CONFIRMED: Southampton sign Oriol Romeu on a three-year deal

[fatletiss]

i don't think I can accept that argument. The thing is, Bertrand was never a bad player and he has shown that in his time with Chelsea. That's why I knew we were getting a good player when we bought him.

I really haven't watch him much in Villa, but I'm starting to suspect he wasn't really that bad at Villa, I think now it has come to that that we repeat opinions of a few Villa fans who might not have a clue.

He was awful at Villa and didn't really play regularly at Chelsea. Do you not think it'd a bit strange to counter someone's argument by saying that you haven't seen someone at a club and then say you "suspect"?? Latvian didn't say Oriol was bad, just pointed at the stats from when he played. Look at Villas stats when Ryan played and then that's a fair comparison and perhaps my view (not argument) is then seen as an equal or fair comparison.

I should have expanded by saying that he is an example of a player who didn't play much for his parent club and then played for a team who were very poor, he didn't play well and they finished fighting relegation almost. To me that sounds worse than Oriol.

Performances at one club, good or bad, don't necessarily reflect on possible performance at a new club. If you don't believe me, ask Liverpoool

 

[fatletiss]

Don't disagree FLT. Ryan Bertrand is a good similar example, he too still had a lot to prove when he arrived and the environment we put him in made him better. That's an example where it's worked well, and hopefully it will again with this one.

My only additional point is that with this transfer we're spending less than we would if we'd signed say Grzegorz Krychowiak which is good, BUT we're also taking on the additional risk that we can make the player better and/or less injury prone compared to someone a little more proven. Largely the reaction I've seen so far has been of a level that may not reflect that additional risk.

Basically, we as fans are rating him on the potential we see from him coming through the Barca academy, playing a few games for Chelsea, and thinking that we will be the right place to make him harness that. If there is a right place, I don't doubt for one second that we're it, but there is also some players who for whatever reason don't kick on from the potential spotted at age 19/20, and injuries along with a whole host of other things can be the reason that some don't.

Would be really interested to see a poll on which player people think will contribute more to the team's success out of Romeu and Clasie over the next 3 seasons and why. Slightly different positions I get it, but the question is really about perception….

Fair comments Latvian and excellent that your last line mentions perception because everything is about perception really.

I perceive him to be a good signing. I mentioned earlier that I posted about him a couple of years ago as an example of a player we could go for. I like him and when I've seen him, I've been impressed with what he does. He's like a steely Jack Cork.

I am not fussed as some have about the Barca academy bit, but I like the fact he has played in germany and Spain (on loan) and I think he'll prove to be a good signing.

As for contribution compared to Clasie, I am not sure what you are looking for? Very difficult to compare and I think we need to remember our old friend Nigel: "It's not about the 11." I am happy because we are signing good players who are making our squad deeper and stronger. We can't expect to be signing top or nearly top proven players as we are not at that level, we can't pay the top wages and will always love threatened by top champions league clubs for those players.

 

[fatletiss]

I like what I am seeing and reading - he has potential - he certainly looks comfortable on the ball and acts as a willing recipient for the ball as an outlet for CB's and looks to have a good pass on him that should fit the way we play the ball out of the back. As a back up to Victor and someone to be nurtured this does look a good acquisition. If we have a Europa game coming up and we want to pull Victor off after 60 mins to save him for that fixture, I would not be sorry to see him come on for the last 30 mins (based on what I have seen/read) and I do not think we would be asking for more at this time.

What I like is he wants t get the ball off the toes of the CB, in a way similar to Morgan.

 

[Lff]

Looking at the two games and scouting report above, it's very clear as to his skill set and he doesn't really play outside what he's good at. Disciplined, tough and adept at winning the ball and recycling.

Thats really what Morgan did. I guess if you do it well enough............

 

[fran-MLs little camera]

Oriol seems to be a real team player as he mentions liking to make his team mates feel comfortable playing next to him. Never mentioned bombing forward and scoring goals, so I suggest he's defensively minded....fine by me.

 

[rednright]

Provides welcome strength and agree that further plugging in front of the defence will provide the cover to maintain our excellent defensive record. One of the two signings that Ron was talking about assuming the other is The Thunderbird 2 pilot.

 

[garysfc]

Love the fact that for the first time ever, we're developing a really strong & quality squad. Players that can double-up in various positions & players that can adopt different formations. With our financial restrictions (compared to the top 6) massive appreciation to RonK, LesR, MarcusL & KatL, RalphK et al. They're doing a great job.

 

[fran-MLs little camera]

Now to keep them all happy.

 

[garysfc]

Oh to be a manager!

 

[saintlyhero]

Don't know a huge amount about this guy as a player, but looking at our midfield without Wanyama and it's lacking physically.
I don't care how tenacious a Reed or Clasie can be, it's still useful to have that natural presence available.

It's another great option and alternative. I'm liking the squad we're building.

 

[Archers Road]

Now to keep them all happy.

Better win something then. For that to happen, we'll need the whole squad to contribute. Of course, they'll all want to play in the Europa league final, but once we get there Ron can sort it out.

 

[Beddy]

Sounds a good signing although am a bit confused.......Is this another Sniders replacement or a Cork replacement or neither? Its just that I considered we had replaced both certainly a far as Sniders was concerned (Clasie). So is this just an additional option or a regular player?

 

[Archers Road]

Sounds a good signing although am a bit confused.......Is this another Sniders replacement or a Cork replacement or neither? Its just that I considered we had replaced both certainly a far as Sniders was concerned (Clasie). So is this just an additional option or a regular player?

Cork and Schneiderlin are the past; these guys are the future. That's it really. Not replacements, just new players.

 

[TheSecondStain]

Sounds a good signing although am a bit confused.......Is this another Sniders replacement or a Cork replacement or neither? Its just that I considered we had replaced both certainly a far as Sniders was concerned (Clasie). So is this just an additional option or a regular player?

Clasie is a different player, to be honest. He may well possess some of Morgan's characteristics, but Romeu is even physically similar to Schneiderlin, and plays in a much more familiar way. The moment I heard of his transfer I said he was our real Morgan replacement. Clasie is more of a Steven Davis replacement, for when Davis isn't available, tired, injured, in my opinion.

And to be fair, as Archer says [and Mark Lawrensen], they are their own players, not replacements.

 

[Beddy]

Clasie is a different player, to be honest. He may well possess some of Morgan's characteristics, but Romeu is even physically similar to Schneiderlin, and plays in a much more familiar way. The moment I heard of his transfer I said he was our real Morgan replacement. Clasie is more of a Steven Davis replacement, for when Davis isn't available, tired, injured, in my opinion.

And to be fair, as Archer says [and Mark Lawrensen], they are their own players, not replacements.

Ok Thanks for that.......

 

[Le Tissier's Laces]

International Business News link says "Chelsea announce midfielder deal as rivals confirm move" - I like that. Rivals. Nice.

 

[It’s Only A Game]

You must log in or register to see media

Not even a trace of Nivea for Men to be seen there, thank goodness.

 

[fran-MLs little camera]

Glad he wasn't hurt when that motorbike ran across his head.

 

[fran-MLs little camera]

Cork and Schneiderlin are the past; these guys are the future. That's it really. Not replacements, just new players.

Agree. Ron et al are building a new team...will be similar in ethos, but small differences associated with the players we have. Important thing is not direct replacement, but getting the balance right. Only time you need a direct replacement is goalkeeper.

 

[fatletiss]

Better win something then. For that to happen, we'll need the whole squad to contribute. Of course, they'll all want to play in the Europa league final, but once we get there Ron can sort it out.

I don't think that will be a problem Archers. I am sure Ron will just tell the lads who miss out on the Europa League final that they can play in the FA Cup final instead.