Joe Broad - What does he do?

Last updated : 16 October 2005 By Andy Van Hagen
The last couple of games i have watched Joe Broad quite closely. I am trying to see what he has that earnt him a 2 year extension to his contract last season, despite not featuring much during his first year.

Watching him your initial feelings are he looks a busy little player, he runs and looks to break things up. But then i noticed he rarely actually touches the ball. He runs by the ball but rarely puts a foot in. He runs up to make a tackle and doesnt actually make the tackle. When he recieves the ball he looks edgy and nervous. I dont think the critism he recieves on boards particularly helps either!! But part of being a professional footballer is to deal with that, take the positives when they come and ignore negatives etc etc.

Joe is 23 years old now. He is has a remarkably low experience for a player of his age in todays game. That is why i feel critism is a little harsh on the lad. I sort of have the opinion that you cant blame him as he doesnt pick the team!! I do believe he tries his best to be honest every game. As long as a player is playing at 100% do you critise him or the manager? But I do feel from a selection point of view Taylor or Broad? It would be Taylor ahead of Joe every time.

The famous Merson quote of 'Joes the best professional at the club' keeps being used by fans. I can only think that this was meant to mean that Joe is always trying to improve himself and his game. You cant knock that, but are we in the position to let him do this under our wage structure when he is so far off the standard?


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