This is a alternative to O'Hara. Stuart Holden. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Holden Now I've seen a couple of here say that Nolan(apart from his vital goals, leadership and experience) doesn't offer THAT much in general CM play(tackling, passing, stamina, technical abilities, can be anonymous at times and his lack of pace can be exposed). Meanwhile Holden seems like a complete midfielder. Technically very good, fast, strong for his size, has been one of Bolton's more consistent players, played well yesterday(including making Nolan look like a fool at once), good mobility, good on the deck and can pick a good pass. He wouldn't cost THAT much and this would encourage us to play more football on the deck(Holden is one of the reasons Bolton are playing a different brand of football). He can also be a replacement for the ageing Nolan and I can see him linking well with Tiote.. Anyone agree? discuss? any better options? Of course a striker is crucial and maybe one or two versatile full-backs and possibly a versatile midfielder(Barnetta/Kranjcar). After all this if we have some money to spare would you be interested in Holden? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNdYlpQmGn0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVDiLCohTPU&feature=related See his movement and build up play for the Wolves game? Cracking.
I like Holden he has impressed this season, but would Bolton sell him? And if they do sell him how much? 6million-8million I would probably take him But I don't think they'll sell him.
Holden has pretty much been a revelation for them this season (much like Tiote has been for us). I think we'd have to pay an awful lot to get him from them. Of course we could get him easier if European football were on offer . But thats just a fantasy at the minute
I don't rate Holden I would prefer Alex Chamberlain 17 yr old From Southampton who could be that Dyer/Jenas possess exceptional stamina & pace type player in our centre midfield (box to box) Yann M'Vila (new Patrick Vieira) 20 yr old From Rennes
^ Good alternatives, younger than Holden aswell. That's what I'm talking about Dyer/Jenas esque box-to-box(Pace & Stamina is there game).
Both great shouts, however both have been linked with top, top clubs so we'd have to act fast to bring them in to beat other clubs to them.
I really like Holden and think he would be a good signing. Agree that Chamberlain and M'Vila would be better long term but with the sorts of clubs showing interest i doubt we would get them. Holden though I think would be possible so long as price not too high. ã6 -7 million would be fair.
I rate Holden but THB is there really much more than we can offer him than Bolton I reckon we're more likely to keep moving up the league but he wouldnt always get a starting place (in my mind) and I doubt he'd get any significant amount of extra money here
I like Holden but whoever replaces Nolan needs to be a goalscorer, so hopefully Vuckic will be that player, he;s just the right age that we can slowly give him more games when Nolan needs a rest as he ends his career (probably at 30-31 as he isnt in great shape).
Yeah ^ Looks a bit ''chubby'' to say the least and I seriously doubt he'll make it into his middle 30's(that's why I think we should start blooding Vuckic next season).
Agreed, from what I now about Vuckic he's good on the ball and over 6ft should have an aerial prescense as well. When you say it like that he seems a pretty perfect replacement
