I've seen it suggested a few times on here over the past few days we might be seeing the last few games from him. I'm interested to know why anyone thinks this? I think he'll almost definitely be staying due to: 1. He's a game changer, you don't just get rid of those types of players. 2. He's getting old, his wages in comparison to the premier league money if we get promoted will be nominal, and due to his age we'll get **** all of a fee for him. If we don't get promoted, we'll definitely need him. 3. His class and experience will be vital both on and off the pitch, no matter what league we're in. 4. He's very professional and that will rub off on other players. 5. If we get promoted he'll definitely be raring to go for one last crack at the prem, if we don't he's settled here on a good wage and getting playing time, why would he want to leave? 6. How would it be beneficial to us in any way to get rid of him? 7. Realistically who could we get to replace him, and at what cost? (probably the main reason he'll stay)
As poor as his performances had been portrayed as of late (probably the reason people are suggesting him leaving), it makes no sense getting rid of him or him wanting to leave. He is still a key player for us - the man has scored 9 goals, most of them crucial to results (Ipswich being the obvious example), and considering the Prem is a much less physical league, it would probably suit him more, as he'll have more space to play in.
Agree, plus; 8. He's our highest goalscorer 9. He'll get more space and time in EPL ( if we get there !) 10. Quality professional, they don't grow on trees
There will be a few changes, it is easier to see others going before him, but he would walk into loads of Championship teams he he needed to.
I can't see him leaving, he may not play 90 minutes every game, but is a good experienced player to have who can score goals.
He'd be fine in the Premiership, will never understand why the Baggies let him go, their loss our gain!
He wanted to leave as Dorrans had pushed him out the first team, when he got a go it was only on the wing and he wanted to play more centrally, so both parties agreed to release him. Another testament to his professionalism, dropped down a league, forfeit premier league wages just to get playing time in a position he preferred. Many would have just sat on that wage packet.
He wanted to leave as Dorrans had pushed him out the first team, when he got a go it was only on the wing and he wanted to play more centrally, so both parties agreed to release him. Another testament to his professionalism, dropped down a league, forfeit premier league wages just to get playing time in a position he preferred. Many would have just sat on that wage packet.
I guess, but comparing Koren and Boyd is sort of like comparing Messi and Ronaldo, play the same positions but have a completely different way of going about it. And I think Koren offers a lot more in midfield where his vision and creativity could prove key in the premier league (should we get there). Boyd has looked ****e when in midfield and doesn't have the same vision or ability to pick out a defence splitting pass like Koren.
Bruce said something when signing Boyd, Gedo and Fathi which could illuminate this situation. He said for a striker it is more instinctive and positionality is less of an issue. Individuality is more of an asset in those roles. To put someone in mid-field it takes some acclimatisation and familiarisation. Mark my words, and ask any Peterboro fan - Boyd is primarily an attacking midfielder. We'll see the best of him next season - and Fathi too if we offer him a contract. In relation to Fathi, I think that he probably does have footballing attributes which are superior to others in the squad in a couple of positions, just that it takes time to learn roles in an area of the pitch which relies less on individualism and more on bringing the best out of those in front of you, helping out those behind you and is more fitness dependent. Putting Boyd and Gedo up top on arrival was a different prospect entirely than sticking Fathi or Boyd straight into the engine-room, which had been doing just fine all season anyway. I'd love to see us go ino next season with Rosie, Fathi, Elmo on the right - that's 2 options at full-back and 2 at wingback 1 for winger and more defensive option at right- midfield regardless of a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2. Same for Koren and Boyd - 2 different options for the same attacking berth in midfield - be it in the hole off the striker or slightly further back - but also, and quite crucially, can do a job on either flank as cover, drifting in centrally as part of a 4-4-2 "attacking shape" and snapping back into position when we don't have the ball. To illustrate - and I'm focussing on the flanks/central midfield here: 4-4-2: -----------------GK-------------------------- Rosie/Fathi -- CB --CB-- Brady/Dudgeon Elmo/Fathi -- DM -- Koren/Boyd/MF-- Brady/Boyd/Koren --------------Koren/Boyd-------------------- -------------------------CF------------------ Or, 3-5-2: ------------------GK---------------- -----Fathi/CB-----CB--------CB------ Fathi/Elmo--------------------Brady/Dudge ---Koren/Boyd/MF---DM---Koren/Boyd/MF-- -------------Koren /Boyd----------------- -------------------------CF-------------- The point is that there's about half a dozen different positions all of those players would potentially fit in 2 different formations - and we need 2 players for every position. Until we start making signings then it is a bit daft to be speculating on whether any of those players days are numbered or who would fit what role next year. We don't even know which league we'll be in, but Boyd and Koren are both adaptable and good enough to be first-choice in the same team in an number of positions regardless of league IMHO.
Boyd is an attacking midfielder yes, I alluded to as much, but he plays a totally different way to Koren. Or at least he has in his time so far with us.
He's not the lazy bastard,so many "FANS" whine about at the Kc. He just knows an awful lot more about football,than you. Surely his goal ratio/assist, efforts,from midfield,rings some alarm bells,in your ****ing thick skulls ? Sorry,that's not aimed at everyone obviously. I believe they will know who they are
Koren, Boyd both excellent as the attacking midfielder playing behind the striker and the third most exciting option......Aluko
I wouldn't disagree with that - I was just saying that we need 2 players for every position anyway and tried to illustrate that the two of them could quite feasibly be first-choice in different positions and in different formations regardless of our status next season. They're both class and although promotion will bring with it a need to strengthen, I wouldn't for-see an issue with either or indeed both playing a significant role, be it in competition with each-other or as part of the same line-up. As for strengthening - maybe a left-back with experience, to bring on Dudge and Brady if nothing else. A bit of pace at centre-half - If you don't have recovery pace at that level then you so often get pushed into defendng on the 6 yard-line and and can't squeeze up. We'll have to do something up top also with Gedo and Matty being the only two I wouldn't be particularly nervous about. Simpson might do a job dropping back and linking up but won't score the required goals.. Don't see the flanks or midfield as a major issue really. Think Rosie will do a defensive job in the top flight and Macca will have a point to prove also.
His goals have been valuable this year, and anybody criticising him based on two three bad games, is daft to do so. He's set up numerous as well. At the end of it, he'll probably be our top goal scorer this season, and there are other players who'll need to worry about contracts for next season. Koren might not be able to play all the time in the premier league, but he might come in handy for brief spells of matches when called upon. It's also based on whether we actually get promoted, and who Bruce brings in.
Koren is a brilliant professional and a really genuine guy. He's been off the pace lately due to playing in a number of various different positions (Forward, just behind the forwards, midfield) and has still managed to chip in with 9 goals, his most recent being one of the most important of the Season so far. He didn't win Player of the Season last year for no reason. I'd love him to see out his career with City. Allow us to be his last Club. He still has the 'RK7' trust where he helps fund youth academies back in Slovenia in order to get more kids involved in the sport through his Country who have been relatively quiet on the International Stage. Well done RoKo! City legend in my eyes.
