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Post by alarch on Feb 22, 2019 17:23:19 GMT
The second division in the Netherlands have fallen giants like Twente, who would be an upper Championship level side, playing against opponents who are mainly of League One standard at best. So, if we're going to rate Matt Smith on the basis of his performances in that league then we should also be looking at players performing at League One level. Matt Smith has a bright future, but is still very much an unproven quantity. I would definitely have him in the squad - but to start him in such a big match against decent opposition, is a big ask. I suspect Giggs may go with a 4-3-3 for this game with either Allen or Ampadu central in midfield, with Ramsey to the right and Allen/Ampadu to the left.
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Post by manulike on Feb 22, 2019 18:46:20 GMT
For me, the level of FC Twente is at least as good as Schalke (or Derby County / Nottingham Forest). As for Hedges and Edwards, there was a time, about 9-10 months ago, when they were playing week in / week out... Smith has started every single match this season, when he wasn't with us and his team are full of confidence. Especially for iot and cadno viewing pleasure - and for Mr King, if he has the evening off ;-)
FIRST HALF EDIT
Another decent match, a little more defensive today, as the whole team seem to be struggling a little at the back. Had three great bursts at the edge of the penalty area, and showing that he is not shy at all going forward ;-)
AT THE FINAL WHISTLE
A very untidy and at times frustrated display by the team, but they did get a penalty in extra time and won 1-0.
Ten wins in a row now.
11 points ahead in the table after Den Bosch lost their own home match...
As for Matt, considering that he played 86' only 4 days ago (on Monday) he showed wonderful energy and loads of determination.
Really rallied the troops and was in the box to create havoc in extra time that led to the penalty.
Today's show might not get him in team of the week, but he was one of the better players, nonetheless.
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Post by iot on Feb 22, 2019 18:59:30 GMT
For me, the level of FC Twente is at least as good as Schalke (or Derby County / Nottingham Forest). As for Hedges and Edwards, there was a time, about 9-10 months ago, when they were playing week in / week out... Smith has started every single match this season, when he wasn't with us and his team are full of confidence. Especially for iot and cadno viewing pleasure - and for Mr King, if he has the evening off ;-) KO is at 7pm cyfostreams.com/cyfo4.html hmm, not sure if I'd agree with that. I suspect the bundesliga is of a much higher quality than the dutch second tier. However, if you're comparing the merits of smith and matondo, I would definitely agree that smith is much closer to a starting point than matondo as he hasn't really shown anything in his appearances for schalke to date. |
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Post by manulike on Feb 28, 2019 22:47:38 GMT
Away v Roda JC (the other relegated team last year) so tough match. Albert Stuivenberg in attendance again ;-)
Live on Fox Sport 2 KO 7pm, Friday. MATCH SUMMERY
Totally forgettable first 45 minutes.
I only hope that Albert stayed on for the 2nd half, as it was much better.
Matt had four shots on target. Two very tame efforts, but two superb hits that brought brilliant saves.
More than that. Matt is really showing his leadership qualities. Flying into tackles and making things happen.
Match ended 1-1
NB
A little gem from the Dutch commentator. Matt's nickname is said to be "The New Tardis"
He wasn't quite sure if its just the name, or is it because Matt is a lot bigger on the inside ;-))
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Post by manulike on Mar 15, 2019 19:37:14 GMT
Someone please give Ryan the video of this first half! Its 4-0 and not even half time yet. Matt made the 2nd and 4th and has an 'official' assist for the 3rd ;-)
EDIT
The Dutch commentator saying that defensively Matt is superb, with bags of energy and dogged closing down and tackling. However, he says, that with the ball, he is the best creative number 10 in he league - and the 4-0 is mostly his work. Despite him being Dutch, I tend to agree ;-)
EDIT 2 Ended 5-0. Twente are now 11 points clear, with 9 matches left. Their next game is v. Go Ahead Eagles ... deja vu feeling? Yow bet you. Its played on the same Sunday afternoon as our Slovakia match...
As the commentator said, he would't be surprised if the coach asked the question ... but he would be surprised if the answer was the same as in November ;-)
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Post by larslagerback on Mar 19, 2019 0:08:45 GMT
Been thinking about the debate around the level of football provided by the Dutch 2nd division.
Ultimately it doesn't matter that much as Smith isn't a Twente player, he's a Manchester City player who is developing nicely.
It's way too early to worry about the level he's playing at.
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Post by marsvolta on Mar 19, 2019 1:27:39 GMT
Been thinking about the debate around the level of football provided by the Dutch 2nd division. Ultimately it doesn't matter that much as Smith isn't a Twente player, he's a Manchester City player who is developing nicely. It's way too early to worry about the level he's playing at. Exactly, especially when you look at our others players the same age as him who are also at a top six club like Ampadu, Woodburn and Matondo (before his transfer) |
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Post by manulike on Mar 22, 2019 23:47:38 GMT
The only photo I can find from Friday's training session ...
... so what are the odds for Allen and Smith in the heart of our midfield ;-)
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Post by manulike on Mar 24, 2019 19:11:35 GMT
MASSIVE MATCH today, young Matthew.
I hear Giggsy specifically singeling him out for praise after the match ;-)
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Post by dai on Mar 24, 2019 19:52:06 GMT
I've said it on here before but ill say it again:
Smith > Ampadu
He's nailed that shirt imo, and not just on tonights performance.
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Post by welshiron on Mar 24, 2019 20:41:52 GMT
Smith was excellent today and used the ball well.
Ampadu is a class act and will be our best player for years to come.
I believe Smith should keep his place but think they may well play a game each in the next double header.
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Post by cadno on Mar 24, 2019 21:43:10 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! I was wrong  . Spot on manulike . Smith was outstanding today. |
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Post by CrackityJones on Mar 26, 2019 14:45:35 GMT
Matt still firmly in Citeh's plans:
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Post by kingstonred on Mar 26, 2019 14:47:32 GMT
Why's Greg Cunningham with him?
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Post by manulike on Mar 26, 2019 16:42:17 GMT
Hope his agent got him a better deal than Harry's :+)
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Post by ger93 on Mar 26, 2019 16:55:44 GMT
Matt still firmly in Citeh's plans: Is that a good thing? Obviously good for him and bodes well but i'd rather he was playing week in, week out for a mid-table Premier League side. I can't see him getting into Man City's side for a few years, if at all! New contract doesn't necessarily mean much nowadays, of course. So they could well just be covering their arses if another club comes in for him (not that they need the cash) |
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Post by allezlesrouges on Mar 26, 2019 17:33:37 GMT
Matt still firmly in Citeh's plans: Is that a good thing? Obviously good for him and bodes well but i'd rather he was playing week in, week out for a mid-table Premier League side. I can't see him getting into Man City's side for a few years, if at all! New contract doesn't necessarily mean much nowadays, of course. So they could well just be covering their arses if another club comes in for him (not that they need the cash) I think he'll be loaned out again next season. Probably to a top flight club this time. Would quite like to see him somewhere like the German league rather than the Premier League. |
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Post by CrackityJones on Mar 26, 2019 18:14:03 GMT
...or Ajax. More realistically he could go back to Twente in the Dutch top flight.
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Post by manulike on Mar 26, 2019 19:14:12 GMT
...or Ajax. More realistically he could go back to Twente in the Dutch top flight. Or Anderlecht, with his mate James - food and beer are much better ;-) |
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Post by 1gwaunview on Mar 26, 2019 19:41:27 GMT
Important he plays games next season, not take root as a bench warmer (Ward) or back to age group teams. He could become a very accomplished International class player.
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Post by welshiron on Mar 26, 2019 21:00:29 GMT
Great news
Him and Ampadu could be a formidable partnership. Only 37 yrs old between them.
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Post by richierich333 on Mar 27, 2019 8:40:23 GMT
Not sure If i like this. He won't get anywhere near the first team so I hope he is loaned back at Twente after they have gone up.
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Post by marsvolta on Mar 27, 2019 8:51:33 GMT
Not sure If i like this. He won't get anywhere near the first team so I hope he is loaned back at Twente after they have gone up. I know what you are saying but don’t forget that hundreds of players get released so him getting offered a new contract by a massive club like Man City shows how highly he must be rated |
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Post by alarch on Mar 27, 2019 10:51:36 GMT
Not sure If i like this. He won't get anywhere near the first team so I hope he is loaned back at Twente after they have gone up. I know what you are saying but don’t forget that hundreds of players get released so him getting offered a new contract by a massive club like Man City shows how highly he must be rated Or they see him as a saleable asset a la Sancho and Matondo. Either way, he's obviously rated by City. Swansea have been desperate for a defensive mid this season. I honestly think that with Smith in the side Swansea would have been serious play-off contenders. The quality of Swansea's display against City in the cup should have impressed Guardiola that Swansea would be a good place for Smith to continue his apprenticeship, so a loan move next season would be great for all concerned. |
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Post by manulike on Mar 27, 2019 20:42:08 GMT
I know what you are saying but don’t forget that hundreds of players get released so him getting offered a new contract by a massive club like Man City shows how highly he must be rated Or they see him as a saleable asset a la Sancho and Matondo. Either way, he's obviously rated by City. Swansea have been desperate for a defensive mid this season. I honestly think that with Smith in the side Swansea would have been serious play-off contenders. The quality of Swansea's display against City in the cup should have impressed Guardiola that Swansea would be a good place for Smith to continue his apprenticeship, so a loan move next season would be great for all concerned. Now that is a heart warming thought ;-) Lets hope he enjoyed the weekend in Cardiff and wants to make it there more regular ;-) It might take him a while to get used to playing on any other day other than Friday at 7pm...
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Post by manulike on Apr 2, 2019 16:36:44 GMT
Matt discussing the option of returning to Twente next season.
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Post by welshiron on Apr 2, 2019 19:46:55 GMT
That will be good as he is obviously happy there and will be moving up a level
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Post by manulike on Apr 5, 2019 18:02:33 GMT
Matthew ran himself into the ground in the third match in the last 8 days and got subbed after 77'. Picked up a yellow and is out for next match.
Twente lost on Monday 4-1 (which was a little harsh on them, as they were at least good for a draw). They lost again today. A Mini Liverpool syndrome?
In the first half he was pingging at least five superb 50m cross-field pin point passes. He had two decent shots on target and another two shots blocked. As they were trailing 0-1 at home to a team desparate to escape relegation, Smith seemed to take it upon himself to dragged his team by the scruff of the neck. Really showing leadership as well as passion. Reminiscent of a young Rambo ;-)
Just before he was subbed he drove forward passed four players in their penalty box - a little unlucky not to get a pen...
Anyway, despite the 0-1 loss, not too much damage done, as Sparta in second only managed to draw in extra time ...
7 point gap now (after having a 12 point gap on Monday).
Five more matches of the season to go.
At least Matthew gets a full two weeks off - perfect timing me thinks ;-)
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Post by manulike on Apr 17, 2019 16:42:30 GMT
... After not playing last Friday due to him being suspended (5 yellows) he gets yet another 3-days off, as Good Friday's match v Jong Ajax has been cancelled due to safety reasons. The KNVB are looking for an alternative date, most likely early May. Twente can still guarantee their promotion, if Sparta lose their own game. Twente's next match is at home v Jong AZ on Bank Holiday Monday at 1.30pm
Three points on Monday, guarantees promotion and a big party ;-)
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Post by manulike on Apr 21, 2019 18:05:49 GMT
I hope no one bothered watching the game today, as it ended 0-0...
Still, Twente win the Championship, with three games to spare (as Sparta lost today).
I read that Matt played as RB today - multi talented, obviously, and the 17 day rest must have done him good ;-)
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. Spot on 
