One of the critical factors for a number 9 is their overall contribution to play. For England, his contribution to play was top quality and earned him the ‘pit bull’ tag. For us, he also scored regularly as well as his overall contribution.
I just don’t get any criticism of him. He’s 22 and a few years off his peak. He will learn and develop in the Championship. Give the guy the support he has earned.
Carlos KickaballPetebaldwinYeah I think he is. He gets caught on his heels a bit too much - a pass comes in and rather than anticipating it and making the run, he waits for the pass and is a yard behind where he should be. That’s something that can be learned though. He’s got all the raw attributes.
You’re obviously referring to the chance last night. Can’t say I’ve seen that on a regular basis, in fact to counter that viewpoint look at his 2nd away at Barnsley season. Wrestled with the defender to anticipate where the corner was likely to end up.
But yeah I agree he has time on his side. He has too much talent not to be a very successful ‘front player’
He did it in all the England games and for us last year sometimes as well. I didn’t see the game yeaterday.
It’s not really even a criticism though as he’s a young striker and he’ll improve. It’s normal. He’s had a season in League 1 with Exeter, a season in the Champ with 15 different managers and then a season in League 1 with players miles better than the rest. It’s been a weird start to his career.
He needs a few seasons in a decent league with a competitive team and he’ll improve a huge amount.
And 12 in the champ, younger and in a poor side
Lots of negative Nigel’s on here
It’s not just that. It’s people actually starting a thread like it hasn’t been discussed as infinitum already. And as Rab mentioned, the timing this time is mental. He’s just been part of a team that has won a European competition. Instead we get newsflash comments about him being a nine because he isn’t strong and instinctive, and he only really thrives as an inverted no 10 coming off the left and only really when he has class players around him. FFS.
Quite a few on here seem to think that apart from only needing 11 players, we're basically already in the prem and should be looking to sign Isak or Delap asap.
We've gone from moaning about players and managers being shit (which for nearly a decade they were tbf) to thinking we're effing massive and a 22 year old with 40 goals in two seasons needs to be shipped out.
I blame Charcy mainly.
I agree that he played a very important and selfless role for England.
Tournament football and a full championship season are very different and he we will need more from him in the final third than what he showed in that tournament.
For what it’s worth I think he’s great and I’d play him as a 9, however he does have limitations and I think we should have another striker that’s better than him. Someone he can learn from.
Looks a very good player to me and we are very lucky to have him.
Alright John!
This will be the question mark over the entirety of his time with us.
It will never be answered and he will leave the club being a "What if?"
We've got some right mentalists on here. There wouldn't be a side in the Championship who wouldn't want him in their side and he's going to get better.
I'm off to put some pants on my head, 2 pencils up my nostrils and stand on the street corner saying 'wibble' to passers by - and I still wouldn't be as mental as some on here.
WorcesterbluesI agree that he played a very important and selfless role for England.
Tournament football and a full championship season are very different and he we will need more from him in the final third than what he showed in that tournament.
For what it’s worth I think he’s great and I’d play him as a 9, however he does have limitations and I think we should have another striker that’s better than him. Someone he can learn from.
We’re gonna disagree on the focal point of this so let’s move on to the better question, genuinely who do you think is better than him that would come to us?
Mad thread this.
Critiquing our very own number 9, after he has just won U21's.
Number 9's come in all shapes and sizes with different strengths and weaknesses. Harry Kane for example has never had terrific pace.
One thing they do tend to have in common though is can they finish?
Jay's goal against Bradford was out of nothing. His run and finish against Charlton. Have you ever seen Vardy score a goal like that? I haven't. His composed finish against Stevenage away in cup. There are many others.
All different types of goals. He is 22. He will get better and improve, and he runs his socks off for team.
I'm glad we have him.
KRO.