Transfer Rumours Saint Martin!

"You can't always get what you want but sometimes you get what you need"

 

Agree 100%. Don't think it's a lack of faith as such, though - more a contingency plan if either he or Yoshida get injured. Gives us an extra body in case the worst was to happen.

 

He doesn't have to break into the first team eventually - he may just not be good enough. I'm not saying he isn't, just that it is defintely a possibility.

My brother is a Coventry City supporter and saw a fair bit of him last season - he wasnt exactly impressive and that was in league 1. Obviously this doesn't mean he definitely won't come good (look at Harry Kane) but it is an explanation as to why not everyone is 100% confident in him.

Vastly inexperienced at the top level too. Plenty of question marks over him but he certainly has the chance to prove himself now.

 

Question marks based on what?, all of our Academy lads that have played this season have been brilliant, I judge every player on what I witness myself and I've been impressed with what i've seen so far.

 

I'm 100% behind this signing as much needed experienced cover, but I think that it is Stephen's shirt to lose atm ( at least until VVD comes back).

 

I watched him a few times when he was at Swindon,although he was played as a def mid....he was calm and assured on the ball back then.

 

Based on what I outlined.

1. The fact that he has no experience at this level.
2. The fact he didn't play particularly well in league one last season, which is significantly below the premier league.
3. The fact that whilst he has had a few good games for us, he has never had a lengthy spell of football to suggest he is good enough.

Whilst it is not a ridiculous opinion to think he has what it takes to make it at this level, it is odd to claim there is no question as the whether he is good enough for us.

 

If he doesn't play then how can he be judged...it is a prejudgement.

 

Well that doesn't apply to all my points but I'll put it this way.
If we signed a completely unheard of player from Salisbury City and decided to play him in the first team, would you have any question marks over him?

 

I would wait until i'd seen him play, we have professional talent scouts and coaches and if they think he is good enough for Saints, then i'll reserve my judgement until i've seen that player in action

 

So you would need to see more of him before you can say whether he is good enough?

That is exactly what I'm saying with Stephens. He has hardly played for us so we really don't know if he is good enough. A couple of good games doesn't mean he is good enough, in the same way a couple of bad games doesn't mean he isnt.

 

The manager trusts him, the club trust him and they are the people that really matter, until Stephens has a few stinkers and looks out of his depth (which doesn't look likely at this moment) he shouldn't be scrutinised and prejudged by fans, because that way every little error he makes gets magnified..

 

Pochettino didn't hesitate to play youngsters, & more importantly he made it clear he believed in them. When given the opportunity, they stepped up, pretty much every time. So far it's been similar on Puel's watch. Not so under Koeman, because he only appeared willing to use them under sufferance.

All these youngsters have been coached, and continually assessed, to the highest standards. If they weren't good enough to play professionally, they would have been let go by now. I'd expect most of them to make the grade, given the chance. It's getting the chance that's the hard part, & why most club's academy graduates so often end up playing in the lower leagues.

 

If you've been through the Saints academy and you're still with Saints, you're a good player. (unless our academy is rubbish?) If you put VVD in a poor lower league team, surrounded by 10 poor lower league team mates he wouldn't find it easy.

 

I I agree entirely, but I think you chose the wrong example. Put Virgil in a poor team and he'd just do everything himself, including scoring goals. Even in a reasonable Celtic side he sparkled like a diamond.

 

but if Celtic weren't winning every game, and were really bad would it be so easy?

 

Martin is obviously a class CB and 4 years younger than Jose! If his ankle is ok he may well be an upgrade! Let's hope! clever old black box!

 

I watched him in a couple of CL games (can't remember who against) and Celtic were struggling. Virgil was basically playing like a box-to-box midfielder but defending as well!

 

So let's start Isgrove against Sunderland shall we?

Yes you are clearly good if you make it through the Saints academy, but not necessarily good enough. That is the point I am making.

 

Stephens is highly rated by many at the academy. Isgrove isn't.

I have seen Stephens play enough games to get a chance, whether he takes it or not is another story. McCarthy deserves a chance next season as well.