That's how I'd rather do it by utilising our youngsters rather than paying big money for someone who may not fit in
Not apples with apples though is it. Rodrigo had marginally more game time than roberts last year but scored his goals when playing as a replacement for bamford up front, he was equally ineffective as roberts in midfield (actually worse as he gave the ball away and didn't track as much), despite being in his prime and costing £30m This year Rodrigo has almost twice the minutes on the pitch as Roberts and contributed 0 goals and 0 assists. I like Rodrigo but...
Yet Bielsa says he has been exceptional in the last 3 games and has been MoM, perceptions Milky and deffo not apples with apples because one plays well more often than not. Also if you check the playing stats between the two you may find that Roberts had more games and more minutes. Besides the point though really as I HAVE BEEN WILLING THE KID ON TO MAKE ME EAT MY WORDS but sorry he will not make it at this club and I bet you anything he will not be wanted by any prem team, so his real level if he ups his game is Championship in my humble opinion
James didn't spend 6 weeks in the u23's, buy the right players in January and they won't have to either
I get frustrated with posters singling certain players out for criticism no matter what. I defend Cooper and Roberts because Bielsa picks them. He cost us nothing and, even though some might not see it, he comes on and tries to make things happen. It's a tough league so it hasn't worked for him but Bielsa is happy with his contribution. I think Struijk has been a revelation, I think Cresswell will be at least as good after a few starts, I thought Joffy and McKinstrey looked capable when they came on and Summerville obviously has potential. If he could do for the first team what he does for the U23s he'll be a nightmare for defences. He's direct, running at and committing defenders for the U23s but when he's played for the first team he's been reserved, probably not wanting to blow his chance. A few starts and he could be a superstar. I agree with Heidi, I'd like to see us use the U23s.
I don’t know what he means by “rapid acceleration”. Roberts is first choice substitute ahead of Gelhardt every game so I’m not sure Bielsa sees this in the same way. I think this is wishful thinking for what the reporter wants to happen rather than what the coaching team believes the situation to be.
I'm kinda watching this thread unfold from a distance today. I'll only repeat myself on a daily basis if I keep posting. Just one thing to point out as an observer.... stats give a good indication on how players affect the game but they don't tell the full story. Rodrigo and Roberts are in the headlights today so I will give you a couple of examples regarding these players. Rodrigo has 0 goals and assists this season. Yep, this is true. However he has played a couple of superb balls in to Bamford this season and he has missed the easy chance. That's not Rodrigo's fault. Let's not forget his dummy against Newcastle either. He gets no official credit for that but its not going in without his actions. Stats won't show these bits. Back end of last season Roberts scored two more goals but both were ruled out for other players being offside. That's not his fault, he did his bit. There was also another assist which was disallowed by VAR due to his knee cap being offside. It would have been allowed this season. Just saying that small margins can affect goals and assist stats. Carry on guys.
