Darby

[Roboklopp]

Aye, looked good, altho a bit hesitant going forward I thought- altho that may well have been conifidence/inexperience. Certainly knows how to put in Warnock-esque tackles.

[RedSince1964]

He looks good, but does like back 30 yard passes though

The point is mate that he looks comfortable doing so, and it doesn't seem to faze him when when he's put under pressure, i'd give him a chance against the lower teams (Hull etc, no offence intended like) and see how he cope's.

From what i've seen of him in the friendly's and reserve's games, it looks as though he has a bright future

[Big Dave]

Along with Plessis and Insua, I think he's probably a certainty for for a regular place on the bench now that we can pick 7. Looked very tidy, and hopefully can make the step up in the next season or 2

[kris90210]

Yep, very impressed with him. Think he should defo be in contention for right back this year

[Parr_Zee]

Along with Plessis and Insua,

I've been a bit disappointed with Plessis this pre-season ... I watched him a lot for the reserves, and thought he was awesome, but in these pre-season games I think people go past him way too easy. I hope he steps his game up...

[Shaggy]

Yeah me too. Plessis' level so far in pre-season has been well below what we saw from him in the stiffs last term and in the first team.

[Shaggy]

Oh and as for Darby - impressed again last night. He had a good campaign with the reserves last season and he's taken it on. I didn't expect him to be involved with the first team so soon but credit to him, he's made a smooth transition thus far. Doesn't look out of place.

[Joe King]

The new Rob Jones

[Assassin]

Oh and as for Darby - impressed again last night. He had a good campaign with the reserves last season and he's taken it on. I didn't expect him to be involved with the first team so soon but credit to him, he's made a smooth transition thus far. Doesn't look out of place.

Having not seen too much of Darby apart from a poor quality stream of the game yesterday.

What are the best qualities and what are the areas he needs to improve

[Shaggy]

From what I've seen he reminds me a bit of Carra - loves to defend with blocks and no-nonsense tackles, although he seems more naturally inclined to want to get forward. He could improve his distribution but he seems positionally clued-up and mentally mature. A steady Eddie sort.

[hamshanks]

So you are saying that you would have our reserve team captain who is a right-back, playing on the right wing in our first team ahead of Dirk Kuyt?

Instead of slow misfiring centre forward Dirk Kuyt?... yes, absolutely, I would

[Assassin]

From what I've seen he reminds me a bit of Carra - loves to defend with blocks and no-nonsense tackles, although he seems more naturally inclined to want to get forward. He could improve his distribution but he seems positionally clued-up and mentally mature. A steady Eddie sort.

Cheers for that. His last ditch block last night where his outstretched foot stopped a naile on goal was very Carragheresque.

Hopefully, he will continue to mature and be one of the first of a succession of talented players to come through the ressies, alowoing us to use are limited amounts of cash on big transfers

[Exiled_red]

The new Rob Jones

You mean there's no chance he'll ever score for us??

In all seriousness Rob Jones was great, if he hadn't had his career cut short by injury Gary Neville wouldn't have half as many England caps

[RedSince1964]

From what I've seen he reminds me a bit of Carra - loves to defend with blocks and no-nonsense tackles, although he seems more naturally inclined to want to get forward. He could improve his distribution but he seems positionally clued-up and mentally mature. A steady Eddie sort.

Shaggs

[DannyMan2006]

Darby was a bit slow getting forward and lacked the conviction to shout at Voronin to get him back to defend. Did reasonably well by all accounts.

Great performance considering his age and experience, but it will be a good while before he should be considered to be a first teamer.

Of all the young lads Plessis is the only one who looks like he can do a job for the first XI if I'm being totally honest. That's not to say I think Darby and co. would be poor, but if you want to win the league you need quality all over the park. Plessis is the only one with the required bulk too.

What we should do with the young lads is play them in the cups, bring them on when we are cruising in games, and play them if we qualify early in the Champions League group stages. If they cut it in those games then maybe we should look at the next step along.