Originally Posted by
SkStu
Good post overall JRG.
However, Duffy fulfils a very specific role in a very specific type of team. In many ways, his way of playing is from 20 years ago. Most coaches in the Premiership nowadays expect their centre backs to be able to receive the ball and find a pass. Duffy simply cannot and does not do that. While he is a threat in the opposition box and a bullish, strong defender in his own, he also gives the ball away far more than most which, from my perspective, would have created a lot of the pressure that B&HA found themselves under during games. The question is whether the benefits outweight the risks. If Potter wants a ball player there then you have to say fair enough and, to your point, let him live and die by his decisions.
Personally, I wouldn't have Duffy anywhere near the Irish team if I was manager for the reasons outlined above. He gets a pass from many due to his commitment and passion but he just turns the ball over way too much for my liking. Its a nonstop hoof-fest when he is on the pitch.