Five thoughts on Vale’s win over Chesterfield – Tolaj revelling in number ten role…

Rob Fielding shares his thoughts after the win over Chesterfield – touching on classy contributions from Lorent Tolaj and Ethan Chislett along with Jesse Debrah’s key role at the back.

Rob Fielding writes…

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Tolaj showing his worth in ‘ten’ role

Hands up, I’m a big fan of Lorent Tolaj. Earlier this season, I compared him earlier this season to legendary striker Andy Jones in that both players are so powerful and difficult to knock off the ball.

It’s always interesting to see if “non-league” players will adapt to League football and I don’t think Vale will have any concerns over Tolaj. It’s not just just his goal threat – and although he didn’t score on Saturday he was still happy to take snapshots – but his build-up play and his ability to set up his teammates. His cushioned pass to Ethan Chislett on Saturday is a great example.

With that strength on the ball and his ability to find the killer pass, Tolaj looks a strong candidate to continue in the “number ten” role. Compared to the insipid and moribund forward play we saw last season, Tolaj’s vision, determination and eye for a goal is a welcome change upfront.

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John form allows Vale to take Hart blow in their stride

When considering the performances of Kyle John this season it’s worth remembering that this is a player who has never played first-team football before this season and whose appearance on Saturday was just the fourth League start for the 23 year-old. His versatility is a plus point but coming into the Vale side as a complete rookie,  his form has been the real bonus.

When you consider that, sadly to no great surprise, Vale are already missing left-sided options Dan Jones, Conor Grant and Mitch Clark, while Sam Hart is out for some time, there could have been real issues on the left flank had John failed to make the grade.

So, to see John perform so impressively, not only in defence but as a supplier of chances from the left flank – something Vale were badly of need of last season – must be a massive boost for the Valiants. John will no doubt face a challenge for a place in the future – Hart will return to fitness and Jack Shorrock is a hot prospect – but right now he’s a shoe-in to start on the left.

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Classy Chislett may be in demand in January

Now what I’m going to write here isn’t going to be a revelation to Vale fans, nor is it going to be surprising but here goes… what a player Ethan Chislett is for this side. Even though we’ve added players of the class of Jayden Stockley and George Byers I’d argue that Chislett is still potentially the number one name on the teamsheet.

The attacking midfielder was at the heart of most of Vale’s attacking moves on Saturday and on another day he could easily have got two or three goals. I guess the negative fans will now say we’ll face a battle to hold on to him in January but to me that’s a good problem to have. It’s a far better situation to have clubs queueing up for your best players because they are good than the situation at the end of last season when he had a host of underperforming players under contract and weren’t able to move them on. And who knows… Chislett looks to be enjoying his football right now, he may want to stay and continue his good form under Darren Moore?

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Fingers may be crossed over Debrah injury

One negative from Saturday was the injury to Jesse Debrah. It was credit to Vale’s reshaped back-line that they kept a clean sheet despite Debrah’s early exit but if he is ruled out for any period of time it will cause a headache for Darren Moore.

Vale have successfully switched to a back four in recent games and Debrah has been a key component. The youngster offers some pace at the back and that’s something that likely replacements – Ben Heneghan or Nathan Smith – are not particularly renowned for. Vale have already been caught out by pacy attacks this season, so I’m sure that Darren Moore will be nervously awaiting the report on Debrah’s availability from his medical staff.

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Vale’s formation starts to look more settled – but how will sidelined players react?

Darren Moore has been quite clear about his summer recruitment tactics. He aimed for competition right across the team and particularly upfront. It’s an interesting approach and one that could be seen as both a good and a bad idea. If everyone pulls their weight and pushes for a first-team spot then it breeds competition for places, provides a strong subs bench and pushes Vale to new heights.

The risk however is if the manager opts to change a now settled side to accommodate those who can’t get a game or indeed if any of the players not in the eleven start to get frustrated. For younger players such as Jack Shorrock or James Plant, a loan move may give regular first-team football, but what about the more experienced players?

The eleven that began against Chesterfield looks near enough the strongest eleven for the club right now. But it misses Ruari Paton upfront, it places Ben Garrity in a more defensive midfield role with Ryan Croasdale missing out, while Ronan Curtis and Nathan Smith can’t get in the squad. In an ideal world, if those players are happy pushing for a place, then that’s great, but the concern will be – what will any player disenchantment potentially do to squad harmony?

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