Player Reviews So Far: The Midfield
So, we're back again. The first blog went down reasonably well. In case you missed it, it was a blog about how i feel our defence has managed at the midway point of the season. You can read that blog here. There has been a couple of table updates with us now only being 3 points clear of 5th placed Hearts as they pulled off a shock convincing 4-0 win over previous Invincibles Celtic. The result showed that we'll be in for a tougher match than some were expecting heading into the Derby but the time for that has yet to come. For now, let's see how,in my opinion, our midfield has fared.
Marvin Bartley: 7- Big Marv has been enjoying his best season at the club, with manager Neil Lennon utilizing Marvin's strength and ability in that defensive midfield role. He has constantly bullied attackers and any midfielders brave enough to challenge him. He has rarely been beaten during his 20 games played this season, and very nearly got on the scoresheet in a 1 all draw away to Dundee. Oh how I long for that day when Marv finally bags his first Hibs goal. A midfield beast and now a strong part in Lenny's side, Marv has been class.
Super John McGinn: 8- John has been in sensational form this season, taking his game to another level. He's bulked up so has a bit more of the physical side to his game and boy can he hit a shot when he wants to. His double at Celtic Park was majestic, with both goals being hit with such power and precision that no keeper would've saved them and, of course, he still has that energy and ability to make bursting runs through the hearts of an opposition midfield and make top range passes, as he does at least 3 times almost every game to send Martin Boyle on his bike. However, the reason John is only at an 8 is because he has been poor the last 2 games where we've really needed him as well as the fact he's been given the set pieces. Those damn short corners drive me insane! This has been a great half season for John on the whole, especially as it looks like he's about to become a Scotland regular.
Dylan McGeouch: 8- This season has definitely been the best in Dylan's career, with it looking like he's put his injury woes behind him (fingers crossed!) and that he can finally concentrate 100% on playing instead of recovering. When he's not injured, he's arguably the best midfielder at the club. His passing ability and his calmness on the ball are fantastic, as well as his ability to beat a man if need be. The only real negative I have of Dylan this season are his lack of either goals or assists as, according to Transfermarkt, he has yet to get off the mark for either of them. With him being in such fine form however it is vital that we give him a new contract ASAP.
Vykintas Slivka: 6- Slivka arrived at Hibs from Juventus for an undisclosed fee, and got off to the perfect start as he scored a peach of a volley to seal the game against The Rangers at Ibrox. Since then however, he has rarely been played by Lenny. with the Lithuanian internationalist only being handed 4 starts since. I personally hope we see more of Vykintas this season as he looks to have real talent, however isn't being used enough to showcase it.
Danny Swanson: 5- Swanson joined boyhood heroes Hibs on a free from St Johnstone in the summer with a lot of promise, as the midfielder was the Saints top scorer last season. This season however have seen injuries and personal problems, most namely the Shaun Woodburn case and how poorly that is being handled by the court, has meant Danny has barely played. A player with a great strike and a set piece specialist, I'm sure he'll do a fine job if given the chance.
Brandon Barker: 7- Brandon is a Manchester City loanee and is a left winger/midfielder. With immense dribbling skills and rapid pace, he's been extremely useful since he signed. Constantly getting the beating of full backs and with a powerful shot, Barker is unlucky to still be on 0 goals since his arrival as he has had a fair few great shots go oh so close, most namely hitting the insides of both posts with efforts against The Rangers. If he can add that end product to his game, he will undoubtedly be a quality addition.
So that's how I think our midfield have coped with the jump, do you agree or have I had a shocker? Let me know either in the comments or DM me on Instagram @wearehibs. Thanks for reading
Marvin Bartley: 7- Big Marv has been enjoying his best season at the club, with manager Neil Lennon utilizing Marvin's strength and ability in that defensive midfield role. He has constantly bullied attackers and any midfielders brave enough to challenge him. He has rarely been beaten during his 20 games played this season, and very nearly got on the scoresheet in a 1 all draw away to Dundee. Oh how I long for that day when Marv finally bags his first Hibs goal. A midfield beast and now a strong part in Lenny's side, Marv has been class.
Super John McGinn: 8- John has been in sensational form this season, taking his game to another level. He's bulked up so has a bit more of the physical side to his game and boy can he hit a shot when he wants to. His double at Celtic Park was majestic, with both goals being hit with such power and precision that no keeper would've saved them and, of course, he still has that energy and ability to make bursting runs through the hearts of an opposition midfield and make top range passes, as he does at least 3 times almost every game to send Martin Boyle on his bike. However, the reason John is only at an 8 is because he has been poor the last 2 games where we've really needed him as well as the fact he's been given the set pieces. Those damn short corners drive me insane! This has been a great half season for John on the whole, especially as it looks like he's about to become a Scotland regular.
Dylan McGeouch: 8- This season has definitely been the best in Dylan's career, with it looking like he's put his injury woes behind him (fingers crossed!) and that he can finally concentrate 100% on playing instead of recovering. When he's not injured, he's arguably the best midfielder at the club. His passing ability and his calmness on the ball are fantastic, as well as his ability to beat a man if need be. The only real negative I have of Dylan this season are his lack of either goals or assists as, according to Transfermarkt, he has yet to get off the mark for either of them. With him being in such fine form however it is vital that we give him a new contract ASAP.
Vykintas Slivka: 6- Slivka arrived at Hibs from Juventus for an undisclosed fee, and got off to the perfect start as he scored a peach of a volley to seal the game against The Rangers at Ibrox. Since then however, he has rarely been played by Lenny. with the Lithuanian internationalist only being handed 4 starts since. I personally hope we see more of Vykintas this season as he looks to have real talent, however isn't being used enough to showcase it.
Danny Swanson: 5- Swanson joined boyhood heroes Hibs on a free from St Johnstone in the summer with a lot of promise, as the midfielder was the Saints top scorer last season. This season however have seen injuries and personal problems, most namely the Shaun Woodburn case and how poorly that is being handled by the court, has meant Danny has barely played. A player with a great strike and a set piece specialist, I'm sure he'll do a fine job if given the chance.
Brandon Barker: 7- Brandon is a Manchester City loanee and is a left winger/midfielder. With immense dribbling skills and rapid pace, he's been extremely useful since he signed. Constantly getting the beating of full backs and with a powerful shot, Barker is unlucky to still be on 0 goals since his arrival as he has had a fair few great shots go oh so close, most namely hitting the insides of both posts with efforts against The Rangers. If he can add that end product to his game, he will undoubtedly be a quality addition.
So that's how I think our midfield have coped with the jump, do you agree or have I had a shocker? Let me know either in the comments or DM me on Instagram @wearehibs. Thanks for reading
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