Stephen Darby

[Kahnee]

Think the lad did himself proud last night. Seemed at home on the right, happy to break forward, no qualms about bossing his team mates about either.

 

With all the panic about Finnan, Arbeloa and Degen, think he has what it takes to make the step up.

 

And it would be good to see a player break in to the first team from the ressies

[Swipe]

Doesn't look a million miles away from Finnan as a full back, either

[CaptainXabi]

I loved it when he just steamed into Pires out of nowhere. Very good performance.

[Hassony]

I think he has looked capable to step in a do a job if needed, Arbeloa will be the first choice and I hope Darby will be in contention

 

BTW, whats "With all the panic about Finnan, Arbeloa and Degen "

[Kahnee]

I think he has looked capable to step in a do a job if needed, Arbeloa will be the first choice and I hope Darby will be in contention

 

BTW, whats "With all the panic about Finnan, Arbeloa and Degen "

 

Finnan's off to Villa, Degan's broken and Arbeloa's off home (if reports on here are to be believed), leaving Cara at RB...

[Koller49]

needs a song if you ask me.

 

He's small,

He's red,

His feet don't stick out the bed,

Stephen Darby,

Stephen Darby.

 

Perfect.

[MFletcher]

I've been quietly impressed with him. He seems to be in the Finnan mould - consistent, solid, doesn't panic etc.

 

I could see him getting a few games under his belt this season. I liked the way he was directing things as well.

[honourablegeorge]

Great last ditch tackle too, wonder who taught him that......

[Ben 23]

I would be worried to have Darby as first choice right back to be honest. I don't think he'll ever be a premiership standard player but I suppose he could be a late developer. Insua, Nemeth and Plessis are all well ahead in terms of how good they are and how ready they are.

[Maldini]

A late developer? He's only 19.

[Kahnee]

I would be worried to have Darby as first choice right back to be honest. I don't think he'll ever be a premiership standard player but I suppose he could be a late developer. Insua, Nemeth and Plessis are all well ahead in terms of how good they are and how ready they are.

 

Thought he looked far more assured than any of the ones you've named last night

[Chili Palmer]

I like the look of him, i like the fact that he has captained every team he's been in, shows a good mentality.

[Hassony]

I like the look of him, i like the fact that he has captained every team he's been in, shows a good mentality.

 

apart from the first team

[Kahnee]

apart from the first team

 

Matter of time - these late developers make great skippers

[uncle bob]

I would be worried to have Darby as first choice right back to be honest. I don't think he'll ever be a premiership standard player but I suppose he could be a late developer. Insua, Nemeth and Plessis are all well ahead in terms of how good they are and how ready they are.

IMHO believe Darby closer to the finished article than both Plessis and Insua. Also believe Spearing a better prospect than Plessis -

[Guest the Dude abides]

Looks a good solid player, not sure he's brilliant at anything though, bit Steve Finnan-ish. No qualms about that. Definitely one that has a real chance to get into the first team at some stage.

[MFletcher]

IMHO believe Darby closer to the finished article than both Plessis and Insua. Also believe Spearing a better prospect than Plessis -

 

I don't rate Spearing at all. He's a football league player, not a PL player.

[richwilks]

I don't rate Spearing at all. He's a football league player, not a PL player.

 

 

Agree with that. Won't make it at Anfield at all. Don't think he's the sort of player that a lower end PL team will pick up either.

 

Darby however looks like he's got a bit about him. Great turn of pace, committed and well worth his place in the first team squad this season.

 

Plessis could have a chance, with experiece he'll get better on the ball.

[R A Softlad]

A late developer? He's only 19.

 

Wasted the last 17.5 years of his career...

[Walrus]

Spearing seems like he's trying to prove how hard he is all the time. Looks a bit funny at times, I must admit.

[Hassony]

Spearing reminds me of Davey Thompson, from what I have seen he looks better than Plassis as well

[Guest the Dude abides]

Guthrie is a much much better player than Spearing, which will tell you he has no future at this club. The lad would do well to get himself out on loan, thats if he hasn't people around him who are honest with him and not filling his head up with ideas of grandeur.

[Chili Palmer]

Spearing reminds me of Davey Thompson, from what I have seen he looks better than Plassis as well

 

 

really? I think Plessis is miles ahead of Jay at the minute

[Walrus]

Can't understand how people rate Guthrie so highly. Think Spearing and especially Plessis will both become better players than him.

 

Anyways, back to Darby... he will probably be this year's Insua. People will keep saying that he deserves a chance and then he will get 2-3 matches in the League Cup/meaningless league games (hopefully we won't have those), where he will not do enough to really convince the manager like a Gerrard or Owen have done.

[Ben 23]

A late developer? He's only 19.

 

And isn't anywhere near good enough. So if he develops over the next couple of seasons and becomes good enough to join the first team at 21 you'll understand that's quite late in footballing terms won't you?

 

And as for people who replied to me about last nights game that isn't what I was basing my opinion on. I'm going off months/years of reserve/academy football.

 

He did looks solid yesterday however, I do agree.

Edited July 31, 2008 by Ben 23