Pity I am sure he would be appreciated here and no 'pass the football' I was unaware of any misdeeds by him, although I see he once had a row with Robert Green when they were in the Prem during a match. Realistically though I still think Maynard and Nyatanga would be great additions to the club, although the latter maybe isn't a good enough passer for us.
I always find this a fairly interesting topic of debate, because it's a different question to simply "who is best (non-Saints) player in the Championship". I think Peter Whittingham is absoloute class at this level, with Robert Snodgrass not to far behind. Either would be a great addition to our squad. But neither are badly required, we have other areas that need greater improvement - and improving those areas will, in my opinion, make us a better side than if we brought Whittingham or Snodgrass in. I think there are five areas/attributes we could improve on, so I'd be looking at the best in those areas: Billy Sharp (goalscoring striker), Jimmy Kebe (pacey, productive winger), Liam Ridgewell (defensive cover), Kasper Schmeichel (goalkeeper*). The fifth area would be a tough tackling, power-house of a central midfielder - a Tiote or a Song - but I can't think of a suitable Championship candidate. Bristol City seemed to have two of them when they came to St Marys last month, but one performance isn't enough to properly judge them on. *Before anyone starts, I'm not anti-Davis. I like him, and I'm more than content with him. But I still think we can do better than him. I think he'd be an excellent no.2 for us.
Agree with Brendy, our main issues as a team are defensive. Nyatanga did a good job of keeping us out twice. Jason Shackell is highly rated Bamba & Ridgewell as mentioned previously I'm a fan of Bartley as a defensive midfielder.
If you mean a player who we need right now, who could instantly improve our current squad, then Mark Hudson. One for the future, Kasper Schmeichel.
I don't get the fuss about Zaha. When I've seen him, he hasn't really impressed me. Yes he's quick and yes he has skill, but he doesn't have the vision and ballplaying ability to be a top winger or the goalscoring prowess to be a top striker. Palace will be laughing all the way to the bank if a PL side pay £10m for him. Best player IMO at the moment would be Whittingham, but I'd pass on him right now as we're already pretty well-equipped in central midfield. A Palace player I do like is the goalkeeper Julian Speroni. Very solid goalkeeper who is also a good shot-stopper. Goodness knows how they have managed to hold on to him for so long. Palace are a very organized side and the keeper should take some credit for that.
Schmeichel, Clyne, Snodgrass or Sordell. Any of them would be effing amazing. All will play, and be successful, in the Premier League; whereas Zaha I'm not so sure about, like others have said he's all flash and no cash - tricks and flicks but his final ball and shot are atrocious. Bolton look set to sign him anyway.
It's not just a case of "dodgy end product" with Zaha. It's NO end product. Whatever way you look at it, 3 goals in 66 games is abhorrent. It's okay, he surely gets a lot of assists? Football League stats give him two this year, two last year. 66 games, 3 goals, 2 assists. His fancy footwork flatters to deceive, he is not a good player.
Hit the nail on the head. Don't get the fuss about him. Chamberlain is 20 times the player he'll ever be.
Phillips, Sharp and Ridgewell. Although.....we may have enough wide cover now with Punch back and Falque. Especially if Punch comes back well in form.
Premier league scouts see something in Zaha so he can't be as worthless as some of you seem to think. Far from the finished article I agree, but he shows a lot of promise.
Like many others have said, whenever I've ever seen him he's disappointed me and his stats don't back up his supposed ability. But I thought Nathan Dyer was nothing but pace when he was with us, and he's gone on to prove me wrong (albeit still not £10m wrong!). So I wouldn't be shocked if Zaha does likewise because, as you say, the scouts see someting there.
Zaha has the raw talent, pace and power to succeed. He is also a bit of a flair player. I think he may have an exciting future.
