Re: Iwata and Paik

Zublue

If these 2 are our first choice centre midfielders next season, I predict relegation.

I think relegation is a massive overreaction.

I do however think as a pairing they are not good enough for promotion and certainly not good enough for the Prem.

Both of them are 29 and as much as some think they are going to progress further and develop chances are they are not and they’re at the peak of their powers. This is them at their most developed and at their best.

I think they would both be way out of their depth in the premier league.

I think Paik is good enough for top half Championship teams and has some great technical ability. But, despite his ability he is often too safe and doesn’t offer much defensively. He also is guilty of having games where he pushes wide or too far forward leaving massive holes in the middle.

Iwata has scored some great goals for us and I have a soft spot. But I believe he’s more of a Championship mid-table player. A solid rotation option at right back and centre mid but not a starter for a team chasing a top 6 finish/promotion. My biggest issue with Iwata is his decision making - he is often too rushed or takes too long to make a decision. Umpteen times this season he has fired a pass at someone before they’ve made their run or waited and waited and either played a pass when someone is now offside or tried to ping a long ball after other options have been closed off whilst he has been hesitating.

If we don’t sign Solis and with Doyle going back that leaves us with Paik, Iwata and Leonard our only contracted centre mids. If Leonard goes then just Paik and Iwata. Realistically we need 5 centre mid options for genuine rotation. If Davies or a new manager wanted a 3 man midfield we would need 6/7 options.

Lots of work to do in this department.