Adaptation Report : New Signings

[CrazyHeart]

Just want to get people's reads on how our new guys are adjusting to the English game...

Please note these ratings do not reflect my estimate of the players' ability (we all know they all kicked ass in their respective previous leagues and are great players) - These are to do with how well they've integrated into the Premiership...

Lamela - He's shown us what he's capable of, now it's just a matter of consistency. It's clear that he and AVB are calibrating things to determine the optimal ratio between his sophisticated footwork to the bread and butter physicality of English soccer. Plus I don't think his best position has been conclusively determined yet. This rating is increasing with each game he's involved in and WILL continue go up in due course. Adaptation Rating: 50%.

Chadli - As above, but shows more physicality and 'bottle' but not quite there yet, hence and adaptation rating of 60%.

Soldado - In his role, looks comfortable in the Premiership however must continue to better his build-up play. This isn't just down to him though - I'm sensing a shift in the premiership's stye of play. Particularly where the traditional fox-in-the-box poacher role is slowly becoming an obsolete one. Sure the midfield roles will be enhanced to equalise things again in due course. Adaptation Rating: 75%.

Paulinho - Doesn't look like he's struggling to adapt. An out and out premiership player to me. The guy needs to be rested from time to time though! Adaptation Rating: 80%

Eriksen - This is a conservative estimate, based on what I've seen so far. Because of his dip in form and his unfortunate injury - The jury's partially out on this guy at this time. That being said he doesn't look like he's struggling to adapt thus far. Adaptation Rating: 65%.

Chiriches - Are you kidding? Adaptation Rating: 90%

Capoue - Just got back from a horrible injury, but man - does that guy kick butt... Adaptation Rating: 80%.

 

[guiltyparty]

Think that's very favourable to Soldado and Eriksen and harsh on Chadli. Rest about right

 

[CrazyHeart]

Think that's very favourable to Soldado and Eriksen and harsh on Chadli. Rest about right

You're probably right about Chadli and I was tempted to reserve a rating for Eriksen (with the jury being out n'all). That being said, for me though Soldado just doesn't look too out of place in the Prem... maybe it's just me.

 

[easley91]

As seen from Thursday night, give him service and Soldado will score. He hasn't had many chances of clear cut chances in front of goal until now. Reverting back to using natural wide players has seen a rise in chances and I'm sure you'll see goals scored from him (and Defoe) in due course. It may have been a case of trying too hard while not getting service, but his link up play has always been there, just a lack of service in the box prevented him from getting goals (bar penalties which he is VERY good at).