Perhaps it wasn't the best game in hindsight for Mark Travers to come in for Bournemouth against Watford. Yes, he is an international keeper and has had other high-profile end of season games against Tottenham and Crystal Palace for Bournemouth, but a crucial foot of the table clash against a rejuvenated Watford was perhaps asking a lot, when Eddie could have turned to the more experienced Artur Boruc.
Travers played well in the 4-0 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup, and that is perhaps what made Howe decide to stick with Travers for the Watford game, when Aaron Ramsdale had a slight hamstring pull. A change had to be made then, but Eddie's judgement might not have been correct on this occasion.
I didn't mind that Travers was given a game, but perhaps it was also a game when Boruc should have been used for his experience. After all the Watford game was a crunch match and now is Travers going to be dropped for the next match?
I'd like to think that any of Bournemouth's three top keepers could step in and play a top Premier League game. Travers is only 20 though and is the least experienced of the trio in terms of Premier League appearances. On a day when Asmir Begovic had a medical for Inter Milan, there was no clearer message that Bournemouth were moving on with their keeper choices than to give Travers the jersey.
Mark Travers and Aaron Ramsdale are definitely the future. They are agile and quick of thought and some of the best young keepers around. But experience is what they don't have yet and this is a tough environment for them to have to learn they way through. It's seven goals conceded in the last two league games and the keepers are now as much under scrutiny as any other position.
 |
| Mark Travers will no doubt kick long next time a defender gives him a pass on his goal line. |
I didn't mind that Travers was given a game, but perhaps it was also a game when Boruc should have been used for his experience. After all the Watford game was a crunch match and now is Travers going to be dropped for the next match?
Advertisement
I'd like to think that any of Bournemouth's three top keepers could step in and play a top Premier League game. Travers is only 20 though and is the least experienced of the trio in terms of Premier League appearances. On a day when Asmir Begovic had a medical for Inter Milan, there was no clearer message that Bournemouth were moving on with their keeper choices than to give Travers the jersey.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Travers perhaps deserved his chance but perhaps not in such a vital game. Now Eddie has a bigger decision to make next week as to who best to play between the sticks.
Can't fault Travers for the error. I expect Frano and Cookie to see 41 minutes on the big screen and say to Travers, knock it long and let's get into half time. They let him down then, and with a shocking back pass.
ReplyDeleteEddie also needs to be less stubborn and loyal. Nathan wasn't fit and Frano is not a centre half. He should have played Simpson and Rico. I can't say it changes the result but we don't give the other team a psychological head start by seeing injured and frankly slow defenders to have a go at.
Possibly, selecting Travers was the only solid selection.
The opposition has us figured out, the players have lost belief so give us all something new to believe in and the opposition something they haven't prepared for. Why not a diamond with Lerma holding, Cook and Billing, r and l, with DOBRE a wildcard at top. Suddenly it will feel different which has to be better than seeming the same as last string of defeats. Make that the topic of your next blog.
Cheers