Football supporters by nature are masters of the snap judgment.
Things always seem to be cut and dry, black and white, yes or no.
Ask a question, get an answer.
But for me, this season, following a Wolves side that have constantly flitted between the sublime and the ridiculous, it’s practically impossible to say anything for definite.
Nobody can.
And this issue has been further highlighted by a handful of individuals, who despite being emphatically written-off by the majority as ‘not good enough’, have stepped up their game and shown that it is possible for a player to improve and reach a higher level.
I present as evidence:
George Elokobi – Many felt Big George was too bulky (a fair criticism) to cope with the fleet-footed wingers of the Premier League. His positional sense was also lacking and the less said about his distribution the better.
But after a season of acclimatisation and a sustained run in the side, our flamboyant full-back is starting to deliver. In the home wins over Chelsea and Man Utd particularly, I felt we saw what George is capable of when he concentrates for the full 90 minutes. Consistency remains an issue, but that left-back slot no longer seems a significant area of weakness for us. Can he become the long-term answer?
Richard Stearman – If there’s one player I have to hold my hand up to and say ‘I got it wrong’, it would be Richard Stearman. I cursed his name last season for that ridiculous sending off against Wigan and after coming into the side this year, I remained convinced he wasn’t up to scratch. He made an embarrassing gaffe in the 3-1 defeat at White Hart Lane and a similar slip in concentration cost us a goal at home to Sunderland.
But credit to Stears, he’s making better decisions and has cut out the sloppy mistakes. He’s always had the tools to be a top player, but now he’s activated a larger percentage of his brain, he’s a significantly more reliable and subsequently better defender.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake – Watching our beloved number 9 misfire during his first Premier League season was enough to make any Wolves supporter sob into their scarf. With every missed opportunity, confidence diminished and eventually went completely down the plughole at home to Wigan when he somehow missed an open goal; skewing a miserable shot wide when it seemed impossible not to score. His overall play was even worse, constantly a yard off the pace and seemingly lacking the strength, pace or vision to do any damage in the Premier League.
What a difference a summer makes though. SEB scored twice in the first three games to match his tally for the entire of last season and has noticeably modified his game to suit the demands of the Premiership. He’s holding the ball up better, getting involved in the play and seems a yard quicker to every ball. He didn’t look fit to lace Kevin Doyle’s boots this time last year, but is now pushing the Irishman all the way for a starting role, despite the fact that Mick shelled out 7 million smackers for another forward in the summer. A vital late winner at home to Sunderland will live long in the memory and you just sense he’ll add a few more to his tally before the season’s out.
These three opinion-changing players aren’t the only ones to develop. I could just as easily have profiled Hennessy, Berra and Jarvis with substantial evidence to support each of their respective cases.
So I end by putting this question to you: Who is your most improved player of the season?
There are quite a few who have improved considerably, and you mentioed most of them but someone I would say is Nenad Milijas.
We all knew about his talent, his range of passing but it wasn’t quite working out. He’s gotten used to the country, and has been one of our layers of the year so far. He looks stronger and a whole lot fitter now!
Milijas is a great shout Louie.
He’s an exceptionally talented footballer, but last season went missing in tight games and struggled when he didn’t have time and space to play.
He seems tougher this time around and capable of delivering week in, week out.
I think a consistent midfield three of Henry, Milijas and O’Hara could be the key to survival.
Definitely Big George but I am in a meeting so can’t give a lengthy argument! Foley never convinced in midfield last season but he looks extremely capable there now. Liverpool away was a great example
Stearman, Thomas. I agree with you 100%. He’s been brilliant in many games this season.
I am more intetrested though in your “I could just as easily have profiled” trio. T
Oops. I’ve started so I’ll finish …
I am more intetrested though in your “I could just as easily have profiled” trio. Two of those three have gone sideways or backwards in my eyes – I’ll give you Hennessey.
Well, here’s my two cents on both.
Berra – Obscenely underrated player. Yes, he lacks pace and distribution is sometimes a problem. BUT, his positional play is exceptional, which is why his lack of pace is becoming less of an issue. Wins practically everything in the air and when we’re clinging on for dear life, it’s inevitably he who makes a vital contribution. Frequently causes problems in the opponent’s penalty area too from set pieces. Number one center back at the club (in my opinion).
Jarvis – Still has all the same tools as last season, but I just feel he’s using them more effectively. His crossing has improved, particularly when he comes back inside on his right-foot, as demonstrated against Spurs. He also has more belief and pretty much skins every full-back. Could become even better by learning to shoot.
Many thanks for that. Now, I had better back up my somewhat vacuous previous post with an opinion or two!
Berra – his lack of pace is crippling. I can’t overlook it. Early in the season he got bossed by Andy Carroll (didn’t win many headers that day!) and sent off v Fulham for two body-checks. Yes, has improved since, and sometimes puts in a good shift (sorry), but he’s still nowhere near the peerless Craddock performances of last season (or perhaps I’m being blinded somewhat by Craddock’s goals last year).
Jarvis. #Pauses to don flameproof jacket …# He’s fast and skillful. Very fast. Very skillful. So, what’s not to like? He can’t cross. He’s a winger and he can’t cross the ball. OK, that’s harsh. He does get a percentage of decent crosses in, but it’s a frustratingly small percentage. What you say about his coming inside onto his right foot I actually see as a weakness: defenders just show him the touchline, and they are prepared to take a punt on a left-foot cross not cutting the mustard. All too often, it does not. Yes, he’s had a good couple of performances very recently, but these have been exceptional. Normally I am left gnashing my teeth at how much he promises and how little he (literally) delivers.
Your points are impossible to argue with mate.
Berra’s pace (or lack of) is a problem. I just feel he’s making it a less of an issue as time goes on, hence the improvement.
Probably a bit harsh to judge him for being bossed by Carroll, because let’s face it, Carroll bosses everyone in the air. And like it or not, he’s a £35 million forward, so you’d expect him to cause us one or two problems. But he shackled Drogba, Rooney and Torres (at Anfield) with little fuss.
But I’ll give you the sending off at Fulham, it was stupid and completely unnecessary. That was a low point, but I feel he’s been on the up ever since (save Blackpool away, where he was monumentally poor).
I’d even go as far as to say if we hadn’t had Berra fit this season, we’d be cut adrift at the bottom. I honestly believe that. He’s been the one consistent in an up and down season defensively.
I’m the same as you with Jarvis. Flatters to deceive constantly but has delivered more telling crosses this season than last. Can he do even better? Definitely. But there’s been improvement from last year no doubt, so I think he’s heading in the right direction.
I’ll make another bold statement, every single team in the Premier League would take Jarvis in their squad.
One interesting statistic I heard the other day – Jarvis has delivered the most crosses out of everyone in the Premier League this year. Some quick research shows he has delivered the ball 265 times (up to 25th Feb) and has 8 assists, 6 in the league and 2 in the cup. Doesn’t look like a brilliant return.
All of these players have more assists than Jarvis in the league this year:
1. Nani – 15
2. Rooney – 11
3. Arshavin – 11
4. Baines – 10
5. Brunt – 10
6. Fabregas – 10
7. Crouch – 9
8. Drogba – 9
9. Etherington – 8
10. Adam – 7
11. Downing – 7
12. Chung-Yong – 7
13. Van Der Vaart – 7
14. Yound – 7
15. JARVIS – 6
I don’t have much on in the office today….
I am in a minority but I couldn’t disagree more about Jarvis. (sorry chaps)
Despite being right footed he has made playing down the left look easy – always the sign of a good player.
Moreover, he is playing in a 4-5-1 system which at worst, sees Doyle somewhere down the flank and NOBODY in the box to attack. (at our worst)
I like Putney Wolf’s stat. Compared to those sides who fill the box, or play with two up front, or break with electric pace, I think its a bloody good effort he has got 6 assists!!
Is it any wonder his crossing percentage is down?
Also, when we do have a man in the box he isn’t a Crouch or a ‘big man’, thus limiting the number of assists he can create through headers.
I just don’t get the ‘flatters to deceive’ bit.
Maybe I just forgive him a bit more easily when I see the positions he takes up, knowing that no other player on the pitch could get there to be in that position in the first place.
I remember in our CCC winning season when we played at home to Norwich….Bloke in front moaning ‘Jarvis couldn’t cross the Cannock Road.’
He went on to set up all 3 of SEBs goals!!
And as for not being equally strong on both feet…Has there been an England winger in the last 30 years equally good on both feet? If so, that troubled left winger slot would have been filled years ago!!
Agree with Thomas in that any Premier League club would have Jarvis in their squad.
Blimey, he’ll be overtaking Henry as my favourite player if I carry on!!
How much of the low return is due to our inability to get players into the box quickly enough to make the most of Jarvis’ wing play?
I think his crossing has improved greatly this season – I’ve been more disappointed with Doyles inability to get on the end of them!
Nice stats Putney but I think it’s got to be a bit more in-depth. I know this is a bit of a backwards way of looking at it but if you look at our goals scored v Jarvis assists, taking out his non appearances and goals scored, I think the % return per goal wouldn’t be bad. I’m putting my neck on the line here a bit cus I haven’t done the Maths! You would also need to comare the figures with the other guys in the stats!!
I say it’s a backwards way of lookin at it because arguably our goal scored record should be better based on his better delivery. My only slight criticism of Jarvo is his finishing which we have seen 3 or 4 scewed wide. He’s been highlighted as our key player for our opponents to watch almost every week so he gets so much attention.
Still, lets hope he is key in our survival whatever his contribution.
Have you seen Berra trying to run with the ball? Have you seen his right foot and what do you think of his general distribution with his left, not to mention he is slow as death? To say he is obscenely under rated is bordering on the ridiculous.
Do you really think Stearman and Elokobi are good enough?? We are second bottom for a reason and while you may want to blame ref’s, it is something to do with the players.
Danny, you’re right Berra is well below par with the ball at his feet and he is slow. Correct. I do not disagree with you. However, I’ve always believed a defender should be able to defend first and foremost and that’s what I judge him on. Excellent in the air, gets his tackles and blocks in and as stated above, often positions himself cleverly to see off danger.
Are Stearman and Elokobi good enough for what? To keep us in the Premiership you mean? Well, we’ll see over the next 9 games.
Danny, contrary to what you might believe, I don’t run around with my head in the clouds thinking all the players are wonderful and everything’s rosy. As you correctly point out, we are where we are for a reason. The manger’s made mistakes, the players have made sloppy errors and collectively we haven’t been good enough in games to get the points our overall play perhaps warranted.
But equally mate, not everything’s shit and it’s all very much to play for.
I don’t want to have to go to battle every single time I make a comment that’s even remotely positive.
I’m with you. Amazing really given our goal against record. But I think it would be much worse if it wasn’t for him. Ousting Hanneman from his position, some great saves, great distribution, commanding his area more than previously. The boy has become a man.
I went with Hennessy as my player of the season in a previous blog, which I admit, is a bit too far!! I suppose I meant most improved at the time without thinking too much about it.
Funny how we all watch the same games – but see different things!
Hennessy has improved, but I still do not have the confidence in him that I did in USA.
I also think Big G has improved – but question if he is good enough to be a first choice Prem left back? How many other Prem teams would swap their left back for him? (however I do love seeing him rough up Nani!)
It’s just the way we roll!!
I’d have to go with Stearman. My decision would probably be different if Sylvan had more playing time because he looks like he really cares this season.
Stearman was quality in the Championship but lacked concentration and made stupid mistakes last year and early this year. I think the extended run in the first team has done him wonders and he’s become a fantastic player. Our centre half partnership has been superb, both win headers, throw themselves in front of the ball and lead by example but Stears is capable of playing from the back too. It also looks like he might get an International call up from Ireland (I think when you play for wolves for a few years you become legible to play for them), which is great news for him.
Stephen Ward……………………………………………………………………………aaaaahahahahahahahaha I thought I’d bring a bit of humour to this blog :p
I am liking the fact that everyone is touting a variety of different players as the most improved at our beloved club. Does this mean that we are a better team than last year? I believe so. So why are we in the myre instead of safe? Bad mistakes at critical times in too many matches this season. But I think the lads seemed to have finally pulled it together and I still believe they’ve got enough to put in some solid performances and secure the necessary points to stay up so that we can see an even better team next year.
Keep improving young Wolves! Exciting times to be a Wolves fan IMO.
UTW
I can’t decide between both Stearman and Big George?
They have both improved vastly this season. I used to dread seeing them both in the starting line up in the Prem. Particularly Stearman.
Big George has definitely solved our left back slot to some extent. He may not be the most talented player in the Prem, but he has pace and bottle. He does frustrate at times though when he messes up a simple pass, which you’d get roasted for by your mates playing in the local park.
Stearman frustrates by making silly mistakes which result in goals conceded. But he seems to be making less of those these days.
We are a better team than last year, despite one or two who I won’t name as I will be lambasted for starting another tangential blog, but unfortuneately, the rest of the Prem has improved, especially in the bottom half, as well. That is why there is such a dog fight in the relegation battle, which actually gives me hope we can stay up.
I don’t think anyone has improved massively over last season, I think we have blended a lot better…………..when the right team has been on the park.
Players have all improved, but tactics and team selection havent, which has been our problem all season.
Nuff sed, bring on the Vile.
MMWGBTS
Clive, I think I’ve cracked your new sign off….It stands for:
Michael Mancienne wears girls’ bras to sleep.
Tell me I’m right?!
Very nearly……………you got the first letter of every word right!!!!!
MMWGBTS
Micky Mouse was giving blowies to Snoopy?
My Mate Wears Girl’s Bra’s To Sleep?
oh no! just saw ben’s earlier effort again, egg on my face!
how about:
Magic Merlin Wears Great Big Teal Socks?
I like this game. Can we make it a regular feature?
In seriousness, I think I know most of it, but one word I’m struggling with.
Is it:
Mick McCarthy Won’t Get Booted Tough Shit
It’s the ‘B’ I can’t get my head around.
Mark McGhee Wasn’t Good. Beseech thee, support!
Mick McCarthy’s Wardy Gets Booted, Tough Shit ?
Merlin Magician’s wand got broken this season
Most Moaners Want God But That’s Stupid
Make My Week, Get Balotelli (or indeed enter any player beginning with B – I thought of Bully first….) To Sign?
Stearman and Berra have improved greatly of late. They’ve been pretty solid and the fact i’ve had nothing to moan at them for shows that.
SEB has been a big improvement too. He hasn’t started many games this season, like Fletcher, but always seems capable of scoring again. And he’s scored some great goals: Newcastle, Sunderland, Blackpool. I’d love to see him given a starting place, but can’t see it happening any time soon
Interesting reserve line-up last night.
Mouyokolo, Fletcher, SEB, Craddock, Kightly, Hahnemann, Mancienne, Jones…And we still lost!!
Doesn’t bode too well, but glad to see Kites get another game under his belt.
Do they still do a league for reserve matches? If so we must be bottom.
Absolutely pathetic record.
Like you say though, great to see Kightly come through 82 minutes. I would love to see him on the bench this Saturday.
The team picks itself for me:
Hennessy
Foley
Berra
Stearman
Elokobi
Hammill
Henry
Milijas
O’Hara
Jarvis
Doyle
Potentially with a bench of:
Hahnemann
Craddock
Ward
Jones
Kightly
SEB
Fletcher
And that doesn’t include Hunt, Mouyokolo, Mancienne, Guedioura or Edwards.
Surely we haven’t had such a strong squad in the last 25+ years?
Good blog and you are right to praise these 3 players for fulfilling some of their potential.
Stearman for me was always going to be a player, he was already an England under 21 international and had a decent academy education at leicester when we signed him. Looks to have matured and is our quickest defender – and you need pace in the premiership, he will get better and has the advantage of being comfortable at right back if required.
George has achieved and improved moreb than any other player, he has not had the benefit of an academy education and to have developed into a capable left back who give us some presence in the opponents box at set pieces and corners is a real bonus. The only problem with George is if he gets suspended orinjured we don`t have any genuine decent alternatives, although there youngsters some way behind.
SEB – play him and he will score. In fact if we had signed a decent pacey centre half to play with Stearman then we could play 442 more often, and we are lucky to have SEB & Fletcher as goalscorers in the squad.
For me we are a better side than last year, I just hope the premier league has n`t moved at a quicker pace than us, we will know after 9 matches whether we undercooked it or not. However if we do get relegated our players are all worth more than at this time last year ( sorry Ward excluded). But well done to the 3 players in your blog.