For all his inconsistency, the stat (in the Echo) saying he has scored 8 goals in 48 appearances, is far superior to the strike rate of our other attacking midfielders, ie Davis and JWP. If we are to continue playing with two defensive midfielders, then maybe he is worth another shot in the attacking midfield slot, ahead of the two players that are more workmanlike than creative.
Stick with him for six months. Start him in as many EL games as possible. If he finds form in those games, integrate him into our PL team too and consider offering him a new contract. If he doesn't, then cut our losses with him in January - even if it's ripping up his contract and releasing him (minimal compensation, given he'd only have six months left on his contract).
I never got caught up in all the Gaston hype like the FM players on here when we signed him, but although i am not one bit impressed by him there is a part of me that thinks under Koeman and in the same 11 as Mane and Jrod i think he could play a part.
Sorry, I thought you said offer him a new contract On his wages...I don't think so. If he is with us, play him if we need to...but it hasn't worked out, has it? If he impresses, play him in the Europa games, but I suspect (contrary to what some think) that Ronald will play a strong side in the EL. Hasn't fought to get this far and not treat it seriously.
I was on the hype (but a non FM player) because that first day I saw him he just oozed talent. I do agree with that little noise in the head that wonders what Koeman could do with him, but sadly I think he is done. I got that one wrong.
This is why character features so strongly in our selection process....to play our style, you have to be a real team player....doesn't suit those with big egos. We only need to look at Osvaldo as an example when it goes wrong. This may be why we don't go for players that fans highlight as perfect...just wouldn't fit in.
Psst, Fran..... I was on about one from a few years ago who sort of fit that description .. He was quite good
Gaston is a really good player, but just doesn't suit English football at all. I was one of the ones banging on about giving him time because he is ridiculously talented, hoping that he would one day click to the pace and physicality of the English game. Sadly that hasn't happened. He reminds me so much of Bryan Ruiz when he was at Fulham in that respect. If we definitely signed a replacement for him I think I would sell him now.
Yeah, that's a good comparison with Ruiz actually. There's still this unshakeable part of me that thinks he can do it. No idea why. There's a far more clear side of me that desperately wants him to as well.
If anyone can, Koeman can....but sadly I think he can't....which is why Gaston got the bum's rush to Hull, a move which would never have suited him.
Well Ron seems to be on side - http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/sa...s_career_could_be_revived_by_holiday/?ref=mac
No doubt he'll do an Adebayor, namely play his socks off in the last year of his contract, score a bucketful, set up a bucketful more and then piss off on a free to Spurs/Liverpool once his contract is up only to warm the bench in their reserves for the next few years.
He would have to stay fit enough to play enough games to do that and thats something he hasn't done since coming to SMS
In Pochs last season ? Yeah I remember that now actually he was in good form prior to that injury. In Ron we trust