[Update 44] POTL re: Van Nistelrooy

[chinaman]

People are talking about his wages and the precedent he would set. Realistically, if we ever want CL status, we'll have to pay top bucks for the top players. Even members of our current squad will most probably demand hefty raises should we finish 4th and qualigy for CL next season.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

There's seems to be a lot of conviction on this site that he would be an ideal signing for us. I have a couple of doubts.

The first one is how good is he now? Secondly, and more important, is how would he fit in next to Defoe. I'm assuming that Defoe is our number one striker. Can we afford 2 strikers, neither of whom will battle back, when needed, into midfield.

Anyway, if we sign him, he will have my full support

Firstly, he is still very good. Even in an injury hit season last season, he scored 4 goals in 6 games, that's a 2/3 strike rate which lives up to the standard he set in his first two seasons at Madrid where he played regularly. He has also scored in his only match this season.

Secondly, it's a myth for both players that they don't get involved in build up play at all. Van Nistelrooy does a hell of a lot of hold up work and his movement drags defenders out of position, freeing up space for others. As for Defoe, he is constantly going down either flank this season, he is tackling, he is playing passes out to the wings and he is dropping deep (just not as deep as defensive midfield like Keane does). Defoe and Van Nistelrooy could easily work together.

 

[Raxscallion]

He'd be a great option, if only for the rest of this season.

I'd be happy to offload Pav and Keane and rely on Defoe, Crouch and RV as the 3 strikers to see us through our CL bid.

 

[Shepspurs]

Firstly, he is still very good. Even in an injury hit season last season, he scored 4 goals in 6 games, that's a 2/3 strike rate which lives up to the standard he set in his first two seasons at Madrid where he played regularly. He has also scored in his only match this season.

Secondly, it's a myth for both players that they don't get involved in build up play at all. Van Nistelrooy does a hell of a lot of hold up work and his movement drags defenders out of position, freeing up space for others. As for Defoe, he is constantly going down either flank this season, he is tackling, he is playing passes out to the wings and he is dropping deep (just not as deep as defensive midfield like Keane does). Defoe and Van Nistelrooy could easily work together.

Thanks for replying BBLG. However, I was not questioning their involvement in build up play. It was regarding their defensive duties when we don't have the ball.
Regarding your first paragraph, I would say that his form looks good but what about his fitness?