Kebe or Henry?

[Schards#2]

After Kebe's performance yesterday he should be dropped IMO, the one problem is, I dont think Henry could do any better...new right winger anyone?

Kebe was dangerous yesterday and, virtually, our only attacking outlet in the first half.

Obviously lacking a final ball and extremely frustrating but far more effective than Henry/Convey/Oster and currently S Hunt who was absolutely shocking yesterday.

[Hoop Blah]

I thought a new winger was a priority in the summer.

Kebe has proven to be a lot more effective than I thought, but I'd much rather see a more consistent player as our first choice right winger with Kebe and Henry as supporting players.

Kebe does create space and troubles defenders with his pace, but I just can't get excited by a player who can't control the ball more that 50% of the time and who's more likelt to run the ball out of play than pass it to a fellow team mate.

[Hoop Blah]

I see that Cardiff and QPR and looking to spend about 300k on Routledge.

That would be the type of level of player I'd like'd us to have signed either last season or over the summer to give us the balance on the right wing.

I still think he'd be a good adition to our squad, especially if Hunt or Convey might go in January and if Kebe is actually more comfortable playing on the left.

[facaldaqui]

Too short term. Good at this level but can't hack it in the prem. So if we went up he'd be either surplus or ineffective. Better a progressive player like Kebe who will keep improving.

[Hoop Blah]

Too short term. Good at this level but can't hack it in the prem. So if we went up he'd be either surplus or ineffective. Better a progressive player like Kebe who will keep improving.

I see you're point, although I think he'd actually do a decent job in the Prem for a mid table team given the chance. He did well for Palace, and wasn't rubbish for Spurs, Fulham or Pompey from what I recall.

Basically I'd say he's a better player than the two we have already.

[floyd__streete]

After Kebe's performance yesterday he should be dropped IMO

What else has Kebe got other than just sheer pace? The quality of his delivery is consistently pretty poor; we had a chance to win the game yesterday when he broke clear but found the first man rather than Doyle, something I am afraid to say he specialises in. His finishing is also very poor.

[Alan Partridge]

After Kebe's performance yesterday he should be dropped IMO

What else has Kebe got other than just sheer pace? The quality of his delivery is consistently pretty poor; we had a chance to win the game yesterday when he broke clear but found the first man rather than Doyle, something I am afraid to say he specialises in. His finishing is also very poor.

I agree yet he is still better than Henry. Here lies the problem.

[Vision]

Too short term. Good at this level but can't hack it in the prem. So if we went up he'd be either surplus or ineffective. Better a progressive player like Kebe who will keep improving.

I see you're point, although I think he'd actually do a decent job in the Prem for a mid table team given the chance. He did well for Palace, and wasn't rubbish for Spurs, Fulham or Pompey from what I recall.

Basically I'd say he's a better player than the two we have already.

ACtually i think he was rubbish (or didn't feature enough to prove otherwise) for all 3 of those.

I'm sure we've had this discussion before and FWIW i do think he's more than good enough to play for a team like us in the Premier League. I'm sure though that theres something Coppell knows about him (bear in mind he would have plenty of knowledge of him from his Palace days) that prevented him from going after him before and indeed now because on the surface he ticks all of our (and Coppell's) boxes really.

[Hoop Blah]

Too short term. Good at this level but can't hack it in the prem. So if we went up he'd be either surplus or ineffective. Better a progressive player like Kebe who will keep improving.

I see you're point, although I think he'd actually do a decent job in the Prem for a mid table team given the chance. He did well for Palace, and wasn't rubbish for Spurs, Fulham or Pompey from what I recall.

Basically I'd say he's a better player than the two we have already.

ACtually i think he was rubbish (or didn't feature enough to prove otherwise) for all 3 of those.

I'm sure we've had this discussion before and FWIW i do think he's more than good enough to play for a team like us in the Premier League. I'm sure though that theres something Coppell knows about him (bear in mind he would have plenty of knowledge of him from his Palace days) that prevented him from going after him before and indeed now because on the surface he ticks all of our (and Coppell's) boxes really.

True enough on the Coppell inside knowledge bit, although I tend to think he probably just doesn't fancy him or was too scared to rock the boat last season (in a similar vein to making a move for the likes of Cahil, Taylor, O'Neil etc etc).

The times I saw him for Spurs I thought he did quite well, maybe less so for Fulham and Pompey though, so I think rubbish is a little harsh!

[brendywendy]

was kebes first game in 3, so im excusing his profligacy ,he took a couple of games to really get going earlier in the season

and id still ahve him on the right or left ahead of current hunt, or henry
to be honest

but yes, some of his touches were awful yesterday, he still failed to do anything as bad as huntys volleyed cross that went closer to the half way line than corner flag

[Barry the bird boggler]

Steve Claridge in the Guardian says of Henry...

I first watched James Henry when he was on loan at Bournemouth, along with fellow Reading loanee Alex Pearce. When Bournemouth asked for permission to play both in the FA Cup, Reading allowed Pearce to play but refused Henry. I'm sure this would have initially disappointed James, but it should also have served to show him that he was part of manager Steve Coppell's immediate plans, even though out on loan at another club.

With his skill and pace he was a threat when I watched him at the Fitness First Stadium, but his game was very loose, with few restrictions on what he did or didn't do, tactically or defensively. Since then he had broken into the Reading first team so I took in the game at Birmingham expecting a far more disciplined role to Henry's game and in the main I wasn't disappointed.

There are still areas where he needs to tighten up, particularly on the defensive side of his game, where he needs to do more when his team are under pressure, particularly when his full-back is being attacked. He has to realise the closer he gets to his own goal the more pressure he has to apply to the man on the ball.

There were a few times when he allowed the ball to go into the box too easily, although on the positive side, because he gave himself a yard more than he should he was rarely taken on and beaten. Also, when he stays up in a central role while his team-mates are defending free-kicks he has to make sure he is first to any ball that is cleared.

His strengths, as they should be for an out-and-out winger, are what he does with the ball. But, importantly for Reading, he is a natural wide player, giving width when needed and tucking in when defending. He has a good first touch, including with his chest – even after he had received a difficult drilled ball he cushioned it brilliantly, attacking the space in front of him. This was something that he did enthusiastically, meaning he was always quick to commit opponents.

He still retained the confidence on the ball I had seen at Bournemouth, even in what was always going to be a highly competitive game. Because of this confidence he was equally at home attacking his full-back down the line or cutting inside whether it be from advanced or deep areas. He had a fantastic half-volley cross early on in the game and this was a feature that stood out, as he was never rushed, but yet did not dwell too long on the ball when shaping up to cross.

Reading like to use the loan system to give their young players some experience and Henry is no different, not only going to Bournemouth but Norwich and Nottingham Forest as well. He hasn't done particularly well when out on loan to the two struggling Championship sides, with the loan periods cut short from lack of first-team action.

This leads me to believe that his style of play is better suited to a successful team where there is less emphasis on defensive duties, which is the weaker part of his game.

He has played five times for the England Under-19s, so things are happening pretty quickly for him. I am always wary of players like this, as he still has an awful lot to learn about the ugly side of the game. But at 19 there were enough nice looking things in his performance to ensure he has a real chance of making it at a good level.

[winchester_royal]

Excellent article on Henry. Got the talent but definitely needs to learn how to deal with the stronger aspects of the game.

[loyalroyal4life]

Interesting read!!

[SWLR]

Agree with all Claridge says, he certainnly needs to get tighter when we haven't got the ball.

Yet another profile on a Reading player... does he live nearby?

[strap]

After Kebe's performance yesterday he should be dropped IMO

What else has Kebe got other than just sheer pace? The quality of his delivery is consistently pretty poor; we had a chance to win the game yesterday when he broke clear but found the first man rather than Doyle, something I am afraid to say he specialises in. His finishing is also very poor.

Careful Floyd ... the "Kebe is God" police will add you to their list!

Aside from being able to run very fast, (often fogetting the ball!), he has no other attributes of use to a footballer. Sad but true. If only James Henry had been given as much time and encouragement as Kebe .... if only.

[brendywendy]

no one thinks kebe is god.
he was a poor player, who turned himself into a much better player, and who is currently the most entertaining player, both positively and negatively that we have here currently
thats all

james henry has received more time and attention from our coaches than kebe, and continues to progress as a result
hes 19, shows great promise, and like the article says, is probably better suited to a better team, but if he can address the ugly side, and improve his decision making sometimes, he has the making of a very good footballer

[bootboy]

Nice article and yet another RFC youngster being shown interest. Mr Claridge has Henry down too a tee with this assessment. As stated I also felt he should close down the player with the ball more when defending. Although by now I would have thought he would know this so maybe he is being asked to play this way as first line of defence? Time and games/experience will iron this out. IMHO would definately play better in a more footballing Champ side like Swansea, Doncaster etc. Must be frustrating at times wanting the ball at your feet continuely only to see it hit long into the channels a la RFC of late. Article stated Value £750,000. Mmmm, interesting assumption

[SCIAG]

Steve Claridge in the Guardian says of Henry...

I first watched James Henry when he was on loan at Bournemouth, along with fellow Reading loanee Alex Pearce. When Bournemouth asked for permission to play both in the FA Cup, Reading allowed Pearce to play but refused Henry.

I stopped reading there. No, they denied them both but allowed Karacan and Golbourne.

[SteveRoyal]

Good read, even if one part is wrong ( SCIAG)
It certainly looks like Henry is a prospect for the future.
Personally, I'd love to see him get a longer run than 2 games in the first team.
He does well what Kebe does not - cross in open play, hitting a dead ball, genuine ball control...
Yet Kebe does some of what Henry does not - prepare for counter attacks willingly, run, 'do' his man (due to his pace)...

It's an interesting debate.
As is that of Bikey/Ingi or Pearce, or Harper/Cisse or Karacan?
Yet one we won't know until both get a decent run in the team.
Remember - you judge Henry on 2 (+1 Sub) appearances, neither lasting the full 90 (I don't think?)

[coyrls]

I haven't seen this posted (but of course I could be wrong)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/jan/05/reading-championship

Reading's right midfielder James Henry has the skill and pace to threaten opposition defences

I first watched James Henry when he was on loan at Bournemouth, along with fellow Reading loanee Alex Pearce. When Bournemouth asked for permission to play both in the FA Cup, Reading allowed Pearce to play but refused Henry. I'm sure this would have initially disappointed James, but it should also have served to show him that he was part of manager Steve Coppell's immediate plans, even though out on loan at another club.

With his skill and pace he was a threat when I watched him at the Fitness First Stadium, but his game was very loose, with few restrictions on what he did or didn't do, tactically or defensively. Since then he had broken into the Reading first team so I took in the game at Birmingham expecting a far more disciplined role to Henry's game and in the main I wasn't disappointed.

There are still areas where he needs to tighten up, particularly on the defensive side of his game, where he needs to do more when his team are under pressure, particularly when his full-back is being attacked. He has to realise the closer he gets to his own goal the more pressure he has to apply to the man on the ball.

There were a few times when he allowed the ball to go into the box too easily, although on the positive side, because he gave himself a yard more than he should he was rarely taken on and beaten. Also, when he stays up in a central role while his team-mates are defending free-kicks he has to make sure he is first to any ball that is cleared.

His strengths, as they should be for an out-and-out winger, are what he does with the ball. But, importantly for Reading, he is a natural wide player, giving width when needed and tucking in when defending. He has a good first touch, including with his chest – even after he had received a difficult drilled ball he cushioned it brilliantly, attacking the space in front of him. This was something that he did enthusiastically, meaning he was always quick to commit opponents.

He still retained the confidence on the ball I had seen at Bournemouth, even in what was always going to be a highly competitive game. Because of this confidence he was equally at home attacking his full-back down the line or cutting inside whether it be from advanced or deep areas. He had a fantastic half-volley cross early on in the game and this was a feature that stood out, as he was never rushed, but yet did not dwell too long on the ball when shaping up to cross.

Reading like to use the loan system to give their young players some experience and Henry is no different, not only going to Bournemouth but Norwich and Nottingham Forest as well. He hasn't done particularly well when out on loan to the two struggling Championship sides, with the loan periods cut short from lack of first-team action.

This leads me to believe that his style of play is better suited to a successful team where there is less emphasis on defensive duties, which is the weaker part of his game.

He has played five times for the England Under-19s, so things are happening pretty quickly for him. I am always wary of players like this, as he still has an awful lot to learn about the ugly side of the game. But at 19 there were enough nice looking things in his performance to ensure he has a real chance of making it at a good level.
How he rates

Age 19

Born Woodley

Position ­Right midfield

Height 6ft 1in

Weight 11st 11lb

From Academy

Pace 9

Heading ­8

Shooting 8

Crossing 8

Team responsibility 7

Value £750,000