James gives an update on a kid I’m sure we’re all hoping will come good.
Cheers mate.
A few months back I wrote an article about the arrival of Samir at MK Dons, raising my concern that he was not guaranteed first team football but also commenting on my excitement of seeing a player of his talent in an MK Dons jersey.
His arrival at MK Dons has resulted in quite mixed reviews from fans. He has started in 7 of his 9 appearances, mainly playing out wide in a 4-2-3-1 system.
On his home debut he scored a quite fantastic goal, described on the main forum as ‘a quite incredible finish’ and ‘Taken like a prem player’. However unfortunately that quality has not been seen consistently since arriving at the Dons. Despite starting 7 matches, and coming on twice he has scored 1 and assisted 1 during his loan spell. Admittedly twice he came off injured early, but has not set the world alight for MK Dons.
Comments such as ‘Keep Carruthers out of side if possible’, ‘We were magnificent to a man (except perhaps for Carruthers who was a disappointment)’ and ‘Carruthers was a bit pants last night’ can be seen on the forum. This could be a result of high expectations, poor overall team performances or playing in an unfamiliar position, but for a player with such great potential it is a shame to see these types of reviews.
Do not get me wrong. The lad has talent, but something is not quite there yet. Personally I would prefer to see him playing in a #10 position rather than out wide. However as an MK Dons fan, who follows Aston Villa a fair bit I can now understand why Lambert has sent him out on loan. The lad has only played in 12 competitive first team matches, so this experience is necessary.
My favourite comment I found when scouting around the forum was, when commenting on their favourite moment of the game; ‘Carruthers totally confusing two Sheffield U defenders with a move just before half time that I didn’t think I’d ever think I’d see someone in a Dons shirt be able to pull off . Pure class’
Seems a pretty balanced assessment, thanks for this.
I’ve not seen much of him, but he does have a touch of class about him.
Whether he can progress to the next level remains to be seen though.
I’ve been happy that Carruthers has at least been given the chance to play in a League 1 side. He’s got a way to go before he plays in the Premier League but I don’t think it’s a bad start for him.
Thanks for the assessment, it’s sometimes hard to find opinions on your players out on loan
No problem at all.
I think the problem has been is Dons have had a fairly consist midfielder 5 for the past 2 seasons now. Both usual wingers are currently out injured, so he has had big fills to fit. And a new face, in a fairly constant system may not always click instantly.
However when he does something good, it is bloody good. Has a lot of talent.
Nice one, hope he manages to stay at the Dons for a full season and get a consistent run of games under his belt. Its hard to pick a team that plays better football than MK Dons in that division so it’s the perfect side for him to be in. Hopefully the time on the pitch will do him the world of good.
Started today for Ireland’s U21’s in their 1-0 loss to Romania. Can’t find anything about how he or Burke played though. Burke was a sub.