Didn't have a good game against Wednesday.

Here's the analysis and stats to prove it...
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/burnl ... nghislips/

I think it's time for a change in midfield. Hannibal alongside Cullen, with Brownhill further forward.

Shouldn't be in our first XI.

...and the same source scored Pires higher than Esteve.

Not that I'm saying that Laurent's performance was exemplary, just be careful with some of these stats.

Is this the Laurent lots of posters were raving about a dozen games ago?

We’ve got a good selection of central midfielders for this level.

Picking the right set to suit the game is the challenge.

For anyone who understands what they are watching, those numbers shouldn't be a surprise. It's difficult to make a lot of passes when you're actively avoiding receiving the ball in tight areas.

If you watched Sheff U last night, Laurent is basically a poor mans Souza, who I was very impressed with. Seems a well liked lad though and gives 100%, so I do like him. With Humphreys (height and physicality) missing, its unlikely Laurent (same) is dropping out the 11 anytime soon. I’d have Hannibal and Brownhill in there alongside Cullen, though.

Souza is a 60 minute player isn’t he? Doesn’t have the legs to go 90.

Laurent has been a really good addition this year. He cost virtually nothing and and looks a great character.
He’s had some really good games but he’s dropped off for sure in the last 3 or 4 games. It’s why we have a squad and competition in the squad. All of the midfield have been rotated at some point this season and I’d agree it’s probably the right time to bench Lauren.
His athleticism and type of lad he is means he can be a big difference coming off the bench and he will give 100% if he starts or comes off the bench.

He’s pretty much avoided any injuries this year too. All in all one of the best value for money signings we have made in years.

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 10:22 am

Laurent has been a really good addition this year. He cost virtually nothing and and looks a great character.
He’s had some really good games but he’s dropped off for sure in the last 3 or 4 games. It’s why we have a squad and competition in the squad. All of the midfield have been rotated at some point this season and I’d agree it’s probably the right time to bench Lauren.
His athleticism and type of lad he is means he can be a big difference coming off the bench and he will give 100% if he starts or comes off the bench.

He’s pretty much avoided any injuries this year too. All in all one of the best value for money signings we have made in years.

I'd agree with this. Felt for a while that he's not quite good enough for a team that wants to be in the top 2. Only problem is who relaces him. I think we'd need to play differently with Shelvey in the team, and for me the way we play needs tweaking, and not big changes. Brownhill is the more obvious, but the it's who has the slightly more defensive role of Hannibal and Brownhill. Both are better in this team in the slightly more advanced role, though Brownhill was excellent under VK 2 years ago playing the role Laurent has done recently.

Laurent has been outstanding imo.
What we got, for what we paid is a steal, and as said above bargain of the season. He doesn't have the consistency of a top player, but certainly doesn't deserve some of the rhetoricon this thread.
As we go searching wins it probably is a good time to play Hannibal, Brownhill and Cullen, although I'd still prefer a midfield 4, but don't let the changes undermine what a good player he has been for us.

Latest whipping boy ,hasn’t particularly stood out but hasn’t let us down.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 10:20 am

If you watched Sheff U last night, Laurent is basically a poor mans Souza, who I was very impressed with. Seems a well liked lad though and gives 100%, so I do like him. With Humphreys (height and physicality) missing, its unlikely Laurent (same) is dropping out the 11 anytime soon. I’d have Hannibal and Brownhill in there alongside Cullen, though.

I don't think there's much to choose between Souza and Laurent. After the first 30 minutes, with the exception of the first 10 minutes or the second half I thought Leeds overwhelmed Sheffield United in midfield.

Laurent is a good player and he's been an excellent addition for what we paid for him. He didn't have a good game against Wednesday and he can be a bit clumsy in possession so there will be games that don't suit him given our style, but he's a valuable asset.

One thing I'd like him to develop and which I think is realistic, is to become a threat at set pieces or from crosses. He should be more of a goal threat with his head than he is.

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:05 am

Laurent has been outstanding imo.
What we got, for what we paid is a steal, and as said above bargain of the season. He doesn't have the consistency of a top player, but certainly doesn't deserve some of the rhetoricon this thread.
As we go searching wins it probably is a good time to play Hannibal, Brownhill and Cullen, although I'd still prefer a midfield 4, but don't let the changes undermine what a good player he has been for us.

Agree with this and also RV’s assessment that with Humphreys out, it’s unlikely he’ll be dropped.

If you just take his role for what it is - a big, physical presence alongside Cullen, defensively disciplined, a disruptor and ball carrier - he’s been outstanding. Also seems to be a really popular member of the squad and so brings all the unseen benefits of team spirit and togetherness.

If you look a bit further in to it, his passing and final ball are poor and he’s not really going to help us get the goals. Thats been pretty infuriating for me when we’ve needed to score.

I’d probably keep starting him for now with Browny to come on early doors as oppositions start to tire.

There are lies, damned lies and statistics.
I think you can make stats say what you want them to at times,especially in football.

Stonehouse wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:12 am

Latest whipping boy ,hasn’t particularly stood out but hasn’t let us down.

I don’t think you are right with either of those comments in all fairness.

He’s certainly not a whipping boy and is well liked by fans and it seems teammates alike.

I think you could argue he has let us down over recent games as he hasn’t played well. Not through lack of desire or effort but purely down to his quality/ability and his decision making. Whilst you have other talented players who play in that position sitting waiting for their chance you can’t continue to play someone who isn’t positively contributing to the team. Thinking this does not make him a whipping boy or scapegoat.

I just realised in all these deliberations I'd forgotten Shelvey, whose eye for a pass means he has to be part of the conundrum. We are blessed atm, finding our best combination isn't easy, and maybe rotation is the best answer.

I think Laurent has been a great addition to the squad. Personally don’t get the criticism of him or for Anthony for that matter. The latter of which was getting 5 ratings when he provided two assists. Laurent gives us a different option and some height. Might not be the right choice for every match though.

Having seen the name of the clown who has done the article I just closed.

If you have seen the ******** he spouts on twitter you will understand why. Someone who tries way too hard to be relevant

Great signing in terms of value for money, I think you struggle to find a better CM for the price we paid.

Parker needs to pick the right team for the right matches and he offers something different in terms of his physicality and height.

Laurent is key to our midfield - take him out and the physicality is all but gone. A real John Deary player - don't necessarily notice him week in week out, but take him out of the side and you soon realise he isn't there.

Hannibal, Cullen and Brownhill doesn't fill me with any confidence at all - lightweight. I'll use the Portsmouth game at home as a benchmark - where we were overrun in midfield with that 3 starting.

Nice problem to have trying to fit good players into the starting 11

Stonehouse wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:12 am

Latest whipping boy ,hasn’t particularly stood out but hasn’t let us down.

I hear you, and I agree - but only to a point. If we have aspirations of playing at a higher level, then our players must be capable of that, or at the least being the difference maker at this level. Sadly, Laurent doesn’t make that grade, but a very good squad player.

Hate the idea of us having a “whipping boy”, but we always seem to have one.

I think Brownhill will come back in, but think Laurent will be ahead of Hannibal. I don't mind either way.

Poulton-le-Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:27 pm

Great signing in terms of value for money, I think you struggle to find a better CM for the price we paid.

Easy, Jonjo Shelvey

Josh Laurent is 6ft 2
Brownhill and Hannibal are 5ft 10

We aren't the tallest side and I think Parker likes Laurent for his help at defensive set pieces

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 11:05 am

I'd still prefer a midfield 4

Do you mean like VK played at Anderlect?
4-2-2-2

I actually think we have the personnel

Luppy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:27 pm

Laurent is key to our midfield - take him out and the physicality is all but gone. A real John Deary player - don't necessarily notice him week in week out, but take him out of the side and you soon realise he isn't there.

Hannibal, Cullen and Brownhill doesn't fill me with any confidence at all - lightweight. I'll use the Portsmouth game at home as a benchmark - where we were overrun in midfield with that 3 starting.

Nice problem to have trying to fit good players into the starting 11

Portsmouth at home, the team had been together 1 month. It's 5 months later and whilst there's still a few issues with how we play, in general we've come on a lot.

We romped to the title 2 years ago with a midfield trio of Brownhill, Cullen and Gudmundsson playing the second half of the season. We really miss someone with the quality of JBG. Hannibal is closer to it than Laurent. Shelvey could be the best bet, but at the moment it doesn't look like he's been signed to start the majority of league games.

As for those making out Laurent is some kind of scapegoat, that's not the way I see it. He's been an excellent signing for what we paid, but we can only play 11 players and I think if Laurent should be one currently just missing out.

ChorltonCharlie wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 1:07 pm

Portsmouth at home, the team had been together 1 month. It's 5 months later and whilst there's still a few issues with how we play, in general we've come on a lot.

We romped to the title 2 years ago with a midfield trio of Brownhill, Cullen and Gudmundsson playing the second half of the season. We really miss someone with the quality of JBG. Hannibal is closer to it than Laurent. Shelvey could be the best bet, but at the moment it doesn't look like he's been signed to start the majority of league games.

As for those making out Laurent is some kind of scapegoat, that's not the way I see it. He's been an excellent signing for what we paid, but we can only play 11 players and I think if Laurent should be one currently just missing out.

I think romping to the title two seasons ago had more to do with Tella / Benson / Zaroury / Jay / Barnes than the midfield 3 in all fairness. We don't have the same threat up top now - though Edwards is a huge step in the right direction.

I'd just worry taking Laurent out. He gets through an awful lot more work than people give him credit for - I don't see Brownhill/Hannibal being as effective in that sense.

All about opinions though - UTC

I like Laurent starting to give us control of the midfield ,especially with Edwards playing who doesn't give us much cover in defence . If we're chasing the game after 60/65 minutes ( NOT 80 ) , then it's time to replace him .

Luppy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:27 pm

Laurent is key to our midfield - take him out and the physicality is all but gone. A real John Deary player - don't necessarily notice him week in week out, but take him out of the side and you soon realise he isn't there.

Hannibal, Cullen and Brownhill doesn't fill me with any confidence at all - lightweight. I'll use the Portsmouth game at home as a benchmark - where we were overrun in midfield with that 3 starting.

Nice problem to have trying to fit good players into the starting 11

Spot on. You haven’t actually played the game of football at some point by any chance have you?
I think the home game vs Hull could have been a different story had he not been in our midfield against those 2 massive lord of the rings b*****ds.

On the whole Laurent has had a good season and I think he plays well with Cullen.

I think Hannibal is better utilised in other roles than the double pivot. Not seen enough of Shelvey to see how he would fit in.

Everyone has bad games and Laurent is clearly a Championship player but we concede very few goals and often he is the one to run from deep breaking lines.

It's quite possible some other combination would work or that Laurent needs a rest but as others have said his physical presence and hard running allows Cullen to be the water carrier just sitting in and managing games.

Mildly surprised to see Josh Cullen described as "lightweight".

Swizzlestick wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 1:43 pm

Mildly surprised to see Josh Cullen described as "lightweight".

I think if you read the post correctly, I've not referred to him specifically as lightweight - I have suggested a midfield 3 of Cullen, Brownhill and Hannibal would be lightweight compared to a lot of opposition teams we have seen this season, and certainly compared to one not including Laurent. There's a big difference.

I don't think anyone slags off Laurent and he was a shrewd signing at that point in the season, but I do feel that we have better options now.
Laurent would be a good option off the bench to add some physicality if required.

He also seems to play with a smile on his face, which I like. I imagine him to be a decent bloke in the dressing room too.

But I think we need to step it up now, grab that 2nd place.
Just my opinion, obvs.

Step it up from 10 points in the last 12 with Laurent in the team? Scoring 8 goals in 4 games, and not conceding?

Where are they stepping it up to?

Laurent is your typical box to box midfielder who has the physicality to try and make up for the technical deficiencies. On some days, things will work for him, on other days they won't. He is what he is. But every team needs a workhorse like that in midfield more often than not throughout the season

Sometimes there is just no real need to make a post to criticise a player....

Laurent has been great this season

dandeclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 3:00 pm

Step it up from 10 points in the last 12 with Laurent in the team? Scoring 8 goals in 4 games, and not conceding?

Where are they stepping it up to?

Just another random day on UTC, that was my initial thought when I read opening poster. Anyway, it's provided them with some entertainment. Thought the OP had lost login details. Keep getting this feeling about having 2 different logins to UTC.

Roosterbooster wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:53 pm

Do you mean like VK played at Anderlect?
4-2-2-2

I actually think we have the personnel

I've said for a while I think we have the quality to play 3 at the back, certainly in the championship.

claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:05 pm

Having seen the name of the clown who has done the article I just closed.

If you have seen the ******** he spouts on twitter you will understand why. Someone who tries way too hard to be relevant

Pile on merchant - just like most of the overtly vocal fans

Laurent is our most physical and athletic midfielder.

Sheffield United found out to their cost last night what happens when you’ve no legs in the centre of the park.

I personally think that we've looked a better team this seaso when Laurent has been on the pitch than without him.

Claret Till I Die wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 5:06 pm

I personally think that we've looked a better team this seaso when Laurent has been on the pitch than without him.

It's a bit of a conundrum, because other than his physicality he does often look quite a limited player. But then we look better as a team when he's in it.

I'd forgotten, but I posted a long while ago, that it isn't just what Laurent brings, he brings the best out of thise around him..I still think in the search for wins we need more progressive midfielders, but it doesn't devalue what he's brought to the squad.

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 3:32 pm

I've said for a while I think we have the quality to play 3 at the back, certainly in the championship.

I think so too. And if we hadn't been on this defensive run, then I'd have expected to have seen it in the league by now

Roberts is so versatile in this league - either as an attacking RB, inverted FB or DM cover and pivot

I'm not sure who plays wide Left side - but given Anthony's work rate, I think he'd work well with Humphreys LCB

Obviously CJER and Esteve play

The other option is Worrall between Esteve and CJER, with Humphreys on the wide left, but I think that's a bit conservative

We then have a wealth of options ahead of them

We at least have some genuine options in midfield now if you throw in Shelvey and Bauress. With games coming up thick and fast its essential Parker is able to give our bench midfielders some good game time, particularly if we progress in the cup. I think for me Hannibal is close to a regular start for his energy, but probably change him at 70 mins (when he is already likely to be on a yellow).The 3 staters for me at present are Cullen, Hannibal and Brownhill, with Shelvey and Laurent as options from the bench. Everyone will have their own views of course, but I feel with Laurent he has looked a little clumsy of late and lacks the close control needed in tight areas

NL Claret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 3:24 pm

Just another random day on UTC, that was my initial thought when I read opening poster. Anyway, it's provided them with some entertainment. Thought the OP had lost login details. Keep getting this feeling about having 2 different logins to UTC.

Are you referring to me?

I decided long ago to stop posting any opinions on here. A small number on here are incapable of any discussion or difference of opinion.

warksclaret wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2025 5:44 pm

We at least have some genuine options in midfield now if you throw in Shelvey and Bauress. With games coming up thick and fast its essential Parker is able to give our bench midfielders some good game time, particularly if we progress in the cup. I think for me Hannibal is close to a regular start for his energy, but probably change him at 70 mins (when he is already likely to be on a yellow).The 3 staters for me at present are Cullen, Hannibal and Brownhill, with Shelvey and Laurent as options from the bench. Everyone will have their own views of course, but I feel with Laurent he has looked a little clumsy of late and lacks the close control needed in tight areas

On his day Laurent is a good midfielder, but when he's off it he still often plays 80+ minutes in a game, that's what I find frustrating some times.

I see no reason to undermine a player who has been playing well, for having a quiet match.

burnley007 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 26, 2025 2:05 pm

On his day Laurent is a good midfielder, but when he's off it he still often plays 80+ minutes in a game, that's what I find frustrating some times.

Change that to Anthony and 90+ minutes, still fits.