Rico Henry

Rico Henry

I love Rico, he's a great LB and the fact he could probably keep up with Schade in a sprint makes him a valuable asset. I'm certainly not writing him off – he's back after a year out with a serious injury and while not 100% yet he's shown enough to suggest he'll compete for the spot. That's a great problem for Keith to have.

Where him and KLP differ is that Rico's trademark is a head down sprint down the touchline and whipping a cross into the final third. KLP plays inverted and has a range of passing that opens the game up deeper on the pitch.

Personally, after the season KLP had last year we need to go all in on him at LB/LWB. And I believe he's in front of Rico now, on merit ?‍♂️ no one gets automatically started on history or reputation. I trust who Keith picks, and it paid off vs Villa.

Rico has a lot to offer still, so does Hickey, so does Carvalho. They're all one injury, sale or loss of form away from being first choice again.

I'm not going to campaign for Rico when KLP does an excellent job at LB, or the other way around. Keith will figure out his best XI.
 

Rico Henry

He's still the best LB LWB at the club IMO.

KLP was class last season but Rico is still better regardless of this end product chat. Of which BTW KLP is actually not that great at either FWIW.

Unfortunately we are not quite at the point of which player is better, we are currently still at the bit where which player can play 90 minutes each week.

Rico wasn't left out because he isn't as good KLP, he was left out because he's had nearly 2 years out and we want to get him to a place where he can be durable enough to play every week.
 

Rico Henry

Unfortunately we are not quite at the point of which player is better, we are currently still at the bit where which player can play 90 minutes each week.

Rico wasn't left out because he isn't as good KLP, he was left out because he's had nearly 2 years out and we want to get him to a place where he can be durable enough to play every week.
You’re too sensible for this messageboard. x
 

Rico Henry

I'm not going to campaign for Rico when KLP does an excellent job at LB, or the other way around. Keith will figure out his best XI.
As you write, they’re different types of player in different stages of match-fitness; there’s no “better”. Both have strengths and weaknesses and, IMHO, there’ll be games where KA will select one over the other based on the match tactics. Villa’s style is to dominate the midfield, so having Keane play effectively as a midfielder allowed us to block a few metres higher. There’ll be games when we’ll need the more traditional attributes of a left back and I’d expect Rico to be there.
 

Rico Henry

I thought his touch and passing was a bit rusty. Still looks quick thankfully
Much better on the ball in tight spaces than Forest and friendlies. Defending never in doubt. Headaches for KA, lovely
 

Rico Henry

Didn't get to watch last night, but so happy to hear that he looked back to his old self
 

Rico Henry

I've never doubted him, he's my favourite player. Not only is his defending quality, he's tenacious and sets the tone for the team with his speed and aggression. He was often an outlet for our attacks pre injury so hopefully that's the plan still.
 

Rico Henry

It takes time to get back up to speed and to ensure there arent any set backs.

Great stuff Rico.
 

Rico Henry

Didn't get to watch last night, but so happy to hear that he looked back to his old self
It was lovely to see up close. He seemed to really relish the atmosphere and the chants of "Rico" from us whenever he delivered, which he did so often I lost count. My favourite was when he ran across to the whole other side of the pitch for an epic clearance.
 

Rico Henry

I've never doubted him, he's my favourite player. Not only is his defending quality, he's tenacious and sets the tone for the team with his speed and aggression. He was often an outlet for our attacks pre injury so hopefully that's the plan still.
Ever since he joined, I've thought of him like Ijah Anderson mk2 (my previous favourite player), due to the qualities you mention.
So glad he's looking like he's heading towards his best again.
Would have been such a shame to see him fade out of the team due to an injury.
 

Rico Henry

I thought Rico was immense last night, Brilliant to see him back, he has certainly got the spark in him.
 

Rico Henry

Highlight for me was when Matti pinged a disguised freekick out to Rico who had suddenly burst forward. Rico took the touch in mid-air and mid-stride in a full sprint, was so good.
 

Rico Henry

It was lovely to see up close. He seemed to really relish the atmosphere and the chants of "Rico" from us whenever he delivered, which he did so often I lost count. My favourite was when he ran across to the whole other side of the pitch for an epic clearance.
Isn't that typical of the Rico we have come to know though
 

Rico Henry

It was lovely to see up close. He seemed to really relish the atmosphere and the chants of "Rico" from us whenever he delivered, which he did so often I lost count. My favourite was when he ran across to the whole other side of the pitch for an epic clearance.
If that is the challenge the club put on socials the scope for getting it wrong was huge but he timed it magnificently
 
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