North End opened their account this January transfer window yesterday when the late night announcement of Irish international, Jayson Molumby, was made.
The 21-year-old has joined up with Alex Neil and his men for the remainder of the season on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion. With one substitute appearance to his name this season for Brighton, the Irish youngster arrives in PR1 highly rated and North End fought off competition from numerous other clubs, including Millwall with whom he spent last season on loan with, making 40 appearances for the Lions.
Alex Neil spoke very highly of the signing saying: “I think this is a signal of intent from us and he is a great acquisition. He has great energy, is good on the ball and is an Irish international.”
Our very own Oli has put together a thread on twitter highlighting some of the key attributes of Jayson’s game. You can view that in its entirety below, as well as some highlights.
THREAD: North End signed @jay_molumby15 last night. Around 40 games (3000 mins) under his belt at Millwall last season + involved in Brighton’s and ROIs squad this season. Liked him a lot last season and he’s got a bit of everything. Plus he’s a bit of a shithouse. Coup. #pnefc
— oli (@gorn__) January 6, 2021
He loves a little clipped reverse pass. pic.twitter.com/MV6ijgas0X
— oli (@gorn__) January 6, 2021
OFF THE BALL
— oli (@gorn__) January 6, 2021
I love him off the ball. His natural aggression and intensity is akin to that of Pearson. He reads the game well, anticipates loose balls and reads danger. Good acceleration and full blooded in everything he does. pic.twitter.com/cQlgWoRRq4
Yeh, he’s a bit of a shithouse. His intensity is a big bonus. He likes to “make contact” with his opponent as well, rather than just pressing without contact. pic.twitter.com/CgF2oklv0d
— oli (@gorn__) January 6, 2021
We also caught up with Brighton analytics account, @AlbionAnalytics on Twitter, to find out more about Jayson and what we could see from him during his time in Preston. Without further ado, we’ll hand you over.
Jayson Molumby then, a man who I actually walked past once in St. Pancras train station whilst he was on loan at Millwall.
He’s exactly what you want and more for a 21-year-old defensive midfielder. He’s comfortably over 6ft (a google search might say different, but watch him play and he’s well built).
There’s the sort of experience you might not expect at his age either; he had his Premier League debut this season at Villa – admittedly just a few seconds – but he’s played multiple times for Ireland’s senior side and has also clocked just under 2,800 minutes in the Championship last season.
Embed from Getty Images
He’s captained Ireland’s U21 side and featured for them on 10 occasions; aware of Preston having a strong Irish contingent, so you’ll know that Ireland have struggled recently to score goals and win games.
He worked really well in a double pivot in the U23s at Brighton, and he’ll do the defensive work for a more ball-playing midfielder – like an EFL Ndidi, for lack of a better comparison.
He has ability on the ball, but that isn’t where he’ll excel. A well rounded defensive dueller, not afraid to tackle (which can at times be a curse as well as a blessing) but can also read the game and intercept a pass.
Millwall fans rated him highly last season and they aren’t an easy fanbase to please, plus there was a spell where he must’ve made about 15 consecutive starts – he’s had some injury issues but generally shows good availability. Below are some stats and more information about Jayson and his performances in recent times.
England vs. Ireland
Jayson Molumby (‘99) versus England:
— Albion Analytics (@AlbionAnalytics) November 15, 2020
• 21 minutes played
• 26 touches
• 20 of 21 attempted passes successful
– 7/8 forward passes completed
– 2/2 passes to final third completed
• 1/1 dribbles completed
Impressive at Wembley. 🏟 #BHAFC #COYBIG 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/fXZurpBH9w
Brighton vs. Manchester United (Carabao Cup)
Jayson Molumby (‘99) vs Manchester United – EFL Cup:
— Albion Analytics (@AlbionAnalytics) September 30, 2020
• 81 minutes played
• 58 touches
• 46 accurate passes – 98% pass accuracy
• 3/3 long passes completed
• 2 chances created
• 1 successful dribble
• 1 foul won
🇮🇪 #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/WBZKByfU4g
Jayson Molumby: Ranked Against Millwall Players from 19/20 Season
Jayson Molumby (‘99) – on loan at Millwall (Squad ranking):
— Albion Analytics (@AlbionAnalytics) July 25, 2020
961 accurate short passes (2nd)
86 accurate long passes (5th)
18 shots from outside box (3rd)
25 passes blocked (3rd)
33 interceptions (4th)
49 tackles won (6th)
Progressed. 🇮🇪 #BHAFC #MillwallFC pic.twitter.com/iJTWz9fd3l
If you’ve not yet listened to the latest episode of the From the Finney podcast, you can do so below. Make sure you’re following us on twitter too – @fromthefinney.
Thanks to Preston North End Football Club for the use of the featured image at the top of the piece.
