Josh Cullen M Burnley b.1996

[samhaydenjr]

I guess the question is whether playing regularly for Anderlecht would be a high enough level for Cullen to be considered for the squad - how does it compare with The Championship?

[Charlie Darwin]

I guess the question is whether playing regularly for Anderlecht would be a high enough level for Cullen to be considered for the squad - how does it compare with The Championship?
It's ranked ahead of the Dutch and Ukranian leagues. I don't think you can usefully compare a first division to a second division in different countries as the distribution of quality will be different but it's good enough that a good player in that league would be of the right standard to get into Ireland squads. The Belgian squad usually has a number of home-based players and they're a hell of a lot better than us.

[samhaydenjr]

It's ranked ahead of the Dutch and Ukranian leagues. I don't think you can usefully compare a first division to a second division in different countries as the distribution of quality will be different but it's good enough that a good player in that league would be of the right standard to get into Ireland squads. The Belgian squad usually has a number of home-based players and they're a hell of a lot better than us.

Yeah, fair point - had a look at their squad - seem to have a lot of youngsters with loads of underage caps between them, with a fair smattering of players with senior international experience

[Exgrad]

Managed now by Vincent Kompany, who played with them last season. Regular CL group stage participants up until last few seasons. It should be the makings of a good move for Cullen, and better than a championship one if he can make it work. He'll be 25 by end of this season, so he really did need to get out of West Ham.

[DCWA]

Good move you would have to think. I am not sure how they are performing under Kompany but a very big club and will come with pressure and expectation domestically and regular continental football.

Certainly a nice change from the usual - step down to the Championship - move our players take, which despite its renowned competitiveness is packed full of quite poor football teams.

Full credit to him for being willing to make the move as well as it’s wasn’t the convenient option.

Living in Brussels, well paid playing for the biggest club in the country challenging for silverware and in Europe must be exciting for anyone with a footballing head on their shoulders, go and play and enjoy and see where it takes you.

[Trequartista20]

Agree with all that.

Can jump on the Eurostar and he's back in London within a couple of hours too. So it's hardly as if he's moved to some remote location. A train from Manchester to London would take 2 and a half hours, for example.

[Eirambler]

Should be a good move for him alright and it's a direction I'd like to see more of our players go. As you say, Brussels is really easy to get to from the south of England.

I don't think we'll get to see him play much unfortunately. I remember Freesports used to show Belgian first division games a few years ago but I don't think they bother with it anymore.

[Trequartista20]

Called up to replace the injured Arter.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1313554002345373697

[Diggs246]

Twice as good as arter

[Stuttgart88]

I agree. I didn't get the fuss over Arter's performance against Finland at all. Cullen is a very tidy player. Nuts and bolts stuff. If SK wants to develop play from the back and retain the ball he's good for that role. Much has been written here and in the Jack Byrne thread about the level they're playing at but here, as in my Jack Byrne opinion, I'm simply taking the view based on what I have seen that Cullen is a guy who would help the team play better. During that awful run of friendly results in O'Neill's last year in charge Rice was the only real bright spot in midfield, simply because he did what you expect an accomplished midfielder to do. I think Cullen does this stuff. Almost any team we play against, including lower ranked teams, has a player that just keeps the ball moving. Cullen reminds me of when I watched my son play in a school trip to Spain a few years ago. Literally every single opposition team had one player who'd take the ball deep, look up and play a pass - 45 degrees left, 45 degrees right, or straight. Then advanced 10 metres for a return pass, if needed. Without any fuss the opposition was further up the pitch, facing the right way. It's mind-bogglingly simple in principle but we haven't done this since Roy Keane was in his prime. Kinsella and Holland maybe. And in case I get accused of overstating my appreciation of Cullen, I'm actually fairly grounded in my opinion of him. His omission was probably my biggest disappointment in SK's first squad. I think he'll play his way into the team permanently soon enough.

[youngirish]

I agree. I didn't get the fuss over Arter's performance against Finland at all. Cullen is a very tidy player. Nuts and bolts stuff. If SK wants to develop play from the back and retain the ball he's good for that role. Much has been written here and in the Jack Byrne thread about the level they're playing at but here, as in my Jack Byrne opinion, I'm simply taking the view based on what I have seen that Cullen is a guy who would help the team play better. During that awful run of friendly results in O'Neill's last year in charge Rice was the only real bright spot in midfield, simply because he did what you expect an accomplished midfielder to do. I think Cullen does this stuff. Almost any team we play against, including lower ranked teams, has a player that just keeps the ball moving. Cullen reminds me of when I watched my son play in a school trip to Spain a few years ago. Literally every single opposition team had one player who'd take the ball deep, look up and play a pass - 45 degrees left, 45 degrees right, or straight. Then advanced 10 metres for a return pass, if needed. Without any fuss the opposition was further up the pitch, facing the right way. It's mind-bogglingly simple in principle but we haven't done this since Roy Keane was in his prime. Kinsella and Holland maybe. And in case I get accused of overstating my appreciation of Cullen, I'm actually fairly grounded in my opinion of him. His omission was probably my biggest disappointment in SK's first squad. I think he'll play his way into the team permanently soon enough.

I think Molumby will become that player. Cullen will likely be backup for him. I would like to see Molumby, McCarthy and Hendrick/Hourihane starting in midfield tomorrow. Molumby has looked good for Brighton in his EFL cup appearances this season.

If Hourihane doesn't start then there's a case for playing Brady either left back or as a left sided forward so we don't lose our set piece delivery.

[Stuttgart88]

I haven't seen enough of Molumby to have a view but I've certainly heard good things. My only real sight of him was vs Armenia(?) at Tallaght and he looked v good alright.

[tetsujin1979]

Starting for Anderlecht this evening against Leuven
1317880908167499778p

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Played the full game in a 2-2 draw. Not sure as to how he played as I wasn't allowed attend the game.

[paul_oshea]

He looks different

[Trequartista20]

Interview with Cullen here.

https://www.the42.ie/cullen-in-good-kompany-as-he-bids-for-regular-ireland-role-in-world-cup-qualifiers-5288141-Dec2020/

I do like him, he's done well for us whenever he's been given an opportunity. Decent passer and does the simple things well.

I'm never sure why he's not given more of a chance.

[seanfhear]

Interview with Cullen here.

https://www.the42.ie/cullen-in-good-kompany-as-he-bids-for-regular-ireland-role-in-world-cup-qualifiers-5288141-Dec2020/

I do like him, he's done well for us whenever he's been given an opportunity. Decent passer and does the simple things well.

I'm never sure why he's not given more of a chance.
I wonder is his Small Stature being held against him because otherwise he looks as good as any of the others !

[tommy_c12000]

3 starts in a row and Anderlecht up to 4th in table. Good to see

[Olé Olé]

Kompany lauds 'tough as iron' Cullen as Ireland midfielder makes his mark at Anderlecht https://the42.ie/5333082

[irishfan86]

Looks the real deal from the couple of matches I’ve watched. Needs to start for us IMO in World Cup qualifying.

[Diggs246]

He is so much better then hourihane and browne all be it a different type player

[Exgrad]

Not in Anderlecht squad for their win yesterday. Was he injured? Bad time to pick one up, all though maybe he was just wrecked and rested, schedule had been pretty unreal over last 10 days (played for Anderlecht on Sunday night before flying to Serbia for Wed game).

[zero]

Not in Anderlecht squad for their win yesterday. Was he injured? Bad time to pick one up, all though maybe he was just wrecked and rested, schedule had been pretty unreal over last 10 days (played for Anderlecht on Sunday night before flying to Serbia for Wed game).

IIRC he was sent off for 2 yellows in the game just before the international window so may have been suspended.

[Exgrad]

You're right, forgot about that. Guess he could do with the break.

[Kingdom]

Also, he'd have to quarantine coming back from Int. duty, unless he's got an exemption. probable though.

[Exgrad]

How's he playing at the moment does anyone know? They got knocked out by Vitesse in Europe, and their league form seems patchy. They sold a midfielder to Arsenal for big money so at least Cullen getting plenty of game time.

[Kingdom]

I've watched all of his games bar Vitesse on Thursday and Genk yesterday. He's played well up to that, and is first choice in the middle of the pitch. He's moving with the ball in possession more this season from what I can see. Vocally organising those around him (the dreaded pointing) but seems to be a leader from what I've seen.

[irishfan86]

I’ve watched a couple of league games this season. Seems he plays a fairly disciplined holding role and primarily aims to show for the ball and then move it quickly to more skilled attacking players. It’s nothing spectacular but it’s very functional and effective.

He should be a nailed on starter for us at this point, probably as the deepest lying midfielder.

[Demesne Lad]

TeamTalk had noted that Sheffield United and Fulham were both keen on Cullen, who next season will be in the last year of his contract at Anderlecht. GiveMeSport claim (10 April) that no less than 6 PL clubs are monitoring him, not least his former club West Ham! But perhaps a club in mainland Europe would be a better move for him -if indeed he wants to leave Kompany's team.

[Razors left peg]

TeamTalk had noted that Sheffield United and Fulham were both keen on Cullen, who next season will be in the last year of his contract at Anderlecht. GiveMeSport claim (10 April) that no less than 6 PL clubs are monitoring him, not least his former club West Ham! But perhaps a club in mainland Europe would be a better move for him -if indeed he wants to leave Kompany's team.

Its grim that a player of his quality is being linked with Sheffield United or Fulham

[Eirambler]

I think Fulham would be fine, they'll be a decent EPL outfit next season. He shouldn't be going anywhere near the Championship though, so unless Sheffield United get promoted I think they can hopefully forget it.

Realistically a Championship team will potentially pay him more than Anderlecht but he's a Premier League standard player.

[third policeman]

Once upon a time playing for Ireland would have given players a positive profile and helped to get them a transfer to a higher level. That's no longer the case. He has performed brilliantly for us, but somehow that doesn't automatically register with PL managers in the way it might in the past. Similarly, I doubt whether Ogbene is on anyone's radar or whether Knight or others will get a move as a result of performing well in an Ireland shirt.

[CraftyToePoke]

As much as we'd like him to continue his continental adventure, he's a former Prem academy player a club from a development league took a punt on so a payday contract will be on his mind, as will probably wanting to prove himself in England ( rightly or wrongly, it could be in his head ) So we might end up fairly underwhelmed on here, with the move but he's 26, needs to make the real money now if its there for him.

[Razors left peg]

As much as we'd like him to continue his continental adventure, he's a former Prem academy player a club from a development league took a punt on so a payday contract will be on his mind, as will probably wanting to prove himself in England ( rightly or wrongly, it could be in his head ) So we might end up fairly underwhelmed on here, with the move but he's 26, needs to make the real money now if its there for him.

Fair point on the money side, but Id hate to see him go somewhere and not play

[Jd2793]

fulham would be a brilliant move for him , wtf?

[Razors left peg]

fulham would be a brilliant move for him , wtf?

Im confused, are you saying that Fulham would be a brilliant move?

[ontheotherhand]

Once upon a time playing for Ireland would have given players a positive profile and helped to get them a transfer to a higher level. That's no longer the case. He has performed brilliantly for us, but somehow that doesn't automatically register with PL managers in the way it might in the past. Similarly, I doubt whether Ogbene is on anyone's radar or whether Knight or others will get a move as a result of performing well in an Ireland shirt.

Eh? Once upon a time the PL couldn't take its pick of any player in the world. Cullen has already been at a PL club and didn't make the grade. He's still good enough for Ireland and maybe he will get a move back to the PL but saying that him playing for Ireland is holding him back is a bit strange. What do you mean?

Ogbene's manager disagrees with you by the way. He joked that his Irish performances were "a disaster" for Rotherham due to the interest that would result him now.

Maybe I'm missing the point you're trying to make?

[John83]

Once upon a time playing for Ireland would have given players a positive profile and helped to get them a transfer to a higher level. That's no longer the case. He has performed brilliantly for us, but somehow that doesn't automatically register with PL managers in the way it might in the past. Similarly, I doubt whether Ogbene is on anyone's radar or whether Knight or others will get a move as a result of performing well in an Ireland shirt.
The money in England now means the league is more competitive than ever - bottom feeding premiership clubs can go to toe-to-toe with anyone who wouldn't make the cut for a European superleague for players. Meanwhile, we have sunk to 47th in the FIFA rankings. If we're a leading team, big teams will pay heed to our players. We're not a leading team.

[Jd2793]

Once upon a time playing for Ireland would have given players a positive profile and helped to get them a transfer to a higher level. That's no longer the case. He has performed brilliantly for us, but somehow that doesn't automatically register with PL managers in the way it might in the past. Similarly, I doubt whether Ogbene is on anyone's radar or whether Knight or others will get a move as a result of performing well in an Ireland shirt.

well that obviously because the level of talent in the PL is at a level its never been at before. the amount of players available to clubs compared to 20 years ago is incomparable.

[Jd2793]

Im confused, are you saying that Fulham would be a brilliant move?

its a better move than staying put at anderlecht once he has some assurances on playing time.

[JR89]

Can see him going back to West Ham as a replacement for Mark Noble. He's West Ham through and through, and they've played plenty of games this season between the league and all the cups so will fancy himself to get enough game time. The nice bump in wages and European football helps too.

Most of the clubs named are probably looking at him as a cheap homegrown squad option too. Burnley, Norwich, Fulham, and Sheffield United are the teams he'd have the best chance of getting into the starting XI.

At 26 this is probably the best contract he'll likely get in his career so don't blame him to take the best offer he can get and fight for a place at someone like West Ham or Wolves we'll say, and if it doesn't work out he can always move on in three years and probably still start for a yo-yo club like Norwich, Fulham, or Burnley depending on how they progress after relegation.

When he does move on would love to see Conor Coventry as a possible replacement for him at Anderlecht. Similar player to Cullen and playing for a top team in Belgium would allow him to showcase his talent like he is at MK rather than slogging it out in the bottom half of the championship. Could do wonders for his career like it has for Cullen.

[Eirambler]

Rice might be sold by West Ham this summer also, opening up another midfield spot.

[Razors left peg]

E

Ogbene's manager disagrees with you by the way. He joked that his Irish performances were "a disaster" for Rotherham due to the interest that would result him now.



To me the Rotherham manager quotes came across like a guy trying say something he thinks a Premiership manager would say. If your a L1 manager you should be over the moon that you have a player that is good enough to play at International level.

What he was saying was proven to be BS too. It was going into the Cup final they had and he was trying to say Ogbene would be tired after so many minutes for Ireland... he went on the set up equalizer in 93rd min and then score a screamer in Extra time. I think he was fine!

And in regards to the interest that would be in him now, I bet the Chairman doesnt agree. If you're a L1 club you are guaranteed to sell your best players. Its the nature of the business. Ogbenes performances for Ireland will have increased his value when they do sell

[JR89]

To me the Rotherham manager quotes came across like a guy trying say something he thinks a Premiership manager would say. If your a L1 manager you should be over the moon that you have a player that is good enough to play at International level.

What he was saying was proven to be BS too. It was going into the Cup final they had and he was trying to say Ogbene would be tired after so many minutes for Ireland... he went on the set up equalizer in 93rd min and then score a screamer in Extra time. I think he was fine!

And in regards to the interest that would be in him now, I bet the Chairman doesnt agree. If you're a L1 club you are guaranteed to sell your best players. Its the nature of the business. Ogbenes performances for Ireland will have increased his value when they do sell

Well he's out of contract in the summer so will be walking on a free rather than sold to the highest bidder. Losing to Portsmouth last night leaves them in third 3pts behind MK Dons. Even with a game in hand they've lost their last three league games so are poor form. All the better for us that MK Dons and Wigan go up imo.

[Razors left peg]

Well he's out of contract in the summer so will be walking on a free rather than sold to the highest bidder. Losing to Portsmouth last night leaves them in third 3pts behind MK Dons. Even with a game in hand they've lost their last three league games so are poor form. All the better for us that MK Dons and Wigan go up imo.

Didnt realize hes out of contract but even so its a still a stupid arguement from the Rotherham manager. Hes basically saying he doesnt want to have good players incase they go somewhere else eventually

[pineapple stu]

Was he being serious though?

Otoh's post said he "joked" about it. I think that's fine

[Razors left peg]

Was he being serious though?

Otoh's post said he "joked" about it. I think that's fine

In the coverage of the cup final the panel on Sky sports were talking about how he wasnt happy with Ogbenes minutes for Ireland in previous 2 games

[JR89]

In the coverage of the cup final the panel on Sky sports were talking about how he wasnt happy with Ogbenes minutes for Ireland in previous 2 games

Those comments were more to do with Ogbene not starting the league game before the international break under advice from the medical team rather than his performances attracting attention from bigger clubs.

[ontheotherhand]

Yeah the transfer comments were completely unrelated to the ones about his playing time and just your bog standard manager response to growing interest in one of their better players. The point was that Ogbene is perhaps more on club's radars due to his Irish games and not less as third_policeman seemed to be saying. But I'll admit I don't really understand what his point was. He seemed to be hinting that something to do with Ireland has changed and means PL managers aren't signing our players when they have good games for us when the obvious answer is that our players aren't at PL level and haven't been for a while due to the PL improving itself year and year for the past few decades. Our national side operates at a Championship level.

[Razors left peg]

Yeah the transfer comments were completely unrelated to the ones about his playing time and just your bog standard manager response to growing interest in one of their better players. The point was that Ogbene is perhaps more on club's radars due to his Irish games and not less as third_policeman seemed to be saying. But I'll admit I don't really understand what his point was. He seemed to be hinting that something to do with Ireland has changed and means PL managers aren't signing our players when they have good games for us when the obvious answer is that our players aren't at PL level and haven't been for a while due to the PL improving itself year and year for the past few decades. Our national side operates at a Championship level.

Bazunu if you believe the stories this week profile definitely seems to have been improved from the International performances and interest from Premiership clubs.

In regards to Cullen, we are seeing him being linked with Premiership clubs, would they be looking at him based on his Anderlecht performances alone? I doubt it.

In recent years, because we've been so sh1te our players havent been getting any good exposure from International football. That looks like it could be on the turn now.