Updated 16.28
WHEN IT COMES to standout performers in the Aviva Premiership this season, the kids are alright.
The five-man shortlist for Player of the Season was announced on Tuesday and, remarkably, all of the nominees are aged 23 or younger.
Centre Jonathan Joseph — who turns 24 later this month — is the oldest youngster to make the shortlist where he is joined by Bath team-mate George Ford and Saracens’ Billy Vunipola.
All three are already familiar faces in the England setup while the other two nominees, Wasps duo Elliot Daly and Fiji-born Nathan Hughes, are both expected to make the step up to senior international level before long.
Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season shortlist
- Elliot Daly – Wasps
- George Ford – Bath Rugby
- Nathan Hughes – Wasps
- Jonathan Joseph – Bath Rugby
- Billy Vunipola – Saracens
I voted yes. He is the “in-form” Irish striker in the Premiership this season. Fair enough, Best has scored a few goals but his all round play isn’t as good as Walters. The Stoke man offers pace, strength, work rate and can bang in a goal or two.
Would it be mental to put McCarthy or Fahey in behind Keane?
Yip, it would. We need a physical presence up front. Jon Walters is the man.
What about Skokes? Maybe manager should be looking at what’s best for team and putting personal differences behind him…
yes i agree stokes is the manor best
Stokes?? Are you for real??
I feel it would be foolish to play an extra man in midfield because the team is used to playing together in a 442. Probably not a good idea to go messing about with players and tactics. If keane was up front on his own he would forget to stay on the central defenders toes and be running all over the place. We need the physical presence of Walters in the frontline battle.
Walters deserves a shot. He was impressive during his cameo versus Armenia. Dont forget the cat is no in the bag!
No, he should stick to the journalism !!
:)
I would be very happy if Walters starts. He is a prescene but much more than a “big man” up front. Has a good first touch and a decent range of passing. We have a surprisingly decent range of options up front at the moment with Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters, Cox and Best. If Conor Sammon starts to get a bit more playing time at Wigan he could sharpen up too
Eh Ch’yeah!
yes walters should start up front with robbie keane,we have to stay with a 4 4 2 formation and go for it
Personally I would choose Walters up front with Best. Keane is rusty and his best days are behind him! Either way a One nil to us will set us up nicely.
Scored a great goal for Galaxy last week? I think Doyle being sent off v Armenia showed us the potential of Walters up front on his own..
James McCarthy – good player, should be starting every game
Perry groves !!!