Bobby Faulkner, a defender for Doncaster Rovers, says he is “working tirelessly” to get better.
Bobby Faulkner, according to Cliff Byrne, has been “working tirelessly” to hone his proficiency and strategic knowledge.
In Tuesday’s 2-0 EFL Trophy victory over Everton’s Under-21s, defender Faulkner made his first appearance for Doncaster Rovers this year.
The 19-year-old received the man-of-the-match award for his performance, which included assisting in preventing the youthful Toffees from making any attempts on goal.
“He settled into the rhythm of the game really well,” said Doncaster assistant Byrne, who was also a centre-half in his playing days, of Faulkner’s performance.
“He is all action and forward motion. For such a little youngster, he is incredibly upbeat and contagious throughout the workplace.
“Going and getting that performance and putting in a good performance was a good reward for him.”
The first half featured a running duel between Everton’s Katia Kouyate and Norton-born Faulkner.
After a back-and-forth struggle, on the stroke of half time he headed a goalbound effort from the Blues’ biggest attacking threat on the night over the bar.
Then, moments later, Faulkner showed a different side to his game when he intercepted a pass inside his own half and carried the ball all the way to the byline before teeing up Louie Marsh for a shot at goal.
Marsh admitted after the match he should have scored.
“He’s not been working on marauding down the right wing and crossing the ball but he’s been working tirelessly on his game to improve his technique and tactical awareness,” said Byrne.
“You saw the full benefit of that.”
Faulkner’s ability on the ball has previously been highlighted as an area for improvement within his game, although the youngster excels at the more physical aspects of defending, especially for someone so young.
Heading, tackling, bravery and leadership – traditional characteristics associated with being a centre-half – are among his biggest strengths, as well as a deceptive turn of pace which makes him one of Doncaster’s fastest players.
“He can shift for a big lad,” Rovers captain Richard Wood previously told The Free Press.
“As a central defender he’s got plenty of years ahead of him but he looks a good talent and I’m looking forward to working with him and helping him.”
Faulker’s fearless style is a throwback and a joy to watch at its best.
But occasionally – and it’s important to emphasize that all players, young and old, make mistakes – an overly enthusiastic approach has led to one or more footballing lessons.
Despite some difficult moments in the first half, he made progress as the game went on Tuesday.
According to Byrne, “He faced a direct, powerful, and dynamic winger and handled the challenge, and figured out a way for each challenge that came his way.”
“He deserves praise for that. He probably lacks experience in many of these circumstances. He was, nevertheless, adamant about not letting anyone get by him.
What makes local guy Faulker so well-liked among Doncaster supporters is Byrne’s last point.
When he crosses, he abandons everything on the field and goes to battle.
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