Jones getting pelters on the radio after the game

Despite the score line some players were probably only average on the night but the key is their contribution in the win. Jones was average but he linked up well when playing the ball out from the back and overall was tidy so there’s little to criticize. Let’s not forget the Wigan constant press made Jones sit in deep positions so I think he was forced to play in a supporting midfield role due to the oppositions tactics.
 
We cried out last year for an outlet on the left so all the pressure was not on Jones. We have that now in Giles. Unfortunately the outlet on the right is not happening this year. Jones needs to get back to basics
 
Jones is one of two key players this year for Boro the other being Howson. Without either in the team we will struggle to create chances or cause problems for opposing teams.
 
We cried out last year for an outlet on the left so all the pressure was not on Jones. We have that now in Giles. Unfortunately the outlet on the right is not happening this year. Jones needs to get back to basics
If Jones was having stinker then I’d tend to agree with you but I’m sure Carrick would have benched him if he thought he needed to do extra training on his technique or team play. I believe there’s a reason for both wingers not being as gung-ho as last season or under CW— results on the field have proven that.
 
As McLean wiped him out twice in the first half, without a booking, when Jones tried to run with the ball, maybe he (and the Manager) thought it would be better to pass the ball, switch the play to the unmarked Giles and to create the three second half goals. That way Jones doesn’t get clogged and injured for the next match and the team win the game. Good tactics. (y)
 
Think I'll side with Dana Malt on this.
He's more comfortable in a wing-back role teaming up with the right-sided midfielder (generally Crooks), getting to the by-line and cutting the ball back.

He's less effective crossing the ball from level with the 18 yard box which can be worked on however.

Nevertheless, as others have stated, the opposition see him as such a threat they're willing to double up on him but in the meantime they're leaving space for us in other areas of the pitch.

He's young enough to improve, let's support him through his difficult times 👍
 
He was one of the players who at one time really excelled playing in Wilder's system to be fair. He really benefited from the tactic of those little triangles, which often led to him being able to get in behind the defence and deliver the cross.

That's not happening now and maybe to an extent he feels a bit lost. He didn't seem confident he could beat McClean yesterday, but equally it could be a deliberate tactic which has been employed by Carrick. Rather than tying to beat two men and losing the ball, look for the player who's in space, which has been created due to the opposition doubling up on him.

A frustration I did have with Jones yesterday was that he didn't seem to be willing to make overlapping runs. Couple of times where I felt he could have and McClean would have had no chance of keeping up with him.
 
His best form came when he had Dijksteel RCB and Crooks RM, linking up nicely down the right.

But, system has changed and he looks a bit lost. Short of confidence? Being asked to play another different role? Over analysing things a bit much?

Form is nowhere near what it was, but he's a young lad happens to most players.🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Just off the top of my head I can think of an assist that Watmore should have scored from. A run into the box in the second half where Giles couldn't Pick him out, 2 dashes back into defence to stop Wigan attacks dead when Smith was out of position. A ball laid back to, Smith I think, and he should have shot from. He contributed plenty to the performance yesterday over and above taking 2 defenders with him wherever he went.

I think some of the comments on here are harsh to say the least.
 
He’s definitely harshly treated by fans. Maybe he’s a victim of his own success from when he burst on the scene.

If he doesn’t put in a Messi like performance he gets pelters even if he hasn’t had a bad game.

With Boro fans it seems that, unless he’s brilliant and sets up 3 or 4 chances and bags a goal, then he’s worse than $h|t.
 
I heard this as well and was surprised to see him singled out. I agree with maddo in that we as a team have changed how we play and do the days of Jones marauding down the wing to win a game almost single handed are over.

Now he’s part of a more structured side and he has a role to play in that side. A side by the way that is winning.

He’s An incredibly gifted player and I think he’ll add to his game as the season develops but for now he’s getting used to a new role in the side.
 
He benefits when Dijksteel is in the team creating overloads. He doesn't work so well with Smith. Also, he had a good understanding with Crooks.

It's good he's no longer a wing-back, having to tear back to his own box the whole time, but could benefit from different personnel in his area of the pitch.

His first touch and his crossing still let him down too often. Be good if we had another young right-winger to put him under pressure.
 
I don't often listen (certainly not after we've lost as it is just frothers ranting about everything and nothing) but listened as I was driving home. Couldn't understand when several callers/texters/numpties had to have a pop at Jones. Why?

Yes, he didn't have a particularly influential game but Wigan were doubling up on him through the match. I didn't think he did anything particularly badly (or good TBF). Some people just can't celebrate a good win without a whinge about something.
He wasn't terrible, just nowhere near as influential as Giles. We have to remember he was playing non-league 2 years ago, he's had a role change from wing back to winger too.

I'm not sure that he has fully adapted to that more advanced role yet, and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone come in and challenge him in January. He's stalled a little in his progression, but if he keeps listening and doesn't strop if dropped to the bench, instead using it as a motivator, then he'll be fine. He's an important squad player for us, probably shouldn't be asked to play every single match, but he's been a danger all season, had some rough treatment dealt out. If he can keep working on improving that final ball, then he'll start to pick his form up again.
 
He’s definitely harshly treated by fans. Maybe he’s a victim of his own success from when he burst on the scene.
agreed, if he has a steady game it looks poor in comparison to some of his highlights from last year. He had a 3 month period where he was at the centre of everything we did, but he was playing above his ability level to some degree. He's doing a job right now, maybe not reaching the highs of last season, but not reaching the lows of the beginning of this season either. He's become more reliable and consistent as a footballer, but he needs to refind a bit of unpredictability.
 
He wasn't terrible, just nowhere near as influential as Giles. We have to remember he was playing non-league 2 years ago, he's had a role change from wing back to winger too.

I'm not sure that he has fully adapted to that more advanced role yet, and I wouldn't be surprised to see someone come in and challenge him in January. He's stalled a little in his progression, but if he keeps listening and doesn't strop if dropped to the bench, instead using it as a motivator, then he'll be fine. He's an important squad player for us, probably shouldn't be asked to play every single match, but he's been a danger all season, had some rough treatment dealt out. If he can keep working on improving that final ball, then he'll start to pick his form up again.
One of the points you raise about only 2 years a proffessional is valid. He hasn't been through a multi-million pound academy and is playing catch up. We won't see the best of him for another season or two.
 
One of the points you raise about only 2 years a proffessional is valid. He hasn't been through a multi-million pound academy and is playing catch up. We won't see the best of him for another season or two.
Yes I've said this before, big difference playing in sunday teams and then joining a non-league side at 19. He joined us at 21 and had already missed out on 5 years full time professional training at that point. His technical footballing age is probably 19 or 20 now and maybe we have to give him a bit of leeway for a couple more years as he learns and learns
 
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