After seeing a number of clarets fans on social media raving about Josh Brownhill - a few even mentioning he should be called up to the England squad, I wanted to see the up the clarets opinions of Him.

I am of the opinion that he is a fantastic defensive midfielder but going forward he is lacking. I think if he can improve that area of his game then we become a very very good CM in the prem.

I would suggest you ask those mentioning an England call up what they have been drinking/smoking and order yourself some. He is a long way from being anywhere near international quality. Henderson, Barkley, Mount, Foden, Grealish, Winks, Dier off the top of my head all infront of him. Some by a long distance.

I think he is just playing to Dyche's instructions, as he came with a reputation for getting forward and scoring.

Is it the same people who wanted Tyrone Mears in the England squad a few years ago?

He's played very well in the last couple of games, absolutely no doubt about that, but he'd also had a lean period when he hadn't played so well. I'd honestly need to see more of him before being convinced he's a first choice for a fully fit Burnley.

Looks good as far as I am concerned. His workrate has gone through the roof and it looks like his defensive games has come on loads already.

Also, I agree with the above, he will be doing exactly what Dyche wants him to, break up play etc.

All you need to do is look at the stats to see the impact he’s having. He’s near the top of the table for tackles and interceptions so he’s clearly doing the stuff you don’t tend to notice well.

He’s got an excellent first touch and his one touch approach really helps us in midfield. I agree, he can do more in an attacking sense but in a general sense I think he offers us more than anyone else in midfield. Of course, if you add Westwood’s set pieces to the mix he offers us more at the moment but Brownhill has a lot of potential in him to be able to add to his game.

There’s still plenty of work to do for Brownhill (suggestions of an England call up are premature at best) but if the takeover is working towards an upgrade of our squad, Brownhill is one I’d have near the top of my list for building around.

At £8m, he’s a great example of the type of player we can still get from the Championship. Hopefully the new owners will allow us to;
a) quicken up the process of getting more players like this in
b) allow us to take slightly more of a risk

I think he’s shaping up to be a fantastic box-to-box midfielder and potential future captain. I’d like to see him add goals to his game, arriving late in the box, and a few assists by playing more decisive forward balls - but, let’s face it, we need more goals from others like Dwight as well, and you have to have the ball in the oppositions half to assist - so as other have said, likely a symptom of our style.

Nowhere near England just yet but could get there so should keep believing he can.

Yes I have done a quick review of his stats and they support my theory about the offensive side of his game.

Key passes per game - 0.6
Dribbles per game - 0.2
Crosses from open play - 0.14

In comparison to Westwood

Key passes - 1.4
Dribbles - 1.2
Crosses from open play - 0.82

However I will see his interceptions and defensive work rate is right up there with some of the best in the league.

I doubt he'll ever be England quality, but that's not to say he isn't a very good player for us.

The thing that stands out about him for me is his dynamism and energy. He covers ground in no time at all and he gets everywhere on the pitch. This allows him to make countless interceptions and that's invaluable. Players like N'Golo Kante and Idrissa Gueye base their entire game around that and they go for tens of millions of pounds. His one-touch passing is also excellent and this gets us moving much faster than we did before his inclusion. He'd fit into Bielsa's Leeds side perfectly, and that's got to be a good thing for us to have a player like that

So two attributes there that we don't really get from anyone else, in my opinion. For those reasons, I think he needs to be in the side whenever fit.

Been really impressed with him generally. His work off the ball against Arsenal was absolutely top class. He’s positive and quick on the ball which is a breath of fresh air. Like others I would like him to have more of an impact with the ball, but that is as much of a criticism of the team and its set up as it is of Brownhill.

Rileybobs wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:34 pm

Been really impressed with him generally. His work off the ball against Arsenal was absolutely top class. He’s positive and quick on the ball which is a breath of fresh air. Like others I would like him to have more of an impact with the ball, but that is as much of a criticism of the team and its set up as it is of Brownhill.

Outstanding against Arsenal

Cracking player and is settling into his role nicely.

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:36 pm

Outstanding against Arsenal

His defensive work in that game was up there with the best I have seen.

I am hoping this season he will develop the offensive part of his game, that will help the team improve going forward. Think he’s currently a source of our lack of goals due to his lack of forward passes.

1-2 people will have said England in jest, it will turn into one of those comments you hear like ‘loads of Burnley fans want Dyche out on social media’ and the papers pick up on Burnley fans calling for his head, when in truth it would be about 10 fans out of 40,000

He's a good player and he's doing his best for the club.

He can improve, but it's his place to lose when Jack Cork returns.

That's my opinion.

He!s no Harry Winks or Declan Rice - for which we should be truly grateful

He's been a good addition for us, no question. He's at a good age to keep improving as well.

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:33 pm

Yes I have done a quick review of his stats and they support my theory about the offensive side of his game.

Key passes per game - 0.6
Dribbles per game - 0.2
Crosses from open play - 0.14

In comparison to Westwood

Key passes - 1.4
Dribbles - 1.2
Crosses from open play - 0.82

However I will see his interceptions and defensive work rate is right up there with some of the best in the league.

Think this is where there’s a good argument that 451 could really suit us in the future. Dwight in front of those 2, with 2 new wide players and we could be laughing.

Nowhere near England level.

I’d also like to think he will be cover as opposed to the first choice centre mid. I see both cork and westy currently ahead of him for us in the centre.

I have a real problem tho with our policy of pushing square pegs into round holes just to keep certain players on the grass, but the management team don’t so don’t be surprised to see him become the new Andy Farrell or Graham Branch.

The daft ones saying he should be called up for England will be the same ones suggesting Ben Mee should.

Brownhill looks a good player to me, high energy and does everything Hendrick could so but much quicker.

I note the Westwood stats, he's a problem for me at the moment. He seems to only go forwards if absolutely necessary, far too negative but then he does seem to have these spells.

MDWat wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:55 pm

Think this is where there’s a good argument that 451 could really suit us in the future. Dwight in front of those 2, with 2 new wide players and we could be laughing.

I think you are 100% right. I would love to see is try a game or two with 4-2-3-1 formation.

arise_sir_charge wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:57 pm

The daft ones saying he should be called up for England will be the same ones suggesting Ben Mee should.

Brownhill looks a good player to me, high energy and does everything Hendrick could so but much quicker.

I note the Westwood stats, he's a problem for me at the moment. He seems to only go forwards if absolutely necessary, far too negative but then he does seem to have these spells.

Interestingly Westwood stats are actually pretty good compared to similar players in the league. However I agree he needs to improve with the accuracy of his forward passing

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:57 pm

I think you are 100% right. I would love to see is try a game or two with 4-2-3-1 formation.

No. There is not static formation. It has to be fluid.

Brownhill does appear to have improved this season, don't forget we only signed him in January, and some players can take up to a year to settle.

In our system he's very effective, his energy is something we've lacked ever since Barton left, and for £8m, and at the relatively young age of 24, he's definitely got the potential to be a long-term fixture in our midfield, I do agree he needs to add goals and assists to his game, there's been several occasions both last season and this where he's got into good positions, and either played the wrong pass, or not troubled the keeper when shooting, if he can improve this area of his game, he will become a top player.

I think he looks a good player who should get better but I think its a pity he is going to have to carry so much responsibility straight away due to our injury's and lack of depth in the squad.

Ideally Id like to see him this season as 3rd choice center midfielder and 3rd choice wide midfielder so he'd be first choice to come in for any injured, suspended, rested or out of form midfielders

This would see him get loads of game time but have a bit more freedom to grow and develop without his performance being so important week after week.

Cos of the above I think he'll have a mixed season of some great runs of forms and some games where he struggles so I hope the pressure doesnt get to him and if it doesnt then this time next year we could have a real player on our hands

He’s a better option than Cork in the middle of the park for me. I think Brownhill will end up being the regular starter with Cork taking up a spot on the bench.

I’m still happy we’ve retained Cork, though.

This is his first full season with us. if he follows the pattern of others who have come in, he'll concentrate initially on doing what he's asked to do (the basics) well and consistently, until he reaches a level of confidence to start to take risks within a game - like arriving late into the opponents' box to have a shot, perhaps.
That level of confidence arrives more quickly for some than others, but the manager appears to trust him so far, and as others have said, his game appears to be developing.
I think he's some way off international standards yet- and then he's to pass the Southgate Screening System, of course!!

BurnleyFC wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:06 pm

He’s a better option than Cork in the middle of the park for me. I think Brownhill will end up being the regular starter with Cork taking up a spot on the bench.

I’m still happy we’ve retained Cork, though.

I’m not sure, I think cork is still a better player and offers us more of an all round performance. Doesn’t mean Brownhill won’t be better though.

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:20 pm

I’m not sure, I think cork is still a better player and offers us more of an all round performance. Doesn’t mean Brownhill won’t be better though.

If I were manager I would have a solid squad of 23 (3 keepers).

At this moment in time, Cork is behind Brownhill and he has to work his balls off to replace him.

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:03 pm

Ideally Id like to see him this season as 3rd choice center midfielder and 3rd choice wide midfielder so he'd be first choice to come in for any injured, suspended, rested or out of form midfielders
This would see him get loads of game time but have a bit more freedom to grow and develop without his performance being so important week after week.
Cos of the above I think he'll have a mixed season of some great runs of forms and some games where he struggles so I hope the pressure doesnt get to him and if it doesnt then this time next year we could have a real player on our hands

That's a good endorsement to grow his confidence

If Cork is seen as fit enough to start Brownhill will likely switch to wide right in preference to both Brady and JBG

Was superb in that position at Palace last season

I would continue with Brownhill in CM. We need to be looking to the future and the more games he plays in the Premier League, the more his confidence will grow. We've got to move on from Westwood and Cork eventually IMO. If we sign a young RM in January, we could have a young, energetic midfield with a lot of potential.

Josh has made more interceptions than any other player in the Premier league this season according to Sky sports
I wish he could be encouraged to shoot on sight of goal more, as he possesses a powerful shot .

Woodleyclaret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 4:02 pm

Josh has made more interceptions than any other player in the Premier league this season according to Sky sports
I wish he could be encouraged to shoot on sight of goal more, as he possesses a powerful shot .

Very interesting stats. Westwood has to start, so for me, they both place themselves in the starting lineup.

I ask people, what's wrong with wanting Cork as a sub? I'd be wanting AT LEAST 2 players per positions.

jojomk1 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:27 pm

That's a good endorsement to grow his confidence

If Cork is seen as fit enough to start Brownhill will likely switch to wide right in preference to both Brady and JBG

Was superb in that position at Palace last season

Haha I think it is. You just have to look at players like Pope, Tarks, Taylor and even Westwood who weren't thrust into the first 11 straight away and got time to settle and grow in to the role.

He's still reasonably young and inexperienced by Premier League standards and the midfield role for Burnley comes with a lot of responsibility.

He's doing well and not having fans in will help on his off days but being a regular starter comes with responsibility and a weight of expectation from the fans.

I do also agree with you in that if he is starting at this stage he would be better in the wide Arfield/Hendrick kind of role with an expectancy to move into the centre as he improves and gains experience.

I mentioned on another thread with Cork fit I also think we could play 4-5-1 like the season we came 7th with Brownhill playing the Hendrick role of bridging the gap between Wood and the midfield

I like Brownhill a lot but he is nowhere near England level at the moment

But neither is Eric Dier......Southgate out

Vegas Claret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 4:12 pm

I like Brownhill a lot but he is nowhere near England level at the moment

But neither is Eric Dier......Southgate out

To be fair, Southgate is nowhere near England level.

An excellent signing who doesn't weaken our side. Competition for Jack.
Not an England player at the moment, but he's just right for us!

I don't get this "he's in front of ..."
I wish we were better at squad rotation, keeping all our midfielders a bit fresher would be a start,

If Cork can get back to full fitness quickly I would prefer to see Brownhill and Cork in midfield. Westwood is okay but gives the ball away to often for my liking or simply punts it forward to no one. Without doubt it's an area to improve as soon as possible, our defence is as good as most in the PL and our forwards would be much better with better service.

Vino blanco wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 4:25 pm

If Cork can get back to full fitness quickly I would prefer to see Brownhill and Cork in midfield. Westwood is okay but gives the ball away to often for my liking or simply punts it forward to no one. Without doubt it's an area to improve as soon as possible, our defence is as good as most in the PL and our forwards would be much better with better service.

To be fair, his corners keep in in the side. Our main attacking threat.

FactualFrank wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 4:14 pm

To be fair, Southgate is nowhere near England level.

100%

I opened this with the hope of reading some of Josh Brownhill’s opinions.

Bb, I want more from a midfielder than someone who can take corners, though I take your point.

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 2:27 pm

Is it the same people who wanted Tyrone Mears in the England squad a few years ago?

He's played very well in the last couple of games, absolutely no doubt about that, but he'd also had a lean period when he hadn't played so well. I'd honestly need to see more of him before being convinced he's a first choice for a fully fit Burnley.

I would agree with this. He looks good value in the current market, marginally better than Hendrick I think but a fully fit Cork/Westwood partnership would still be the first choice for me. Certainly been a good addition though and may well improve with experience at this level.

Centre midfield when we are losing is our weakest department. As for Brownhill, like Westwood they're OK when we're defending a lead, but he's still to get a league goal or an assist so he's hardly a game changer. Both need to watch some footage of Bryan Robson.

An absolute star tonight was the lad.

Like Westwood on cocaine he was.

Both played well tonight but we are desperate for someone in the centre of the park with a bit of creativity and being able to dribble with the ball

not seen the stats but he'll be near the top again for work rate tonight, very unlucky not to score too. Corky will have his work cut out to get back in in CM

Vegas Claret wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 8:59 pm

not seen the stats but he'll be near the top again for work rate tonight, very unlucky not to score too. Corky will have his work cut out to get back in in CM

Again his defensive stats will be great. But his passing was really poor tonight, gave the ball away loads. However he will always be a fan favourite just purely down to his work rate

Newcastleclaret93 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 9:04 pm

Again his defensive stats will be great. But his passing was really poor tonight, gave the ball away loads. However he will always be a fan favourite just purely down to his work rate

but if he worked that hard, didn't give the ball away and scored goals then he wouldn't be playing for us !