Reo Hatate

Thought the same myself. Reo looked a lot more lively and creative. Engels definitely would’ve been my choice to be subbed first

 

1st half he was electric, 2nd half he wasn’t and I wanted him off. I wanted Engels off as well though, McCowan and Bernardo should have came on same time.

There’s a worrying wee trend with Engels when its time to dig deep when the games not going our way of him hiding. He’s young and learning still though even with the fee we paid, but he needs to learn quickly. Especially because the man he replaced was the epitome of standing up and doing something when things weren’t going our way in O’Riley. He has the talent definitely, mentality needs to develop quickly or our fans will get arsey wjth him

 

Yeah I think Engels does look to get a bit caught up and somewhat lost when we’re up against it but he’s still getting used to a new physical league etc. For me Hatate was causing more problems so would’ve preferred he stayed on longer. Would like to see bernardo start ahead of engels next game but I think in Europe engels will start again. Still a great option I just feel bernardo may offer more in it especially defensively/pressing

 

Loved that goal yesterday and I’m very surprised we haven’t seen more of that from him under Rodgers in terms of breaking the box and getting into goalscoring areas.

Technically i don’t think anyone comes close in our team to his level but he blows so hot and cold even from action to action, he could play at th very top level if he becomes more secure and makes sure his lowest level is still reliable.

He will zip a 40 yard half volley onto someones toe and then give it away in our defensive third the next pass.

He also needs more numbers, he could easily have O’Riley level numbers if he improves his desire to get into the area.

I think he’ll leave at the end of the season for sure as he’s never hid that desire to move up in level but I think it’s completely upto him if he leaves for a Bournemouth or he leaves for a Spurs/Villa

 

He was a joy to watch first half ..

But, too often he just drifts out of games as if he knows he'll be off in 60mins..

I'd like to see him play a full 90 now and then if cruising it.. a bit of a psychology reset for him.

 

Decent tonight. Few ambitious passes didn't come off but felt he was our best midfielder, especially first half.

 

Did his job of trying to create something for us even though it didn't come off. Him blowing out his * after an hour is a bit of a concern though as it happens frequently. Doesn't have the 'new to senior football' excuse any more too.

 

Couple of his balls Idah was too slow to react and didn't move quick enough first half. Reo was class , played a mental ball over the top early second half as well .
No idea why he can't play 90 mins though .

 

Honestly don't see why he is subbed before Engels on current form. Bernardo would be starting beside him if it wasn't for the price tag.

 

Happened the weekend aswell. Must be a fitness issue.

 

Probably is. I feel like after he was dropped, he has mainly responded positively.

 

We always get better results when he plays . As was apparent when he returned last season . Gives us the right balance. He's always got a moment of slackness in him but we seem to get better results with him in there.

 

Only second for me to Scales first half. Didn't always come off, but he pretty much always took some pressure off by getting the ball out.

 

Maybe this competition for places was the boot up the * he needed to fight for his spot. Bernardo looks to have gone up a level as well, in terms of physicality.

But like you said, we never had our main mf fit for most of last season, just like our back 4. It's no wonder we had erratic results at the time.

 

He was blown out his * but then Engels wasn’t much better fitness wise. Hatate does struggle past the 60min mark and guessing Rodgers didn’t want to change both at same time.

 

At what?

 

Thought he was good tonight

 

I thought he had a decent match tonight. Clearly worked hard. With Reo not all his passes are going to come off but adds something that the other midfielders don't. More than happy with his performance.