@lexiescarina@dbess16 The biggest worry for me is the age profile. Howell and Dudley are the only young-ish starters. And some of the new arrivals >30 are on absurdly long contracts.
@lexiescarina@dbess16 Can think of Esther as covering for both ST and CAM, with Rose injury-prone and Kerr needing time to adapt (all three are over 30 as well). Given the trajectory of Esther’s performances, she’d know she would have to adapt to new roles in some way eventually.
@lexiescarina On national team I think you’re right. But eventually, if someone more suited to play the lb emerges (there are already a few candidates), she’d drop in pecking order even if she plays there with club.
@lexiescarina The stamina thing is most obvious in the playoffs, and it’s not purely a matter of how long she plays. Take another look at , say, the semi, where she couldn’t accelerate at ~60’, but she was only subbed off at 90+. Did she play 90’? Yes. Does that mean her stamina was okay? No.
@lexiescarina The second conceded goal is sadly very much a common sight in Tierna's game nowadays. The ball somehow would just pass through her as if she's not made of substance...
@lexiescarina She's certainly more aggressive in her passing choices. However, for acc. long balls per game she ranks 22 among nwsl CBs - Carter is at 2nd. Key passes she ranks 14 among nwsl CBs. 17 CB's have created big chances this szn, she's not one of them. All stats via sofascore (Opta).