - looks every bit a mid table Championship defender.

Haven’t seen anything this season to suggest otherwise. A very strange signing and a bit of a travesty that he got gametime early season over Hjalmar Ekdal who hasn’t put a foot wrong when selected.

[gc14]

Ekdal suffered a bad injury at Forest and likely to be out for a while, with O'Shea it was interesting to see him partnered with Cork
at centre half at Salford and wondered if Cork's role was to talk him through it and coach him along ..

[ksrclaret]

I actually think he’s an organiser - he was still talking and pointing yesterday after the fourth went in. Fair play to him for that. He was captain of West Brom I think at an early age so that’s probably why.

I have to agree with your other comments though. He’d look competent enough as a reserve CB in a Dyche style low block I think, but my word he’s been exposed every time he’s played.

My one bit of encouragement with him is that he had a very decent game at Forest away in the cup.

[CoolClaret]

Ekdal suffered a bad injury at Forest and likely to be out for a while, with O'Shea it was interesting to see him partnered with Cork
at centre half at Salford and wondered if Cork's role was to talk him through it and coach him along ..

I mentioned early season as in the games prior to Ekdal getting injured.

[beddie]

Never rated him and to be honest was very surprised we signed him.

[CoolClaret]

I have to agree with your other comments though. He’d look competent enough as a reserve CB in a Dyche style low block I think, but my word he’s been exposed every time he’s played.

I’ve never seen one player in so little appearances (in the PL for us) always look to be completely out of position or yards off an attacker running back to goal and just looking miles off it.

West Brom are hardly missing his presence either. Poor, unnecessary signing.

[ElectroClaret]

... but my word he’s been exposed every time he’s played.

Have to agree with this.
Just hoping he improves as the season unfolds.

[123EasyasBFC]

I thought O’Shea played well against city and forest in the cup, but other than that shocking, needs Beyer next to him

[ClaretsPadiham]

Strange signing, not good enough.

[CoolClaret]

I thought O’Shea played well against city and forest in the cup, but other than that shocking, needs Beyer next to him

We were fair penned in against City and had three at the back that looked more like a five.

City barely got out of second gear as well like. He did ok against them but as soon as he’s had to defend a bit of space or make any defensive judgement and anticipate play he’s been all over the place

[JimmyRobbo]

Certainly not a poor athlete. A decent defender.

I see him as a 'tweener. A bit like a Ben Mee was when he first joined. I didn't see BM evolving into the player he did. I think DOS is more physical. We'll see what happens. Useful utility defender for me. I wouldn't start him ahead of JB, AAD, Lecroix or Ekdal.

No need for a pile on when we've just been defeated by an established Prem heavyweight constructed through £bn of investment.

[CoolClaret]

Certainly not a poor athlete. A decent defender.

I see him as a 'tweener. A bit like a Ben Mee was when he first joined. I didn't see BM evolving into the player he did. I think DOS is more physical. We'll see what happens. Useful utility defender for me. I wouldn't start him ahead of JB, AAD, Lecroix or Ekdal.

No need for a pile on when we've just been defeated by an established Prem heavyweight constructed through £bn of investment.

More physical than Ben Mee?
Give over, Mee got stuck in from minute one being on loan.

Yeah a poor athlete, one paced, not particularly strong nor that good in the air either.

[claretspice]

O'Shea looks to me the player struggling the most for confidence in making a big step up and finding himself in a defence conceding goals every week.

[Dingo]

He's only played 4 games for us? I don't understand how a player can be written off so quickly, or why anyone would want to to do that, especially when making a step up to a higher level.

[CoolClaret]

He's only played 4 games for us? I don't understand how a player can be written off so quickly, or why anyone would want to to do that, especially when making a step up to a higher level.

He’s played a season in the PL before for West Brom and has a fair few appearances under his belt where it’s hardly like he’s brand new on the scene.

Looks absolutely terrible.

Al-Dakhil has made a few mistakes but you can see that he’s got something and could blossom - big difference

[Big Vinny K]

Not seen enough of him. He struggled yesterday like the whole team did in the second half.
Al Dakhil seems to have more potential but his mistakes have directly cost us more goals this season than any other player.

Truth is defensively we have been nowhere near the level needed in this division so I don’t really see any point in picking out one player who has played far less than the others who have struggled.

Beyer was excellent against Luton after by his standards a poor start to the season so was a big miss for us yesterday.
Delcroix is one I’m struggling to get - he looks a long way out of his depth but like any signing new to this league and country he deserves more time yet.

[RVclaret]

One of the top defenders in the Champ last season. Just shows the size of the gap we are dealing with between the leagues.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

24yrs old
New to the club still
Only has 32 PL appearances
Plenty of time to improve
Wasn’t the only poor player in the 2nd half

If that doesn’t suit your agenda then I’m fine with that

[CoolClaret]

I personally think Delcroix was ok yesterday given the circumstances - baptism of fire thrown in at left back against Villa like .

Just seen some of the goals conceded when O’Shea is ‘involved’ and it looks torrid.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Beyer RCB & Delcroix LCB next game - though would prefer Ekdal & Beyer…

[JimmyRobbo]

More physical than Ben Mee?
Give over, Mee got stuck in from minute one being on loan.

Yeah a poor athlete, one paced, not particularly strong nor that good in the air either.

Ben Mee's physical height, strrength, speed, quickness and power are all notably inferior to DOS. Ben's strength is between his ears: judgement, reading and bravery.

I think you need to re-read what I said.

I repeat, DOS is, for me, a 'tweener. A decent utility defender. He might develop into more than that -VK thinks so and he knows more than you and I put together.

[CoolClaret]

Ben Mee's physical height, strrength, speed, quickness and power are all notably inferior to DOS. Ben's strength is between his ears: judgement, reading and bravery.

I think you need to re-read what I said.

I repeat, DOS is, for me, a 'tweener. A decent utility defender. He might develop into more than that -VK thinks so and he knows more than you and I put together.

Well then we disagree. Mee is stronger and far better in the air, I don’t think that’s disputable and I reckon at the same age would definitely be quicker in a foot race.

[JimmyRobbo]

Well then we disagree. Mee is stronger and far better in the air, I don’t think that’s disputable and I reckon at the same age would definitely be quicker in a foot race.

WTF are you on about? Who cares whether we agree. We have facts to prove you're wrong.

Ben is 5'11. He was sluggish. DOS is measured faster. He's measured taller. He's measured stronger. You know, physical things.

I've aready pointed out that he's not as good a player as Ben turned into. I implied he might improve. VK knows more than you and me.

Get your head out of your anus and stop piling in on a young player who has only just joined. Give him chance.

[CoolClaret]

Doesn’t matter what the height is in all honesty.

Ben Mee is absolutely stronger and better in the air than Dara O’Shea. Can’t believe that’s even a point of contention?

[123EasyasBFC]

We were fair penned in against City and had three at the back that looked more like a five.

City barely got out of second gear as well like. He did ok against them but as soon as he’s had to defend a bit of space or make any defensive judgement and anticipate play he’s been all over the place

I just think O’Shea and Beyer with roberts and Taylor is more solid then having al-dakhil in

[JimmyRobbo]

Doesn’t matter what the height is in all honesty.

Ben Mee is absolutely stronger and better in the air than Dara O’Shea. Can’t believe that’s even a point of contention?

Are you being ignorant on purpose?

I'm not arguing that. It requires intangibles that are not easily measured.

Ben Mee is 2 inches shorter. He is slower. He was slower at that age, too. BM turned into a fantastic player for us. He's a bona fide Prem player who is a fantastic leader, etc.

Have you played much football? It takes more than just physical aspects to make a player. I regularly marked "bigger" players because it takes more than just height. The thing is, you CAN'T COACH height. You can coach other routines.

Give him chance instead of just piling on when he plays badly as one of an entire squad. I still see him as a utility defender from off the bench.

[CoolClaret]

Are you being ignorant on purpose?

I'm not arguing that. It requires intangibles that are not easily measured.

Ben Mee is 2 inches shorter. He is slower. He was slower at that age, too. BM turned into a fantastic player for us. He's a bona fide Prem player who is a fantastic leader, etc.

Have you played much football? It takes more than just physical aspects to make a player. I regularly marked "bigger" players because it takes more than just height. The thing is, you CAN'T COACH height. You can coach other routines.

Give him chance instead of just piling on when he plays badly as one of an entire squad. I still see him as a utility defender from off the bench.

No I’m not, at all.

Of course it takes more than that - I just can’t see anything that warrants 7mill for a ‘utility defender’ that looks very championship.

May as well have kept Bobby Thomas for a 5th CB - younger and just as (if not more) versatile.

[123EasyasBFC]

I’m 100% certain that if O’Shea is defending the sterling cross for the first goal, it doesn’t end up an own goal, al-dakhil just let it hit him

[Newcastleclaret93]

He’s played a season in the PL before for West Brom and has a fair few appearances under his belt where it’s hardly like he’s brand new on the scene.

Looks absolutely terrible.

Al-Dakhil has made a few mistakes but you can see that he’s got something and could blossom - big difference

I do agree Al Dakhil has a higher end point, but dear lord he is a liability in our defence. He is so Green i actually think it’s unfair to have him starting in the premier league.

For me he’s been our worst defender this season.

[123EasyasBFC]

I do agree Al Dakhil has a higher end point, but dear lord he is a liability in our defence. He is so Green i actually think it’s unfair to have him starting in the premier league.

For me he’s been our worst defender this season.

Al-dakhil should of been taken out the team after the Villa game, we decided to play Beyer at left back instead of having him cb with O’Shea against spurs

[Newcastleclaret93]

Al-dakhil should of been taken out the team after the Villa game, we decided to play Beyer at left back instead of having him cb with O’Shea against spurs

I agree, he should have been taken out then.

Looks a season or two too early for him.

[123EasyasBFC]

I agree, he should have been taken out then.

Looks a season or two too early for him.

I don’t think his pace is that important that he warrants playing every week, which is what it seems like

[CoolClaret]

Al-dakhil should of been taken out the team after the Villa game, we decided to play Beyer at left back instead of having him cb with O’Shea against spurs

Roberts went to LB against Spurs.

Ekdal should have been given the nod to start the season over O’Shea. I think that’s fair.

[123EasyasBFC]

Roberts went to LB against Spurs.

Ekdal should have been given the nod to start the season over O’Shea. I think that’s fair.

In the second half he did

[Big Vinny K]

Can’t believe that’s even a point of contention?

Are you just cutting and pasting from the Trafford thread.
You are struggling with this different opinions concept aren’t you ?

It’s the international break now - why don’t you have a bit of a holiday from tearing into the team.

[CoolClaret]

Are you just cutting and pasting from the Trafford thread.
You are struggling with this different opinions concept aren’t you ?

It’s the international break now - why don’t you have a bit of a holiday from tearing into the team.

Not all big Vincent. Just genuinely surprised if someone would believe that.

I might do - just a bit naffed off after seeing 16 goals go passed us at home in 5 games and the team rolling over. Expected more given the money spent.

[KlyBfc]

OShea = Kevin Long

[Vegas Claret]

People genuinely arguing that one of the best ever CB's doesn't know what to look for in a CB and his signing of O'Shea is awful is peak UTC.

[CoolClaret]

People genuinely arguing that one of the best ever CB's doesn't know what to look for in a CB and his signing of O'Shea is awful is peak UTC.

Not really an argument that is it?

Dyche was a champ at best centre half but he can certainly pick them.

Mourinho and Wenger barely kicked a ball at professional level but who’s arguing their ability to scout/pick/manage a team over the years?

[Boss Hogg]

Not a signing we needed a bit like most of them in the last window. We didn’t strengthen the areas we clearly needed to strengthen and now we are paying the price.

[Newcastleclaret93]

People genuinely arguing that one of the best ever CB's doesn't know what to look for in a CB and his signing of O'Shea is awful is peak UTC.

Given his current record not sure he even knows what a CB is.

[Vegas Claret]

Not really an argument that is it?

Dyche was a champ at best centre half but he can certainly pick them.

Mourinho and Wenger barely kicked a ball at professional level but who’s arguing their ability to scout/pick/manage a team over the years?

For anyone to suggest that O'Shea is awful shows a complete lack of knowledge about football. Interestingly it's the same people as usual complaining

[CoolClaret]

For anyone to suggest that O'Shea is awful shows a complete lack of knowledge about football. Interestingly it's the same people as usual complaining

Only one way we’re heading if he’s in the side for a prolonged period.

You can’t say you’ve been impressed? Hardly tore up the Championship either.

[Vegas Claret]

Only one way we’re heading if he’s in the side for a prolonged period.

You can’t say you’ve been impressed? Hardly tore up the Championship either.

Me being impressed or not doesn't really matter, for the record I'm not but that could be said about 80% of the summer signings which is about the same as I felt last season at this stage. Someone who has played the number of games O'Shea has in the top 2 divisions shouldn't be described as awful by people who at very best have played Sunday League, it's truly laughable.

I get it's a forum for discussion and debate, zero problem with anyone saying he's not looking like the level we require at this moment and he might never be, but he's far from awful.

[CoolClaret]

Me being impressed or not doesn't really matter, for the record I'm not but that could be said about 80% of the summer signings which is about the same as I felt last season at this stage. Someone who has played the number of games O'Shea has in the top 2 divisions shouldn't be described as awful by people who at very best have played Sunday League, it's truly laughable.

I get it's a forum for discussion and debate, zero problem with anyone saying he's not looking like the level we require at this moment and he might never be, but he's far from awful.

Fair enough, I think he’s miles off it like. Never been impressed when watching him for Ireland or when we’ve played against him either. Just don’t understand it.

[Vegas Claret]

Fair enough, I think he’s miles off it like. Never been impressed when watching him for Ireland or when we’ve played against him either. Just don’t understand it.

just remember how utterly abject Foster looked in the Championship, a level below this one in name only - the gap is massive, yet he looks made for this level now. There is nothing to gain from knee jerk reactions after a very predictable home defeat against Chelsea though, if you had watched them in midweek at Fulham you would have known it would likely be a hard day for us. First 45 we were decent, second half was for some reason an absolute **** show. This is seemingly very much a long term thing, it was never ever going to be plain sailing for us in the PL.

[CoolClaret]

just remember how utterly abject Foster looked in the Championship, a level below this one in name only - the gap is massive, yet he looks made for this level now. There is nothing to gain from knee jerk reactions after a very predictable home defeat against Chelsea though, if you had watched them in midweek at Fulham you would have known it would likely be a hard day for us. First 45 we were decent, second half was for some reason an absolute **** show. This is seemingly very much a long term thing, it was never ever going to be plain sailing for us in the PL.

I actually thought Foster showed signs of being very good in all honesty.

It’s also different leading the line as a loan striker (especially playing teams that predominantly played a low block) as a young lad in a new Country and a new League.

I do expect more from a 7 million pound signing of a 24 yr old that’s played 100 games at a Prem/Champ level

[Middle-agedClaret]

I think the problem was that Vincent thought he was signing Dara O’ Briain …














Apologies to anyone offended by this cheap attempt at humour.
My own view is that Dara O’Shea is one of a number of players suffering from our collective lack of cohesion, consistency and confidence. I think he can, and will, improve greatly.
UTC

[Vegas Claret]

I actually thought Foster showed signs of being very good in all honesty.

It’s also different leading the line as a loan striker (especially playing teams that predominantly played a low block) as a young lad in a new Country and a new League.

I do expect more from a 7 million pound signing of a 24 yr old that’s played 100 games at a Prem/Champ level

the problem any player has (especially in our team atm) is getting a run of games which you need to become consistent. We are making it hard for them in all honesty. We need a settled team as quickly as possible to cement those relationships and patterns of play. As a random example Roberts and Benson had a great relationship last season but that only came after pushing through the run of games when they didn't.

[123EasyasBFC]

the problem any player has (especially in our team atm) is getting a run of games which you need to become consistent. We are making it hard for them in all honesty. We need a settled team as quickly as possible to cement those relationships and patterns of play. As a random example Roberts and Benson had a great relationship last season but that only came after pushing through the run of games when they didn't.

Correct regarding run of games, if I saw a team with muric, Ekdal, Beyer, cork, Cullen, Berge and foster with whoever else around it I’d feel more confident

[SalisburyClaret]

O’Shea clearly isn’t up to the standard needed as yet. I thought McNally looked a far better prospect