Today was Gallagher's 18th appearance, and 2nd start for the club. Do we think he's good enough to secure a first team place in the near future? At times this season we have seen what is to come from him- goals against Yeovil and Norwich and a solid performance against Arsenal as highlights. On the flip side, it seems he has struggled a bit in the air and doesn't have too much pace about him to beat defenders- his performances haven't been as eye catching as some of our other academy players. Him being only 18, I'm probably being a bit critical - he still has a lot to learn and has a good group around him to help. Also must not forget its not been the easiest year for him off the field either. Thoughts?
Is he ready now? No but let's give him the time to develop both physically and mentally before ditching him because I think there is something there but he needs game time
Near future? I don't think so - doubt that will be the popular opinion as everyone loves academy kids but he doesn't look up to it right now. Made very little impact today, probably our worst player, and every other time I've seen him - other than the somewhat fortunate goal against Norwich, that is. After a year or so, who knows, he's got a lot of room for development and could well be moulded into a very useful player. I just don't see it happening too soon.
He seems to have very little confidence, although the club have said that we don't like to loan players out, I think strikers in particular benefit from smashing in a load of goals in a lower league.
He will learn more from Rickie than going out on loan. He's still a lot to learn but you'd expect that. Give him 12 months and I think he will be a really good squad member.
Okay fine. Gallagher is easily the best striker in the league and if he doesn't get 40 goals next season then it's a conspiracy, the league are conspiring against him because they know he's too good and it's not fair on anyone else. Better?
Waaaaaay too early to judge.....Don't forget that Rickie was rejected from professional football at his age, and that was at a lower level, Sam has been learning in the Premiership!....He has been fast tracked into the first team squad effectively from the U18s....only playing 3 times for the U21s. If things had worked out with Osvaldo, then He would've been used much more sparingly this season, but he has been training with the first team, so the coaching staff clearly see something in him (and they are better judges then most!). Lets give the lad a bit of time, not all players develop as quickly as Luke, physically and skillwise.
Well near future I imagine we will be buying a new striker and Rickie will become the super sub (which boy do we need), so our strikers would line up as A. Newstriker, Lambert, Rodriguez, Gallagher. I'm guessing he gets a lot of time in the u21s and then is a fringe squad player in the league. He has a lot of room to improve, both technically and physically and a lot of time to do it but it would take either a rapid rise or another striker crisis for him to even maintain his current role let alone increase it next season.
He looks very nervous whenever I've seen him and doesn't look too confident, but never seems too afraid to get stuck in. He looks to play off the shoulder to me, and I don't think that ball is on much for us in the way that we play, so it may be a case of adapting to the first team style. In any case, a 6'4" striker should be winning more in the air, but I think the potential is there, he's just very very raw.
So far looks a bit slow and clumsy without being physically competitive. I think it's early days for him. Definitely not a player i want to see us going into next season relying on.
Most strikers thrive on confidence, and that usually increases when they are scoring goals...Jay looks a different player this season and that's mainly because he has been finding the net more.
He's only 18 still, lots of room for improvement. Is he good enough now? Not really, but we have a shortage of strikers and he is just as capable a sub option as Guly for example, so I don't begrudge him his place in the squads. Let's see how he develops over the summer and pre-season, if he puts the work in, he may well turn into a useful player.
Exactly. I am disappointed there are some questions being raised. Not every player is Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen or Luke Shaw at 18.
Rickie was looking for him throughout the game, I think Sam improves the side as he improves Rickie as he is not so isolated and can wander. But if we could pickup a quality striker then Sam will be very much a bit player which is fine as he needs to learn his craft
Yeah you're right, just having someone who is relatively quick and eager to run the channels and stretch the opposition's defence is useful, even if there is no particular goal threat coming from them.
Luke -- and before him, Oxlade-Chamberlain -- seem to have unfortunately raised expectations for kids beyond rational levels. Most teenagers simply aren't going to step into the team and be average-to-great Premier League players on day one, no matter how bright their future might be.
