Morsey looks like he’s been here for years

Clayton was clearly better at the defensive blocking role, but even under Aitor, his on the ball ability was very limited, he was too slow at getting the ball out from under his feet and out to the more creative players. Morsey looks much better at that, much more comfortable with ball at feet. I remember woodgate claiming that Clayton would playa 'quarter back' role for us, pinging balls from that deep position, but he just isn't capable of anything more than a 20 yard pass, Morsey is.
No, sorry, but I just dint agree with that at all. Clayton was more than comfortable in possession and could pass too. The problem he had (as did others) was that AK drummed it into them to make sure possession was never lost, hence both he and Leadbitter would turn back inside and start to build again.
 
No, sorry, but I just dint agree with that at all. Clayton was more than comfortable in possession and could pass too. The problem he had (as did others) was that AK drummed it into them to make sure possession was never lost, hence both he and Leadbitter would turn back inside and start to build again.

Agree with this. I always felt Clayton was under instructions to keep it simple, especially with him playing in the holding midfield role. Clayton was very composed on the ball. He'd often do a little drop of the shoulder or even a bit of skill to create space for himself, and he had a better range of passing than what some gave him credit for.

Think one of Woodgates' biggest mistakes last season was not having Clayton as a mainstay in the team. The home game vs Spurs stands out for me when I think of what Clayton brought to the team. He brought such a calmness to the midfield and showed his experience that day.
 
No, sorry, but I just dint agree with that at all. Clayton was more than comfortable in possession and could pass too. The problem he had (as did others) was that AK drummed it into them to make sure possession was never lost, hence both he and Leadbitter would turn back inside and start to build again.
differing opinions I guess, I never saw much passing ability from Clayton not just under Aitor, but also under Pulis, Monk or Woodgate.
 
Our midfield goalscoring record has been abysmal for some time, regardless of personnel. Saville, Howson, McNair, even Clayton, were all regular scorers at their previous clubs. It's not them; it's us. If every midfielder is required to play, first and foremost, as a defensive midfielder, then everyone looks like a crab!
 
He isn't a Clayton he is a Leadbitter from the limited viewing I've had.

Clayton was as vital as both centre backs in our defensive record under AK. his defensive work in putting out fires inside the box was superb. Always getting a block, getting a foot in, being in the right place.

Morsy strikes me as more of a ball winner in the open spaces of midfield.
 
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