07 Feb 2018 11:09:25
Big Bates as dreadful as his distribution can be, he is young and will improve his game.
What he is brilliant at is defending and if he continues to get game time whilst having Alves and Martin around giving him advice he could be a mainstay for years to come.
Big Marv wasn't the best on the ball but you knew when the ball came into the box he was clearing it and I see Bates in the same mould.

1.) 07 Feb 2018
07 Feb 2018 15:10:58
I agree Tommy, we have been crying out these last few years for defenders who can defend, and he is getting better with experience. Some of his forward clearances out of defence were actually quite good last night, turning defence into promising counter-attacks

2.) 07 Feb 2018
07 Feb 2018 16:57:51
Totally agree his job is first and foremost to defend and he does a great job. I wouldn't even try to make him into a passing centre half . Win the ball and defend the goal all day and leave the passing to others.