I remember saying to my son after the first few games of last season that he could be a star player for us. Yes, like a few of the other players, he had a few bad games, but with a bit more experience and composure in front of goal, he could asily have opened the scoring at OT. IMO, this article sums up his season pretty well and I just hope he's still our player next season!!! http://www.holtamania.com/2012/06/19/1112-review-12-anthony-pilkington/
Does anybody else think as I do that Pilks should spend all the time he can watching videos of Thierry Henry and be given a more central Henry-style role?
Hughton seems to favour wingers and I think Pilks and ourselves will mutually benefit a bit more from that this season.
If Bennett (of the Elliot variety) continues to improve at the rate he was towards the end of last season then having him and Pilks bombing down the wings could be a massive plus point for us next season
Couldn't agree more dazz, do think we need at least one more winger as backup/challenge. Where do you all think hooligan will fit in, so good on the ball but doesn't seem to be as effective unless playing in the hole behind a striker.
Think he is an absolutely fantastic player, I was at the Villa game and that free kick was brilliant. I geniunely think he should hold out on the ROI thing, I see him potentially playing for England if he keep this up in the prem. Cole will hate training for England if Pilks is in the squad!
Re Needing one more winger - I said more or less the same on a thread a few weeks ago. I would be inclined to have Hooligan on the bench and so be able to change formation in the last 20 minutes or so. YellowLittle - Yes, I was at VP as well and his technique that day was excellent to score the opener. He's scored some excellent goals and I think he could easily play in a more forward position.
agree about england chance. can't believe downing was preferred over him ( or any other premier left sided forward for that matter ). if he improves yet again this season, and i can see no reason why he should not, he could be in great demand next summer.
I think he has done well and did a good job as a temporary left back in one of the games, attacks and defends very well and has done well supporting the left back. Should score some more goals this season, but I am not sure about international football though but a good league player. I was certainly impressed with his performances last season but this season could be more difficult, because opponents could consider him as a threat and stop him playing.
Disagree with him getting worked out next year. What exactly can they work out? That he plays with both feet? Doesn't give defender much advantage in my opinion. I think if Downing is an International, Pilkington deserves to be based on this season.
Yes CP, but I'm hopeful that with a full 'pre-season' coaching (he was still recovering from injury at the same time last year!!), he could improve and be even more of a handful for opposition defences. Time will tell and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing Borrusia Moenchengladbach at CR.
I agree that Pilks could be a key player next year. CH doesn't seem to favour the Diamond, but he has used the 4-3-3 formation in the past as a variant on 4-4-2. With Holt or Moro as striker, this allows Pilks and Bennett to get forward whilst Hoolahan or Howson link from mid-field. Pilks could certainly thrive on that whilst still giving the width when needed.
