Benoît Assou-Ekotto

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Because two seasons ago Lee was a good deal better, and a few months ago you'd have had to say Benny was still inferior in several respects. (Why Ramos froze out Lee and insisted on playing Chimbo escapes me entirely, and probably escapes thousands of others too.) It's a measure of Benny's improvement since then that very, very few would claim that now. Considering that he'd had effectively 18 months out and was starting his EPL career from scratch, he's done remarkably well. He's got to be one of the half-dozen best LBs in the league now.

Should we have a new SC award for most improved player of the season?

Great summary, he's playing really well now and no matter who he faces it doesn't seem to faze him. Also shows that we should back players who look a bit dodgy to begin with, because with support they can come good.

 

[mackay59]

I never rated the guy before this season but he has really been tremendous of late. Left back is no longer a problem in my opinion.

He has been coached by 'arry's crew...it is clear to see..........same with Lennon, Bent etc and Dawson too...really obvious the way they have been coached..........there did not seem to any obvious coaching done by Ramos and Jol.

 

[fazza]

He certainly is proving his doubters wrong, he was terrific again today, i've been very impressed with him ever since Harry took charge. Our back 4 is improving all the time and its great to see.

 

[lishiyo]

Lee was generally consistently solid for us, but BAE is just 24 and still has room to improve, especially as a newcomer to the EPL. He does have the basic attributes necessary to be very good, and Iif he keeps improving next year the way he has we'll have an amazing LB. Hopefully Bale can similarly improve too and start competing with him or shift to left mid

 

[Adam]

D-I-S-C-O....

A-ssou-E-ko-tto!

 

[SpurSince57]

Funny enough Lee has lost his RB position at BVB. He was brought in to replace Dede who had a horrific injury, but ended up in his natural position, but after his ridiculous challenge a few weeks ago, he's had a hard time breaking back in. So he's neither first choice LB or RB at Dortmund.

I caught that on highlights—most un-Leapy like! I think that may have been the first red of his career. Certainly the first straight one.

Benny's problem was that he got wildly over-praised during the pre-season games in 2006-2007 and then had the usual shortcomings of Ligue 1 defenders coming to the EPL increasingly exposed. Quite simply, you can get away with stuff in France that you can't get away with in England. Apart from Sagna, I'm really struggling to think of a French defender who's slotted straight into the EPL. Just think of how crap Evra looked in his first few months with United.

 

[soup]

I caught that on highlights—most un-Leapy like! I think that may have been the first red of his career. Certainly the first straight one.

Benny's problem was that he got wildly over-praised during the pre-season games in 2006-2007 and then had the usual shortcomings of Ligue 1 defenders coming to the EPL increasingly exposed. Quite simply, you can get away with stuff in France that you can't get away with in England. Apart from Sagna, I'm really struggling to think of a French defender who's slotted straight into the EPL. Just think of how crap Evra looked in his first few months with United.

You're right, even some of the best, take Blanc at Utd., for example. You'd probably have to go back to Desailly and Leboeuf as the most successful couple, but I couldn't tell you how they first performed upon arriving.

Gallas and the rest of the Arsenal lot have been pretty succesful to date too but they've usually been brought in gradually to be able to get used to the pace of the Premiership.

 

[Sp3akerboxxx]

hes been quality this season. ekotto has grown to become as solid as LYP defensively but better on the ball.

patience is a virtue!

 

[Dr Know]

Considering that he'd had effectively 18 months out and was starting his EPL career from scratch, he's done remarkably well.

:clap::clap::clap::clap:

 

[robin09]

His name is Benny,
Assou Ekotto
He has passion he has flare
He has stupid Afro hair
Yes he's Benny
Assou Ekooootto
He puts himself about and he's keeping Bale out
Cos he's Bennnnnnyyyy........
He hates his life.


When i find someone with talent and wit, i'll let you know. :lol:

I love to believe that if the Royal Mail paid better, that Disco would actually have to think twice about what career he wanted to pursue.

 

[peter_the_yid]

Much improved. The 2 back to back Marseille turns
he tried to pull off yesterday, when he missed the second one
was a little cringe worthy though.

 

[VegasII]

Gotta like Crabman.

 

[bubble07]

His contract must be up 4 renewal need 2 offer him a new deal soon

 

[There's always next year]

You're right, even some of the best, take Blanc at Utd., for example. You'd probably have to go back to Desailly and Leboeuf as the most successful couple, but I couldn't tell you how they first performed upon arriving.

Gallas and the rest of the Arsenal lot have been pretty succesful to date too but they've usually been brought in gradually to be able to get used to the pace of the Premiership.

Blanc is not a great example, as he was around 35 when he came to United. His best days were behind him. He also made O'Hara look like a greyhound.

The other Frenchman you mentioned, have and were a credit to PL. Lebeouf. Desailly, Gallas, Evra and even at times Distin have settled well and worthy of their shirt at their respective teams.

 

[piedpiper]

All BAE needed was time to settle into the EPL, his injury which kept him out for 18 months never helped his course, i remember having responded to SS57 in October where he stated how he missed YPLee, the thing is any player needs a consistent run of games to gel and acclimatise to a new league and team mates. WE at spurs write off players way too early, same with Jenas he needs the right midfielder next to him to get the best from him.

 

[spurs mental]

I had never rated the guy when he first came. Always thought he was a liability but he has been immense most of the season.

He tends to get caught a little narrow at times but that can be improved with a little bit of good advice and coaching from HR.
I thought he did well against Queresmas as well. He knew that he has no left foot whatsoever so showed him out that way every time. I only saw one good cross from Quaresma when he came on.

Im glad we didn't get him on deadline day in the end.

 

[southgatespur40]

he is a very good player just doesnt get tight to his winger all the time but he is improving with every game

 

[Pallyali]

once again he was immense. like others have said without much help in front of him he does really well. he also is depended on to distribute the ball alot.

 

[tony_parkes]

His contract must be up 4 renewal need 2 offer him a new deal soon

I was wondering what his contract situation is, I can't ever remember him signing an extension so it must be coming to an end. Get him signed.

 

[marchimself]

He doesn't play pretty football, but he gets the job done.