- Jul 21, 2005
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At what point when we look at the fact pattern here - that being, every manager is playing him further forward than he/we think he should play...do we stop and conclude that maybe he's not got whatever's required to play CM yet?
Everything I've seen in this kid tells me he has the physique and technical ability to become a very, very good CM. It's just that, at senior level, it's not quite working for him there.
We can put it down to the type of manager he's playing for, at least for a while, but at some point the penny has to drop doesn't it?
I'm really routing for this kid, but it's just not happening. He surely has the raw materials. I'd be inclined to say he should really focus on the tactical part of his game and his decision making.
For instance, long term, is he more likely to make a success of it as a Dembele type of CM or a Wanyama? I used to think the former. I wonder actually if it's the latter? I'd be surprised (personally) if he ended up as a winger, but everyone seems to be playing him there. He's still only 21 so there's time but he needs to kick on, and I'm convinced it's the tactical part of his game that's the issue
At the possibility of a really flawed comparison - the scenario you painted above about his position/versatility/ability reminded me of when James Milner first came on the scene.
Don't get me wrong JM aquitted himself very well at Leeds from a young age then Newcastle onwards at a higher level than Onomah at the time but the way he was utilised for much of his early career rung a bell. He played as an AM, RM, LM and CM and he was sometimes made less effective due to his versatility.
Somewhere he needs an opportunity to focus on where he wants to play or where he can play best, he needs a manager who knows him and trusts him in order to do that IMO, which is very difficult when out on loan. As much as i'd like him to make it with us and think there's time to do so - i don't think we have the luxury of time to bring him through. Just my view at the moment, but i think an eventual permanent move may be the best thing for him.