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Post by manulike on Dec 7, 2018 21:35:49 GMT
It is not a complaint ... as I feel that Matty plays with loads of passion and intensity ... but he has picked up yet another yellow card today (3 in last 4 matches). Maybe he needs to have a word with our Tom, who has certainly calmed down a lot in last couple of years ;-) www.fctwentestatistieken.nl/spelers/spelerdetail.php?id=2146970624 |
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Post by manulike on Dec 14, 2018 19:04:49 GMT
Played well, in an otherwise poor performance by Twente. Still, they won 0-1, so another three points. Matt is fast becoming a very decent footballer - in the mold of Joe Allen, I'd say. Can definitely see him in the Premiership in a couple of years.
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Post by ontheroadagain on Dec 15, 2018 1:05:18 GMT
Played well, in an otherwise poor performance by Twente. Still, they won 0-1, so another three points. Matt is fast becoming a very decent footballer - in the mold of Joe Allen, I'd say. Can definitely see him in the Premiership in a couple of years.
No booking as well. |
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Post by manulike on Dec 21, 2018 11:30:43 GMT
For those not interested in seeing Klooop parking the bus tonight ... There is a real belter between Twente and NEC Nijmegem to feast your eyes on - 7pm KO ;-)
His final match before their Winter Break (or possible re-call to keep KDB on the bench)?
UPDATE Their coach seems to think Matty will be back for the 1/4 final cup match in January...
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Post by CrackityJones on Dec 21, 2018 19:14:51 GMT
Do they ever play on a Saturday?
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Post by manulike on Dec 21, 2018 19:58:06 GMT
Do they ever play on a Saturday? Only game they played on Saturday was in the cup. The Dutch TV (Fox Sport) seems to control the schedule, but keeps the same teams playing on the same days. I guess they are a bit of a Dutch favourite - as they only show 4 matches each match day - that includes Dutch premier!
Our Matty is still playing in the heart of mid-field. More Joe Allen than Joe Ledly. Tried 3 or 4 cross-field through passes - but none were seized on yet.
I'd like him to stay another 4 months at Twente. The manager seems to think very highly of him. He started in all 17 league matches (the other two he was with us ... and they lost). Most matches he played 80 minutes at least.
4th in the league. 3 points from the leaders, and in the Cup quarter finals.
Not bad so far.
Hope everyone stayed fr the second half, as Twente did an Arsenal and played really well. Matty had a couple of fantastic goal saving blokes, and one outstanding swivel to create an excellent chance, that they missed.
CORRECTION ... You have your wish ... Next match is Sunday 13 January at 1.30pm ;-)
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Post by manulike on Dec 22, 2018 13:20:59 GMT
The Twente lot seem to like our Matty. That Chant really rocks!
MATTHEW SMITH, MATTHEW SMITH, MATTHEW, MATTHEW SMITH Na, Na-Na, Na-Na, Na-Na, Na, Na!
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Post by manulike on Jan 13, 2019 12:59:51 GMT
Twente are back playing after their three week Winter break. Matt starting again and played really well/
FINAL UPDATE Having a fantastic game. Totally dominating the midfield and is at the heart of almost all the moves. Started the moves for both first half goals by breaking up attacks and with long cross-field passes. For me, he is really a nailed on starter for Slovakia game, ahead of Ampadu and James Lawrence.
In the second half he played much more defensively and was a rock at the back, blocking at least 4 dangerous crosses and throwing himself at everything. Very impressive for a man of his diminutive stature.
Twente are now second in the League, two points from Top ;-)
BTW, very harsh restrictions on the Twente away contingent today at Maastricht.
They are getting a police escort for the last 235km of their 300km trip ...
I can imagine the Matthew Smith Chant might be sung a couple of times on that ride ;-)
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Post by pendragon on Jan 17, 2019 8:55:48 GMT
The Police doing the escorting will no doubt remember that chant for a while! 🤣
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Post by manulike on Jan 17, 2019 20:51:40 GMT
The Police doing the escorting will no doubt remember that chant for a while! 🤣 I swear the door-man at the Kosmos hotel in Chisinau is still humming the Woodburn Starman song. He was still at it for four days after the match ;-)
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Post by manulike on Jan 18, 2019 18:35:05 GMT
Was too busy faffing about looking for a stream and missed Matthew's goal. A tap in ;=)
Other than the goal, Mat had a very decent match with plenty of flying blocks in the first half and a couple of cheeky pot shots from around 25 yards (one of them was very close). The lad has confidence ;-)
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Post by manulike on Jan 18, 2019 21:10:54 GMT
Interesting development, in case Rabbi has a possible move over. The very decent loanee from Fiorentina, Rafik Zekhnini, who is their left winger, got stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury. So Rabbi would be a very welcome replacement, one would think... Anyway. A massive home game on WEDNESDAY at 5.30pm in the 1/4 Final of the Cup v Willem II (mid-table in their top league). Live on Fox Sports 2
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Post by texan on Jan 18, 2019 21:17:22 GMT
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Post by manulike on Jan 23, 2019 17:29:53 GMT
Playing in his regular defensive midfield position. Very solid and full of confidence.
Was an excellent 2nd half and Twente led twice, but ended up losing 2-3.
If anyone was concerned about Rafik Zekhnini - his hamstring injury looks serious and he is expected to be out for up to six weeks...
EDIT
Now Tim Holscher, their replacement left winger appears to twist his ankle and is subbed after 20 minutes ;-(
Rabbi, If you are reading this, you are a nailed on starter if you join ;-)
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Post by manulike on Jan 25, 2019 18:33:16 GMT
Especially for CrackityJones ;-) A chance to see our Matthew on Saturday evening - KO 6.45pm The leaders lost today, so Twente have a chance of moving to the top, with a win.
Its live on Fox Sport Online - so there should be a decent stream. Will try and post them nearer the time ;-) |
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Post by manulike on Jan 26, 2019 18:29:03 GMT
Matthew is looking good in sky blue ;-)
...And now Twente are top of the league as well.
Had a slightly quieter match, and certainly seems to have reined in his crunch/flying tackles - which is probably a good thing. Also, seems to do less of waving his hands in the air and scream for every ball - which might be a bad thing ...
Upwards and onwards ;-)
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Post by manulike on Feb 1, 2019 18:19:27 GMT
Having a superb game and really running the show. Made the second goal with a fantastic run in the area, and should have had another two assists already - before half time ;-#
I missed most of the second half, but the won 4-1 and the Dutch TV commentator named him the MON ;-)
Twente are now 4 points clear at the top of the league.
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Post by pendragon on Feb 2, 2019 1:23:26 GMT
Brilliant result for them and (by extension), for Matt 😀
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Post by manulike on Feb 7, 2019 17:39:39 GMT
... For all the non believers and the doubters ... Big top of the league clash away to Sparta Rotterdam, Friday 7pm KO.
Matt was named in the team of the league for January.
EDIT Gave the through ball that brought the penalty about. Up 0-2 at half time. Commentator already repeated his opinion that Matt is (perhaps) the best player in the first division ;-)
Match ended 0-3. First home loss for Sparta this season ;-) Twente are now 6 points ahead in the league, with a very healthy goal difference.
Twente have won their last eight matches n a row...
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Post by manulike on Feb 18, 2019 12:21:47 GMT
Twente are away to Jong PSV tonight at 7pm, with a chance of going 8 points clear at the top.
EDIT
Only 15' in, already a great block to save a goal and an assist to make one ;-)
Won 0-2 and now have won nine in a row.
Lets hope it carries on til the end of March ;-)
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Post by manulike on Feb 19, 2019 14:49:20 GMT
In team of the Week again today and has been in there for all of 2019 :+)
Frankly, I feel that he is a nailed on starter v Slovakia, with Ethan perhaps having a run out for the TnT game.
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Post by allezlesrouges on Feb 19, 2019 15:17:56 GMT
In team of the Week again today and has been in there for all of 2019 :+) Frankly, I feel that he is a nailed on starter v Slovakia, with Ethan perhaps having a run out for the TnT game. Or perhaps Ampadu will start in defence. |
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Post by marsvolta on Feb 19, 2019 18:47:09 GMT
... For all the non believers and the doubters ... Big top of the league clash away to Sparta Rotterdam, Friday 7pm KO.
Matt was named in the team of the league for January.
EDIT Gave the through ball that brought the penalty about. Up 0-2 at half time. Commentator already repeated his opinion that Matt is (perhaps) the best player in the first division ;-) Match ended 0-3. First home loss for Sparta this season ;-) Twente are now 6 points ahead in the league, with a very healthy goal difference.
Twente have won their last eight matches n a row...
Are there any non-believers and doubters? |
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Post by manulike on Feb 19, 2019 19:58:33 GMT
... For all the non believers and the doubters ... Big top of the league clash away to Sparta Rotterdam, Friday 7pm KO.
Matt was named in the team of the league for January.
EDIT Gave the through ball that brought the penalty about. Up 0-2 at half time. Commentator already repeated his opinion that Matt is (perhaps) the best player in the first division ;-) Match ended 0-3. First home loss for Sparta this season ;-) Twente are now 6 points ahead in the league, with a very healthy goal difference.
Twente have won their last eight matches n a row...
Are there any non-believers and doubters? I think there is only one, Irnbru or some other Scottish name ;-) FC Twente were being touted as a league two / Barnsley-like equivalent ;-) |
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Post by cadno on Feb 19, 2019 20:18:15 GMT
Are there any non-believers and doubters? I think there is only one, Irnbru or some other Scottish name ;-) FC Twente were being touted as a league two / Barnsley-like equivalent ;-) I agree he's good, but I think it's too early for him to start in a big game vs good opposition like Slovakia. If he does start then obviously I hope he proves me wrong! |
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Post by barry on Feb 19, 2019 20:33:09 GMT
I think there is only one, Irnbru or some other Scottish name ;-) FC Twente were being touted as a league two / Barnsley-like equivalent ;-) I agree he's good, but I think it's too early for him to start in a big game vs good opposition like Slovakia. If he does start then obviously I hope he proves me wrong! Perhaps true, but he's well ahead of Ampadu in the pecking order at the moment as a defensive midfielder, IMHO. Wouldn't be unhappy with this line-up v Slovakia. Hennessey Gunter Mepham Ash Davies Wilson Allen Smith Brooks Ramsey Bale |
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Post by manulike on Feb 19, 2019 20:57:20 GMT
I agree he's good, but I think it's too early for him to start in a big game vs good opposition like Slovakia. If he does start then obviously I hope he proves me wrong! Perhaps true, but he's well ahead of Ampadu in the pecking order at the moment as a defensive midfielder, IMHO. Wouldn't be unhappy with this line-up v Slovakia. Hennessey Gunter Mepham Ash Davies Wilson Allen Smith Brooks Ramsey Bale I'd love to share your optimism about our defence ... I think that back four had about 2 matches between them in 2019 ;-(( Only Connor Roberts is anywhere near top fitness at the moment in our defence
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Post by cadno on Feb 22, 2019 16:32:43 GMT
Perhaps true, but he's well ahead of Ampadu in the pecking order at the moment as a defensive midfielder, IMHO. Wouldn't be unhappy with this line-up v Slovakia. Hennessey Gunter Mepham Ash Davies Wilson Allen Smith Brooks Ramsey Bale I'd love to share your optimism about our defence ... I think that back four had about 2 matches between them in 2019 ;-(( Only Connor Roberts is anywhere near top fitness at the moment in our defence
Even he is looking a bit fatigued these days 😂 |
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Post by cadno on Feb 22, 2019 16:33:28 GMT
I agree he's good, but I think it's too early for him to start in a big game vs good opposition like Slovakia. If he does start then obviously I hope he proves me wrong! Perhaps true, but he's well ahead of Ampadu in the pecking order at the moment as a defensive midfielder, IMHO. Wouldn't be unhappy with this line-up v Slovakia. Hennessey Gunter Mepham Ash Davies Wilson Allen Smith Brooks Ramsey Bale Quite happy with that, I'd play King ahead of Smith personally. |
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Post by iot on Feb 22, 2019 17:04:32 GMT
It's difficult to say how ready Matt Smith is at the moment. The only performance we can judge him on for us was Ireland away, and that was mixed - that was against the likes of Arter and Hendrick, against Slovakia he would be up against Hamsik! Then there are the Twente games, but I have no idea what that level is and how well he's doing - I know manulike has been monitoring it closely but you also think Hedges and Gwion Edwards should be shoe-ins for our squad  So it would be a massive risk to throw Smith in against Slovakia |
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So it would be a massive risk to throw Smith in against Slovakia