If he can play every game like he has done the last 2 or 3, at left and right back then wicked. I'm happy for him to be first choice replacement on both flanks.
But willian can go. And Luiz. And Cech and Yossi and Gallas.
I hate them all, even if some aren't playing for us any more.
I'd just love to see more kids come through to the top level.
Still think Saka is wasted on the right? ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult
Didn’t someone also say Pepe could never play on the left because he always cuts inside onto his left foot? :hehe:Quote:
Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda
Most evidence suggests Pepe can't play on either side.Quote:
Originally Posted by WES
I'd forgotten about that. Though obviously it wasn't me that said it. I'm sure my account was hacked.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda
{Though given we have Auba and Martinelli on the left, Saka's ability on the right makes the money spent on Willian look even more stupid. Next year, or the year after, we'll be in Ozil territory of Willian taking the money yet not even in the squad.}
I was always slightly baffled by why he hasn't really played there before - obviously Auba playing there doesn't help but it seems a position that makes use of the one asset he definitely does have, paceQuote:
Originally Posted by WES
We could probably still sell Willian in the summer for decent money :shrug: He came on a free, and is still a very good playerQuote:
Originally Posted by Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult
I’d like to see him passing and moving a lot more and cutting inside and trying to take on 2 defenders a lot less.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda
My hope is that Arteta can teach him this, there’s a very talented player in there. Not too sure how I understand how anyone can watch him play and not see his ability. Other than Monty, of course. I understand exactly why he can’t see it. :-)
I don’t think Edu & Arteta intended for Willian to play a massive role on the pitch.
More a case of Europa League, Cup games and the odd League game but generally being a role model for Martinelli, Saka, ESR, Willock, Reece, Pepe and Saka.
Could probably add Ceballos to that as well...people forget he’s still relatively young in his career and trying to bridge that gap so he can become a first team regular at a top club.
PS - I like the new signing...takes some pressure off ESR and Martinelli. Last thing either needs is another long spell out.
See out this season and we have two cracking experienced players to go to war with next season.
Saka too...he can come on for Saka during games...I don’t think Saka has an off switch...just 100% for 90 minutes. You need to protect players like that.
Pepe has very good technique. He can dribble well and he can strike the ball well. Nobody doubts this.Quote:
Originally Posted by WES
What is in question is his decision making ability, how often does he do the right thing at the right time?
My hunch is that it's harder to teach this than technique.
. . . . . . .Quote:
Originally Posted by WES
I defer to your superior understanding, but having watched him this season, no-one in their right mind would give him anything like the £200k+ pw he gets here. So he'll just do an Ozil unless we pay him to leave.Quote:
Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda
Everytime he's switched over to the left he instantly looks a better player!Quote:
Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda
I'm pleasantly surprised. Most my family are Southampton fans and they were adamant he was crap when we bought him. I'm hoping it's not just a run of a few good games before going to **** like a lot of our players do... But yeah, both Mari & Cedric have looked like surprisingly clever acquisitions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult