I've just been reading an article about this lad--one of our juniors--being described as Scotland's "New goal machine". He banged in a hat trick for Scotland's under 19's last night and they are really drooling over him. I have to confess, as much time as I spend on CTV-I've never heard of him! Who is he and will he be another Drogs?
He's a striker in our youth team who I believe we got from Celtic last season. I seem to remember there being a bit of fuss about it. I can't remember details but Chelsea didn't do anything wrong, Celtic seemed to think he owed them for some reason. He does look a good player, fast and skilfull. My only concern would be he's a little on the small side but then, Zola wasn't a giant either.
Celtic put a lot of effort into stopping he and his family being sent back to Somalia so it's understandable to hope he would show a bit of loyalty. A word from an agent and a few quid in the family's pocket and he's gone, not that he's the first nor will he be the last.
Are players not allowed to expand their careers without feeling guilty? (that's not a pop at you Watford, just me saying...) The SPL is a piss poor league compared to the Premier League, and we have to bear in mind he's still only a kid so he's bound to be a bit of an egotistical brat in a situation like this given the praise he gets from Scotland. Celtic may have done well bringing/keeping him in Britain but surely that shouldn't mean staying with them for his entire career??
I think there's a balance to be had. In my opinion clubs shouldn't be allowed to cherry pick talent that has been nurtured elsewhere without serious compensation, both initially and then based on appearances, success, international call-ups etc etc but equally when they are of an age to justify a proper fee and contract, 18 say, it's fairer for a tribunal to step in if needed. At the moment the system is too weighted in the favour of the buying club and it makes sense to snap up the best kids for a pittance if you can get away with it, which all the big clubs do, but Chelsea and Spurs seem to be the worst for it. We've lost a few players down the years to bigger clubs such as Raheem Sterling, who has gone on to do well so far, and Dean Parrett, who flopped at Spurs, which wasn't so terrible at the time as we were skint and the money, little as it was, was much needed, but I don't think it's right that a club that doesn't need to sell can have a young kid of 15. Chelsea haven't done anything wrong and they've now got a potentially brilliant player. My gripe is with the agents who are too keen to make a quick buck which more often than not hinders the player's development imo.
A Celtic fan I follow on Twitter was crestfallen when we signed him off them. I've seen him a few times and I genuinely believe he'll make it. He's 18 but shows the maturity of a player 8 years older than that
Spot on Watford although I'd add Arsenal to that list as well. The new rules put in place make bulk buying off young talent in lower divisions even easier than before. My only disagreement with you Watford is that IMO there is no loyalty in football, it's a career just like any other and if you throw money and a better chance to enhance a career, players will jump ship. William G*llas, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell each proved loyalty is lost and... gone.
Will he ever get a game though? You're nearly nailed on to sign a striker in January or the summer. That'll be Falcao (possibly), Torres, Sturridge, Oscar ahead of him.
I've just you-tubed him and watched a number of clips of his junior games. He looks class and although he's not very tall has got a powerful build! One for the future without a doubt!
Pretty sure I've seen Oscar play up front as part of a three for Brazil. Correct me if I'm wrong, it's fine. You'll also note I placed him at the end of the list of possible striking options, clearly indicating he's not the preferred option for that particular role at Chelsea. Do you honestly think this boy will make more than at the best a handful of appearances though? Who have you brought through successfully from your current team? Terry, a long time ago, and Bertrand? No need to be so defensive.
It's irons in the fire. Lukaku is part of the mix. I don't think there is a strict pecking order for the strikers. No crystal balls so you gets as many prospects as you can afford, and they have to want to knock the pack leaders off the top.
