His stats show this isn't quite right. Stuttgart are the 4th best possession based team in the Bundesliga (after Bayern, Dortmund, Leverkusen) and he averages 27 passes per game as a striker which is the best in the league by a country mile (Kane for example averages 19 with a lesser success rate), not something that happens if you're relying on counter attacking play and just being opportunistic.
The goals he's scored here so far in terms of quality and variety is really impressive. Shows a very well rounded, highly composed striker very much in control that doesn't just rely on service to be dangerous.
Now obviously it's unlikely he'll maintain the record pace he's setting (which is an extension from the end of last season btw) but if he ends up with 25+ goals a lot of the bigger clubs will be on high alert, even at his age. Maybe this all a long stretched out purple patch, or maybe he's gone up a few levels.
Also, looking at his goal celebrations, I wonder whom he takes inspiration from
Don't forget he has only just turned 21. All young strikers will go through a dry spell. Remember Kane, when he was 22, the season after he scored 21 in his first full season in the PL only scored 1 goal in the first 13 games in all comps and didn't get his 2nd goal until late October.Just thought I'd check on Gift Orban and it seems like things have completely dried up for him. Bullet dodged.
No way hes coming to spurs to play back upMaybe not winter window but for the summer, Cherki's contract ends in 2025. One of the most naturally talented players Lyon and France have produced in years, plays as a 10/attacking mid or can be a creative wide player but 10 is preferred, he can drive with the ball up the pitch, take players on whether into space or dance around them with skill, pop up spaces, drive in the box for chances etc. If GLC goes then he can be a good alternative to Madders
Worth pointing out that Kvara had a poor end to last season and is playing poorly this year from what I understand.We need a winger that can beat players and go both ways and centre half cover. Centre back is difficult because the Romero - VDV partnership is so settled so would have to be someone comfy with initially being 3rd choice. Plenty of interesting wingers though. A few we could be looking at that are within our means to sign
Bryan Zaragoza (Granada)
Nico Williams (Bilbao)
Armand Lauriente (Sassuolo)
Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart)
Love Takefusa Kubo as well but he plays off the right. The three big boys in this role right now are Mitoma, Leao and Kvaratskhelia who are all out of our reach.
Havent got a clue who we’d bring in at centre back. Kelly only being able to play on the left doesn’t appeal much honestly. Think it’s going to be a difficult one to get right.
He's still a young player, and a hell of a lot happened to him. Got a move to a big club, played out of his skin for 6 months, won the title, the coach then left. Not surprising there's been a bit of a come down from it all. Plus they hired an awful coach in Rudi Garcia.Worth pointing out that Kvara had a poor end to last season and is playing poorly this year from what I understand.
Would be an amazing addition to our midfield, but i can't see why he would swap City's bench for ours.Article on front page linking us to kalvin Phillips, presumably as a hojberg replacement. I’ve always liked him myself but something doesn’t seem right with him these days. Maybe just needs a fresh start.
Feels like he’s replacing their bench for ours, though he’d likely get more playing opportunities with us.Article on front page linking us to kalvin Phillips, presumably as a hojberg replacement. I’ve always liked him myself but something doesn’t seem right with him these days. Maybe just needs a fresh start.
A no for me. Talented player but Pep rarely gets it wrong with players.Article on front page linking us to kalvin Phillips, presumably as a hojberg replacement. I’ve always liked him myself but something doesn’t seem right with him these days. Maybe just needs a fresh start.
Phillips isn't the first and won't be the last player to go to City and disappear into obscurity. Players like him are wasted there.A no for me. Talented player but Pep rarely gets it wrong with players.
But how many go somewhere else and thrive? Not talking about the youth players who can't break through, that's a different kettle of fish.Phillips isn't the first and won't be the last player to go to City and disappear into obscurity. Players like him are wasted there.
Phillips would be an excellent addition to our midfield options.
City didn’t sign him for a laugh. Something has gone wrong there to see him used so little. He’s obviously got fitness issues or something that mean he just doesn’t get picked. Didn’t Pep say he was overweight last year?A no for me. Talented player but Pep rarely gets it wrong with players.