Appears to have successfully made the step-up to Championship level, playing in all of Bristol's games so far and got his first goal of the season yesterday, albeit in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
Last season, he was playing on the left of a central defensive 3. As far as I can see, he's moved to left back in a flat 4-4-2 this season. A lot here would have fancied him to move into centre half eventually but still plenty of time.
He edged Greg Cunningham out of Bristol and it looks like that's been to Cunningham's gain as he's been recognised by the Ireland set-up, whereas Williams hasn't.
With them both having comparable records this season, Cunningham's greater experience at Championship level combined with his handful of caps probably gave him the edge on this occasion (albeit only for an extended squad call-up) - it's probably just too early for Derrick Williams to have been considered for the recent and upcoming Euro qualifiers. But hopefully they can both continue to have good seasons and give us greater depth in defence for the next set of qualifiers.Originally Posted by Olé Olé
Preston fans have been raving about Cunningham on their forum, not sure about Williams on the Bristol one. Also, Cunningham would be more recognised at left back. Williams being a left and centre back might come against him somewhat.
Although he started the season as LCB in a 3-4-3 formation, the last 2 and a bit games he's been playing LM in the same formation.
In the interests of balance, he's a thread on the BCFC forum about him this week: http://www.otib.co.uk/index.php?/top...rick-williams/
"Not seen a thread on him yet but a great goal last night.I thought him filling in for Bryan would be a square pegs move, but seems to have taken to it really well, albeit just 2 matches.
Was very concerned when Cunningham left but now feel more confident in us on that left side.
At his best he's very cultured and calm on the ball with a good turn of pace, like a Rio Ferdinand type.
At his worst he looks panicky and gives the ball away.
People forget how young he is but he's acquitted himself well recently. Goes under the radar in this team. Will probably bring out the best in both him and Bryan to have competition for a LWB role.
Good work Del"
Not sure if it's positive that he's in direct competition with Joe Bryan either. Bryan was LWB last season when Cunningham was at the club and played most games, is a local lad and seems to be liked among the fans.
Williams getting back to centre half might be good in the long-run. The fans appear to describe him as a more defensive player in that thread.
Williams and Hoban look set to join Irish contingent at Blackburn.
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/derrick...ail/story.html
If I read the article correctly, it states he is 27, but he is only 23.
28 now. He's getting older by the hour.
Has probably been Blackburn's main attacking threat this afternoon, and has just set up their equalizer to make it 2-2.
Should get a call up in 2017 if he continues this run of form.
Left footed and can cover two positions.
Towk I didn't get to see as much of that game as I hoped wood u tink Cunningham or Williams looked best option for us as a left back?
I think Williams looked better on the day, but they were both impressive going forward.
I'd still have Cunningham ahead of him at Intl level because he's been doing it longer, is steadier defensively and has already acquitted himself at Intl level.
But there should be room for both of them in the near future with Ward not getting any younger and no other sure thing to replace him.
I met his godmother's son the other night while on the beer.
Small world.
Jesus what a thought TOWK on the beer!
Last minute equaliser for Williams against Cardiff last night - his first for Blackburn:
https://youtu.be/pOL4xJjdqwo?t=103
MOTM in the game against Brighton according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
Apparently nullified the threat of Anthony Knockaert.
Has to be considered as a successor to the left back position.
Darragh Lenihan a contender for Player of the Year according to the same paper.
Has to be considered purely due to his versatility.
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk...burn_Rovers_0/
That's fantastic to hear. Hope Hoban gets into this bracket of high achieving for Blackburn.
I saw Lenihan play in the middle of the park for our under 21s against Italy last year I think. Could see his attributes but thought he struggled on the ball. Was probably forced to play too advance in a flat midfield as part of a 4-4-2 as well which didn't help. He's clearly making the centre half position his own and I hope it's not going unnoticed by the management. There's a queue of centre halves at Championship level ahead of him. The onus is probably on the younger lads (Egan and Lenihan) to move up a level to the PL if they're going to skip ahead of McShane and Pearce. Otherwise, their relative experience and arguable reliability will be enough for them to remain in their stead.
Blackburn's player of the season: https://twitter.com/DSWilliams_/stat...04876795117570
Thanks to everyone who voted me Player of the year. Massive win today! Thanks to the fans that came out in numbers!! Now onto Sunday!
Scored the only goal for Blackburn against Hull: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49326869
Second of the season for Blackburn today - potential option for the left side of defence in Stevens' absence? https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49617719
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