Ramirez has never been lazy, IMO. But it's true he isn't much good on the press because he's offensively minded and his first thought is always to find space between the opposition defense and midfield and then make a run. When you do that, you're out of position when the ball is lost. He's not instinctively one of those "drop deep and come get the ball" types where if we lose possession the ball is more likely to still be in front of him. He's always been willing to get back on defense. IMO, too willing actually. Just that he gets there late and has to run all the way back deep into our own half by then and help out when the opposing attack is stalled. Then he has to run alllll the way back up. He's not disciplined enough to hold shape in our formation so he just ends up always chasing or waiting for the ball. He needs a system where his only duty is to look for the ball and create. Which doesn't suit MP either defensively or offensively (except maybe when paired with Osvaldo). I do have to say, even if Ramirez has no future here if Saints were sure he would get into the national side it'd be pretty tempting to hang on to him and see if he doesn't have a big World Cup. Could be a huge windfall for us. Problem is there's no guarantee he gets in the side or plays much in the World Cup.
Damn, someone logged on as me... Mods, there must have been an imposter, I mean I hadn't even been drinking
True, Lallana being in great form would be one of the reasons. As someone said above unless we get a really good offer I think we should hold on to him until the world cup and we may end up on a goldmine. He is a great player to have on the bench and though he is not a very good all round player if he ended up getting a run in the team i'd have no doubt that he would contribute goals and assists.
I say lets get behind the kid. He has some undoubted talent, and while some may have written him off based on the fact we've not seen much of him this season; It is entirely plausible that any combination of things may have knocked his confidence. He's been away a lot in the early season with Uruguay clocking up air miles, and didn't he also have a family bereavement? Either way, when he does get the chance to play he needs to know we are behind him. What is it with the now-now-now culture these days that means we're so quick to judge and throw a line in the sand? His main problem is the form of Lallana and Rodriguez as they pick themselves at the moment, and I can't see MP playing all three of them and a striker too as it may weaken us too much defensively - as was evidenced vs Everton. Maybe he'd get more of a chance if Rodriguez was played up front (Lambert on the bench), allowing us to play him and Lallana along with S. Davis or JWP in the supporting 3 behind. Difficult choices...
I am a huge advocate of giving people time and Gaston had problems soon after he arrived, but the evidence of our own eyes is that 2 managers haven't really fancied him. Doesn't mean that he's not a good player, but that he's not our kind of good player. He is obviously a talented player and nice to have on the bench, which would be fine if he was in his twilight years and happy to play like that, but he's in his prime and has an international career to think about.
Most have probably forgotten the near career threatening injury that he picked up in training, whether that has still any effect on his fitness or mental approach is open to question.
Saw interview with Mum of Everton lad he gave his shirt to when he scored. Said he had been getting stick whilst warming up and her son said hello and gave him a thumbs up...he remembered and gave the lad his shirt. Nice (though strange) gesture.
Not saying he would? All I am saying is if Ramirez plays well more teams will be looking. If he plays bad Saints are justified to move him on. It's a win-win situation.
Having seen him "PLAY" the full 90 minutes against Chelsea, I think that concludes this thread……. sell him asap Adds very little to the team and just has a couple of little cameo's that look good just to remind everyone he is still on the pitch. I will drive him to the airport myself and wave him goodbye
