TT PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Dom Roman – @DomRoman
Two wins, two losses and one crazy draw, September has been typically eventful. There’s been more than a little inconsistency amongst the squad, but also enough ‘Gary Time’ to hint that United can still be contenders. Onwards to the TT Player of the Month for September…
1 – ARMANI LITTLE – POTM
MOTM – Maidenhead (a), Grimsby (h)
Enigmatic? Scapegoat for losses? Midfield maestro? Injury prone? Inconsistent? Key man? Game changer? Luxury player? Armani Little is a player who is discussed and debated more than any other at Plainmoor. I think my main issue regarding Armani is not his fault, and that’s where he fits best in this Torquay United team so that it A) Keeps its balance…and B) Wins games? It’s a question that Gary Johnson has not quite answered yet, but the main thing is he believes in the talented midfielder and doubters should bear that in mind when questioning his selection. If we trust in GJ, then we should also trust in his starting line-ups. Anyway, during September Armani’s stats were impressive: 4 goals and 3 assists in games versus Maidenhead, Grimsby and Chesterfield, and also two coveted TT man of the match awards for his efforts. What we must do is encourage him to motor forward and support the strikers rather than get bogged down in defensive duties, hopefully then consistency and more valuable goals will follow. Well done Armani!
2 – KLAIDI LOLOS
In a month where Torquay’s performances were decidedly up and down, there was at least a proper chance for the ex-Argyle striker to make his mark on the Gulls season. So far, so pretty good for Klaidi. Versus Grimsby he came on and showed some glimpses of his ability in a fairly poor United performance, and then days later at Solihill he went one better by poaching his first goal for the club. This was followed by two starts alongside Danny Wright, and although it yielded no goals for either player, the combination looked markedly better than Holman/Wright, with Klaidi comfortable at dropping back behind the veteran and getting involved in the attacking build-ups. He also made intelligent runs between defenders, and could have bagged another goal for his troubles. With a smattering more experience and composure, I’d fancy him to start taking those chances. Promising.
3 – CONNOR LEMONHEIGH-EVANS
Unlike Klaidi, we already know everything there is to know about CLE (though I’m not sure what his favourite colour is…), and his season exploded into life with a fantastic first half display at Maidenhead. Two rather subdued performances followed against Grimsby and Solihull, the Lemon marooned somewhat out wide and struggling to get involved. A re-jig in formation and personnel followed versus Southend, and Connor looked a different player in a midfield roving role, grabbing hold of possession and making the Gulls tick, before bagging a last minute winner to send us home happy. Unfortunately an injury kept him out at Chesterfield and his presence was very much missed…well for 88 minutes or so anyway! We need this chap fit (obviously).
4 – DEAN MOXEY
The goals against column is not happy reading so far this season, but amongst the defenders Dean Moxey has still shown his undoubted quality. Moving into a back three against Southend, the defender enjoyed combining with Lewis and Wynter, whilst also being able to push forward on occasions – resulting in that peach of a ball for Connor’s late winner. Another good display followed at Chesterfield. He’s still got very much to give this Torquay United team and the 3-5-2 formation suits Dean’s game down to the ground.
5 – ALEX ADDAI
MOTM – Solihull
The winger has only played 72 minutes for the Gulls so far from the subs bench, but judging by his impact at Solihull and Chesterfield, Gary Johnson will find it hard to leave him out of the starting line-up much longer. The winger is strong and quick, and that latter asset is something that the Gulls have been sadly lacking this season. All being well, Alex can give United the option to turn defences around and whilst creating more opportunities for the strikers, something which helped cause the chaos for our late comeback at the Technique Stadium. Potentially an exciting signing.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH 2021-22
AUGUST 21 – DEAN MOXEY
SEPTEMBER 21 – ARMANI LITTLE
COYY – Dom
OTHER ARTICLES:
THE GULLS WEEK 27th SEPT – 3rd OCT by Danny Burnell
TT GROUNDHOPPING – CHESTERFIELD (A) by Rowena Williams
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