Tommy Smith

[Ex Footy Legs]

I like Dijksteel, but I'd still opt for Smith based on his experience and leadership.

We have plenty of attacking threat in the team to cope without Dijktseel's attacking threat.

I think Smith defensively is better than Dijksteel, although Dijksteel appears to be quicker.

Totally agree 100%

 

[BoroMart]

It's good Dijksteel and Jones are so quick as they can quickly cover each others defensive lapses ......

Dijksteel played really well for a hour, but when Luton dragged it down to a physical scrap he struggled a bit. As said above needs to be a bit wiser......and a little more physical.

His biggest problem is his concentration levels. Switches off in critical moments.....but I don't think this can be changed.

No issues from me keeping his place at RB

To be fair smith can be bullied a bit too

 

[Ex Footy Legs]

To be fair smith can be bullied a bit too

Not in my opinion. Can’t recall smith ever looking bullied by anyone at all. He’s a solid and consistent performer at this level who brings leadership to the team on field which has been important for us.
I hope he’s not broken ribs and is back ASAP

 

[brattleboro]

hope dijksteel stays in team simply because hes a far better player than smith

 

[The Card Cheat]

hope dijksteel stays in team simply because hes a far better player than smith

I know stats don't tell you everything but we've won only 1 of the 9 games Dijksteel has started, I think 20 of the 30 Smith has started. Seems to suggest to me we're a better team when Smith starts.

 

[locomansimon]

hope dijksteel stays in team simply because hes a far better player than smith

Agree 100%

 

[edinboro]

It's a really interesting conundrum Smith Vs Dijksteel. Dijksteel is a better player and can do the right back switching to centre back when defending thing easily.

But he isn't as loud, vocal and canny as Smith. Although he was winning free kicks on Tuesday so perhaps he is learning.

I'm happy with either but prefer Dijksteel as I love his runs up field and he brings the best out in Jones.

So perhaps if all are fit it is Smith/Forss or Dijksteel/Jones and subs to replace each pair.

 

[mbg42]

I know stats don't tell you everything but we've won only 1 of the 9 games Dijksteel has started, I think 20 of the 30 Smith has started. Seems to suggest to me we're a better team when Smith starts.

This stat is rock solid proof as Dijksteel for Tommy Smith was actually the only change between those games

 

[BoroMart]

I know stats don't tell you everything but we've won only 1 of the 9 games Dijksteel has started, I think 20 of the 30 Smith has started. Seems to suggest to me we're a better team when Smith starts.

Dijksteel games were almost exclusively under wilder which was clearly a bigger influence, plus Dijksteel didn’t play RB in most of those games which is what we are talking about

 

[The Card Cheat]

Dijksteel games were almost exclusively under wilder which was clearly a bigger influence, plus Dijksteel didn’t play RB in most of those games which is what we are talking about

Like I said stats don't always tell the whole story but it's hard to understand why many posters are suddenly very critical of Smith when he's been an almost ever present in one of our best runs of form in a long time. It seems Smith is Carrick's first choice at RB as well, so that's good enough for me.

 

[Ash88]

I knew Boro fans had short memories but dear me....

Smith has played every single minute under Carrick until the last 2 games, and he's been a massive part of some of the best football most of us have ever seen us play...

I like Dijksteel, but a couple of good forward runs in 135 minutes of football doesn't make RB his position to lose.

 

[BoroMart]

Like I said stats don't always tell the whole story but it's hard to understand why many posters are suddenly very critical of Smith when he's been an almost ever present in one of our best runs of form in a long time. It seems Smith is Carrick's first choice at RB as well, so that's good enough for me.

I don't think anyone is 'very' critical, but he isn't critiscism free either.

Personal opinion is that his standard had dropped the last 4 or 5 games, and we had conceeded a few soft goals down his side in those games.

Dijksteel does have that bit more pace, which can be a get out of jail free card sometimes. Smith makes better off the ball runs mind (not that Forss ever passes when he overlaps), Dijksteel sometimes gets in the way.

 

[CarrickBall]

It's a really interesting conundrum Smith Vs Dijksteel. Dijksteel is a better player and can do the right back switching to centre back when defending thing easily.

But he isn't as loud, vocal and canny as Smith. Although he was winning free kicks on Tuesday so perhaps he is learning.

I'm happy with either but prefer Dijksteel as I love his runs up field and he brings the best out in Jones.

So perhaps if all are fit it is Smith/Forss or Dijksteel/Jones and subs to replace each pair.

See your argument for both on this.

My issue with Dijksteel is his tendency to switch off and leave his man in crucial moments.

We're under new management now so it may be different (he was playing CB in a 3), but he was costing us points at the beginning of the season.

Stoke and Watford away in the last minute spring to mind.

 

[Diego]

I knew Boro fans had short memories but dear me....

Smith has played every single minute under Carrick until the last 2 games, and he's been a massive part of some of the best football most of us have ever seen us play...

I like Dijksteel, but a couple of good forward runs in 135 minutes of football doesn't make RB his position to lose.

This!