Connor Roberts

[ksrclaret]

I finally snapped on Roberts last night. I feel I've been patient with him in his career with us so far despite not seeing much of promise, but at some point he's got to show something and he's simply not doing.

He spent the entirety of last night gifting misplaced passes to WBA, and then was at fault for their equaliser. As others have mentioned, we've got Lowton, Egan-Riley, and potentially now Beyer who could and should now be taking that role off him.

[Conroysleftfoot]

I finally snapped on Roberts last night. I feel I've been patient with him in his career with us so far despite not seeing much of promise, but at some point he's got to show something and he's simply not doing.

He spent the entirety of last night gifting misplaced passes to WBA, and then was at fault for their equaliser. As others have mentioned, we've got Lowton, Egan-Riley, and potentially now Beyer who could and should now be taking that role off him.

I had always been impressed with Roberts when seeing him play for both Swansea and Wales. I was delighted when we signed him but have only seen glimpses of what I thought he would offer us. In his defence I think he has normally played as a wingback so may be struggling in a full back role.
Good call about Beyer, he has played full back and would offer more with his height when we are defending set pieces.

[Conroy92]

I finally snapped on Roberts last night. I feel I've been patient with him in his career with us so far despite not seeing much of promise, but at some point he's got to show something and he's simply not doing.

He spent the entirety of last night gifting misplaced passes to WBA, and then was at fault for their equaliser. As others have mentioned, we've got Lowton, Egan-Riley, and potentially now Beyer who could and should now be taking that role off him.

Think this is spot on.

[ClaretPete001]

if I'm understanding it correctly, If you look at the graphic on page 2 of the Connor Roberts thread, which purports to show I was wrong - you can clearly see JBG is playing in pretty in the same space as Roberts (7 and 14 on the top graphic) and, as I said on Millwall match ratings, both were ineffective against Millwall's isolated left back (22 on the bottom image).

Vitinho was left exposed on the left and struggled in the first half until Benson came on. After that both he and Tella played further forward and drifted inside.

Once Benson came on - one on one against their left back, he tore him apart and we won the game.

Steve Bruce obviously did his homework

Last night, Vitinho drifted inside as he likes to do and Roberts was exposed. On our left side West Brom doubled up on Maatsen, which is why he struggled.

Against Millwall, Jay Rod played forward of Tella but last evening I would suspect Tella was even more forward than Jay Rod, which didn't help Maasten much at all.

If anyone can find any positional images for the West Brom game to prove I am wrong - it would be very useful.

As I've said from the Huddersfield game VK keeps playing a right sided midfielder, which is affecting the rhythm and fluency of the 4-2-2-2 that is not to say Roberts is playing badly and the team clearly isn't but it may have an impact against better teams.

[Duffer_]

Was good tonight.

[CryerBFC]

His best performance so far this season!

[RVclaret]

Tonight he had more freedom to get down the right and attack. Thought he played well and unlucky with the header.

[warksclaret]

Have a few on here really dislike him, but in the first half our best defender, and a good game overall

[Belgianclaret]

Good first half, faded in second

[AlargeClaret]

All p1ss and wind imo

[JohnDearyMe]

Better tonight. Would like to see him be a bit more adventurous in the final third but very solid defensively

[jedi_master]

Thought he was outstanding first half. One of his better games tonight for sure.

[BabylonClaret]

Played really well for the first 50 or 60 mins but then faded a bit (but not alone there).

I've been critical but if he plays more like that he will win critics over

[Steve1956]

MOM tonight should get a few on here off his back for a tad.

[KRBFC]

Aye MOM tonight, been good this season generally, wasn't convinced by him last season though. Fans just love a scapegoat, whining at Roberts without realising it's the role he's been asked to play.

[welsbyswife]

Played really well for the first 50 or 60 mins but then faded a bit (but not alone there).

I've been critical but if he plays more like that he will win critics over

The same could be said for most of the side to be honest. Cork looked shattered after 70 mins again.

[Tricky Trevor]

He’s a bit restricted with Benson playing chalk on heels. Can’t overlap and inside runs looked to congested. Got a lot further forward tonight and looked better for that.

[KlyBfc]

Another who thought he was really good for 50mins then like the rest of the team seemed to go flat, slower and more predictable… as I say not on his own.

[Tricky Trevor]

Biggest disappointment for me regarding Roberts is we supposedly signed this phenomenal attacking FB and it just isn’t happening. I know he is settling in to this new system and none of us know what instructions he is playing under but Maatsen is flying forward at most opportunities and Roberts is holding. I was most frustrated yesterday on 2 or 3 occasions he had 30yds of empty pitch in front of him with Benson out wide and the LB isolated. If he carried the ball the LB is in a quandary. Stick or twist, either way with players at this level it should be to our advantage. LB sticks on Benson and Roberts has more yds to gain, LB comes to Roberts he slides Benson in down an empty line. This isn’t rocket science just basic football.
He was a totally different player when JBG came on and much better for it.

[Lancasterclaret]

Biggest disappointment for me regarding Roberts is we supposedly signed this phenomenal attacking FB and it just isn’t happening. I know he is settling in to this new system and none of us know what instructions he is playing under but Maatsen is flying forward at most opportunities and Roberts is holding. I was most frustrated yesterday on 2 or 3 occasions he had 30yds of empty pitch in front of him with Benson out wide and the LB isolated. If he carried the ball the LB is in a quandary. Stick or twist, either way with players at this level it should be to our advantage. LB sticks on Benson and Roberts has more yds to gain, LB comes to Roberts he slides Benson in down an empty line. This isn’t rocket science just basic football.
He was a totally different player when JBG came on and much better for it.

The groans that he was getting for refusing to run into blind alleys, or try to force a pass through when it wasn't on was ridiculous

Yes, he could pass the ball quicker, and yes, he probably could move a bit further forward, but also he has to be mindful of having a pass on in case he gets closed down

I had Waldorf and Statler behind me about the team first half and Roberts in particular and it wasn't half irritating

[dougcollins]

[quote=Lancasterclaret post_id=1915496 time=1663520155 user_id=602

I had Waldorf and Statler behind me about the team first half and Roberts in particular and it wasn't half irritating
[/quote]

You can’t have, they sit behind me.

[Lancasterclaret]

[quote=Lancasterclaret post_id=1915496 time=1663520155 user_id=602

I had Waldorf and Statler behind me about the team first half and Roberts in particular and it wasn't half irritating

You can’t have, they sit behind me.
[/quote]

There are rather a lot of them about

[Taffy on the wing]

I'd like to see him on the bench......give Egan-Riley a chance.
He just slows everything down, looks at his options then passes it sideways or slightly backwards......any attacking momentum is gone.... Time after time.
Whenever he does try a forward pass or a cross it's usually straight at or to an opposing player.
I only see games on TV, so maybe i'm missing something....but he frustrates me!

[Nori1958]

I'd like to see him on the bench......give Egan-Riley a chance.
He just slows everything down, looks at his options then passes it sideways or slightly backwards......any attacking momentum is gone.... Time after time.
Whenever he does try a forward pass or a cross it's usually straight at or to an opposing player.
I only see games on TV, so maybe i'm missing something....but he frustrates me!

So how often have you seen Egan-Riley play on the TV?

[Tricky Trevor]

The groans that he was getting for refusing to run into blind alleys, or try to force a pass through when it wasn't on was ridiculous

Yes, he could pass the ball quicker, and yes, he probably could move a bit further forward, but also he has to be mindful of having a pass on in case he gets closed down

I had Waldorf and Statler behind me about the team first half and Roberts in particular and it wasn't half irritating

I can only guess he is playing to orders. VK has only complimented him and said he is learning a new role. It just seems a waste for me after watching him play for Wales, where he normally looks very good.

[Vegas Claret]

looks seriously ****** off to me, clearly not part of the team

[dougcollins]

He probably doesn’t pass sideways/backwards any more than Cullen.

[k90bfc]

I really do believe Matt Lowton,deserves his place back,more assured and confident,with his overall play,and experience.

[CoolClaret]

He probably doesn’t pass sideways/backwards any more than Cullen.

Ive picked up on that too. Plays way too safe & methodical.

Epitomises all the negative stereotypes of a PL academy product.

[RVclaret]

Lowton got that ‘getting better every game he’s left out’ vibe on here hasn’t he? Was only dropped by Dyche and Jackson (particularly the latter as he favoured a more attacking brand of football) and Roberts once again chosen over him under the new manager. For what it’s worth, Roberts has been absolutely fine, very good in some games, average in others, but he’s younger, more athletic and is learning a new (and quite complex) role. Oh and we’ve lost 1 in 10 and are 4th in the league with him starting.

[Dingo]

I can’t see VK consistently playing Roberts were he not following his instructions, and I expect if VK thought Lowton or Egan-Riley would be better in the role then he’d play them. How can we as fans presume to know better? When Roberts plays slightly differently behind Benson or JBG or Vitinho than I expect that is based on patterns of play developed by VK and the coaching staff, rather than a decision of Roberts to get forward more e.g. Benson needs space down the flank to run into whereas JBG needs a runner to create space to cross. Roberts has done well this season, long may it continue.

[IanMcL]

Personally don't see any attitude issues with Roberts, all seems invented to me and picking up on select details to fit a narrative.

In terms of his role in the team it seems pretty clear to me that Roberts is being asked to move into the right side of central midfield when we're attacking to allow Brownhill to really bomb on. Unlike at Anderlecht, Cullen is often dropping into more of a left back position (whereas at Anderlecht he dropped into right back) during buildup. Roberts is playing the kind of wing back role that Pep has championed, I think he's doing what has been asked of him - he isn't regularly allowed to do what Maatsen/Vitinho have been doing at left back as it would leave a massive hole down the right side of the pitch.

Kompany hasn't just transplanted his Anderlecht system into Burnley, he's adapted it to fit the players he has at his disposal which is a good thing.

You have it. Apart from the odd dart forward straight into the pen area, he is the 3rd centre back- like Walker for Man City and England.

This negates his usual wingback play. I also see we have stopped using his long throw too. I don't think he likes the role as much as his usual one. I would also prefer Lowton doing that role. Not likely to happen.

[boatshed bill]

Crikey.
it's just as well we are in the play-off positions.
if we were bottom half right now the armchair tacticians would be having a field day.
do some people struggle to enjoy almost everything?

[RVclaret]

I can’t see VK consistently playing Roberts were he not following his instructions, and I expect if VK thought Lowton or Egan-Riley would be better in the role then he’d play them. How can we as fans presume to know better? When Roberts plays slightly differently behind Benson or JBG or Vitinho than I expect that is based on patterns of play developed by VK and the coaching staff, rather than a decision of Roberts to get forward more e.g. Benson needs space down the flank to run into whereas JBG needs a runner to create space to cross. Roberts has done well this season, long may it continue.

Someone with good football knowledge on here, rarity but nice to see.

[Devils_Advocate]

Not read the thread so apologies if this has been covered but Roberts role in this set up is akin to Hendrick's role in the season we came 7th in terms of they both add a lot more to the team in their positional play and movement than their role on paper indicates.

Roberts jumps from 3rd centre half to full back, to wing back to an inside right midfield position and along with Cullen that movement and football brain of where to move and when is a cornerstone to how the rest of the team ticks and functions.

In the season we came 7th Hendrick's played a role that almost sacrificed himself for the good of the team and in Kompany's set up IMO both Roberts and Cullen both play that vital role.

I am and have always been a big Lowton fan but no way could he cover all the different positions that Roberts does so effortlessly. Every good team has a fall guy who makes the rest look good and Roberts is that player and I reckon some of you will only realise exactly what he offers to the team when he isnt around and we are the worse for it

[TheFamilyCat]

Crikey.
it's just as well we are in the play-off positions.
if we were bottom half right now the armchair tacticians would be having a field day.
do some people struggle to enjoy almost everything?

I think they do. One bloke sat in front of me yesterday, about 60 with a grandson, probably 12/13. Spent the game complaining about "always passing backwards". Then when we scored the second, he didn't even clap. He actually looked ****** off that we'd scored. I felt sorry for the poor lad who had to listen to it.

[RVclaret]

I think they do. One bloke sat in front of me yesterday, about 60 with a grandson, probably 12/13. Spent the game complaining about "always passing backwards". Then when we scored the second, he didn't even clap. He actually looked ****** off that we'd scored. I felt sorry for the poor lad who had to listen to it.

That’s just awful. Why bother attending.

[Taffy on the wing]

So how often have you seen Egan-Riley play on the TV?

I haven't!......but i don't like what i see with Roberts, Lowton seems to be "out" so he's the logical choice to try.....very highly rated too.

[TheFamilyCat]

That’s just awful. Why bother attending.

God only knows.

[KRBFC]

but Maatsen is flying forward at most opportunities and Roberts is holding.

That's what VK wants, Roberts holding narrow to allow Maatsen the freedom to stay wide and high. Seems illogical to blame Roberts for the role he's asked to play.

[KRBFC]

Ive picked up on that too. Plays way too safe & methodical.

Epitomises all the negative stereotypes of a PL academy product.

That's his role, sit narrow and retain the ball. He's not in the team to bomb forward, dribble past players and taking huge risks. Safety first role, risk free stuff.

[CoolClaret]

That's his role, sit narrow and retain the ball. He's not in the team to bomb forward, dribble past players and taking huge risks. Safety first role, risk free stuff.

Well that’s not entirely true, seen as he splits wide a lot and picks up spaces in the vacant full back position?

He played some good progressive passes earlier in the season but I just think he’s a little too safe.

Vinny said his philosophy is goals at every phase of the game - just think Cullen should not play as many unnecessary passes that go nowhere.

I personally believe we’d be better with Brownhill in there and another striker up top but that’s just my opinion.

[KRBFC]

Well that’s not entirely true, seen as he splits wide a lot and picks up spaces in the vacant full back position?

He played some good progressive passes earlier in the season but I just think he’s a little too safe.

Vinny said his philosophy is goals at every phase of the game - just think Cullen should not play as many unnecessary passes that go nowhere.

I personally believe we’d be better with Brownhill in there and another striker up top but that’s just my opinion.

Cullen and Roberts are the glue in this team, you must not watch much if you want Brownhill to replace Cullen, Cullen spends most of the game at left back, keeping the ball moving safely.

[BFC123]

Cullen makes us tick, take him out of the team and we would be much poorer. Someone of his ability shouldn’t be playing in the Championship.

[Duffer_]

Cullen and Roberts are the glue in this team, you must not watch much if you want Brownhill to replace Cullen, Cullen spends most of the game at left back, keeping the ball moving safely.

I see that Cullen often drops into left back, Maatsen goes high and wide, meaning Tella plays more narrow. Contrast that with the right side where (mainly) Benson hugs the touchline. Is it unusual to be so lopsided? I can't really say I've ever noticed it with another side. Maybe Everton when Coleman was in his prime and everything went through him. Apologies if this has been done to death elsewhere but I haven't seen it.

[CoolClaret]

Cullen and Roberts are the glue in this team, you must not watch much if you want Brownhill to replace Cullen, Cullen spends most of the game at left back, keeping the ball moving safely.

Aye course they are.

If anyone’s the glue right now it’s the spine of THB/Cork/Jay.

I just personally think against teams that sit in that we’ve had difficult breaking down we should play with another striker and lose the extra holding midfielder.

I know we have a very intricate system/formation right now and I think against teams that like to have a go we’re looking good…. I also appreciate that Cullen has a unique role but I still think he plays overly safe, unneeded passes a lot of the time that doesn’t do anything to progress our play.

I just feel we’d have more cutting edge against defensive teams with an extra striker attacking the ball in the box

[CoolClaret]

I see that Cullen often drops into left back, Maatsen goes high and wide, meaning Tella plays more narrow. Contrast that with the right side where (mainly) Benson hugs the touchline. Is it unusual to be so lopsided? I can't really say I've ever noticed it with another side. Maybe Everton when Coleman was in his prime and everything went through him. Apologies if this has been done to death elsewhere but I haven't seen it.

Happens quite a lot in a lot of different teams in the modern game.

Heck even under ‘dinosaur’ (certainly not in my opinion) with Trippier he’d be given a license and we’d have midfielders coming over to cover the gap left from bombing forward

[Mattster]

You have it. Apart from the odd dart forward straight into the pen area, he is the 3rd centre back- like Walker for Man City and England.

This negates his usual wingback play. I also see we have stopped using his long throw too. I don't think he likes the role as much as his usual one. I would also prefer Lowton doing that role. Not likely to happen.

I do think Lowton may actually be better suited to the role as he's a better defender and has the better passing range IMO. The only reason I can think for him being frozen out is that doing the opposite would kill Roberts' value and there's not enough in it to justify doing that. Whereas Lowton will be on a big wage and has little to no resale value due to his age.

[IanMcL]

I do think Lowton may actually be better suited to the role as he's a better defender and has the better passing range IMO. The only reason I can think for him being frozen out is that doing the opposite would kill Roberts' value and there's not enough in it to justify doing that. Whereas Lowton will be on a big wage and has little to no resale value due to his age.

Whatever the reason, I think Roberts could move after the WC. Will it ve Lowton? Nah. Kompany doesn't work like that. More likely one of the other young players.
Lowton is really needed at the back.

[RVclaret]

Some of the underlying data for Roberts so far.

It's very interesting, as you can see, he's in the top percentile for most possession play, including forward passing / penetrative passing, while the direct attacking side of things is average/below average.

This is quite different to what Roberts used to be for Swansea playing in a right wing back role in a 3-4-3 system, where his attacking actions would shine (created the 2nd most chances in the entire league the season before we bought him).

This data really makes clear the specific role Kompany has asked Roberts to play, using his technical ability to retain the ball from deeper, but still have the athleticism to push past the winger / attacker when required (see Preston game and Jay's goal the other night), as his 'expected goals' is still higher than the average full back.

It's quite funny that one criticism of him has been sideways/backward passing, but this clearly shows he completes more forward passes than the majority of full backs in the league and has the highest forward pass completion in the league (vs other full backs).

Sure, there are things to work on / improve, it's a new role and some games, we might even benefit from Beyer playing there (I'm thinking particularly against Diaz vs them lot) for extra strength but IMO some of the criticism has been OTT.

For anyone interested here is the thread and account I sourced the graphic from, he is actually a Swansea fan so no doubt knows him well:

https://twitter.com/ForeseeaBall/status ... 6993851394