Jesse’s greatest quality was always his work rate and running off the ball. In theory, a player who makes other players better by covering ground they don’t, taking up positions and doing the dirty work of more offensively talented colleagues. All while still being able to offer some marginal/reasonable threat of his own. He had the opportunity to be this generation’s Ji-Sung Park. A player other players love to play with.
Somewhere along the line though he became enamoured with his own legend. When he was at his best, he would run tirelessly and unselfishly off the ball, making simple touches and dragging opposition players out of position. He would carry the ball well and release it quickly to better positioned team mates. Only driving forwards and being the tip of the spear when a clear opportunity presented itself.
When you watch him play now it is easy to see that he is trying to be do much more. He is trying to playmake, and consequently holds onto the ball for ages, often killing attacks. He dribbles down blind alleys, and fruitlessly tries to take on multiple opponents. The selflessness has gone.
His is a mental issue, not a talent one. He has the talent to be a very useful and valuable squad player by focusing and improving on being the player he once was, rather than the creative, flashy, branded player he wants to be.
My gut tells me this one is a lost cause.
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