Transfer Rumours The Summer “Have We Signed Anyone Yet?” Thread

I would not disagree with the list you provided at all, although l would question whether these all would sit before Boufal, but that is where we disagree.

 

Lets hope we get this done - with all the players we may well have going out on loan we could realistically get 200-250k per week of the wage bill. That equates to £10m-£13m over the year.

 

What’s a half eaten doughnut?

 

You don’t think Boufal is worth another go?

 

Ralph most certainly thinks he's worth another go.

 

Fats, absolutely, he deserves another go. We are paying his wages after all and , besides, nobody else seems to want him for the present. We have nothing to lose, but l don't think he has what it takes. Highly skilful; yes - but the game seems too quick for his languid style.

Hope to be proven wrong, but l think he is a 'bust' and have thought so after about his first 10 games. I have read on here that he was previously a disruptive influence in the changing room and once refused to come as a sub. Not character traits that are desirable in a player at any time but we are going to struggle again this year, hopefully less so than last season, but we need a squad that pulls together and in that particular respect l don't see Boufal being a team-player.

 

Boufal is probably the most naturally gifted player in our squad and was clearly frustrated by the lack of game time he got under Pellegrino. Hughes took over and Boufal thought " great, a chance to impress a new person and get some time on the pitch" unfortunately Sparky didn't play him and Boufal lost it and threw his toys out of the pram which talented players tend to do and they fell out and he was shipped out quickly.
Ralph is the perfect man to get the best out of Sophiane I believe and we could yet see the game changing player that he has promised to be but on on a more consistant basis.

 

He is definitely not "languid" and always try to make things happen when I have watched him. It doesn't always come off, but his role in the team is to create and a few creative moments in the match may be enough to secure a result. He also works hard in tracking back too.

 

He just needs a run of six games....


Or so I heard

 

I'd be surprised if he could be classed as languid, perhaps in a game or two but when he's been up for it he's more of a firecracker to me, quick feet, quick head. Hopefully the boss has found the motivation he needs and can get him performing that way consistently.

 

Six to ten......

 

Difficult to disagree with most of what you say (he’s not languid) and even though I believe in the “need a squad that pulls together,” I also believe in having a wild card match winner in the squad.

Nathan can be that match winner, so maybe not such a need, but Boufal scares the crap out of defenders when he runs at them.

 

What Ralph needs to do is coach to play with his head up more (a la Dusan) and when to run with the ball and when to pass. That’s is teachable.

 

Boufal is a game winner. When we’re **** he’ll score an important goal to win us the game.

Boro and WBA come to mind.

 

And Sunderland in that otherwise dire League Cup game

 

But mostly he’ll beat three players, probably twice, before skilfully giving the ball away.

Every time I’ve seen him comes to mind

 

I used the term languid in the mental sense that the game moves too quickly around him (probably should have chosen a better phrase) so he reverts to what he is most comfortable at and that is running with the ball with his head down.

As to those statements that Boufal being a match winner are stretching the realms of reality given the few number of goals and assists he managed in past. I would define Ricky Lambert and MLT as match winners who could be relied on to turn a match.

 

It’s teachable but whether he adapts and implements it into his style is the issue.

 

Of course.

 

I don't think Boufal will ever be a consistently brilliant player tbf.

He's got a Mahrez 15/16 season in him though.