I don't know about Watkins. He was linked with Norwich before Farke arrived so maybe DF just gave his blessing to the transfer without having too much input. Watkins had 10 goals and 7 assists in 42 appearances, according to whoscored, which show effectiveness, but his game ratings were nothing to write home about. I'm hoping for the best.
Yep these Marley stats don't really sound that impressive on paper. I'm wondering if most of his starts were on the wing which might account for the lower hit rate. Regarless, welcome aboard Marley and sincere best wishes for a blinding season to come.
Ok we can't buy before we sell unless on a free? So we have to sell the likes of Dorrans, Howson, Wildshut and Klose etc. Can't see many clubs spending money on any of these only perhaps just before the deadline although Dorrans maybe on his way to Rangers. Naismith on a free to a club who will pay the same wages seems like a long shot
When looking at Whoscored ratings, it's worth noting how many appearances were starts and how many as sub, as every player starts at 6 and then goes up or down as the match continues. Sub appearances allow less time to build up a score. Watkins had 34 starts and 8 sub appearances with an overall rating of 6.85. For the 34 starts, he averaged 6.91 which puts him just below Jacob Murphy (6.96), Howson (6.96) and Dorrans (6.95). 21 of his 34 starts were in midfield and the other 13 as striker. His main strength is as a breakaway threat as he has good pace and can beat players as well as holding his own in physical battles. In some ways he's similar to Wildschut (who can also play as a striker), so we need to exercise some caution, but 10 goals and 7 assists seems a reasonable return from 34 starts and 8 sub appearances, especially on a free transfer. If he's also seen as a third option at striker, then that's more money we have to strengthen the defense.
But if he's so great why was he sub 8 times for a team that weren't great ? Whether he's a good buy or not I really don't know, but I really don't see how the starting 11 are strengthened by him joining us. My main concern is just for a change our defence and particularly our 2 starting 11 CB's. I fear we won't do what is blatantly obvious and has been for 3 years now and that is to invest in a pair of decent solid Championship CB's.
Calm down CC, the window hasn't opened yet mate. We all know that's where we need to strengthen, now that the deadwood has gone it has to be seen as a priority area as at the very least we are short of numbers there let alone quality. Although Godfrey and Efete could be seen as back up.
He is a less good but free version of Wildshut ? Wow We need 2 left backs 2 centre backs and a competent goalkeeper so let's buy another winger/striker. We are already peddling the sell before we buy line just waiting for the we had a few targets but couldn't quite get the deals over the line so we'll go with what we have classic. Perhaps blow £8m on another midfielder on deadline day . Yet to hear any good left backs centre backs or keepers linked .
Well DD - these are the latest RUMOURS - Angus Gunn anyone???? http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/06/0...nt-21-year-old-signed-as-35m-manchester-city/ And an LB by the name of Toffolo - https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/t...be-pivotal-to-norwich-citys-promotion-charge/ And a CB who is 6'5" - https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/norwich-city-keen-to-snap-up-bargain-deal-for-fa-cup-hero/ Edit - I think if they double it, they might get their man. Though I thought he did well when he returned from injury.
Jerome, Oliveira, Pritchard, Naismith and Josh Murphy all had more than 8 sub appearances last season canario (note to GE: the stats are easy if you look at our squad sheet in Whoscored ). Jacob was our only WR option except for players who can also play there as a secondary position, so Watkins does make sense. Jacob and Josh are more natural wingers but Watkins and Wildschut offer a different, more physical option cutting in to support the striker and play off the AM. The signing of Watkins suggests to me that Wildschut may make a better fit as that sort of option in DF's approach than he did in AN's or AI's. As for the defense, I think we need some money coming in first, unless we go for lower league players like Lincoln's Ragett (JMF's 6'5" CB) and then bring in a more recognised CB, perhaps from the Continent, once we have some money coming in. I think Suffolk is right about the window not even being open yet - there's plenty of time. The Whoscored squad sheet is here: https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/168/Show/England-Norwich If you click on any player you get a more detailed profile.
I understand the ratings system, Rick, I'm just not excited by Watkins and I'm really more concerned about the back 4. Maybe we can play 3-4-3 then we only need a back 3.
This surprised me. It's about £10m more than I expected. And we get another parachute payment next year. http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwic...17-premier-league-parachute-payment-1-5045086
As I said yesterday, 'Gers have been told to increase their bid for Dorrans and apparently Florists might be interested as well. Could bring in much needed funds and we have Godfrey and Thompson who are more than adequate replacements. Edit - I've also seen a rumour about Bell from Fleetwood, but don't know anything about him.
Sorry JM but whilst I agree that both Godfrey & Thompson deserve a chance I haven't seen any evidence to suggest that they are adequate replacements for Dorrans. I may be wrong but from memory we seemed to play a lot better last season when Howson & Dorrans were playing together at the centre of midfield. If both go and we are left with Tettey and Godfrey or Thompson playing at the centre of midfield then I suspect this time next year we will be looking forward to another exciting season in the Championship. If Dorrans & Howson go then I think we will need to spend any money raised buying a top quality Championship standard midfielder if Farke intends to play his favoured formation (4-1-4-1). I don't think Tettey have the necessary skill, fitness or drive to fulfil the role.
IMO, Godfrey and Thompson are both more DM rather than CM. If Howson and Dorrans both leave, then our only option at CM is Ebou Adams. If DF is looking towards a 4-1-4-1 though, Tettey, Thompson and Godfrey would be competing to play in front of the defense and the Murphys, Wildschut, Watkins, and Naismith (if he stays) would be competing for the wide roles, with Wes, Pritchard, Maddison and possibly Naismith competing for the AM slots behind the striker. Exciting from an attacking angle, but more worrying from a defensive one. I have to agree that we'd need to recruit at least one box-to-box CM.
