A more likeable guy and obviously at a much higher level but he reminds me a little of Harlee Dean. Sort of more of a footballer playing in defence than a defender, if you know what I mean?
Got more-or-less all the attributes to be a good modern CB, except for out-and-out pace. Size, height, aerial strength, very ambitious (and capable) on the ball, forward thinking.
But doesn’t (yet - at least) have that defenders instinct of sniffing danger. Hence, sometimes you get those moments where his relentless attempts at being progressive in possession can go wrong in a big big way. A hospital pass, or being caught up the pitch. Doesn’t happen every game but it costs you points when it does happen.
The alternative in our squad would be a Ben Mee; classic defender with exceptional instincts but very risk-averse on the ball and you end up having to sit deeper and go more direct with that kind of CB. Makes every game a bit more of a struggle but does at least reliably do the basics.
Difference is that Ben Mee is 34 and in his final 6 months whereas Collins is 23 and on a long term deal. We had similar problems when phasing out Tony Craig for Dean & Tarky in L1/Champ, sometimes the defending was not great. Ultimately it was for the best though. So long as we don’t go down, I think we should persevere with NC and hope that in time - and with experience - he can develop that “instinct” and these howlers get ironed out.
