Rico Henry

[Windmill Rd Bee]

I wonder if tomorrow night could be one for him. Calendar starting to really ramp up now and there's an argument for having our best 1v1 defender up against Saka. Given how little of the ball we're likely to have, I also like the idea of him overlapping Schade on the counter. Hickey is certainly the far better player these days but he does like to cut inside a lot, and I don't envisage that being much of an option in this game.

 

[jlove]

up against Saka

…and Timber, although I expect, after their exertions on Sunday plus a visit to Villa Park for the early game Saturday, there may be some rotation.

 

[Windmill Rd Bee]

…and Timber, although I expect, after their exertions on Sunday plus a visit to Villa Park for the early game Saturday, there may be some rotation.

Yeah definitely. Would expect to see the likes of White, Odegaard, Madueke and Gyokeres come in. But Arteta never seems to rotate Saka, so keen is he to run him into the ground by the time the World Cup comes around. (I know he's not really thinking about that btw, just being silly).

 

[jonny c]

As good as he is defensively, I just wonder if Rico loses out vs Arsenal due to his lack of height and their prowess at set pieces.

 

[LongLostBee]

As good as he is defensively, I just wonder if Rico loses out vs Arsenal due to his lack of height and their prowess at set pieces.

With Arsenal being often criticised for being a set-piece-team (much like has been thrown at us) it'll be interesting to see if our set piece head coach can get the better of theirs!

 

[jlove]

As good as he is defensively, I just wonder if Rico loses out vs Arsenal due to his lack of height and their prowess at set pieces.

We’ve got tall players but it’s his tenacity and tackling that’s probably the primary consideration when evaluating the left back position.

 

[BlueJayBee]

Hadn't realised it but it was Rico that basically won it for us by being the player that challenged for the ball first for Igors second goal. Was very good when he came on yesterday and followed Keith's instructions for the full backs to get forward to the letter.

Yes, that surprised me, when I watched MOTD (was hard to tell from the West Stand).

 

[jonny c]

We’ve got tall players but it’s his tenacity and tackling that’s probably the primary consideration when evaluating the left back position.

I'd say he's always been better defensively and certainly at left back than Ajer, but hasn't stopped Kris getting the nod from KA. If its borderline his height may be the deciding factor.

 

[Jezybee]

I'd say he's always been better defensively and certainly at left back than Ajer, but hasn't stopped Kris getting the nod from KA. If its borderline his height may be the deciding factor.

Strong possibility that Ajer comes in as one of 3 centre backs (ahead of Pinnock), leaving LB / LWB up for grabs between Henry, Hickey or Lewis-Potter, as an outside bet.

 

[jlove]

I'd say he's always been better defensively and certainly at left back than Ajer, but hasn't stopped Kris getting the nod from KA. If its borderline his height may be the deciding factor.

… and Hickey?

 

[jonny c]

… and Hickey?

What's the question?

 

[wibs]

Almost back to the Rico of old tonight. Excellent performance

 

[B2B]

Almost back to the Rico of old tonight. Excellent performance

Almost. Thought he was going to have a torrid time after the first 5-10 mins, but stuck at it and came out on top

 

[1889bee]

Think they tried to target him a bit but stood up to it well. Couple of last ditch tackles too

 

[Cham]

The second tackle was top class. A real experienced asset

 

[AlwaysBees]

Rico and Pinnock not much game time, thrown in against probably the best team in Europe tonight, also a 5 which we know really doesn’t work! they did there job, glad they got game time cause we are gonna need them when injuries occur to other players, well done to the pair of them!

 

[Balders Bee]

Almost. Thought he was going to have a torrid time after the first 5-10 mins, but stuck at it and came out on top

This exactly after a difficult first 15 mins he absolutely stood up and was excellent in the 2nd half. That run out will do him the world of good.

 

[Idaho Bee]

Thought that Rico played his way back into the team tonight.

 

[Bolivian Rovers]

Thought that Rico played his way back into the team tonight.

I hope so but don't think KA sees him as a regular starter.

 

[halibutbee64]

I hope so but don't think KA sees him as a regular starter.

I do and that’s what matters.

 

[cliffbee]

My opinion never changed that Rico is our best left back. Arsenal game reinforced that view

 

[finsbury_bee]

There was a pundit on the radio saying Madueke had Rico ‘on toast’. Doesn’t sound like it. She also said KA had thrown in the towel before the game started with the line-up, and it wasn’t even a contest. Typical big club bias.

 

[mundee4england]

There was a pundit on the radio saying Madueke had Rico ‘on toast’. Doesn’t sound like it. She also said KA had thrown in the towel before the game started with the line-up, and it wasn’t even a contest. Typical big club bias.

He had a tough first 20 minutes but then got to grips with it and looked very solid.

 

[LongLostBee]

My opinion never changed that Rico is our best left back. Arsenal game reinforced that view

I agree. I think he's been pretty much back to his best lately and extremely unlucky not to be starting even if others have done quite well.

 

[jlove]

Keith really is spoilt for choice – with everyone fit he can focus of the opposition then select the player he thinks will be best for that specific match, knowing they can give their all and he can switch another in as they tire.

One day we may be able to have that luxury in all positions!

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Keith really is spoilt for choice – with everyone fit he can focus of the opposition then select the player he thinks will be best for that specific match, knowing they can give their all and he can switch another in as they tire.

One day we may be able to have that luxury in all positions!

7 at the back in the Man C cup game please,

 

[jlove]

7 at the back in the Man C cup game please,

Imagine the Twitter/X meltdown! It would almost be worth it.

 

[LongLostBee]

Let's relive November 2022 and get Henry and Onyeka back in the side to guide us to a famous victory once again

 

[magicbees]

Needs to play more games, to get his sharpness back. Much prefer him at Left Back then Wing Back.

 

[Brentford77]

Still the best 1 on 1 defender in the squad in my opinion but Ajer and Hickey both offer something greater going forward in my opinion and I think there will be fewer games where Rico is the answer and more where it is one of the other two. Love Rico to bits though. Has been with us since he was 17 and a big part of the story...

 

[North London Bee]

I think Ajer and Hickey are dangerous in the opposition box but Rico is better at attacking down the left flank.

 

[magicbees]

Still the best 1 on 1 defender in the squad in my opinion but Ajer and Hickey both offer something greater going forward in my opinion and I think there will be fewer games where Rico is the answer and more where it is one of the other two. Love Rico to bits though. Has been with us since he was 17 and a big part of the story...

Will never understand why people would pick players who are better going forward then defending. I must be old because I would always pick the best defender.

 

[Brentford77]

Will never understand why people would pick players who are better going forward then defending. I must be old because I would always pick the best defender.

Because they are more likely to contribute to winning games

 

[Poolieboydave]

Has been with us since he was 17

Almost, but not quite. He signed when he was 19. Given he played a lot of games for Walsall before signing, 17 would be quite some going!

 

[German Bee]

Anyone who thinks Rico is a goner,give your head a wobble!

 

[BeesManMax]

Anyone who thinks Rico is a goner,give your head a wobble!

Think he’s been terrible since he came on!

 

[CBGB]

I thought he was good after he came on, although obviously all relative. Would have got my motm vote after Kelleher

 

[upnorthbee]

He’s not what he was clearly but still a good option. I thought he did ok with Kudus tbh,

The LB position is there for the taking and I’m stunned Hickey hasn’t taken it with both hands, for now Rico still is possibly our best option.

 

[Owlsmoor_Bee]

He is, IMO, comfortably still our best LB option and I hope the absurdity of the Ajer LB experiment has finally ended.

 

[james121bees]

Has to be starting now, Rico has still got it. Makes such a positive difference to the team!

 

[Dribble chop]

Looking really good, much start on Sunday.

 

[mundee4england]

Has looked more like Rico of old in the last two games (brief early patch against Arsenal aside). I think like height though which give Ajer a head start.

I’d be interested to see Rico get a few games now though.

 

[maddogging]

Looking really good, much start on Sunday.

Trouble is we have to play KLP as our third forward option and there is no way we go with Henry and KLP down that side, Andrews will be too fearful of Leeds height

 

[cliffbee]

Simple request for tomorrow. Can we please have a left-back at left-back. Not a two-footed right-back or a versatile centre-back. Just someone who's very good at playing left-back. Thank you.

 

[Bridge Bee]

He’s never had a run in the team since returning from injury. The odd start here and there.

He needs regular starts to build up some form. I’d start him at left back for the rest of the year.

 

[jlove]

He’s never had a run in the team since returning from injury. The odd start here and there.

He needs regular starts to build up some form. I’d start him at left back for the rest of the year.

Not sure about “the rest of the year” but I think his tenacity and aggression will be useful against Leeds.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

It’s clear that apart from a little rustiness that Rico is still a very good left back. The two main questions which we don’t know the answers are:

- can he physically take 75-90 minutes every weekend (plus midweeks)?
- is it realistic to play two attacking FBs when we don’t have CN with his uncanny ability to always be in the right place to cover.

I suspect the answer to both questions is currently no, which is why I don’t see him having an extended run anytime soon, especially over the Xmas congestion zone.

 

[jlove]

It’s clear that apart from a little rustiness that Rico is still a very good left back. The two main questions which we don’t know the answers are:

- can he physically take 75-90 minutes every weekend (plus midweeks)?
- is it realistic to play two attacking FBs when we don’t have CN with his uncanny ability to always be in the right place to cover.

I suspect the answer to both questions is currently no, which is why I don’t see him having an extended run anytime soon, especially over the Xmas congestion zone.

He doesn’t have to play every game if we have players to rotate. Keith can select the one he considers best for a specific game, looking at the opposition wide attackers and the style of play he wants.

Do you consider Rico to be an attacking full back? In the past, we always had one full back moving into midfield while one sat deeper to give us a back 3 (e.g. Henry and Dalsgaard). Nowadays, there’s a lot more options for selection and tactics.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

He doesn’t have to play every game if we have players to rotate. Keith can select the one he considers best for a specific game, looking at the opposition wide attackers and the style of play he wants.

Do you consider Rico to be an attacking full back? In the past, we always had one full back moving into midfield while one sat deeper to give us a back 3 (e.g. Henry and Dalsgaard). Nowadays, there’s a lot more options for selection and tactics.

I think it’s in his nature to burst forward, and his pace and acceleration does give us an extra dimension. I always imagine Schade will be a better player playing with Rico as he can focus more on coming inside.
However, I think Rico is a better fit for the Citeh game midweek (with Schade back from suspension) so I can see Ajer or Hickey playing today.
I don’t have a problem with Rico (or anybody) rotating. We’ve got 8 matches in the next 5 weeks and can’t start the same 9 or 10 for all of them

 

[jlove]

I think it’s in his nature to burst forward, and his pace and acceleration does give us an extra dimension. I always imagine Schade will be a better player playing with Rico as he can focus more on coming inside.
However, I think Rico is a better fit for the Citeh game midweek (with Schade back from suspension) so I can see Ajer or Hickey playing today.
I don’t have a problem with Rico (or anybody) rotating. We’ve got 8 matches in the next 5 weeks and can’t start the same 9 or 10 for all of them

OK, for today, Leeds seem to like crosses, probably Harrison on their right, so I’d go with Henry’s tenacity and tackling over Hickey but much will depend on who plays wide left attack as we’ll miss Schade’s defensive contribution.

We certainly need to get minutes into our bench players; as you say, there’s a lot of games coming up and we’ll need to rotate.