The official PFA Championship Team of the year featured two Newcastle United players in Dwight Gayle and Jon-Jo Shelvey. There were several names in the team such as Anthony Knockheart that on the face of it, deserve to be there. I have decided to do a stats comparison of the top rated players in their respective position in order to establish which players really were the best performers for the 2016/2017 season.
The rules are as follows: To qualify, a player must have achieved at least 2,500 minutes on the pitch. In order to be considered for a position in my team of the year, the player must also appear in Opta’s Top 10 overall score for the relevant position. I will then break down the player stats relevant to their individual position and compare the results against the rest of the Top 10. This will give us a position-specific Championship top-dog for the season, based on averages per 90 minutes played. The individual stats comparison will be utilised at squawka.com.
Goalkeeper:
Newcastle’s Karl Darlow only placed a mere 8th in the Opta rankings, some 92 points behind 5th placed David Stockdale and therefore does not qualify to be listed for this position. What I found interesting here, was David Stockdale made more saves-per-goal and kept more clean sheets than his peers. However, he also made more defensive errors and more errors that lead to a goal. This suggests to me that he is probably a good instinctive shot stopper, but is lacking in footballing skills. He had his ups and downs, but not steady enough to claim spot in my team of the year.
Results:
1 = Ali Al-Habsi (Reading)
2 = David Button (Fulham)
T3= Robert Green (Leeds Utd)
T3= David Stockdale (Brighton)
5 = Kieran Westwood (Sheff Wed)
Left Back:
This one was difficult because players such as Leeds’ Charlie Taylor and Sheffield Wednesday’s Daniel Pudil did not get enough minutes on the pitch to qualify as having had an integral part to their respective teams’ season.
What I found here, was that Paul Dummett came out on top for clearances and discipline. He is very reliable as a defender, but lacking with attacking productivity.
Results:
1 = Jordan Obita (Reading)
2 = Chris Lowe (Huddersfield Town)
3 = Scott Malone (Fulham)
4 = Paul Dummett (Newcastle Utd)
5 = Jordan Amavi (Aston-Villa)
Central Defense:
This was an intriguing read. Jamaal Lasclles has come in for some criticism this season – and he attempted to vindicate himself at the conclusion of the league by stating that he had been carrying a hernia injury. I could almost accept that excuse IF he had not been shown to be the best in the league at headed duels. If he can leap, he can do everything else? He is an accurate passer of the ball and has a better one-on-one record than his peers. So we know he is imposing and physical, but what surprised me was that his tackle rate stinks and his anticipation is well off par. This indicates to me that he is imposing, passionate and steady, but lacks the intelligence required to reach the upper echelons of the game. Lewis Dunk was steady across the board, but not as steady as Ciaran Clarke, or Leeeds’ Pontus Jansson – who is a behemoth inside his own box and well worth a Premier League signing him up.
Results:
1 = Pontus Jansson (Leeds Utd)
2 = Ciaran Clarke (Newcastle Utd)
3 = Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion)
4 = Jamaal Lascelles (Newcstle Utd)
5 = Kyle Bartley (Leeds Utd)
Right Back:
For this one, players such as Leeds’ rising star James Bree, Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks and Newcastle pair Andre De Yedlin and Vurnon Anita did not get enough minutes on the pitch to feature in the Top 5. This time there are a couple of surprises from the teams languishing in the bottom half of the table.
Results:
1 = Matt Doherty (Wolves)
2 = Luke Ayling (Leeds Utd)
3 = Tommy Smith (Huddersfield Town)
4 = Chris Gunter (Reading)
5 = Eric Lichaj (Notts Forest)
Central Midfield:
Another very surprising set of results here. Because this is the engine room, I am looking for midfielders that are the full package. Players were marked against both attacking and defensive stats. Jon-Jo Shelvey made it into the EFL team of the year, but I honestly don’t know why. His pass success rate was one of the lowest of his peers, whilst he also had some of the lowest stats for forward passes, which surprised me. Shelvey did come out on top for aerial duels won though and as we know, featured highly in the assists department. If we are looking for midfielders next season, then I’d suggest there are a couple of bargains to be had in the Championship – all rounders that would be massive value for the money paid. I considered breaking these down into one attacking midfielder and one defensive midfielder, however I’m going for a 4-2-3-1 formation, the attacking midfielder role will be addressed later on.
Results:
1 = Tom Cairney (Fulham)
2 = Conor Hourihne (Aston Villa)
3 = Jackson Irvine (Burton Albion)
4 = Mathew Palmer (Burton Albion)
5 = Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
6 = Kevin McDonald (Fulham)
7 = Jon-Jo Shelvey (Newcastle Utd)
8 = Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday)
9 = Danny Williams (Reading)
10 = Stefan Johansen (Fulham)
Wingers/Number 10’s:
A lot of the modern day attacking players are so adaptable across the final 3rd of the pitch that you will often see them deployed in different positions from one game to the next, or even redeployed several times during the same game. Therefore, I have not gone with rigid 4-4-2, because it does not really fit the tactics used by the majority of today’s managers. Some good players failed to make the cut for this one, due to lack of game time. They include Jack Grealish, Alex Pritchard, Floyd Ayite, Lucas Piazon and Yanic Wildeschut. Stand by for this one, because there are some shock results. Matt Ritchie was one of the worst performers for take on’s, duels and discipline for example.
Results:
1 = Fernando Forestiere (Sheffild Wednesday)
2 = Garath McClearey (Reading)
3 = Helder Costa (Wolves)
4 = Anthony Knockheart (Brighton & Hove)
5 = Tom Ince (Derby County)
6 = Sone Aluko (Fulham)
7 = Matt Ritchie (Newcastle Utd)
8 = Callum Robinson (Preston NE)
9 = Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle Utd)
10 = Kamar Roofe (Leeds Utd)
Striker:
There was a lot of competition up front, but in sticking with Rafa Benitez’ preferred single striker policy, only one player will make this season’s starting line up. I have done away with the 2,500 minutes rule here, because it would have wiped out half the league’s top scorers, which is not right! Strikers are paid to score goals first and foremost. Although Dwight Gayle’s fitness is a concern, his overall stats are still the best in the league. Talk of moving him on in the summer should be sidelined, pending a massive offer. He would be very useful in Newcastle’s squad for the forthcoming Premier League campaign.
Results:
1 = Dwight Gayle (Newcastle Utd)
2 = Yann Kermogant (Reading)
3 = Lasse Vibe (Brentford)
T4 = Chris Wood (Leeds Utd)
T4 = Tammy Abraham (Bristol City)
Couple of points from your hard work caught my eye, shamrock.
Not surprised Ritchie was low on 1-2-1 take ons. I haven’t seen too many games but it was noticeable he was reluctant to take on defenders in the ones I did see. How does that bode for prem league? Don’t want to be hard on him as he’s a positive player but its part of his game to improve imo.
I would seek to cash in on Gayle tho. Just don’t have a good feeling about him in the premier league .. cant really say why as he was invaluable to us this year. Hopefully he’ll make me eat my words?
GlosMag(Quote)
Sham – I didn’t see too much of other teams over the season to give a top 11. But I would defo have our spine – Clark has been outstanding in his first season IMO. Shelvey has been instrumental – highlighted by our poor form in his absence. And Gayle who carried the weight of the no. 9 shirt in his first season effortlessly.
Around them I reckon a 4-4-2 with Knockheart & Costa out wide. Woods alongside Gayle up top and maybe Cairney or that Mooy alongside Shelvey.
That leaves keeper, CB and full backs and nobody really cares about them anyway ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I was thinking last night about our interested in that Maguire from Hull.
I know that might be simple solution stuff, but Hanley plus £3-5m for the kid seems to make sense to me.
We upgrade a player, they get a very competent CCC defender, plus a couple of million to strengthen their squad. Or maybe Hanley & Murphy.
I tell you what though. Watching Hull yesterday and Maguire looks to be carrying a big of timber like. Good player, but physically looks more like a Sunday league player than your typical well groomed PL player ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – for some reason this article has the link from the last one, but doesn’t show on the featured discussions from the home page.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nice work Sham, very interesting set of results in some areas of the pitch there.
Al- Habisi doesn’t surprise me, I have liked him for some time now, Likewise Knockaart.
Would like us to get Tammy Abraham in if possible . And also Cairneywould be a good addition.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah Kim Abraham scored well but Cairney was head and shoulders the best midfielder in the league.
Sharpy, I dont know how to link the thread to the homepage. Things have changed here…
Glos, I’m hoping Ritchie’s work rate will be enough for him to make an impact in the PL.
Shelvey I think is a bit overrated, but our midfield is so poor, it makes him look even better. I mean having Colback step in for anybody is going to hold a team back!
shamrock(Quote)
Al Habsi has consistently been the best keeper in the fizzy for a while. Dont know why a PL never snapped him up.
shamrock(Quote)
I know you like your stats Sham and it’s a stats based team but I don’t really like it. That’s football.
Just read that Lucas is on a free! There’s one for Rafa. He’s been linked with Celtic and Brendan but come on. PL and Rafa? No brainer.
georgio(Quote)
Yeah Lucas would be a great signing. Experienced, still.got it and would bring Hayden on leaps and bounds.
shamrock(Quote)
Sham you also highlight one of our real problems. Our best players last season in Shelvey, Ritchie, Gayle and Clark didn’t exactly set the PL alight did they. All of them still have big question marks when it comes to PL football.
georgio(Quote)
kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-home-kit-leaked-13035688
not sure if it is, but I like the design, though writing should be a different colour imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim I like the shirt, but the sponsor is a bit gaudy. Could do with being a bit smaller and a better colour. I assume they are paying big bucks to have it completely overshadow the shirt like that. I would.noy buy it, which is a shame because the more traditional appearance of the shirt itself is actually very nice.
shamrock(Quote)
I think we are stuck with it. I am guessing that is their branded logo so they will want it. That pale blue doesn’t really stand out against the B&W. Somehow Wonga with a similar colour worked.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think we have to give Gayle a pass on his time in the PL as most was under Pardew who would bring him on as a Sub. He never really had a decent run in the team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric he was there long before Pardew got there. His Palace record was 15 goals in 3 years. Doesn’t inspire confidence in me for the PL. I think his all round game is poor although his timing and positioning for those many tap ins was good.
Then there’s the recurring hamstring issues. I’d sell into the Championship.
Like the new shirt but the sponsor logo looks weird. Maybe just photoshopped on and may be different in reality.
georgio(Quote)
georgio: Gayle had a year and a half of Pardew. That’s enough for anybody 🙂
I get your point, but Gayle was stepping up to PL from the lower leagues, and even non-league, when he signed for Palace. There would be an inevitable settling in period and then he had to deal with Arrogant Alan.
People are saying we should buy Knockheart and I probably agree, but didn’t he play for Leicester in the PL and not exactly light things up? I would worry if we sign too many players from the Championship, as then we would look like the typical promoted team who often struggle in the first year even though only a third get relegated. Cherry picking the elite from there might not be a bad idea but when you have silly money being talked about like 20 million for Cairney you might be better off getting someone from Italy or Germany who is established in their top leagues.
There will always be a settling in period, but someone who has come up through the ranks at top clubs and played with elite level colleagues and managers may be the way to go rather than lower league. Of course there are exceptions such as Dele Alli, but I think you have more chance of success taking this second route.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sort of defeats my argument about Gayle (except being Pardewed) as he came up from the Championship 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Back to the shirt. There is no way it could be worse than the one with the blue **** flap for the legalized loan shark. There haven’t been many bad first team shirts but I seem to remember one that had two different widths of stripe. Now that was a monstrosity.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
As long as Wonga isn’t on it I will likely buy it.
kimtoon(Quote)
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Newcastle United transfers: Magpies to be offered Southampton winger Jay Rodriguez
kimtoon(Quote)
having to keep closing link and reopen as keeps freezing, been like it last 3 days. anyone else getting this ?
kimtoon(Quote)
Olly: thanks for the shirt pictures. I found the group shot quite funny. Gayle was happy but McDonald and Beardley had perplexed looks on their faces as if to say “what the fck am I doing here” and “aren’t vertical stripes supposed to be slimming”?
Nah, they both look good for their age but they do look slightly bemused to be in the photo.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It was good to have McDonald and Beardsley in the picture as we should be celebrating two of our best ever players. Shearer probably had other commitments…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – I really hope so. I like him & him on the left, Ritchie on the right will give us a real good balance imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I really hope we go after Lucas as well. He’d be excellent protection for our CBs imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim, mine is fine today. Last a few days I had similar issue, more or less.
funrafa(Quote)
Come on guys, Lucas is 32 years old if I don’t remember wrong. It is ok to be a backup from time to time but if you want to count on him as a regular start, no way.
funrafa(Quote)
Well it looks like Atu is going to sign,at 6.2 mil I think at today’s prices he’s a good back up player to have,,we paid 5.5 mil for Hanley who hardly got a look in,I also think with Rafa coaching he will improve quite a bit,the kid really wants to be here which is a help,I know some don’t rate him but IMO as a back up player he will be ok
Icedog(Quote)
Funrafa: Lucas is on a free. Give him a 2 year contract with a 3rd year club option? I think we could get 20 league games out of him which would be a good return.
People age differently. Look at Moyes. He is two years Younger than George Clooney and the same age as Tom Cruise. And I know Ronaldo is a freak of nature but he is also 32, 1 year older than Rooney.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have seen some people saying that we are getting 12 million a year from the new sponsor and that is the same as Wonga. No way, my recollection was that Wonga paid a total of about 12 million for the length of the contract which was about 3-4 million a year.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just found something in Chronicle archives saying Wonga deal was 24 million over 4 years. Not sure if that is true but it would still be only 6m a year.
I don’t know what the going rate is now for clubs outside the elite in the PL? 12 million sounds about right for mid-table?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Villa made a loss of 81 million last year. I don’t know who is more screwed them or the Mackems. Moyes is making noises about leaving if he doesn’t get backed in the transfer market. They could both do a Leeds. That’s what started the decline at Leeds, overcommitting in the transfer market after they had that great Champions League season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rafa – you remember wrongly mate. Lucas is only 30yrs old and has a wealth of experience. He’s a leader on the pitch & exactly what the team & squad need imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice – another spin on it is that we paid £5m for Obertan back in the day. As you say, in today’s market £6.5m is peanuts really & I agree that he is a very handy back up winger to have in the squad.
If we could get Jay Rodriguez as first choice left forward, then Atsu to back him up – I’d be happy with that.
Then there’s Aarons kicking about too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric, just for you
Premier League Clubs Shirt Sponsorship Deals 2016-17
NO# CLUB BRAND YEARLY TOTAL
1 MANCHESTER UNITED Chevrolet (US) £53m 7 Year deal (2014-21)
2 CHELSEA Yokohama (Japan) £40m 5 Year deal (2015-20)
3 ARSENAL Fly Emirates (UAE) £30m 5 year deal (2014-19)
4 LIVERPOOL Standard Chartered £25m 3 year deal (2013-16)
5 MAN CITY Etihad Airways (UAE) £20m 10 year deal (2011-21)
6 TOTTENHAM AIA (China) £16m 5 year deal (2014-19)
7 WEST HAM Betway (Malta) £6m 3.5 year deal (2015-18)
8 EVERTON Chang Beer (Thailand) £5.3m 3 year deal (2014 to 2017)
9 SOUTHAMPTON Vigin Media (UK) £6m 3 year deal (2016-19)
10 SUNDERLAND Dafabet (Philippines) £6m 2 Year deal (2015-2017)
11 SWANSEA CITY BetEest £5m 1 year contract (2016-17)
12 CRYSTAL PALCE Mansion (Gibraltar) £5m 1 Years (2016-17)
13 STOKE CITY Bet365 (UK) £3.5m 3 Year deal (2015-18)
14 Hull City SportPesa (Kenya) 3m 3 year deal (2016-19)
15 WEST BROM UK-K8.com (Asia) £2.8m 2 years (2016-18)
16 LEICESTER CITY King Power (Thailand) £1m Long term deal since 2010
17 Burnley FC Dafabet £2m 2 year deal (2016-18)
18 WATFORD 138.com (China) £1m 1 Year (2016-17)
19 AFC BOURNMOUTH Mansion (Gibraltar) £2m Single Season (2016-17)
20 MIDDLESBROUGH Ramsdens (UK) £1m 5 years (2013-18)
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I think Jay Rod and Ritchie could either be the wide men in the 4-2-3-1 formation, or could be the left & right of a 4-3-3 – of Jay Rod could probably be a 2nd striker in at 2 man attack. He’d be a good option I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks Kimtoon: it puts things into perspective. I think the Chronicle were high on their Wonga estimates as I remember hearing 3-4 m from multiple sources when it happened.
If we are getting 12 million a year that sounds good but I think there will be some renegotiations soon from other clubs as the PL is on everywhere now. Along with Everton we are the most high profile team outside the top six and if we are doing even just OK then we tend to get a lot of games on TV. I am sure Charnley pointed that out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The owner has told Bruce he has only 1mil to spend in the summer plus what he gets from players he sells over wise they will fall foul of. FFB
Icedog(Quote)
SHARPY Don’t forget 5mil for Oba was a lot back then you cannot compare that with the 6.2 mil in today’s market
Icedog(Quote)
According to the papers City are prepared to sell Ianacho for £20m – too much for an unproved forward or a fair price for ‘hot prospect’.
I think I would ask to loan him first with a price tag of £20m if we want to keep him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lucas has the brain, skill and experience, but he can’t run now. He can’t replace Hayden. He can only be a substitute for Hayden from time to time. Hayden covers way more area than Lucas can do now. Shelvey can’t run and match him with another midfielder who can’t run? Personally I don’t like the idea.
funrafa(Quote)
funrafa: Lucas or Colback 🙂 Lucas was playing in defense sometimes for Liverpool. We need 2 new central mids to complement Shelvey and Hayden and Lucas has proved his versatility.
Lucas has 24 caps for Brasil.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Back to people aging at different rates. Ugly John is actually younger than Brad Pitt.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Funrafa – I think you’re getting the Lucas situation wrong mate. 30 isn’t old these days. He’s not that slow either, in fact I haven’t noticed any slowing down this season. Superb tracker of great experience, always seems to be in the right place. Seems Klopp doesn’t rate him that highly especially after shelling out £25m for Gini. Free!
georgio(Quote)
Like the new kit and the retro feel. The logo’s **** but it’s so light blue you can hardly see it from any kind of distance. Design mistake on their part I reckon – needs to be a lot stronger for that kind of money.
georgio(Quote)
Looks like Atsu is the first signing then. Not convinced by his showing this season, but finished strong and bring set piece specialism.
Rafa obviously thinks he is good enough and there is no question he has pedigree. Fingers crossed for the lad. We need several wingers so this is a start.
shamrock(Quote)
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/10879870/chelsea-winger-christian-atsu-agrees-to-join-newcastle
shamrock(Quote)
Let’s get a loan player from Chelsea as well. They put out a completely different team yesterday – 9 changes I think – and have over 30 players out on loan. Use Rafa’s contacts there to get a good player that would otherwise cost us 20 million to buy.
Judging by some of these transfer rumours 20 million is now the new 5 million. 30 million for Sigurdson, 20 million for Iheanacho, 80 million for MBappe.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham – yeah I don’t think Rafa is a sentimental type of manager, and I think we will see that this summer with some of the players that leave.
I don’t think Rafa would have activated this clause if he didn’t think Atsu was good enough for the PL. I think we certainly saw the lad improve over the season & I think he’s a good player to have in the squad.
I’m hoping we sign Jay Rodriguez as first choice left sided forward. But it’s nice to see early business being done.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I forgot that Liverpool are asking 30 million for Sahko. Klopp doesn’t even rate him and they are asking for 30 million.
Sharpy: I read something the other day that 2 years after Liverpool won the Champions League there were only 2 of that team left at the club. Rafa had moved the rest on and completely revamped the team. I expect a massive turnover of players this season. 10 out, although mostly fringe players, and at least 7 in.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy – not as keen as you about Rodriguez. I sort of rate him about the same as Gayle. Not good enough for the PL.
georgio(Quote)
The two that remained from the CL team were Gerrard and Carragher.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Georgio – I think some thought the same about Andros Townsend when we were linked with him (that’s not me saying you by the way).
I can understand why you might not be struck by him as he’s been out quite a while with a bad injury. But he has 25 goals in 98 games for Saints. He has 5 this season from 23 games which have most been sub appearances – in fact it’s 853 mins over those 23 games = an average of 37 mins.
I know that’s sounds like I’m bigging him up a lot. I’m not. I know that injury could still be an issue. I’m just highlighting he’s probably better than people think because of his lack of games.
We will need goals this season, and if we can get a wide man that can chip with 1 in 4 or 5 as his stats suggest, that should hopefully equate to 8 goals he’ll weigh in with. If he can create 5-6 goals as well, then he’d be a good signing imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I agree. I can see that many changes too mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just had a quick look on newsnow. HTC suggesting we could/should sign Ballotelli on a free transfer.
Scored 15 in 23 for Nice this season and is still only 26.
He could be our modern day Tino Asprilla?! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bloody hell mate, that would either be a masterstroke signing or a complete disaster, would be eventful either ways my guess.
kimtoon(Quote)
why always us, will be uttered by many if he signs I’m guessing
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I reckon Balotelli on the drink in Newcastle would make Geordie Shore look like Byker Grove ?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Balotelli, not Rafa’s cup of tea. Rafa wants players to follow his instructions on field, while Balotelli is kind of intuitive.
Rafa can save $ on other positions but never on forward. It is not easy to create chances on field and you don’t want those precious chances being wasted. I think he will spend some $ to buy a decent forward.
I read somewhere yesterday that he is interested in Icardi at Inter. This rumor makes a lot sense to me. Inter is going through a turmoil of changes right now. It maybe a good chance to get him. $3000+maybe enough, and Icardi is a very good forward, and young.
funrafa(Quote)
I meant $30M+. Even $40M I think it is worthwhile.
funrafa(Quote)
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has poured cold water over rumours that the club had bid for Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi. ‘These media tabloids like to make up stuff as they go along’, laughed the Newcastle boss. ‘As it stands, we have expressed no interested in this player.’ Meanwhile, sources at the San Siro have said that the club will reject any advances for the Argentine forward. ‘They’ve basically issued a hands-off warning to Newcastle.’ – See more at: http://soccer-rumours.com/?story=14&buying=13&selling=16&player=0&alias=0&bid=24#sthash.hqvhmIk8.dpuf
funrafa(Quote)
nobody around while I am here … 🙁
funrafa(Quote)
Newcastle are in advanced talks with Swansea star Gylfi Sigurdsson, according to sources that are close to the Swansea midfielder. It is believed that Rafael Benitez’s side are willing to pay €30 million in order to bring Sigurdsson to St James’ Park. This morning, club officials at Swansea refused to comment on speculation that the Swansea midfielder was unhappy at Swansea. – See more at: http://soccer-rumours.com/?story=2&buying=13&selling=4&player=0&alias=1&bid=30#sthash.weDfP3YJ.dpuf
funrafa(Quote)
Rafa – hells bells mate, I would love this one to come off like. He would be my first choice left forward but to be honest I expected Everton or West Ham or someone like that to move in for him ahead of us.
I was happy with Rodriguez coz I see he as a decent 2nd choice to Gylfi – but if we can get G Sig then it has to be him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
FunRafa and Sharpy-
I agree, I’d be ecstatic to get Sigurdsson. I was sort of under the impression that a team like Everton would beat us to him as well, especially if they sell Lukaku and Barkley. I feel like we’d be on more level terms with West Ham, given the uncertainty around Bilic and the allure of Rafa. Swansea staying up will make it a bit tougher, as well, since Swansea will surely see us as direct competition.
Are there strong rumors about where Barkley might end up if Everton do sell him? If they brought in Sigurdsson, do people reckon we’d have a shot at Barkley?
Charlie Prince(Quote)
It seems Rafa has the same taste as you 🙂
It is like Rafa’s style: Yes there are lots of names flying around, but for the real ones he buys, it is close to be done when we know it.
Since you like this guy so much I really hope he is the one. I read on internet that he is good with his left and right feet. That is definitely a plus for Rafa.
funrafa(Quote)
Sigurdsson’s flexibility would be really nice. He can play on the wing, but would also be a significant improvement in the No. 10 role over anyone else we have right now. If reports about Jay Rodriguez have any truth to them, you could easily run out Rodriguez on the left, Sigurdsson in the middle and Ritchie on the right, with Shelvey and Hayden behind them.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
That is a beautiful picture!
funrafa(Quote)
? Yeah mate I’m sure he’ll ring me for my opinion ?.
Truth is I don’t imagine any toon fan being disappointed if we signed Gylfi. I wanted him before he went to Swansea if truth be told, he’s a real quality player.
Charlie – my concern is still with Everton like. IF they sell Barkley, I see him at Spurs – but I only see that happening if Spurs were to loose Ali.
But I do see Everton loosing Lukaku and getting big money in. That would have to fund his replacement, but there may well be money left over for Gylfi as well.
Him living in Wales, may mean he’d prefer to stay over that way as well – unless he blags a lift off Rafa ?
It would be great if we could get the deal done before that though.
Charlie – I like Rodriguez/Gylfi/Ritchie a lot mate!!!.
Get Lucas on a free and him and Shelvey behind them and we have the makings of a decent PL team there I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Charlie/Rafa – who would you like to see up front though?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shamrock. Enjoyed your piece very much. Not surprised at Shelvey’s stats. Tries the Hollywood pass too often perhaps and is a bit of a lazy player at times. On the other hand he can play badly for nearly 90 minutes and win the game with a sublime defence splitting pass. Jimmy Smith anyone? I do think we need a player to provide competition for Shelvey or to cover him if and when he is suspended.
Groucho(Quote)
That’s a very good question, Sharpy. To be honest, I’m only starting to speculate about players like Rodriguez and Sigurdsson because there are reports/rumors around them.
But if we could get PL-proven players like Sigurdsson and Lucas in at other positions, I think that might free us up to go after a striker from a foreign league. A player like Iheanacho has a ton of promise, but there are a lot of question marks given how little playing time he’s really had. I’d rather spend the extra £5-10 million and get someone who would be an undisputed, “first name on the team sheet” kind of striker. If we stay domestic, I wouldn’t mind seeing Llorente come in. He seems to have a decent connection with Sigurdsson and has scored quite a few goals recently. But again, I don’t know if Swansea would be willing to sell, especially if they let go of Sigurdsson.
Charlie Prince(Quote)