Considering that George Long was the main reason Sheffield were able to take the game back to Fulham in the FA Cup round (link), it was a little strange to see him get dropped for the second game where the team were able to come away winners this time thanks to an overtime goal. Fulham seemed to be playing their 2nd XI anyway, a reflection of coaching decisions match wise and commitments, not wanting to injure/wear out players for what is now going to be an all-out approach to point getting considering Fulham are on their way to relegation right now.
But aside from that, George's play has been raising eyebrows over the course of the last two seasons having taken over as first choice at the age of 19. Enough to get England scouts interested, with him getting his chance to show his mettle with England U21's. Not mind blowing to the extent of Ter Stegen, it still confirms that there is talent in goal in England (there's hope thank God!) and the age barrier is starting to prove itself breakable with talent, confidence and a wise head on strong shoulders (i.e. dealing with adversity, the ups and downs of goalkeeping life etc.). And in Sheffield's own relegation his performances have not exactly been able to do anything to impact a downward slide of a team effort.
I don't think Long is suffering from "sophomore slump" as young goalies do, it's just that the team ahead of him are struggling, more mind over matter. But to see him dropped was quite something considering how well he was been playing for them to get this far in the FA cup run (who knows where it could end up?!). So hopefully it's just to keep him fresh for the weekend; considering how little his replacement had to do I can't see why it was an issue, although the responsibility and pressure zone could have meant his coach wanted to go with a more experienced goalkeeper, and if there were any calamities, George wouldn't have to be held up for them.
But aside from that, George's play has been raising eyebrows over the course of the last two seasons having taken over as first choice at the age of 19. Enough to get England scouts interested, with him getting his chance to show his mettle with England U21's. Not mind blowing to the extent of Ter Stegen, it still confirms that there is talent in goal in England (there's hope thank God!) and the age barrier is starting to prove itself breakable with talent, confidence and a wise head on strong shoulders (i.e. dealing with adversity, the ups and downs of goalkeeping life etc.). And in Sheffield's own relegation his performances have not exactly been able to do anything to impact a downward slide of a team effort.
I don't think Long is suffering from "sophomore slump" as young goalies do, it's just that the team ahead of him are struggling, more mind over matter. But to see him dropped was quite something considering how well he was been playing for them to get this far in the FA cup run (who knows where it could end up?!). So hopefully it's just to keep him fresh for the weekend; considering how little his replacement had to do I can't see why it was an issue, although the responsibility and pressure zone could have meant his coach wanted to go with a more experienced goalkeeper, and if there were any calamities, George wouldn't have to be held up for them.
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