Surprising and yet unsurprising news that Diego Poyet has been voted Player of the Year. Surprising because he is younger than the Young Player of the Year - Jordan Cousins - and because he only played 20 games. Unsurprising because he slotted in like an old pro and because he has been sensational.
We have seen some superb young midfielders break into the Red shirt over the years but Diego tops the lot for me. His ability to read the game is amazing and his first touch and passing is of the highest quality. Lee Bowyer lit up his first season as an attacking midfielder because he scored goals. Scott Parker took some time to come to the boil as did Jonjo Shelvey. Poyet, however, has contributed heftily in every match he has played. He has given brilliant cover to the back four, typified by his performance in the Watford win at the Valley. His body block of a Watford effort in the second-half was as good to see as Harriott's third.
He has complete balance left and right and always knows where he has space to move into for his second touch. I have said before that his style is very reminiscent of Luka Modric and if he can develop that attacking edge to his game, he will become a very special player.
The big question is "how long can we keep him?" The good news is that his father knows the ropes and should know that his profile and development will be best served giving us another season. The family aren't short of money, so you have to hope that a deal can be done and that the big money move can wait. Charlton really need that because Poyet could easily become our record transfer fee.
My vote went to Lawrie Wilson and my second would have been Michael Morrison who were second and third respectively. Wilson was used in several positions during he season and overlooked too often for the attacking right side when Chris Solly was fit but he gave his all and is good enough to play in a promotion winning Championship side.
Michael Morrison plays like the Captain, even if he isn't. He manages the back four and plays with as much passion as the most ardent supporter. Occasionally he gets caught out and has a poor match but he more than makes up for that in between times and show me a defender who never makes mistakes? It's embarrassing that Morrison's contract has yet to be renewed and runs out in June (he's still only 26). Asked about it at the Sponsor's Dinner he replied "put it in front of me and I'll sign." If we lose him to another side, I fear we will be left watching his performances on TV and wishing he was still playing for us. The other players out-of-contract can have fewer complaints but I can't help feeling Morro has been treated shabbily.
We have seen some superb young midfielders break into the Red shirt over the years but Diego tops the lot for me. His ability to read the game is amazing and his first touch and passing is of the highest quality. Lee Bowyer lit up his first season as an attacking midfielder because he scored goals. Scott Parker took some time to come to the boil as did Jonjo Shelvey. Poyet, however, has contributed heftily in every match he has played. He has given brilliant cover to the back four, typified by his performance in the Watford win at the Valley. His body block of a Watford effort in the second-half was as good to see as Harriott's third.
He has complete balance left and right and always knows where he has space to move into for his second touch. I have said before that his style is very reminiscent of Luka Modric and if he can develop that attacking edge to his game, he will become a very special player.
The big question is "how long can we keep him?" The good news is that his father knows the ropes and should know that his profile and development will be best served giving us another season. The family aren't short of money, so you have to hope that a deal can be done and that the big money move can wait. Charlton really need that because Poyet could easily become our record transfer fee.
My vote went to Lawrie Wilson and my second would have been Michael Morrison who were second and third respectively. Wilson was used in several positions during he season and overlooked too often for the attacking right side when Chris Solly was fit but he gave his all and is good enough to play in a promotion winning Championship side.
Michael Morrison plays like the Captain, even if he isn't. He manages the back four and plays with as much passion as the most ardent supporter. Occasionally he gets caught out and has a poor match but he more than makes up for that in between times and show me a defender who never makes mistakes? It's embarrassing that Morrison's contract has yet to be renewed and runs out in June (he's still only 26). Asked about it at the Sponsor's Dinner he replied "put it in front of me and I'll sign." If we lose him to another side, I fear we will be left watching his performances on TV and wishing he was still playing for us. The other players out-of-contract can have fewer complaints but I can't help feeling Morro has been treated shabbily.
Absolutely agree with all of that. Morro has been an absolute stalwart, never gets injured and is the bedrock and natural leader of our defence. It's imperative that we try and keep hold of him.
ReplyDeleteAt the Awards dinner last night Morro was the player in most demand for photos and autographs. That tells you every thing about what the fanes think of him Dave.
ReplyDeletePembury Addick
I think there were a few worthy contenders for the POTY award this year. Morro and Jacko in their own ways would have been ideal recipients.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of talk on various forums that it's not been fair that Diego got the POTY award because he he only played in 20 games over the season, but from my perspective in the Covered End, the season would have been sunk without him.
He is a total class act, and shot out of the academy and into the first team, slotting in perfectly from the first minute he was playing. Watching him has been observing what we all call the beautiful game. Passing nearly always spot on, in the mix winning the ball and playing it on to someone else to get it forward...
We couldn't ask for more which is why he had my vote for POTY.
Every so often you see someone who you know has the potential for absolute greatness - and I think Diego is one of those. I'd love for him to stay at CAFC for a while longer, and I just don't want to see him sign to a big club only to be sidelined and not playing.
We won't keep him for ever, but he's one of those players who, no matter who he signs for, you know you will always follow with interest.
Thats my two-penn'orth over and done with!
Up the Addicks!
:-)
I think there were a few worthy contenders for the POTY award this year. Morro and Jacko in their own ways would have been ideal recipients.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of talk on various forums that it's not been fair that Diego got the POTY award because he he only played in 20 games over the season, but from my perspective in the Covered End, the season would have been sunk without him.
He is a total class act, and shot out of the academy and into the first team, slotting in perfectly from the first minute he was playing. Watching him has been observing what we all call the beautiful game. Passing nearly always spot on, in the mix winning the ball and playing it on to someone else to get it forward...
We couldn't ask for more which is why he had my vote for POTY.
Every so often you see someone who you know has the potential for absolute greatness - and I think Diego is one of those. I'd love for him to stay at CAFC for a while longer, and I just don't want to see him sign to a big club only to be sidelined and not playing.
We won't keep him for ever, but he's one of those players who, no matter who he signs for, you know you will always follow with interest.
Thats my two-penn'orth over and done with!
Up the Addicks!
:-)