I did watch him myself. And was banging on in every relevant thread that we should sign him from Hull. And at the time, I had no idea what his ‘stats’ were. I just watched him and saw his talent.
And I’m not trying to sound extra clever by saying I watched him. If anything, I think the pseudo experts are those who think they are in some sort of analysis team trawling through stats and trying to interpret them.
On to AWB, I think he is defensively the best full back in the league. He’s extremely difficult to beat one on one. I’m just not sure that is the thing that can transform a side, although it is obviously useful. Personally, I want someone who can protect the ball well under pressure so he can link with his teammates down the flank and build/sustain attacks. Also someone who can carry the ball well at speed up the pitch and maintain width. Offensively speaking, I think actual brilliant crossing is a bonus. Being comfortable on the ball and able to keep it and carry it are key for me. Of course, you can’t be a defensive liability either, but I think now, good defensive full-backs are just people wingers can’t run away from. If you are strong and fast with a good engine, you have the tools to be a good offensive/defensive full back. My only question with AWB is his ability to keep the ball under pressure and link with his teammates.