milo
Jack L. Jones
He has the same limitation as many attacking players and wingers, he needs to be set up in the right situations to play well. He's not a Silva, Mata or Rooney who will create the space and then exploit it. Nor is he a crossing winger that will just deliver quality crosses even if set up in rather average positions.
Was mentioned by someone in the Bentaleb thread that we should juts play our more solid central midfielder and focus our passing down the flanks, I really couldn't disagree more. Lennon needs players in the centre of the pitch that can move the ball quickly enough so that Lennon can receive the ball when there's space there to be exploited. The relatively slow, ponderous, inaccurate passing from Dembele, Sandro, Paulinho, Walker and Dawson is the death of a player like Lennon I think.
What's great about Lennon is that even if he's not really making it happen in attack he will work hard, put in a shift and be a threat the opponents have to be aware of and so he can create space for others to exploit. But for Lennon to shine we need players in the centre of the pitch capable of making those telling passes, or he's reduced to being a counter attacking threat that usually ends up starting a bit too deep because he's so diligent when we're defending.
He certainly has his limitations, but when used (or is that utilized ) in the right way he's very good. Certainly a good player to have in the squad although I think with his recent form Lamela or Townsend should be given a go when fit and it will be up to Lennon to work his way back into the starting 11 from the bench. He always seems to do better when he has proper competition anyway.
Absolutely.
It is no accident that Lennon has faired better when there have been ball players in central midfield.
People also have short memories, yes Lennon has been off the pace a little in the last two games but before that he has been one of our best and most consistent performers under Sherwood.