Some players are world-class and others are simply rubbish.
There is also that bizarre grey area in the middle where certain players draw massively varied responses.
And surely a perfect example of this is Manchester United defender Phil Jones.
Famously referred to by Sir Alex Ferguson as a future Manchester United great..
‘Jones is going to be a phenomenal player,’
‘He has a fantastic influence, no matter where he plays. He has an instinct for the game and a drive about him.’
‘I have no idea where his best position is. He could play anywhere on the pitch. But he will be one of the best players we have ever had.’
…but others have been far less complimentary about this sometimes hapless and injury prone England International.
So is he going to be a top star, as Fergie says, or will he eventually fall by the wayside?
We have always maintained that this is a really big star of the future. His main problem so far in his short career has not been a lack of quality but a lack of consistent game time. Jones throws himself around the park as if it’s his last day on earth and while his commitment is admirable, it regularly leaves him battered, bruised, concussed and sidelined.
Jones never seems to stay fit for long enough to cement his place in the centre of Manchester united’s defence. Because of that he can often look as if he’s got a mistake in which is always a problem in such a crucial area of the pitch – like goalkeepers, central defenders’ mistakes are usually punished.
But Jones has many virtues. He’s fast, strong, has good vision and reading of the game. His footwork is such that he has doesn’t look out of place in the midfield and he’s the ultimate competitor.
We have no doubt that Jones can become the England captain of the future if he can get over the niggling injuries which have so far blighted his career. He needs to start playing the long game rather than trying to be Bryan Robson every time he gets on the park.
Jones has proved to be an excellent right back when deployed there. But we think that ultimately his best position will be in the centre of defence – he’s the natural successor to John Terry at international level. But, at 22, now is the time to make that position his own at Manchester United.
Some will find this opinion wildly inaccurate. But if Jones can keep himself fit for the next few years he will likely be making the many doubters eat humble pie. Jones can become United and England’s best defender if he can avoid the sometimes foolish injuries that he has suffered.
Manchester United fans: do you agree or are you of the opinion that this guy is pony?
