- Jan 17, 2008
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I've watched a few of those compilations as well and maybe I just picked better games, but to me his touch looks fine. He's certainly not silky and has the occasional clumsy moment, but by and large it didn't strike me as something to be concerned about and is better than plenty of our current first 11 (not saying much, admittedly).I watched a couple of his vs games which are a better indication than highlight reels and he often appeared to lose possession cheaply under pressure with his touch not being the best. And I see a player who wants to come inside on his left but lacks that acceleration you need to shift onto it, like Mahrez, Robben or Bale back in the day. I haven't watched much but just doesn't quite look to have the quick feet or acceleration for me, and he can look quite untidy sometimes. And then it's a question of what really is he? Doesn't quite seem like a winger, doesn't quite seem like a number 10? But what I did say and will repeat is that he's still a very young kid and there are certainly flashes of quality of that there is no doubt, perhaps he is a player that could improve a lot and evolve into a number 10, especially with the good attitude to work he appears to have.
I'm happy it's a loan with option and not a permanent deal for now.
In terms of his style, he strikes me as a proper grafter. He's not a winger or a conventional no.10 but rather an industrious wide forward, which is how I think we intend to use him. His effectiveness comes from his vision, body strength, industry and a sweet left foot. He's not going to rinse defenders with speed and skill but he'll harry players off the ball, arrive in space to finish moves, use the ball intelligently and score the odd worldie. He's almost like the complete opposite of Lucas, which I quite like as it provides us with a different option in that RWF position.
I would hope that if we have pace around him in Son, Reguilon, Lucas (a quick RWB would be massive) then his lack of it won't be a problem - although I wouldn't call him slow as he's a strong runner when he gets going. In the premier league pace is important so maybe you're right and his lack of it will be a problem, but hopefully his other strengths can make up for it.