| Clarke... 13:33 - Jan 25 with 854 views | FrimleyBlue |
A striker turned CB turned into a wingback turned into a Hybrid RCB.
He speaks of in his change in positions within his interview. That's not a bad mix of footballing ability to have when you're playing a roaming defensive role is it.
Can see why we were keen to spend what we did to bring him in. |  |
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| Clarke... on 13:37 - Jan 25 with 824 views | clive_baker |
I've always thought that experience makes you a better player. At some point you need to carve out your niche to avoid being a jack of all trades and master of none, but some of the best defenders have played as forwards earlier in their careers, generally because they've been the best footballer in the side at a young age and the manager has stuck them up front to score goals. Not so much that you might carry a goal threat, but being comfortable on the ball and knowing how forwards think is only going to help you as a defender.
He's got a bit of the Titus Brambles about him, who made a similar transition by the way. |  |
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| Clarke... on 13:39 - Jan 25 with 803 views | Mookamoo |
Wasn't Jamie Carragher a striker in his youth who then became a CB and eventually ended up a RB?
Clarke also reminds of Osman who could play anywhere you put him. |  | | |
| Clarke... on 13:48 - Jan 25 with 725 views | clive_baker |
| Clarke... on 13:39 - Jan 25 by Mookamoo |
Wasn't Jamie Carragher a striker in his youth who then became a CB and eventually ended up a RB?
Clarke also reminds of Osman who could play anywhere you put him. |
Pique, Ashley Cole, Rio, Carragher. Think Campbell played all over for Spuds Yoof as well, certainly both sides of the back 4 before converting to the centre. You can see how it's perhaps benefitted all of those.
Not suggesting we've got the next Sol Campbell btw, as nice as that would be. | |
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| Clarke... on 13:54 - Jan 25 with 691 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
| Clarke... on 13:37 - Jan 25 by clive_baker |
I've always thought that experience makes you a better player. At some point you need to carve out your niche to avoid being a jack of all trades and master of none, but some of the best defenders have played as forwards earlier in their careers, generally because they've been the best footballer in the side at a young age and the manager has stuck them up front to score goals. Not so much that you might carry a goal threat, but being comfortable on the ball and knowing how forwards think is only going to help you as a defender.
He's got a bit of the Titus Brambles about him, who made a similar transition by the way. |
He reminded me of Gary Neville. Titus always gave me the impression that his absolutely top level strength and speed were his get out of jail free card, whereas Clarke had a focused intensity. The crunching not even 50-50 was "Yeah, too right I'm going to win this against the odds!" rather than a "Oh Sh1t! I've messed up here! I've GOT to win this!"
And as the game progressed his understanding with Burns grew, in terms of providing an option for him, drawing opposition defenders away, playing quick passes to set Wes free, carrying the ball forward to open up an attack, and, I think a couple of times, overlapping.
One game. A home debut for a local kid. Lots of adrenaline. Too soon to judge.
But he looks to be a proper player who brings out the best in others. |  | | |
| Clarke... on 13:58 - Jan 25 with 673 views | Mookamoo |
| Clarke... on 13:48 - Jan 25 by clive_baker |
Pique, Ashley Cole, Rio, Carragher. Think Campbell played all over for Spuds Yoof as well, certainly both sides of the back 4 before converting to the centre. You can see how it's perhaps benefitted all of those.
Not suggesting we've got the next Sol Campbell btw, as nice as that would be. |
Might be the next Adam Webster. We get him for a couple of seasons before he eventually makes his way to the Premier League.
He looked very promising. | | | |
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