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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County season ratings as summer signings impress during National League start

It has been a season to remember for Notts County so far, with Luke Williams' side sitting second in the National League after 20 games this campaign.

The Magpies have enjoyed memorable away wins at Wealdstone, Dagenham and Redbridge, Halifax Town and most recently Eastleigh, ending their three-match losing run at the Silverlake Stadium.

Macaulay Langstaff has received nationwide interest, scoring 18 goals during his first season in English football's fifth tier, whilst also becoming the first player in the league's history to win back-to-back Player of the Month awards.

READ MORE: Notts County to face National League North side in the next round of the FA Trophy

And ahead of their 13-day break before travelling to Scunthorpe, the Magpies smashed the National League record attendance, with 16,511 inside Meadow Lane to watch their goalless draw with Yeovil last Saturday.

With a break in action, it's an ideal opportunity to reflect on the season to date and how the players have performed. There have been some standout individuals, and some hoping to improve as the hectic festive fixture list arrives.

So Notts Live has given out the ratings on the Magpies players so far this season.

Sam Slocombe - 8

Whilst many are quick to criticise the Notts 'keeper with his ability when the ball is at his feet, there is no denying the quality in his shot stopping.

On a number of occasions this season, the Magpies number one has been on hand to produce a number of point-saving interceptions, contributing to the joint most clean sheets in the league this season.

In particular his games against Wrexham and Woking, the 34-year-old has just been as important as those at the top end of the pitch.

Brad Young - 6

Hard to give the Leicester loanee a rating after playing just one game this season.

With the FA Trophy coming up, it could be seen as an opportunity for the 20-year-old to showcase his talents.

Kyle Cameron - 8

The Notts captain has led by example this season, further emphasising his quality at this level.

This season we have seen the defender become more of a threat in forward positions, forming a great understanding alongside Adam Chicksen to put dangerous balls into the area.

Along with Sam Slocombe, the defender has been the only player to feature in all 20 league games this season, becoming a pivotal part of the Magpies' improvement in defence this campaign.

Kyle Cameron of Notts County in action for Notts County (Jon Hobley)

Aden Baldwin - 7.5

In what has been an injury hit start to his Magpies career, the defender has proved in recent weeks how integral he is to the back three.

His range of passing and drive from defence gives Notts an alternative way of playing, often comfortable under pressure and rarely giving the ball away.

His goal-saving interception against Bromley is one moment that stands out in particular, proving to be a shrewd piece of business from Notts during the summer.

Richard Brindley - 8

One of the most consistent performers this season, with his red card against Wealdstone his only blemish on what has been a solid start to the campaign.

The defender has formed a great understanding alongside Aaron Nemane this season, with the 29-year-old much like Kyle Cameron, keen to aid attacks and deliver from the wide positions.

Connell Rawlinson - 7.5

His return from his long injury lay-off proved timely following Aden Baldwin's latest setback, and it was like he had never been away.

The experienced defender was integral during Notts' seven-game winning run last month, marshalling the back three extremely well whilst also adding to his goal tally with a striker's finish against Torquay.

Aaron Nemane - 8

Another player who has been transformed following a change of manager at Meadow Lane.

Having played just 22 games under Ian Burchnall last season, Nemane has almost surpassed that target just over a third into the season, becoming more of a threat in a new position.

His pace and directness cause havoc for defenders, and he has been on hand to provide a number of assists this season, with the standout moment coming in the Magpies' away win over Wealdstone, netting his first goal of the campaign.

Adam Chicksen - 9

What a season it has been for this man.

It's amazing what a change in manager can do for a player, with the Zimbabwean enjoying his best scoring season during his professional career, netting seven goals so far this campaign.

His energy and attacking presence have seen him become an influential player for Williams' side, as was seen during Notts' 6-1 win over Wealdstone, producing two excellent finishes as Notts scored six away from home for the first time in almost 100 years.

Adam Chicksen scores for Notts County against Solihull Moors at Meadow Lane (John Sumpter @ JMS Photography)

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 8

Whilst having to bide his time for an opportunity in the starting line-up, the defender has showcased his talents most notably in recent weeks, deputising for Aaron Nemane as he returns to full fitness.

His directness and willingness to attack has been evident within his performances, working on the key fundamentals discussed with Williams at the start of his Notts campaign.

Matty Palmer - 9

Very rarely do you see Matty Palmer have a bad game in a Notts shirt, and that has been no different his season.

The way in which he dictates the play from midfield has been sensational, with Williams insisting that the 26-year-old is the best in the National League in that position, and it's hard to disagree with him.

Many have labelled Palmer the midfield general this season, and his influence on this Notts team could be pivotal as they march on towards their quest to reach the football league.

Geraldo Bajrami - 8

Having been taken out of the side in recent weeks, there is still no denying how impressive the Albanian has been since stepping up from the National League North.

The midfielder formed a great understanding alongside Matty Palmer in the absence of Jim O'Brien, and has shown his versatility, often providing cover at centre-back at times this season.

He has quickly become a fans favourite during his time at Meadow Lane, with many still yet to see someone get past the 23-year-old this season.

Jim O'Brien - 8

Having missed the last eight games through injury, there is no understating how important the experienced midfielder has been both on, and off the pitch.

After enduring enormous amounts of criticism at the start of the season, O'Brien responded in stylish fashion, letting his performances on the pitch do the talking.

Despite not featuring since the Magpies' 1-0 win over Wrexham at the start of October, the midfielder remains a key figure in the dressing room, providing Williams with an extra coach on a matchday which shows his commitment to the cause this season.

Ed Francis - 6

Has struggled to maintain a regular place in the side following the opening two games of the season.

It is clear that Williams thinks highly of the midfielder but given the form of those around him, has made it difficult for him to assert himself in the Notts midfield.

Perhaps similar to Frank Vincent, a loan move could be on the cards should the Magpies find a replacement in January.

Sam Austin - 7.5

Whilst having only just managed back-to-back starts for the Magpies since his move from Kidderminster Harriers, many are excited to what Sam Austin can contribute to this team.

Having already recorded six assists from mostly substitute appearances, the 25-year-old has impressed since moving to Meadow Lane with fans feeling his performances warrant more game time.

And Williams has responded to those claims, with Austin doing his chances no harm of nailing down a regular first-team spot with his performances against Eastleigh and Yeovil in recent weeks.

Ruben Rodrigues - 8.5

This man is quite simply special to watch.

The Portuguese midfielder may not be providing the goals and assists he achieved last season, but fans are seeing the improvement in his overall game whilst still providing those moments of magic.

His highlight reel from their 1-0 win over Wrexham was simply mesmerising, and Rodrigues continues to get better with every game.

With the 26-year-old out of contract in the summer, it seems pivotal Notts gain promotion this season or face losing their star man when his contract expires.

Quevin Castro - 7

The West Brom loanee is yet to nail down a regular starting place since his switch to Meadow Lane, but during those appearances we have seen the quality the 21-year-old possesses.

His goal against York City was something out of this world, and his strike against Torquay further emphasised the impact he can have in this team, we just need to see it on a regular basis.

Cedwyn Scott - 8

With all the attention surrounding his former Gateshead team-mate, it is quick to lose sight of how impressive Cedwyn Scott has been this season.

Eight goals in 18 games after suffering a setback during pre-season after contracting Covid-19 is some return for someone moving up a league in the summer.

His link-up play has improved massively under the guidance of the new Notts boss, becoming more involved with the build-up when the Magpies kickstart attacks.

Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has the 'Ronaldo Chop', Scott has almost trademarked that near-post finish as we have seen on a number of ocassions this season.

Macaulay Langstaff - 9

Pretty faultless, you'd have to say. 18 goals in 20 games after moving from a division below have seen comparisons made with Erling Haaland during this season.

The 25-year-old has been in sensational scoring form, becoming the first player in National League history to win back-to-back Player of the Month awards.

Unless a ridiculous offer arrives in January, he'll be here for the season and Notts need to maximise his time at the club. He has the quality and the goals to fire the Magpies back to the EFL and his importance to this team cannot be understated.

Macaulay Langstaff poses with the National League Player of the Month award (Notts County Football Club)

Kairo Mitchell - 6

Started the season well by scoring two in the opening five games from the bench but has since been reduced to substitute appearances.

Prior to their 0-0 draw with Yeovil, Mitchell had been an unused substitute in their previous six games in the National League.

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