Dannnnnnnnnn
Moderator
- Aug 24, 2012
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- #126
I didn't, but it doesn't really change my view - Young aggressively gambles and peels off, and has the athleticism and strength overhead to capitalise more often than not when he's in the right spot. What the stats don't show though is how often he peels off and either doesn't impact the contest or gets wrong-footed and forces a defensive switch that isn't always there. The end result is a guy who may intercept like one of the best in the league and doesn't look to get "beaten" or get goals kicked on him, but can often be a net negative.Partly agree. Did you know Young is averaging the 6th most intercepts in the league this year? From his 5 games in 2019 he was averaging the 3rd most. It's really his one and only strength. I'm not sure he'll make it anymore but in the right system he could've been a good 3rd tall intercept player.
I can see your point re: the right system, and maybe with stronger 1v1 defenders around him he could've been something. I don't think our system is so bad for intercepting defenders though. We really emphasise the usefulness of defensive half turnovers and play a system that brings this to the fore. Our defenders get more mid support than they would in most other sides, too. We may hang our KPDs out to dry at times but I don't think it's a horrible environment for Young to develop in - I just don't think he's come on as fast or as much as he needs to.