How are they getting on: LUKE GARBUTT

In the final part of our articles asking how our loan players are getting on at their clubs we question Colchester United fans on the impact of Luke Garbutt in their side. We asked the questions to a Colchester United forum.

1. How has he got on in general since his move?

Lennyuk: He has fit in generally in our team very well replacing our “long term sick” left back Dickson (who is now back to fitness) and has done well to keep Dickson out the position since his return.

ColUDude: Came in on his debut and instantly fit into the side. He looked ever so comfortable on the ball. Against Bradford (his debut), he took the ball down and then chipped it over the head of the winger. It is that confidence I like. He has a tendency to sometimes try and dribble the ball in the wrong places and he loves a slide tackle, when he should stay on his feet. In General he has been a quality loan signing and really added to the team.

2. Has he progressed in this time?

Lennyuk: It is difficult to tell, he hit the ground running with a string of very good performances. He has largely maintained this although he has had a few off games, but who doesn’t. Due to the high standard he set himself when he started it is very difficult to say that he has actually improved.

ColUDude: He has stopped diving in and going to ground as much as he did. He was always competent going forward and has learned when to pass and not try and dribble his way out of defense. His defensive side of the game as come on since he started. His positioning could be suspect at times and that has also improved of late.

3. What are his better attributes?

Lennyuk: He is certainly better at attacking than defending but that seems to be the trend with modern fall backs.

ColUDude: His crossing ability and ball control are fantastic. He is really confident with the ball at his feet and makes some great driving runs. He has four assists this season, making him our second highest attribute maker. Not a bad set piece taker and defensively he has improved too.

4. Where does he need to improve?

Lennyuk: Defending needs improving, although there are worse defenders out there, some even play in higher leagues…

ColUDude: To make the grade in the Prem he will need to improve further defensively. He needs to make sure he stays on the ground and as I mentioned earlier he is suspect positionally at times, but appears to have worked on improving the defensive side of the game. Mistakes at Prem level will more likely be punished that League One.

5. Do you think he could make the step up to the Premier League in the future (short or long term)?

Lennyuk: One day, most likely but I don’t think he is ready yet, although getting thrown in the deep end can do wonders for some players (look at the youth Liverpool has been throwing out over the last few years in defensive positions)

ColUDude: I think he needs a go in the Championship first as first team football is vital to any young players’ development. I am not sure many youngsters playing well at this level would make the first team of a Premier League side to be honest, especially one looking to break into the top four as Everton are currently looking to do. Long term though, with a bit of luck I think he could be a decent left back in the Premier Leaugue. Very competent modern full back.

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Read how Shane Duffy is getting on here: http://myevertonnews.com/how-are-they-getting-on-shane-duffy/

Read how John Lundstram is getting on here: http://myevertonnews.com/how-are-they-getting-on-john-lundstram/