I have to admit that, when reflecting on the match yesterday evening, I considered Neil Danns to be the only weak link in the team. However, reading a few of the comments on here (from Greatness since 1884 & downsouf, I believe), I feel rather more won over by him.
I've always thought that he's a good signing, a busy player who doesn't like to hide in matches and prefers to get involved, although I've been concerned over recent weeks that he might not be on the same wavelength as the rest of the team. Certainly he's the antithesis of Gelson Fernandes, who does control-pass-move to the point of obsession, although I've thought that Danns sometimes may not do it enough, preferring instead to get the ball under control and run with it, sometimes slowing up the play when we're on top. However, good points have been made on here about him offering width and having an excellent engine.
What does everyone else make of him? Are you pleased, a little disappointed or simply believe that, like several of our other signings, he just needs more time to settle in and adapt to the style? Perhaps better decision-making on the ball is something that will come with time.
(P.S. Please don't consider this a complaint, as the team performance on Saturday was excellent.)
Everybody Danns now
posted on 2/10/11
A good solid player.
posted on 2/10/11
I have absolutely no prblem with him getting it under control and running with it, quite the opposite in fact. My gripe with him so far is that he hasn't believed in his ability enough, opting to play the simple ball or loft in a hopeful cross rather than skin someone and get to the by line.
He did this at Palace on a regular basis so I hope he starts to do it more often here. He's a hardworking aggressive player but he also has skill on the ball which we have only seen him use in flashes so far. He was MOTM at Forest I thought and yesterday I don't think he was the weak link at all, though like I said I would have liked him to have beat his man a bit more. He set up the 2nd goal with a good shot and his one touch passing was generally good.
He hasn't been amazing but not poor either. I don't think we've seen the best of him yet but hopefully we will do soon.
posted on 2/10/11
Emilio is pretty in the button.
Whilst I wasn't overwhelmed by Danns, I came back and watched the game on TV. When you can see more of the game, it became clear he added some real balance to the team. He got out wide stretching the defence creating space for Nugent, and he made life easy for Peltier.
My only gripe would be the same issue I've had with the while team for a year - quality of decision making and final ball. However, I think he can work on that.
Overall, I think he's a solid championship player and good squad member.
One thing that also stood out from yesterday was the effectiveness of Howard (loved his reaction to the crowd after nearly scoring) and Dyer.
I absolutely love Dyer as a professional. I he could cross he'd be a top prem player, but he isn't te best in this area which is why he's in the championship. But everytime he's left out he just gets on with it. When he gets the chance he always makes a difference. I almost feel we should let him go because in my opinion, he deserves to be playing first team football.
posted on 2/10/11
Dung a weak link i though that was my line?
With his dreadlocks he lookd like a god looking version of predator.
The whole midfield where IMO faster than ususal in moving the ball Abe v Wellens.
Danns for me just shows what a good manager we have got with players in and out the team with potential skill and passion. oh happy days i head back to Abu Dhabi after seeing one of the most complete city performances i have seen in years.
Happy Danns
posted on 2/10/11
I thought he was outstanding yesterday and a genuine contender for MoM.
The decision making issue is a much about each player knowing what the others will do - in other words, they need to know their positions, know what is expected of them and gel as a unit.
At the risk of sounding condescending, this performance was against Derby and not West Ham. But there were some real signs yesterday that we are starting to get there.
Onwards and upwards.
posted on 2/10/11
I think he's brilliant.
He was one of the signings I was most happy with. I think he's going to go from strength to strength - remember he was at palace for a while, so coming to a decent club must be quite a change :P.
Also, he can't be bad. After all, people are now saying that Man Utd's Anderson is the Brazilian Danns.
posted on 2/10/11
Danns for me was an unusual signing but great performance by him against the Sheep so I am happy with the decision, that Sven took in him.
The midfield was great and helped the strikers espically the ball to Nugent for 1st and to keep Derby from scoring.
posted on 3/10/11
I've certainly had my doubts in the earlier games. Watching him I was surprised that so many people were in for him as he didn't keep hold of the ball too way and his choices in the final third were poor.
On Saturday he gave the ball away in a dangerous position and I was expecting him to be the weak link, but he got better and better. It was certainly the best game I seen for him so far.
A couple of games ago I would've thought that a midfield without Wellens would be thinkable. Now I'm wondering whether King/Abe/Fanandes and Danns is more dynamic - and we're still yet to see the best of Johnson. Good selection problems to have.
On another note I wondered how the hell we'd partied with so much money for Mills early on. Now he's really beginning to show his class and the partnership with Bamba has real potential.
Happy days
posted on 3/10/11
I can't get that bloody song out of my head now.
Cheers for that.
posted on 3/10/11