I get that he needs leniency and that there are maturity issues with 18 year olds. I coach 18 year olds. But he strikes me as one of those players who puts himself before the team, and that's not someone you want to build the club around, or particularly good for team culture, particularly a team on the bottom of the ladder. I don't think it's maturity as much as just disposition and attitude.
There are players who complain about their position, get upset with teammates, complain to others, whinge about coaching and there are others who just love working hard, play wherever they're told and love doing it. You can work with the first type and manage them a little, but it's never great for the team to have that around, particularly if they're in a dominant position.
He clearly wants to leave, having requested multiple times and while there's a lot of diplomatic talk at the moment, I'm guessing he and the club have come to an understanding that he's here whether he wants to be or not.
I'm not criticising his ability or his work in the offseason, but I don't like his attitude, and that's not a maturity thing. I get people saying stupid things, making mistakes going out etc, but he seems a bit toxic in the way he's constantly asking for a release despite getting first grade opportunity and apparently living the dream. We can blame the manager and all that, but it's ultimately up to him and his family.
I'd rather cheer for and back players who want to play for the club.
It will be interesting to see how he and the club handle the rest of the season. I'm guessing this is not the end of the release requests, given he hasn't accepted a contract upgrade and extension.
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