Just looked up Alvaro's record:- Under 20s 5 goals in 7 Under 21s 7 in 14 Under 23s 2 in 3 Total: 14 goals in 24. Not too shabby, eh? Sounds a great investment for the future to me and he's already said he loves it here. If the price is right, what's not to like?
His record, certainly at International level, shows the lad has talent. He's not getting a run in the team unfortunately but I hope he gets fit asap to show us what he can do before Bony returns.
IMO top priority is to get a very good central defender. Hector Moreno (Espanyol) could be a good choice. We could also bring in a dynamic winger to cross balls to Bony, Michu and Shelvey. Maybe a player on loan if we cannot afford to buy. Raheem Sterling would be a good option IMO. But if we are only bringing one player in then it definitely has to be a CB.
I don't agree with the figures that Ivor has put up, infact out of 114 appearances between 2009/10 and 2012/13 he has scored scored just 22 goals, that's a goal every 5 games, and when you look at his longest run of appearances at Espanyol of 60, and his goal tally of just 10, then he's not exactly prolific by any means, and you are expecting him to score at this higher level? crazy................... Even a blind man can see he's a shec in the making.
But do those figures include sub appearances? If the guy has come on for the last 10 mins of a game it still counts. If he's a regular starter then I would agree it's not great.
It underlines the fact that all strikers need good service to score. Espanyol are a modest outfit with players to match, whilst the Spanish side (albeit the "junior" levels) obviously gave him the service he needed. He's a young lad who needs time to adjust and learn his trade. Not even Laudrup would have expected him to hit the ground running. The player was brought here to supplement the squad, if required, and for his future potential. I guess we'll have more of a clue about his progress if the club decide to buy him when his loan period expires.
I'm happy with the the squad as it is and it wouldn't be bothered if we had no additions in Jan as long as we don't lose anybody. If we were to get anyone it's a striker for me. Alvaro looks out of his depth. Being linked with Aspas. http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-City-boss-Michael-Laudrup-linked-new/story-20271517-detail/story.html Not for me.
Which doesn't say much for him. Vasquez is better than Shechter but really he's not a long term option for us. As a third choice he'll probably do for the moment, although I'd prefer to see Donnelly given the chance instead. With Michu and Bony available game time for other strikers is going to be limited in any case. We obviously need a winger in January. Everything else can wait.
I read recently that Trundle has been watching the u21s and thinks Donnelly should at least make the bench.
Laudrup is far too pro the spanish! I'm glad ivor realises that Aloevera is still learning his trade..........
I think he's pro his own signings to be honest. But if you've got his pedigree then you can spot those who have the ability to make it at this level and those that don't. We have to trust that judgment I think.
I don't think Vasquez is another ****cter, he's got talent and has actually been really unlucky when he has played.
Sorry if it's been mentioned as I haven't read all the posts, but doesn't bony leave in January for like 2 months because of the Africa cup of nations or whatever? I think if we can get a striker in on loan for a few months that would be ideal.
Every manager has his favourites, but I agree with you regarding JDG, hope we do not sign him permanently!...............
I am one of JDG's biggest critics, but I wouldn't mind him signing on a permanent deal, but......only if he pulls his finger out, we have seen first hand what sort of player he can be if he is willing to bust a gut, take his defensive works at times against Newcastle. For me, he is going down the road of the "big time charlie" getting his cap for Holland along with the cup win, its as if he thinks he doesn't need to try so much. He is a good player, when he puts in a shift, and if he gets back to some reality and realise he is not good enough to slack off, then and only then should we sign him permanently, the lad certainly has talent, its time he got back to showing us what he is capable of, but that will only happen if and when Laudrup will drop him to the bench, starting him pretty much every game is not doing him any favours as he is not got the edge to fight for his place, which is what he needs.
