Since we're in the market for wingers, I thought I'd link you to an interested article I discovered which has all the important stats of the top PL wingers for the 10/11 season. Foreign wingers aren't included because the author didn't have access to the appropriate data, so there is no Mata, Perotti, Turan etc. Here's the article: http://www.anfieldindex.com/2553/liverpool-fc-transfers-premier-league-winger-scouting-stats.html You may find some of the stats there quite surprising. I certainly did. The players I'd like to draw your attention to are Stewart Downing and Charles N'Zogbia, who we are heavily linked with and (I feel) are the most realistic. These are players who a lot of people on here are saying aren't good enough for LFC, but I think these stats say otherwise. Somebody (sorry, I forget who, so please make yourself known!) posted a thread on here saying we should sign N'Zogbia, and I agree. Both players have excellent chance creation figures, and N'Zogbia's dribbling is particularly impressive. We could do a lot worse than these 2 in the transfer market. Although I think I'd prefer N'Zogbia and perhaps Mata if we're only going for 2 wide men. Downing would be OK as someone to rotate in here and there. I think Ashley Young and Gareth Bale compare quite poorly with the rest of them, as the author points out. Although saying that, there isn't a great deal in it between Young and Downing. Also, Dirk Kuyt holds up particularly well amongst them, although I think he's slightly flattered by the fact he's played a few games up front as opposed to on the wing (versus United for example, where he got 3 of his goals) Anyway, enough from me. The article says it all really.
Interesting stuff, I would like N'Zobia he would be perfect for us, he's also aggressive and direct which is something we need.
Yeah, I've always thought so. If he's available for around £10m that'd be great. I don't get why people say he's not good enough. He's probably in the top 3 or 4 wingers in the league when you take into account his club. It's like a Sunday league team where you have one player who ends up having to do all the work. Bes of all though, he's definitely available. Is he actually left-footed? Or can he play on the right? If we got him and Mata, I just wondered who would play where. I suppose they can interchange.
It was I who posted that article, how could you forget me?! Blasphemy. I'm sure N'Zog would fit in, but Downing I'm not too sure about - out of the 3 wingers at Aston Villa I'd much prefer Young or Albrighton to Downing. Also, looking at the first table - how could anyone think Bale is worth £40m? ridiculous!
If it was just 2 though ZL, who would you pick? N'Zogbia and Mata would be mine. Or one of those plus Johnson, but I don't think he'll be available. You never know though.
It's a tough choice because there's quite a few really good wingers out there. I'd want atleast 1 good English winger and preferably young to contribute to the homegrown policy - Which would mean Albrighton was in the mix. However, given the choice I'd go for Young and Mata. Only because, if you compare the stats of N'Zog to Young: Young: 7 goals, N'Zog: 9 goals. Young: 10 assists, N'Zog: 5 assists. Young: 76 crosses, 31% accuracy, N'Zog: 25 crosses, 20% accuracy The cross accuracy and number is what does it for me, Young has the joint highest accuracy with Malouda and 3rd highest number of crosses, behind Downing with 79.
When I saw Gareth Bales stats for th season I was shocked at how awful they were. Far below average. Steward Downing is again looking like a hot prospect and is a very exciting possibility. BUT, I feel our wide men should be more than just wingers, they should be match winners, goal scorers, they should be able to work the magic inside or out wide, versatile. Which is why I still favour Ashley Young. I am not saying Downing is not these things, I think Downing could be a great signings to. How about Matt Jarvis from Wolves? Imagine him with some better players around him. And I think Valencia's stats are among the most impressive there, under the circumstances.
Bale just had one of those spells where everything he hit went in, his lack of assists says it all to me. Will he get better? who knows, players have these spells from time to time, remember when stevie nicol was leading the goal scoring charts after six games?
I still feel N'Zogbia has issues with his attitude. However, I feel Kenny could sort this out. So, I feel he could be an excellent signing. Wouldn't cost that much. Would be a good, solid signing for me.
My support for Downing is documented elsewhere but getting Young would bug Utd, which is always a plus. Somebody (can't remember who) said Villa fans are more worried about Downing leaving.
On the winger thing, what ever happened to Elia? Just too much like babel? What about someone like Andres Guardado from mexico, I think has good pedigree and if I am right plays at Depor Coruna who just got relegated, meaning deflated fee.
