Josh Laurent

[DanH90]

Is he becoming one of our most important players? His aggression, ball carrying and presence in the midfield two has made a huge difference to our attacking output in the last two games. Having him in there, with Cullen, gives the rest of our front 4 and the fullbacks more licence to move forward, which is leading to more shots on goal and what looks like a more cohesive unit.

Absolute bargain at 750k! Well done SP for spotting this skill set in what looked like a journeyman Championship player!

[MDWat]

He does the niggly stuff exceptionally well. Bit limited with the ball, but you won’t get everything for £750,000. Great signing.

[bobinho]

Like Cullen, does the untidy stuff very tidily.

[Vegas Claret]

Not gonna lie, I was very underwhelmed by the signing - yet more evidence that I don't have a clue

[Bowclaret]

Logged in to comment on Josh. Been awesome for us. Very simple but it just works. Cracking player

[Newcastleclaret93]

I think hes the midfielder we have been missing for the last 10 years, we have been crying out for a physical midfielder for years.

If we get promoted, I think a real technical CM next to him (Cullen/brownhill) will give us a great foundation.

He’s our version of Lerma

[CoolClaret]

I think hes the midfielder we have been missing for the last 10 years, we have been crying out for a physical midfielder for years.

If we get promoted, I think a real technical CM next to him (Cullen/brownhill) will give us a great foundation.

He’s our version of Lerma

Totally agree.

We've needed a big, physical midfielder for years.

Sander kinda gave us that at times, but he didn't necessarily always play like a big-bodied player.

[KlyBfc]

Josh Laurent is a player who without always shining as the best player on the pitch or being faultless is one who seems to make us a better side just by him being out there.

Ive mentioned before i like / appreciate how his awareness is excellent ans hes holds the middle of the pitch well with a presence which allows others to do their jobs.

I like him and his infectious enthusiasm

[dougcollins]

I wasn't always sure what his role was but he's definitely settling into that.

Plays further forward than I imagined he would.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Glad we signed him as a squad player, but he has become a lot more than just that! So experienced, doesn't shirk tackles and just drives the team on. Really struggle to understand how Stoke allowed him to leave so cheaply.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Totally agree.

We've needed a big, physical midfielder for years.

Sander kinda gave us that at times, but he didn't necessarily always play like a big-bodied player.

Totally agree, if Sander had Laurents mentality he would be a top top cm.

Laurent uses his physical attributes really well and he just helps us dominate teams

[Devils_Advocate]

Laurent has turned out to be a brilliant signing but lets not kid ourselves that out of the four midfielders he is the least important of them all. Our best performances have been when Cullen, Brownhill and Hannibal have all started and for me thats what we need to prioritise. I think having Laurent in there with the other three has worked brilliant but if we need to make space for Sarmiento or Koleosho to start then Laurent is the player who should make way

That said as a starter or sub he's been great and to have four midfielders of the quality we do is what makes us such a strong team

[warksclaret]

We are better with him in the team

[SouthLondonexile]

BRILLIANT!

[Rowls]

We are better when Laurent plays.

[Darnhill Claret]

The last two games have seen us better balanced and looking supremely confident.
If results go for us until the end of January, I think that confidence will translate into goals. If that happens, I'm not sure we need any January signings, certainly no panic signings.
2 or 3 out would be good as we could do with creating space in the squad for next season's signings.

[mybloodisclaret]

The lineup for our last 2 games is our strongest starting 11 at present for how Parker wants us to play. Other than a few standard moaners, I think most would see that the last 2 games we have really been clicking.

Its looking good. Laurent is a big part of that.

[Colburn_Claret]

I've said for months he should be starting, we are a far better team with him on the pitch. It isn't what he does, but what he allows others, Brownhill in particular, to do. When midfielders can break out and join the attack, without fear of leaving holes in the middle of the park, we become a different beast.

[willsclarets]

The perfect replacement for Sander on a budget. Laurents technical ability means he's probably at his level but that's not a criticism, he's one hell of a player in the championship. And he seems like a top bloke, if you're a saddo like me and look at the training gallery, he's always at the centre of laughter. And he's a leader on the pitch, we certainly lacked a few of those last year for all the technical ability we had

[Cajun]

Knew nothing about him when we signed him. Have been very impressed with all aspects of his game and I think the whole team seems more balanced when he plays. I would be happy for us to put out the same starting XI every time as we have for the last two matches.

[Fretters]

Really struggle to understand how Stoke allowed him to leave so cheaply.

It has Arfield and Huddersfield vibes about it.

[BigGaz]

Laurent has turned out to be a brilliant signing but lets not kid ourselves that out of the four midfielders he is the least important of them all. Our best performances have been when Cullen, Brownhill and Hannibal have all started and for me thats what we need to prioritise. I think having Laurent in there with the other three has worked brilliant but if we need to make space for Sarmiento or Koleosho to start then Laurent is the player who should make way

That said as a starter or sub he's been great and to have four midfielders of the quality we do is what makes us such a strong team

I'd say this is fairly accurate shout. I'd imagine if we get the targets we are in for in January and our sick notes come back into contention then he will probably become the 'tool' he was probably supposed to be, when we need to change systems mid game, or backup. He is a good player though and the three Joshes seem to be settling into a system that is bringing out the best of them lately.

[k90bfc]

He is our new John Deary,only us older fans will know what I mean,he is playing superbly,UTC.

[IanMcL]

Really struggle to understand how Stoke allowed him to leave so cheaply.

He is one of those work horses. Unglamorous and clubs think they can do better- add a more showy player.

Then they discovered that Unglamorous player was a major cog in the team entity.

[ecc]

I must admit to knowing nothing about him before we signed him.

Difficult to understand why some Stoke fans disliked him. To they have better players than him?

Full of energy, commitment and I think pretty good technically.

The fact SP expressly wanted him clearly boosted him.

[Commy]

Watching Stoke last night, I can't understand why the Stoke fans were prepared to drive him to Burnley. He was obviously the chosen scapegoat for some reason.

[Murger]

A very underwhelming signing at the time, but what an important player he’s turning out to be.

[wilks_bfc]

He is one of those work horses. Unglamorous and clubs think they can do better- add a more showy player.

Then they discovered that Unglamorous player was a major cog in the team entity.

File in the same folder as Huddersfield and Arfield

[Firthy]

He's the current equivalent of Marney and Barton. Tough no nonsense midfielder which we lacked last season.

[BurnleyFC]

There’s been a couple of surprising success stories this season. Josh Laurent has been one of them.

He’s proving to be an excellent buy.

[mybloodisclaret]

I must admit to knowing nothing about him before we signed him.

Difficult to understand why some Stoke fans disliked him. To they have better players than him?

Full of energy, commitment and I think pretty good technically.

The fact SP expressly wanted him clearly boosted him.

Yeah Stoke are absolutely flying since he came to Burnley.
This will be like the Brownhill moment when he leaves at the end of the season (possibly CR) too. They don't seem to be contributing sometimes, but they are absolutely crucial to the way we play, and are now showing their value. Both Connor and JB on absolute fire at the moment as are all the team tbf.

[Stockbrokerbelt]

He is our new John Deary,only us older fans will know what I mean,he is playing superbly,UTC.

There will never be another John Deary, Shrewsbury away in the cup!!!!!!!!!

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

He is our new John Deary,only us older fans will know what I mean,he is playing superbly,UTC.

Was about to make the same comment tilli saw yours!

Too early to say if we have finally found our replacement for John Deary though. It doesn't happen that easy !

[CrosspoolClarets]

The best thing about Laurent is that this is the highlight of his career, it won’t get better than this (bar maybe some sub appearances in the EPL with us hopefully), and he is playing like he is aware of it and intends to make the most of it. 100% every game.

[boyyanno]

I actually think people are underrating him on the ball.

I've been pleasantly surprised with his technical attributes.

[Taffy on the wing]

He's an absolute bargain & clearly loving his football & team-mates.
Brilliant signing!

[Tricky Trevor]

Definitely nailed down his starting roll now.
My question is what pronunciation are we going with. Comms on Thursday, not for the first time, had him as Loron. Unless he has a French background, and I can’t find it, he is surely Lorent?
It still ticks me off when comms call Tripps Trip-ee-ay. Especially as in Rossy we had a tory MP David Tripp-ee-er.

[hoosier-daddy]

Must be down to the psychological aspect. Not getting on with your manager, your players, lack of confidence etc. It can make a big difference.

[Quicknick]

Definitely nailed down his starting roll now.
My question is what pronunciation are we going with. Comms on Thursday, not for the first time, had him as Loron. Unless he has a French background, and I can’t find it, he is surely Lorent?
It still ticks me off when comms call Tripps Trip-ee-ay. Especially as in Rossy we had a tory MP David Tripp-ee-er.

Agree. It always irritates me when some people insist on pronouncing foreign names the way the country of origin do. They don't tell people they are going to Paree for a short break, though. They say Paris.

[morninbob]

He is our new John Deary,only us older fans will know what I mean,he is playing superbly,UTC.

Go and wash your mouth out ! You could put your mortgage on Deary scoring 1on1 with the keeper.

[Woodleyclaret]

Spot on with all the praise.A great addition to our new Championship team 2025

[Rileybobs]

Agree. It always irritates me when some people insist on pronouncing foreign names the way the country of origin do. They don't tell people they are going to Paree for a short break, though. They say Paris.

Surely you would pronounce a person’s name the way that they like it to be pronounced?

[hoosier-daddy]

Agree. It always irritates me when some people insist on pronouncing foreign names the way the country of origin do. They don't tell people they are going to Paree for a short break, though. They say Paris.

And don't get me started on Vereinigtes Königreich (Großbritannien und Nordirland

[kaptin1]

I actually think people are underrating him on the ball.

I've been pleasantly surprised with his technical attributes.

I agree. I thought he played two or three really good balls inside the full back to play Hannibal in at Sheff U.

[Quicknick]

And don't get me started on Vereinigtes Königreich (Großbritannien und Nordirland

That had me laughing out loud.

[JohnDearyMe]

He is our new John Deary,only us older fans will know what I mean,he is playing superbly,UTC.

He's doing well but let's not get too carried away.

[Dougall]

…because we all know that we never replaced John Deary!

[Goliath]

He was utterly dreadful tonight. Cannot believe he's starting when we have Brownhill and Shelvey on the bench. He's so poor technicallyn it's astonishing that he's anywhere near the starting 11.

[Rileybobs]

He’s had a couple of sub-par games, although was still more involved than Hannibal tonight. Brownhill will obviously come back in, and it will more than likely be for Laurent, but it’s a great situation to be in that we have a number of capable midfielders that we can rotate.

[Goliath]

He’s had a couple of sub-par games, although was still more involved than Hannibal tonight. Brownhill will obviously come back in, and it will more than likely be for Laurent, but it’s a great situation to be in that we have a number of capable midfielders that we can rotate.

He's been sub par since Blackburn at home on debut when I got slated for pointing out his lack of ability or desire to receive the ball to feet in congested areas.
Make a point to watch him for 90 minutes and you'll see it. He jogged around ducking away from receiving it today unless he was wide open with the touchline next to him. He's absolutely nowhere near top of the Championship level.