PLYMOUTH Argyle defender Lewis Gibson has revealed how his game is benefitting from getting ‘the tips and tricks’ of strikers from head coach Wayne Rooney.
There have been few better forwards in world football than Rooney and he is putting his knowledge to good use by helping out Gibson when it comes to how he plays as a centre-back. The 24-year-old had an excellent first season with Argyle in 2023/24 and has continued to be extremely reliable this term, with Rooney handing him the captain’s armband a couple of times when Joe Edwards has not been in the team.
Gibson said: “People will say he (Rooney) is a striker and this and that, but I come up against a striker every single week. He was one of the best in the world so you get all the tips and tricks of where they are trying to get you, where they are trying to drag you out in a certain position, or if the ball is coming in the box where you are at your most vulnerable. I’m taking in little nuggets that he can help us with to improve my game.”
He added: “I’m just taking the little bits of detail that he’s maybe giving to the strikers. I have probably got my ear on the wall trying to have a listen to see what he’s saying to them!”
Gibson stressed that while he was happy with his performances this season he always felt he could give more. He said: “I have been captain a couple of times and I see myself as a leader, and I want to improve on that to help the team, to help myself.
“Improvement-wise, I have just tried to probably polish off the fine edges to make more of a complete player. I think I’m competing better physically this year. I’m nowhere near the finished article so there is plenty more to come.”
This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 10, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
After another away-day nightmare, Argyle fans are asking... - HOW BAD CAN IT GET?
ROONEY LEFT TOTALLY EMBARRASSED BY PITIFUL PILGRIMS
Troubled times are toughest so far for Rooney
UNDER-PRESSURE HEAD COACH TAKES CRITICISM ON THE CHIN
Can Rooney and Argyle turn their fortunes around?
IT is the big question for all Plymouth Argyle fans.
Carse heroics guides England to Test victory
BEN Stokes hailed Brydon Carse as England's triple threat after his starring role against New Zealand, branding the Durham quick \"three bowlers in one\".
Parkway dig deep to come away from Gosport with a point
PLYMOUTH Parkway extended their unbeaten run to four matches in all competitions with a hard-earned point from a goalless draw at Gosport Borough in the Southern League Premier Division.
French is on target again as Tavi pick up a crucial victory
STUART Henderson was thrilled that his Tavistock side came away from their trip to bottom club Cinderford Town with maximum points, but felt there was still room for improvement from his young side.
Minister 'sorry' to see Haigh depart
A CABINET minister has said he does not know \"who knew what when\" in relation to the criminal conviction which saw Louise Haigh quit as Transport Secretary last week.
Assisted dying costs discussion
THE cost of assisted dying plans could be among the questions discussed at the next stage of the legislative process, a Cabinet minister has said.
No migration target
A \"NUMERICAL target\" for net migration will not be part of the Government's plan for change due to be announced this week, a Cabinet minister has said.
Landmark for Channel crossings
MORE than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.
