Kelly: I'm fit again

[keniget]

Longterm I think Wisdom has all the raw attributes of a big commanding centre back.

Apart from the fact that he's not that big! smiley face or whatever.

I like Wisdom but I don't see how he's going to establish himself as a CB at Liverpool. We've spent too much money in that area.

I thought Kelly was an obvious first-teamer when I used to watch him in the reserves. He didn't stand out that much but there were noticeable qualities that you knew would allow him to make the step up - pace, calmness on the ball, physical stature and good technique. And when he did make it into the first team not long after he got fairly unanimous praise. I don't quite know where he's at right now - perhaps it'll be another of those players that you chalk down to early potential cut down by one too many injuries. Much like with Wisdom, I don't see how he's going to get the playing time to establish himself at Liverpool now. He had a window of opportunity (unlike Wisdom) before we bought heavily and unfortunately got injured a lot.

 

[Mors]

I used to have great faith in Wisdom and Kelly maturing into CBs for us but Ilori has blown that out of the water. He's the new Lawro, a huge prospect with great skill, great temperament, and I can't see anyone stopping him from becoming a regular CB for years to come. It's one place up for grabs now IMHO.

I wonder whether if the boss would be tempted to play him in the FA cup? Or whether we're not going to see him for a couple of years.

 

[gkmacca]

There's no way he's going to have to wait that long. If Allen regains his form, and Ilori gets a chance, we'll have the start of a spine to the team composed of clever, technically sound passers of the ball.

 

[Nir.Barak]

There's no way he's going to have to wait that long. If Allen regains his form, and Ilori gets a chance, we'll have the start of a spine to the team composed of clever, technically sound passers of the ball.

You made me remember the days of Carra-Mascher-Alonso-Stevie-Torres spine. That was a quality spine, I miss it.

 

[mark1975]

that's low. if you're description of magic was right we would be having a the konchesky rb equivalent in our team for the last few years. you have a serious agenda against magic, which makes you come out with irrational statements.

It's not irrational though is it? He gives players too much space and fails to cut out crosses. He also has regular moments of indecision and lapses in concentration. He's not a fuckupathon like Konchesky was (now who's exaggerating?), but his attacking game is the main reason he is where he is. Let's not pretend it's because he's a great defender, because that's just bollocks.

Anyway, the irony alert is going ten to the dozen with that last comment about irrational statements.

 

[red_maradona]

It's not irrational though is it? He gives players too much space and fails to cut out crosses. He also has regular moments of indecision and lapses in concentration. He's not a fuckupathon like Konchesky was (now who's exaggerating?), but his attacking game is the main reason he is where he is. Let's not pretend it's because he's a great defender, because that's just bollocks.

Anyway, the irony alert is going ten to the dozen with that last comment about irrational statements.

we all ahve biases and the point is that its clear you have an agenda against magic. sure this season he has not been up to his high standards, but you seem to constantly criticise him and dont afford him the respect he deserves - last few years he has been one of the best right backs in the epl and a regualr for england (which is still a complement!). fair point, its your prerogative, but its ironic since you have a go at others for having agendas or constantly being negative on certain topics.

 

[StevieM]

It's not an agenda - Mark rightly points out the flaws in Johnston's game - flaws that if he'd eradicated would have made him one of the best fullbacks of his generation.

 

[Modo]

You made me remember the days of Carra-Mascher-Alonso-Stevie-Torres spine. That was a quality spine, I miss it.

I remember the James - Babb - Thomas - Barnes - Collymore, spine. Now that's quality.

 

[Spaghetti Legs]

It's not irrational though is it? He gives players too much space and fails to cut out crosses. He also has regular moments of indecision and lapses in concentration. He's not a fuckupathon like Konchesky was (now who's exaggerating?), but his attacking game is the main reason he is where he is. Let's not pretend it's because he's a great defender, because that's just bollocks.

Anyway, the irony alert is going ten to the dozen with that last comment about irrational statements.

Another flaw is his back post marking, gets beaten far to many times at the back stick, always liked Johnson aswell but he has been below par this season.

 

[Modo]

I've always rated Kelly and I still hope that he'll turn out to be a good player for us. The kid has the pace, the build and the attitude to make it. He's endured several injuries even during his reserve years, missed the FA youth cup final 2006 I think because of it and still came back.

He definitely needs a year without serious injuries, who doesn't, in order to get back to his best.

 

[doctor_mac]

I've always rated Kelly and I still hope that he'll turn out to be a good player for us. The kid has the pace, the build and the attitude to make it. He's endured several injuries even during his reserve years, missed the FA youth cup final 2006 I think because of it and still came back.

He definitely needs a year without serious injuries, who doesn't, in order to get back to his best.

I agree with this. he has had terrible luck, but there was a period where he was keeping Johnson out at RB on merit, and looked like he was going to be a certain first teamer. That time he was galloping up the wing and pulled up with his hammy was the end of his rise into the first team. He deffo has all the attributes to do it, but has looked a shadow of that player as he made his way back over the 2 years since then. Lets hope he does it.

 

[Modo]

I agree with this. he has had terrible luck, but there was a period where he was keeping Johnson out at RB on merit, and looked like he was going to be a certain first teamer. That time he was galloping up the wing and pulled up with his hammy was the end of his rise into the first team. He deffo has all the attributes to do it, but has looked a shadow of that player as he made his way back over the 2 years since then. Lets hope he does it.

I was actually advocating selling Johnson in order to strengthen other positions. Not that I didn't rate him, we were in need of some cash and I figured that Kelly was good enough to replace him at one point.

 

[juniormember]

Well thank god you stopped yourself from selling Johnson then, Modo!

Kelly could become the perfect utility man across the back 4. Hope he can finally stay injury free.

 

[Modo]

Well thank god you stopped yourself from selling Johnson then, Modo!

Kelly could become the perfect utility man across the back 4. Hope he can finally stay injury free.

Yeah came to my senses and vetoed it at the last moment.

 

[StevieM]

He'll be playing at some mid-table relegation fodder Premier League team or Top tier promotion hopefully Championship side by the start of next season.