He misplaced a pass to Valencia in the first 15 mins too that went to the centre half, but the vision and intent was top drawer is his execution was a little off that time.
Jonny Evans | 2011/12 Performances
- Thread starter Sir Matt
- Start date
He misplaced a pass to Valencia in the first 15 mins too that went to the centre half, but the vision and intent was top drawer is his execution was a little off that time.
Yeah the sky bunch are. But he's been quality for a long, long time now.
I hear this guy's pretty good at this football business.
Haha looked proper happy to get that goal. Also according to the Swedish commentator he was the first Northern Irish player to score in the CL. I think he meant in it's new format.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
I thought he was quality tonight.
He scored one last year too, but yeah it's in the new format. A little fella called Best may have got there in Europe before him.
This. I got mocked when I suggested he could walk into the starting lineup of most teams in the world, if Evans were from a country like Italy/Germany, he'll be much higher rated than he is right now.
Spot on. I look at players of similar style in Hummels and Pique, and Evans is defensively superior in most areas. His distribution, with both feet, is right up there with the very best. Infact, can anyone name me a central defender that can ping a pass with both feet like Evans?
Our top defender now. No question.
He is going to be our first choice centre-back for many years to come, it's just a matter of time I think. The other spot is the one that is up for grabs.
Best all round defender. He can do it all. Him and Vidic are the partnership I want to see for the rest of the season.
If Jones cement a place in CM I reckon Smalling will get the other spot.
I always found the idea of Jones as a midfielder simply ridiculous - I thought the Ronaldo job was a one time thing he could do on occasion until Vidic and Rio are gone. However, this season's games are making me question whether he really will end up as a CB - he has been fantastic alongside Giggs, and will be even better with Carrick. I hope we go one way or another, though, as whatever he does, he cannot be a utility player - he has the potential to be world class at centre back, and just as good in midfield (maybe not just as good, but when you look at the state of our midfield I don't think we can complain).
Sorry, on topic now! Indeed, I do think Smalling is going to end up as his partner. I think it's worth pointing out that I don't think there has ever been a time when Jonny Evans has not seriously impressed when given a run of games - he had some bad moments in a few of the more recent seasons, but he just oozes quality. Hope we gradually settle him into being part of the first choice pairing, alongside Vidic - he's not better than Rio just yet, but he seems to get better by the week.
Evans is comfortably better than Rio now though, Vidic and Evans should start most games when fit.
I think that's a given at this stage. Evans is probably our first choice centre-back at this stage, with Vidic's injuries.
Always love seeing defenders pop up and get goals. Really happy for him.
He really should be one of the first names on the team sheet these days. Easily in the top two defenders at the club.
He really should be one of the first names on the team sheet these days. Easily in the top two defenders at the club.
He was prolific in front of goal last season. Hopefully he can repeat that this season. What a calm and composed defender with a fantastic passing range as well. Perfect successor to Rio.
I love that he took the touch in the box before finishing. I mean, seriously what kind of centre back doesn't just smash that first time? Typical Evans, all class. Loved the smile and celebration after it.
Pretty much this. I think he's a quality defender but I don't have total faith in him. Still prone to lapses in concentration.
I have total confidence in him. I'm nervous when I see Rio play these days.
Absolutely fantastic. Tough test for him but he made it look like he was playing reserve football, so pleased for him.
And scoring a bomb also just adds to his performance.
And scoring a bomb also just adds to his performance.
Me too. It's often said that older players can sometimes just go off a cliff in terms of their ability/form and it looks like that's happened with Rio. He's been poos this season and awful recently.
Vidic-Evans should be first choice.
EDIT: that should obviously be "poor" but to be honest poos is probably more appropriate!
Evans is currently among the 3 or 4 top CBs in the world. Has really come along.
I don't think he'll get the media recognition he deserves until Rio retires and his importance to us is understood.
I don't care how he is rated by the media, if he keeps playing and growing the way he is, it's fine by me if other teams and fans think he is average.
Excellent defending in that 2 v 1 chance Spurs had. Vidic made the mistake of going to Paulinho, but Evans quickly closed down the space and pressured Soldado.
Good performance today. It's a shame that we had no midfield.
It doesn't seem like a drop in confidence to me, it seems like there's no confidence there at all.
Seriously? Very good player but come on...
His passing ability has gone to absolute pot recently. He seems to be copying Rio's 'lets just hoof it forward to no one in particular' routine.
That's because he has no midfielders making runs in front of him.
It's painful to see how often our defence knock it around between themselves because there's nothing in front of them, then they get pressured and hoof it.
No one is looking for the ball. And when they do pass it to the midfield it's usually passed straight back. We need a Carrick back and fast.
Yeah it is frustrating, but sometimes they are also very casual on it and very hesitant to advance with the ball. That part of our game is really poor atm, you'd think it would be basics for the cms to know to come short for the pass or the defenders to push up when they can. Clev is probably the worse culprit in cm, and vidic/rio in defence which is particularly annoying as those last two should really be setting the tone as the experienced players.
Don't get me wrong, our midfield is woeful at making themselves available, but our defenders really do dither with the ball far to much. There are times when they do have a pass on, but they don't take it. And when they do decide to hoof it, at least try and hit someone, a winger or a striker...don't just aimlessly lump it forward.
Smalling is a better defender for me. Should be first choice.
I think the two of them together should be the partnership used. Vidic seems to be too exposed when one on one with opponents but unfortunately we don't have the midfield to offer him the protection he needs and are reliant on both full backs pushing on. Smalling has better physical attributes than Evans, but Evans is a calmer player and much better on the ball. Tbh I think they'd compliment nicely.
If the pass isn't on Evans generally brings the ball forward well into the midfield. Then on occasions you can see him getting angry when all the forwards turn and run off behind the opposition defenders and he has no option but to go backwards or sideways because he's being closed down.
I love Evans. He's awesome. Definite first choice for me. The rest should be competing to be his partner. Him and Jones for the future for me, but until we make signings we need Jones in CM most games (even when Carrick is back).
I love Evans. He's awesome. Definite first choice for me. The rest should be competing to be his partner. Him and Jones for the future for me, but until we make signings we need Jones in CM most games (even when Carrick is back).
Is there any doubt that he is our best defender? I love him, great player.