That'd be the main benefit, though if we get a couple more wins on the board relatively quickly then I reckon we can start those plans anyway.
I would say Ethan is a superb reader of a game and is excellent at breaking up play but his passing range for me is non existent. I find myself infuriated at the number of times he superbly steps in, breaks up opposition attacks then proceeds to give it back via a poor pass. I think he really needs to work on that aspect or just play a 5 yard pass to a team mate like JDH that has a better passing range. If he could learn to do either I can honestly see him having a Paul Lambert style career, he is probably capable of that level imo.
I think I disagree on his passing; he does still make passing errors, but I think that's down to decision making rather than ability. He has shown he can pick a pass superbly at times. He's also a lot more forward-looking than I expected him to be prior to this season.
I think he's got most the ingredients to be a great player and he's getting better all the time. There was a point yesterday when he sort of hesitated on the ball and nearly got into trouble, but he didn't panic, used his strength, held the guy off and found a pass.
The more I watch him the more I think any issues he has are down to being 19 years old. He's going to be tremendous in five years' time if he makes the right choices and works hard.