Ben Close

[drfchound]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

I’m not denying any of that mate but it is a fact that plenty of supporters were worried when he was injured at Bradford.

Why?! Part of a midfield unit that got relegated from league 1 and was making a bloody good fist of getting us relegated from League 2 until he got injured! As for Crew , he will go on to have a far better career than Ben Close ever will , admittedly he wasn't quite at it Tuesday but he's done more in a short time span at Rovers than Close ever has.

Why, ask the people who posted on here after the Bradford game.

[Metalmicky]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

I’m not denying any of that mate but it is a fact that plenty of supporters were worried when he was injured at Bradford.

Why?! Part of a midfield unit that got relegated from league 1 and was making a bloody good fist of getting us relegated from League 2 until he got injured! As for Crew , he will go on to have a far better career than Ben Close ever will , admittedly he wasn't quite at it Tuesday but he's done more in a short time span at Rovers than Close ever has.

TBF, I, like others, haven't been the biggest fan of Ben Close; however, saying that, he has played well in his recent appearances and I feel that GM has been somewhat vindicated in his previous assessment that BC could/would be an asset in League One.  In the 2 recent games he has played (90 mins in both I think) he has strolled through the match and looked (and performed) a different player to who we saw last season.  It may be a mindset, it may be fitness, it may be psychological.... but nobody can deny that he has looked like a fine tuned engine in those matches... If he can continue in that vein, then I can see beyond the player that was so very average, shaky and under performing. 

[IDM]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

Wow.

So you are implying we might not have had that run had Close not been injured.??

Maybe, just maybe, he’s a more effective player (when fit and in form) at the higher level.?

Not so long ago he was a regular for Portsmouth at this level, so he has pedigree.  Maybe this season will be the one he comes good for us, if he can get games given our squad size.

[andyst79]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

Wow.

So you are implying we might not have had that run had Close not been injured.??

Maybe, just maybe, he’s a more effective player (when fit and in form) at the higher level.?

Not so long ago he was a regular for Portsmouth at this level, so he has pedigree.  Maybe this season will be the one he comes good for us, if he can get games given our squad size.

Give over , if he was any good Portsmouth wouldn't have got shut. He's made about 80 apearances in 5 years and I can count on 1 hand the number of goals he's scored.

[andyst79]

Close was a main player for us not so long ago.
I remember when he picked  up the bad injury at Bradford and plenty of us on here were worried about our prospects without him in the team.

Close was a main player for us not so long ago.
I remember when he picked  up the bad injury at Bradford and plenty of us on here were worried about our prospects without him in the team.

Why?! When you used the term us , I presumed you were including yourself, that's why I asked.

[drfchound]

Close was a main player for us not so long ago.
I remember when he picked  up the bad injury at Bradford and plenty of us on here were worried about our prospects without him in the team.

Close was a main player for us not so long ago.
I remember when he picked  up the bad injury at Bradford and plenty of us on here were worried about our prospects without him in the team.

Why?! When you used the term us , I presumed you were including yourself, that's why I asked.

Us is The Rovers.
Lots of people use that terminology.

[IDM]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

Wow.

So you are implying we might not have had that run had Close not been injured.??

Maybe, just maybe, he’s a more effective player (when fit and in form) at the higher level.?

Not so long ago he was a regular for Portsmouth at this level, so he has pedigree.  Maybe this season will be the one he comes good for us, if he can get games given our squad size.

Give over , if he was any good Portsmouth wouldn't have got shut. He's made about 80 apearances in 5 years and I can count on 1 hand the number of goals he's scored.

125 games in 4 seasons in league 1 for Portsmouth assuming the data on wiki is correct.

14 goals too, so unless you’re from Barnsley your point is rather moot.

If you are going to make a counter argument best to get your data sorted first maybe.?

[andyst79]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

Wow.

So you are implying we might not have had that run had Close not been injured.??

Maybe, just maybe, he’s a more effective player (when fit and in form) at the higher level.?

Not so long ago he was a regular for Portsmouth at this level, so he has pedigree.  Maybe this season will be the one he comes good for us, if he can get games given our squad size.

Give over , if he was any good Portsmouth wouldn't have got shut. He's made about 80 apearances in 5 years and I can count on 1 hand the number of goals he's scored.

125 games in 4 seasons in league 1 for Portsmouth assuming the data on wiki is correct.

14 goals too, so unless you’re from Barnsley your point is rather moot.

If you are going to make a counter argument best to get your data sorted first maybe.?

I'm on about his appearances for us,  apologies if I'd not quite made myself clear enough

[IDM]

Fair enough - my point is he has pedigree at this level.  Whether he shows it now remains to be seen.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

[ForsolongaRover]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

[Ho]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

[Pancho Regan]

That is really interesting data Ho, thanks for sharing.

I was just about to challenge Forsolongarover’s claim that “at least 75% of his passes are square or backward” because that’s not what I’ve observed, but I had no facts to back that up.
 

[Pancho Regan]

  He was that much of a main player for us that game at bradford we were about fourth from bottom of the league and looking to be in a relegation battle.
  With him missing we got on a really long run of good results and got in the playoffs.
 We didn't half miss him.

I’m not denying any of that mate but it is a fact that plenty of supporters were worried when he was injured at Bradford.

Why?! Part of a midfield unit that got relegated from league 1 and was making a bloody good fist of getting us relegated from League 2 until he got injured! As for Crew , he will go on to have a far better career than Ben Close ever will , admittedly he wasn't quite at it Tuesday but he's done more in a short time span at Rovers than Close ever has.

The comparisons between Close and Crew on this thread are based on the game at Accrington.
You’ve made a huge leap to compare their past and future careers.

Nobody is saying that Close will prove to be a better player than Crew over their entire careers because that would be silly wouldn’t it?

[ForsolongaRover]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a “forward pass” includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I’m afraid that these stats don’t change my opinion.

[drfcsteve]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a “forward pass” includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I’m afraid that these stats don’t change my opinion.

The evidence clearly shows Close is our best forward passing midfielder. If you choose to ignore this you’re obviously prejudiced against him for some other reason.

[ForsolongaRover]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a “forward pass” includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I’m afraid that these stats don’t change my opinion.

The evidence clearly shows Close is our best forward passing midfielder. If you choose to ignore this you’re obviously prejudiced against him for some other reason.

Only if we were to rely entirely on statistics to make all our judgments!

Football is a sport and if punters could rely on statistics in betting there would be no bookmakers, let alone prosperous ones!

It seems that some people imagine that stats can encompasses everything which happens in a football match.

[StocksArmy]

My eyes don’t lie to me and from the moment Wellens brought him in he has been poor throughout and unavailable a lot. Could argue he was in a horrendous team up until now but good players pull their sleeves up and stand out. He has undeniable technical ability, played very well at Boro and was decent the other night but, in my opinion the moment you put him into a league match he will be our weak link. If memory serves me correctly his last league start for us was home to Chesterfield last season and he was sh!te. Didn’t know what to do with their press and struggled physically. He should have been subbed in that game before it went to 0-1. Rightly came out the team for the following game and sat the season out.

[ncRover]

Close has got skills but he struggles maintaining any consistency every season. I hope his spell of good form continues, but it rarely does.

[Ho]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a “forward pass” includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I’m afraid that these stats don’t change my opinion.

A forward pass is less than 45 degrees if 0 degrees is straight ahead (according to the WyScout glossary).

Further info:

B. Close forward passes/90 (WyScout)

2021/2 - 13.04
2022/3 - 15.18
2023/4 - 17.24
2024/5 - 16.10 *
2025/6 - 18.00

* Excludes games at Eastleigh, 14.36 including those games.

The first couple of seasons were below career average which may explain the perception people took and then held.

I’m slightly surprised that 2022/3 wasn’t less given what was ahead of him…

[ncRover]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that’s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a “forward pass” includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I’m afraid that these stats don’t change my opinion.

A forward pass is less than 45 degrees if 0 degrees is straight ahead (according to the WyScout glossary).

Further info:

B. Close forward passes/90 (WyScout)

2021/2 - 13.04
2022/3 - 15.18
2023/4 - 17.24
2024/5 - 16.10 *
2025/6 - 18.00

* Excludes games at Eastleigh, 14.36 including those games.

The first couple of seasons were below career average which may explain the perception people took and then held.

I’m slightly surprised that 2022/3 wasn’t less given what was ahead of him…

Can you do key passes per 90 for the same group of players please?

[Ho]

Can you do key passes per 90 for the same group of players please?

I don't have access to "Key Passes", but here's Shot Assist which is similar.

Career shot assists/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 0.43*
G. Broadbent - 0.57
H. Clifton - 0.71
B. Close - 0.83
C. Crew - 0.76
R. Gotts - 0.84
J. Sbarra - 1.04
Z. Westbrooke - 1.37

* Includes games played as a defender

[Pancho Regan]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that%u2019s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a %u201Cforward pass%u201D includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I%u2019m afraid that these stats don%u2019t change my opinion.

The bare facts show that your assumption was incorrect.
How can you maintain an opinion when actual facts show it to be incorrect?

Do the honourable thing and put down your shovel, it%u2019s becoming embarrassing.

[ncRover]

Can you do key passes per 90 for the same group of players please?

I don't have access to "Key Passes", but here's Shot Assist which is similar.

Career shot assists/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 0.43*
G. Broadbent - 0.57
H. Clifton - 0.71
B. Close - 0.83
C. Crew - 0.76
R. Gotts - 0.84
J. Sbarra - 1.04
Z. Westbrooke - 1.37

* Includes games played as a defender

Interesting that Westbrooke has great passing stats on both those metrics.

The narrative I’ve always fought against on here is that he “only passes sideways and backwards”. So thank you.

No idea how Sbarra gets game time over him.

[ForsolongaRover]

Ben Close has ability and should have been able to play a larger part in the time he's been with us. There are a number of things which has compounded resulting in us not getting value for money out of him. Firstly injuries. Blighted by them at times when we least needed it. Secondly, when playing in a poor team, as a senior pro alongside young loanees, many expected him to be a more combative midfield player, putting in tackles 'putting a shift in' as we say. In a losing team, people find it hard to accept when he wasn't that player.
Third, when things improved, he couldn't get a run of games and develop understandings with players but there were times (I remember Hartogate away specifically) when he fell asleep losing his man, who went on to score. Once again, I it didn't go down well with his card already being marked, so he didn't really help himself either.
Fourth. He doesn't really have much charisma off the pitch where he's warmed himself to the community, although given his stop, start time with us he's probably not one of the first to be chosen for PR duties.

IF he could have a run of games with better players around him, then I'm sure we'd see what he's really capable of but, it's a very big IF.

I think he should have wanted to move on and make a fresh start. He could have three or four good games, but as soon as he cocks up, he'll get crucified.

I think that%u2019s a very fair summary of his abilities. He undoubtedly has skill, but his physical fragility as a result  of past injuries means that he cannot fulfil the full range of requirements of someone in his role at this level, especially his reluctance to tackle. As an admirer, you could point to some moments of brilliance, especially his goals. As a critic, even when he has a relatively easy ride, as in the Accrington game, I cannot see how people can be satisfied with a player whose preference for at least 75% of the time is the risk-free square or backward pass. In the more intensely-fought contests is the luxury of a few nice touches worth the loss of a significant element of midfield defensive strength?

He likes a forward pass..  (as does Zain)

Career forward passes/90 (WyScout)

O. Bailey - 15.15*
G. Broadbent - 12.92
H. Clifton - 11.75
B. Close - 15.99
C. Crew - 13.57
R. Gotts - 9.93
J. Sbarra - 7.3
Z. Westbrooke - 15.44

* Includes games played as a defender

I suspect that a %u201Cforward pass%u201D includes ones that are basically cross-field and a degree or two upward of zero, because you only have to watch Close to know that he nearly always plays safe. I%u2019m afraid that these stats don%u2019t change my opinion.

The bare facts show that your assumption was incorrect.
How can you maintain an opinion when actual facts show it to be incorrect?

Do the honourable thing and put down your shovel, it%u2019s becoming embarrassing.

I am quite comfortable taking a view which may be at odds with what you believe statistics “prove”.
If you believe that sporting performance can be judged solely by reference to statistics, perhaps you should consult a professional statistician or even study the subject in more depth for yourself.

[andyst79]

Genuine question but couldn't his pass forward stats be higher because he generally receives the ball stood next to our CB or he's deep lying in midfield? In which case he has more options to pass forward compared to the likes of Clifton or Sbarra who are generally recieving the ball in more advanced positions (more often than not with their backs to goal) so have less options to pass forward. Also our cb's and keeper must have really good stats for passing forward ?!

[sedwardsdrfc]

Bet our keepers have great forward pass stats. Let’s put them in midfield! The stats prove it.

Can we get his physical duals and 2nd ball win stats. As almost everyone is saying he’s obviously got ability and imo is worth a place in the match day. But we’ve seen enough to know he’s a bit soft and has weak areas. They type of weak areas that you can’t be having in the team really. They type that lead a team to get rolled over weekly and ran all over in midfield.

He’ll show up a bit better because he’s players around him who cover for those weaknesses but they are glaring.

[DonnyOsmond]

Genuine question but couldn't his pass forward stats be higher because he generally receives the ball stood next to our CB or he's deep lying in midfield? In which case he has more options to pass forward compared to the likes of Clifton or Sbarra who are generally recieving the ball in more advanced positions (more often than not with their backs to goal) so have less options to pass forward. Also our cb's and keeper must have really good stats for passing forward ?!

Pretty much. A defensive midfielder is a progressor of the ball, he'll be your Close's, your Broadbent's, etc, the people show for the ball to recycle it and move it on. Those guys will have high passes stats, high pass completions, high progressive passes, high forward passes.
Then your number 10s, will usually try for harder passes, they will have lower amount of passes because they're in the final third and they'll complete fewer because they're harder passes, they'll likely have higher key passes because they're making the risky passes that create goal scoring opportunities more.

If you compare like for like Close with Broadbent or Crew then you'll get an idea of how he compares.

We tend to progress mostly with our wing backs so they'll probably come highest, along with Broadbent.