Matt Clarke

[Diego]

I'm not sure the idea that Clarke is poor on the ball comes from?

I've always thought he looks composed, he has made the odd mistake but every single CB will make a mistake now and then.

He’s so good on the ball. Always in control and backs himself to find a teammate so sometimes takes an extra touch whilst he waits for a teammate to make himself available.

For some fans they think he’s taking too long because they are used to Fry just hoofing it. Clarke gets it and suits us very well.

 

[TheBlueButterfly]

Forget he’s still only 27 too! Years ahead of him.

 

[Glover_elbow]

Playing in a 3 hes much better i worry about his pace in a back 4

 

[Diego]

Forget he’s still only 27 too! Years ahead of him.

Luke Littler is a proud dad tonight

 

[Paulroddam7]

You can see why he was brightons player of the season on a couple of occasions and is exactly the type of centre back you need in the championship.

He never played a game for Brighton. I think he won Player of the season awards for West Brom and Derby.

 

[BigJohnsPens]

Brilliant!

 

[allied_assault]

We are building a squad for the Premiership

 

[morrissey]

He's a real threat from set pieces also, Chelsea are poor defending corners when I've seen them play. I'm pretty certain it will be Fry and VDB v Chelsea though....

Think you're right, though Fry is an increasing liability in my view and totally unsuited to small, nippy, technical players.

 

[BoroPhil]

I'm not sure the idea that Clarke is poor on the ball comes from?

I've always thought he looks composed, he has made the odd mistake but every single CB will make a mistake now and then.

Totally agree - and he was signed by Wilder as the 'overlapping LCB' so he has to have some ability on the ball (and I think he played LCB for West Brom at least)

 

[Halesy4boro]

Surely him and VDB now to make a go of it at the back? Best centre backs we have by far.

Engel did very well as LCB too. Carrick got it spot on really. Fluke done us tonight.

Clarke was a mountain and needs to keep his place.


Bring on Tuesday

Totally agree.
VDB and Clarke first choice.

 

[Way_Out_West]

Did well tonight as the middle of a 3 as he didn't have to move much from the centre of the pitch, with the covering CBs on either side.

Different story when he plays as one of two where his deficiencies are more exposed.

 

[Transitarmy]

He absolutely done their winger when faking a back pass then simply stopping and turning as the winger kept going, I was off my seat laughing.

 

[Juninho twinkle toes.]

Clarke, is definitely the best centre back at the club.

 

[The Disciple]

Been pretty impressed with him - best header of the ball at the club and does read the game very well. Has a pretty good pass in his locker at times as well. A slight lack of pace is maybe his Achilles heel but his reading of games makes that less important

 

[Borotommo]

At some point Engel is going to score our goal of the season, he is an average crosser but he can absolutely ping a shot!

Reminds me of Bola, in that way.

Clarke is clearly the best CB at the club

 

[Diego]

@Norman_Conquest you may be correct and Fry comes back in for Clarke but looks like im not alone in my opinion. Maybe not as clear and obvious as you seem to think it will be?

 

[Paulroddam7]

I’d be really surprised if Clarke plays against Aston Villa and Chelsea in such quick succession. I hope he can though.

 

[h_m_boro]

He came back from his long term injury and looked very rusty - understandably.

Each game he is looking more comfortable and match sharpness is evident. Outstanding last night against a very good Villa attack. Can't remember him being done once.

Really pleased for the lad

 

[Colgates_shaving_foam]

I don't have any stats to back it up but in my opinion we seem to be a lot more secure defending set peices into our box with Clarke in the side. He seems to head nearly everything

 

[Way_Out_West]

I don't have any stats to back it up but in my opinion we seem to be a lot more secure defending set peices into our box with Clarke in the side. He seems to head nearly everything

Apart from the header from a corner that hit the post yesterday. Or the goal from a corner in the match before v Cov.