Worthy successor to Kaboul? Could he strike up a decent partnership IF Kone stays, or a half decent alternative is found? What were your first impressions. Thought he was alreet me.
Looks a decent player - good on the ball and can only remember one mistake (where he did let Negredo in and Vito saved his bacon!) but otherwise a pretty solid player. Him and Kone would be good together. Moyes said he's not after a left footed centre half as we have just signed Djilibodji post match - he didn;t say we weren't after a centre back at all (quite cryptic I know but he stressed the "left footed" part when talking about Joleon Lescott)
Two players who stood out for me yesterday were Gooche and Papy and I reckon Papy would be good alongside a focused Kone, they'd be ****ing immense I reckon. He looked good with the ball at his feet, was decent in the air and positionally. Lens looked hungry when he came on as well, hope he gets a chance this season.
I hope he gives a **** this season (which he looked like he did on Sunday) ! Not like he hasn't had a chance in the past - just hasn't looked interested!
From what I've read about Silly Budgie since the match, I seem to be in the minority because I think that he was just okay . . . . certainly now't better than that Every one of his headers, as far as I remember, went upwards (Benno-esque) . . . . none seemed to have 'conviction' or authority, and some of his passes were pretty poor Hopefully he'll improve in time, and I'd love to see him in a partnership with Tony Koney, but that's my first impression of him
He went flying in 4 times when the ball was played up to Negredo in the first half and over committed without winning the ball leaving him out of position. A better team would have punished that more than a pretty poor Boro side. Second half was much better however I'd put that down to the fact that they didn't put us under any real pressure. In answer to your question - jury definitely out for me.
I think he's going to score some goals on set pieces. He's got plenty of hops and courage. If he keeps headbutting his defenders, they're going to back off a bit.
He did a decent job considering the pressure and expectation now put upon him. If Kone stays they will be much better than what we had for the majority of last season. JOS, a mostly injured Kaboul. Coates and Brown. We really suffered at the back when JOS went off which is really saying something.
JL - type of player that might end up here - payday to end their career plus - we do have a very well used & resourced physio room -
Twice yesterday, once on defense, early on, and then in the second half, off of a set piece, he sent his defenders to the ground clutching their heads, while Djilobodji, himself was unscathed. Those weren't elbows, and it looked to me like he initiated the clash of heads after the ball had passed.
Not long back from holiday in Italy - not upto speed - still an out of touch recovering football forum poster
generally pleased. some decent touches when clearing up the flanks but not ready to fill the void left by kaboul. he's just a young 'un and shouldn't be relied upon as our first choice cb - which he will be if kone leaves and we don't get anyone else in. hope moyes isn't planning on playing kirchoff at cb.
THis Dodgy Gadgy looked pretty good to me yesterday, he must still be shell shocked at what he's let himself in for. I still think we'll be ok with a couple more signings and first team players coming back from injuries.
