That's one of the reasons I'm keen to find out how Doukara got on. I think we could cope without him (although I've always liked him). We've got Wood, Antonsson, Roofe & Sacko that can play up front, although tbh, I'd rather the latter 2 stayed on the wing. We seem to have a wee bit of talent up front in the u23s if we really, really struggle too. So if someone else has to go, perhaps Doukara is being considered (hence his game time yesterday. Bamba has to top the list though, IMHO. And if Grimes doesn't get his finger out, I wouldn't lose any sleep if he gets sent back (although we're probably committed to paying his wages anyway).
Dunno, El. When he first broke on the scene he was heavy & lumbered through his first season. The next season, he'd lost a lot of weight & had his ONLY good season. Last season, he didn't appear to have put the weight back on, even though out injured or out of favour for most of the season. Was sluggish to put it mildly, but we all assumed it was the impact of the injuries. This season, he's worse than ever, IMO. He even seemed fitter in that first season when he was heavier! I have no idea what's happening with him. As I've said before, no young footballer should be that unfit.
Trust me to disagree! I rated him. He was great as a DM. Better than Bridcutt last season. Without going into detail, he did everything you would want a DM to do, & he did it very well. Solid & very dependable. Loved the simple ball too. Think he's on the way out because Monk wants him to play a different game & he either isn't capable, or doesn't want to. Don't know what's going on there. Will be a sad loss IMO, but presents a greater opportunity for Phillips & Viera, so it's not all bad.
From what I saw of him I also thought he played well alongside Bridcutt. Thought he would be kept as Monk usually goes 4-2-3-1 and he'd add a bit more experience than Viera.
Have we still got Diagoraga? If so, expect him and Bridcutt to be part of a 451 when we play tough opposition away, or when Bridcutt needs a break or is banned for some reason