To a certain extent OBD , but I think it’s more nuanced than that . When I played cricket some batsmen were known as ‘ flat track bullies “ . Scored big runs when the bowling wasn’t that great , the batting track was perfect and the match situation didn’t ask for guts , hard work and cajones. They’d go in at 75-1 and score 70 not out . However real character / technique / ability shines through when it’s 23 - 3 and a batsman goes in on a sticky wicket , gets 70 not out and wins the game for his team
I accept football is a different game from cricket but let’s be honest , in his first 3 years Ben didn’t score and didn’t look a footballer . His lack of basic skills like holding the ball up with his back to goal , controlling a pass played to him at pace and heading ability , well he wouldn’t have looked out of place on Pleasington . I still think he struggles with the basics and if his goals dry up , what then ?
He’s done well this season and scored 20 goals . A lot of those goals have been scored whilst the Rovers have been on a crest of a wave , the team on a great run , with the defence locking out the opposition. - a flat track scenario. Over the last three or four games things have got tougher , we’re on a stickier wicket . It’s these games when I’d expect our £25 million striker to the drive the team on , stand out as a special player and lead the line . In effect more than just score goals .
I’ve always liked him . He seems a really decent young man and plays with his heart on his sleeve . He was robbed of a goal yesterday by a shocking decision .
Middlesbrough on Monday is the start of a big month for Ben ( and the Rovers ) I hope he continues to score , gets better and proves me wrong .
