DJ Buffonge

[SteveW]

Yep, was actually just speaking to a mate yesterday saying the same thing in regards to Aidy Barlow. Fantastic little player himself, who if he came through just a couple years ago with that weaker group would have been the star and highly touted. As it is he's been stuck behind someone like Angel and doesn't get much attention. Similar story for a player like DJ.

Although I think there was something going on there where Sbragia didn't like him.

Barlow and Buffonge are good players but not United standard. Not even close to be totally honest.

 

[TwoSheds]

Barlow and Buffonge are good players but not United standard. Not even close to be totally honest.

Much as I like them both, I think Barlow is much better than Buffonge. Tough and skilful and a good goalscorer.

 

[jb8521]

Yep, was actually just speaking to a mate yesterday saying the same thing in regards to Aidy Barlow. Fantastic little player himself, who if he came through just a couple years ago with that weaker group would have been the star and highly touted. As it is he's been stuck behind someone like Angel and doesn't get much attention. Similar story for a player like DJ.

Although I think there was something going on there where Sbragia didn't like him.

Yeah I agree, there's a few lads around the u18s & u23s at the moment who if they had been coming through even as recently as 3/4 years ago they would have been really highly thought of & hyped up but we have so much quality & strength in depth in their positions now that they're basically just also rans.

 

[SteveW]

Much as I like them both, I think Barlow is much better than Buffonge. Tough and skilful and a good goalscorer.

Yeah, I think this is fair. He impacts games more.

 

[limerickcitykid]

Barlow and Buffonge are good players but not United standard. Not even close to be totally honest.

That's sort of the point. With guys like Angel and Mason who are proper United standard and even Chong as well. They get all of the attention. Whereas a few years ago we didn't have as many youth stars of the highest level. You stick DJ and Aidy up against the likes of Willock and Redmond and they're instantly the best CMs in the academy and getting praised. Even others like Harrop and Rothwell, ultimately not United first team standard but very good youth players. They were the best we had though and weren't being outshone by Angel and Mason so there was a lot more talk about them.

It's always hard to say too. If Aidy was prioritized instead of just being another player their development could go very differently. Instead he lacks game time and is often pushed wide. It's hard to progress from his fantastic outings at 16 when he's always just some backup.

 

[SteveW]

That's sort of the point. With guys like Angel and Mason who are proper United standard and even Chong as well. They get all of the attention. Whereas a few years ago we didn't have as many youth stars of the highest level. You stick DJ and Aidy up against the likes of Willock and Redmond and they're instantly the best CMs in the academy and getting praised. Even others like Harrop and Rothwell, ultimately not United first team standard but very good youth players. They were the best we had though and weren't being outshone by Angel and Mason so there was a lot more talk about them.

It's always hard to say too. If Aidy was prioritized instead of just being another player their development could go very differently. Instead he lacks game time and is often pushed wide. It's hard to progress from his fantastic outings at 16 when he's always just some backup.

If they came through under LVG they'd probably have got a few games. I get your point though. I'd like to think these lads will end up where they should. The number of United kids that have good careers elsewhere would suggest they will have benefited from being at united.

 

[MikeKing]

I think with the increased standards in players coming through & better recruitment there will be a lot of very talented leaving as well because there just isn't enough space for them all to get a proper chance.

Makes sense. Thanks. I'm sure it wont be the last we see of him. It is only u18 football but he seemed to play even better than Angel sometimes so hopefully he'll keep going once he signs for a club.