Bermuda player ratings: hard to find fault after big win against Dominica
Bermuda’s fantastic 6-1 win against Dominica featured some superb performances from front to back and the temptation is to give every player a 10, but let’s try to be a bit more circumspect and avoid getting carried away. However, I think it might be easy to guess which player is given maximum points.
Goalkeeper
Dale Eve: It could have been a very different night had Bermuda goalkeeper Dale Eve not made a fantastic flying save to his left inside the first minute of the game and when he did make a mistake, dropping a free kick in the first half, he did superbly well to recover and block the rebound. Made some good second-half catches and not to blame for Dominica’s goal. 8
Defenders
Luke Robinson: Despite the lopsided scoreline, the left back showed his speed and defensive skills, winning numerous one-one-ones against his opposing winger. Also assured on the ball and formed a good partnership with Blaiz Hall in the first half. 8
Harry Twite: Good in the air and quick enough to get himself out of trouble on a few occasions, the younger of the two centre backs is looking more assured with every game. Continues to break the lines with some fine passing. 8
Danté Leverock: His knowhow is crucial in helping his inexperienced partner and it is hard to see any central defender breaking this duo up. Solid in the air and caught the eye with a number of successful tackles. One of Bermuda’s captains. 9
Reese Jones Jr: Had his work cut out with a pacy opposing winger but stuck to his task and used his pace to fantastic effect. Picked up a booking by stopping a Dominica break, but a defender’s got to do what a defender’s got to do. 8
Midfielders
Roger Lee: Dependable, good on the ball and can mix it physically when he needs to. Other players farther forward may garner the headlines, but every team needs a Roger Lee to anchor the midfield. 9
Ne-Jai Tucker: Knits the play together from back to front and is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, a prerequisite for any modern midfielder. Does simple things effectively and allowed Bermuda’s flair players to see so much of the ball. 9
Forwards:
Reggie Lambe: Seems rejuvenated under Michael Findlay but his quality has never been in doubt. Played just behind Nahki Wells and knows instinctively where his striker is. Great movement, happy to receive the ball with his back to goal and can pick a pass when necessary. 9
Blaiz Hall: Seems to be first-choice for the left-sided forward position at the moment and you can see why. Looks casual but has the ability to ghost past defenders and was instrumental in setting up the fourth goal for Zeiko Lewis. Only thing missing was a goal for himself, but he came close from a well-worked corner when hitting a post. 8
Zeiko Lewis: Had perhaps one of his best games in a Bermuda shirt and a constant menace cutting in from the right. Scored a goal and proved he can cut it physically after being on the end of some hefty challenges, including one elbow that surprisingly went unpunished. 9
Nahki Wells: Three goals in the first 25 minutes and a second-half assist showed what a difference-maker he is for this Bermuda side. The best player in action in either game on Saturday, his elegance and his finishing showed what a class act he is. More of the same on Tuesday, please. 10
Substitutes
Leroy Lewis Jr: Came on for Blaiz Hall after about an hour and showed some good touches on both the left and right wing. Stung the palms of Dominica’s substitute goalkeeper with a good drive from outside the box. 8
Kole Hall: Imposing presence who led the line when coming on for Reggie Lambe after an hour. Powerful in both boxes, he showed some good touches and looks a useful option off the bench. 8
Knory Scott: You can’t ask more of an attacking substitute than to come on and score. Took advantage of tired Dominica legs to extend Bermuda’s advantage. 8
Aunde Todd: Came on in the heart of midfield for Roger Lee and biggest compliment we can give is that Bermuda continued to tick over and recycle the ball as efficiently as they had in the first half. 8
Jai Bean: Replaced hat-trick hero Nahki Wells with just a couple of minutes to play but still found the time to get himself on the scoresheet with a tidy finish. 8