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.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
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 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.
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’s definitely harshly treated by fans. Maybe he’s a victim of his own success from when he burst on the scene.
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.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.
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 learnsOne 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.