Yevhen Konoplyanka

[LiamJM10]

"Generate a little buzz?" The guy's scored one in four in his international performances from the left wing, while Chadli has played internationally the same length of time and scored all of two goals in 24 appearances despite even playing as a striker on a few occasions. Better goalscorer then? Keep in mind Kono also scored as many goals against us in two performances as Chadli did in an entire season of Prem play. Keep in mind those 25 he scored at Twente in 84 also include quite a few performances at striker, so his count should be expected to be higher than a player that plays strictly left wing. So "better goalscorer" is certainly debatable.

The point here is not to necessarily put Chadli down, as I do rate him actually, but he alone is insufficient basis to avoid an improvement. It's a four front season, and Chadli can't play them all. There's a very good reason we've been linked with several LW's and ITK has suggested on several occasions that we're looking at LW's. For the first time in awhile, I'm elated to see the coaching staff correctly identify positions of need.

Yet Chadli's still better overall for goals. Don't think he's played as a forward for Belgium either. Not to mention, he's in a team with a million times more competition that Ukraine, where Kono and Yarmolenko are the star players, and thus the onus is on them to score and provide. Naturally, he scores more for his country.

You use Konoplyanka scoring 2 against us in Europe, then compare Chadli's goal just in the league against him? Compare them all. Kono scored more last season, Chadli only scored 5. Surprised you didn't feel the need to bring that up lol.

I agree we need improvement on the left wing front, but I don't think we should be spending that much money on someone who I personally do not see as anything special. I think if we spent that much money on him, we'd have to persevere with him, even if he were to flop, meaning we'd probably miss out on the opportunity to sign other LWF/LM in the next year or so. There are plenty of options out there, who are all within the bounds of realism (some much unlikelier than others).

Griezmann, as I've mentioned would be the best, Draxler is another who could be an option should we qualify for the CL next summer, then there's Shaqiri, Valbuena, Jay Rodriguez, who I'd all rather have than Kono. All would cost similiar, if not cheaper (Valbuena criminally cheap) and are better players. Hell, I'd rather have Yarmolenko than Konoplyanka.

He'll end up at Shakhtar when all their Brazilians retreat because Ukraine's in a mess. This stinks of Damiao, to me, highly rated based on not a lot.

 

[DaSpurs]

Yet Chadli's still better overall for goals. Don't think he's played as a forward for Belgium either. Not to mention, he's in a team with a million times more competition that Ukraine, where Kono and Yarmolenko are the star players, and thus the onus is on them to score and provide. Naturally, he scores more for his country.

You use Konoplyanka scoring 2 against us in Europe, then compare Chadli's goal just in the league against him? Compare them all. Kono scored more last season, Chadli only scored 5. Surprised you didn't feel the need to bring that up lol.

I agree we need improvement on the left wing front, but I don't think we should be spending that much money on someone who I personally do not see as anything special. I think if we spent that much money on him, we'd have to persevere with him, even if he were to flop, meaning we'd probably miss out on the opportunity to sign other LWF/LM in the next year or so. There are plenty of options out there, who are all within the bounds of realism (some much unlikelier than others).

Griezmann, as I've mentioned would be the best, Draxler is another who could be an option should we qualify for the CL next summer, then there's Shaqiri, Valbuena, Jay Rodriguez, who I'd all rather have than Kono. All would cost similiar, if not cheaper (Valbuena criminally cheap) and are better players. Hell, I'd rather have Yarmolenko than Konoplyanka.

He'll end up at Shakhtar when all their Brazilians retreat because Ukraine's in a mess. This stinks of Damiao, to me, highly rated based on not a lot.

I offered sufficient evidence for why your point was debatable without needing to point that out. Gets redundant after that point, and is a bit disregarding to context considering Kono's goals were in the Ukrainian league versus Chadli's in the Prem. The best scenario for comparison was Kono's performances against us, a Prem team in the upper half of the table, versus Chadli's in the Prem with 24 appearances.

So again, on what evidence can you assuredly say Chadli is "better overall scorer?" A guy who scored one league goal all season this past year is assuredly a better option than a player who has a better goal ratio for his international side? You can't say that, nor can I that Kono necessarily will. But I think it more likely that he can outscore an even improved player who only scored one league goal due to his own traits after following him now for several years. I'm not one of the bandwagoners from the Europa performances my friend, I've been following this player ever since Bale started going global at a young age and you could see the impending vultures starting to circle.

Sure, I'd be delighted were we to get Griezmann, but as far as immediate and realistic targets go we could hardly do better than Kono. Extremely ambidextrous player whose versatility is overlooked due to the fact he largely plays one position. Mind you, he wasn't even brought to Dnipro as a winger, but as a DLP. No doubt the reason he was pushed wide was for his pace and shooting ability.

Yarmalenko is quality, but he massively prefers playing the right. For once, I'd love to see us bring in a top player that actually prefers and enjoys playing from the left. The pigeonholing has to end, as it's been the cause of a slew of our own problems the last two seasons.

 

[fatpiranha]

Are we seriously comparing Chadli with Konoplyanka?

Fuck the stats, just watch them play. I'm not going to even say what side i'm on because if you've watched them play for more than a couple of matches and aren't intellectually 'differently abled' it's sodding obvious.

FFS

 

[Bus-Conductor]

Got to say, I haven't seen loads of konoplayanka but what I have seen I liked. He was great against us and in the International games I've seen.

Very direct, very tricky, runs at people and actually has some product.

I don't mind if Chadli gets more chance in his ALM best position because I think he could be decent given a chance, but I don't mind of we sign Konoplayanka either and have both and see who does best. Long season with plenty of games and all that.

 

[fatpiranha]

I don't know if it's been posted elsewhere but this seems promising.

http://tottenhamhotspur.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/tottenham-chase-konoplyanka.html

Quotes from Dnipro's president (might be old news though ).

"I certainly understand that the big clubs like Liverpool try to do everything on the last day [of the transfer window], but this time it did not work. That is we ran into technical problems, and Liverpool failed with their bid. I talked with Konoplyanka. Of course, he had regrets, but [the move to Liverpool] failed purely due to technical reasons. "Not criticising Liverpool but if I’m interested in a player, like they were in final days, I’d do it on or two weeks before [the window closes]. "I’m talking with Tottenham president [Daniel Levy]. He wants Konoplyanka. We’re negotiating and we may even be close to signing a contract if Yevhen agrees.

"If I was in Konoplyanka’s place I’d choose Tottenham. London, not Liverpool. Football is 90 minutes on the field, maybe two matches per week, but the rest of a footballer’s time should be living somewhere nice. London city life is preferable to Liverpool.

"Negotiations with the Tottenham are on an entirely different level [to Liverpool’s] approach. Overall it’s all grown-up with an understanding of the interests of the player and the club.

"Two different worlds, two different lifestyles, although one country and one Premier League."-
​

 

[DaSpurs]

Unfortunately those quotes are from around March I believe.

Encouraged to see the multiple reports of ITK that we've at least expressed interest.

 

[yankspurs]

I don't know if it's been posted elsewhere but this seems promising.

http://tottenhamhotspur.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/tottenham-chase-konoplyanka.html

Quotes from Dnipro's president (might be old news though ).

"I certainly understand that the big clubs like Liverpool try to do everything on the last day [of the transfer window], but this time it did not work. That is we ran into technical problems, and Liverpool failed with their bid. I talked with Konoplyanka. Of course, he had regrets, but [the move to Liverpool] failed purely due to technical reasons. "Not criticising Liverpool but if I’m interested in a player, like they were in final days, I’d do it on or two weeks before [the window closes]. "I’m talking with Tottenham president [Daniel Levy]. He wants Konoplyanka. We’re negotiating and we may even be close to signing a contract if Yevhen agrees.

"If I was in Konoplyanka’s place I’d choose Tottenham. London, not Liverpool. Football is 90 minutes on the field, maybe two matches per week, but the rest of a footballer’s time should be living somewhere nice. London city life is preferable to Liverpool.

"Negotiations with the Tottenham are on an entirely different level [to Liverpool’s] approach. Overall it’s all grown-up with an understanding of the interests of the player and the club.

"Two different worlds, two different lifestyles, although one country and one Premier League."-
​

If I am understnading this correctly, Levy conducts himself like an adult while Dr Creepy does not. Not too surprising.

 

[kdem]

Sure, I'd be delighted were we to get Griezmann, but as far as immediate and realistic targets go we could hardly do better than Kono.

I like Chadli because we own him. Konoplyanka is a good player, and if we were to get him for the right price (the rumoured 12 M would be perfect) I'd be happy. But for more than that I can't agree. We have defensive holes that need to be filled, especially if Rose leaves. We may be shipping out two CBs this summer, so we need two more, and if Rose leaves and Pochettino isn't confident in Zeki we will probably see another purchase there. In my opinion LW is sorted for the moment unless we can find a solid deal. Let's fix the spots that aren't exactly sorted first.

 

[DaSpurs]

I like Chadli because we own him. Konoplyanka is a good player, and if we were to get him for the right price (the rumoured 12 M would be perfect) I'd be happy. But for more than that I can't agree. We have defensive holes that need to be filled, especially if Rose leaves. We may be shipping out two CBs this summer, so we need two more, and if Rose leaves and Pochettino isn't confident in Zeki we will probably see another purchase there. In my opinion LW is sorted for the moment unless we can find a solid deal. Let's fix the spots that aren't exactly sorted first.

I wholeheartedly agree that CB should be the upmost priority at the moment, so I can assure you that you don't need to convince me on the matter. However, that doesn't necessarily mean we shouldn't be chasing LW targets. Let the guys in charge handle the timing and finances of the matter, as at the moment I find it likely we have sufficient amounts of both to get the realistic targets we need should Poch request them.

More so than the money, I'd say the bigger factor against it as you say is what we already have. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with Lennon's contribution in the friendly. I'm aware it's nonsensical to evaluate any player from a lone friendly, let alone one half of it and against an MLS side, but I was very pleased to see a 27 year old out-and-out traditional winger at least keeping up with the rotation of the other two attacking mids. I certainly have to admit I was quite encouraged by it. I also think Chadli can make it work, but at the moment I'm not entirely hopeful both he and Lennon can consistently get it done against Prem sides. Sure, there's no guarantee with an acquisition, but from what I've seen of Kono after a few years of following him I adamantly believe he has the physical and technical traits to get it done in the Prem, and likely under Poch.

But yes, were I in charge and based on what we've seen solely from the friendlies, I would forego a winger addition entirely if it meant ensuring we were sorted at CB.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

I am genuinely baffled. How in the world can people have watched both Chadli and Konoplyanka and come to the conclusion that Chadli is the better player...My word.

 

[Sweech]

I am genuinely baffled. How in the world can people have watched both Chadli and Konoplyanka and come to the conclusion that Chadli is the better player...My word.

I only got to see Konoplyanka play European and World Cup qualifying games, but to me he has great footwork and pace, but I watch a lot of Eredivisie and maybe it's because I've seen more Chadli so it skews my view, but I'd say Chadli has better end product.

 

[sloth]

I am genuinely baffled. How in the world can people have watched both Chadli and Konoplyanka and come to the conclusion that Chadli is the better player...My word.

How many times have you seen Konoplyanka play mate? In which games?

 

[NayimsSocks]

In the 3 or so games I have seen, the thing for me I liked about this guy is his play is obvious in a good way. He took on the fullback, you knew he was going to do it, but it was another thing stopping him. Either cross or cut in and shoot, but the delivery was where it should be.
When playing wide Chadli, Siggy (slow!), Eriksen, Andros, Lamela etc for all their quality are a little unpredictable and Lennon does not do it enough, but this player encourages strikers runs into the box because the delivery will be there. Would love to get him to Spurs. 15 goals more a season for Soldado and Ade to share.

 

[Xeeleeyid]

I am genuinely baffled. How in the world can people have watched both Chadli and Konoplyanka and come to the conclusion that Chadli is the better player...My word.

Well 2bh i wasn't that impressed with Konoplyanka when he was playing against us in the Europa League at home. He looked a bit of a threat, but not that great and 2bf I thought Naughton did a good job on him and kept him pretty quiet.

I thought Chadli started to make progress towards the end of last season when played through the middle and certainly had a great record and reputation in Holland, which is probably a similar standard to the Ukrainian league. His record fo Belgium isn't too shabby.

I'd like to see Chadli in a settled system that suits his strengths and would equally like to see Konoplyanka in the Prem before saying who was the better player.

What competition are we facing for Kono? West Ham? Yes, Liverpool are interested, but not anymore it seems. Plus Jolly Rodgers has actually bought a tonne of mediocre crap already in his short spell at Liverpool as well as the odd gem, which seems to have been brushed under the carpet. Iago Aspas anyone?

 

[DaSpurs]

Well 2bh i wasn't that impressed with Konoplyanka when he was playing against us in the Europa League at home. He looked a bit of a threat, but not that great and 2bf I thought Naughton did a good job on him and kept him pretty quiet.

I thought Chadli started to make progress towards the end of last season when played through the middle and certainly had a great record and reputation in Holland, which is probably a similar standard to the Ukrainian league. His record fo Belgium isn't too shabby.

I'd like to see Chadli in a settled system that suits his strengths and would equally like to see Konoplyanka in the Prem before saying who was the better player.

What competition are we facing for Kono? West Ham? Yes, Liverpool are interested, but not anymore it seems. Plus Jolly Rodgers has actually bought a tonne of mediocre crap already in his short spell at Liverpool as well as the odd gem, which seems to have been brushed under the carpet. Iago Aspas anyone?

You want us to forego Konoplyanka from watching one game of him, in lieu of Aspas after the season he just had?

Have never understood why people judge players on the clubs interested. All the sillier considering the clubs that tend to be "respected" for being in the same pot for a player would all tend to beat us out, so maybe it's for the best it seems to just be us, West Ham, and allegedly some German clubs? And again, such a stance is without any consideration for things behind the scenes such as strange contracts and wealthy owner preferences. The guy told Dinamo Kiev they'd have to bring 50-60 million euros to the table if they wanted to do business for him.

I have faith in Chadli, but we need another option for the left unless you want to see Lennon's career prolonged at Spurs, and see him flipped to an inverted winger with no distance-shooting ability at the ripe age of 27.

 

[St José Dominguez]

You want us to forego Konoplyanka from watching one game of him, in lieu of Aspas after the season he just had?

Have never understood why people judge players on the clubs interested. All the sillier considering the clubs that tend to be "respected" for being in the same pot for a player would all tend to beat us out, so maybe it's for the best it seems to just be us, West Ham, and allegedly some German clubs? And again, such a stance is without any consideration for things behind the scenes such as strange contracts and wealthy owner preferences. The guy told Dinamo Kiev they'd have to bring 50-60 million euros to the table if they wanted to do business for him.

I have faith in Chadli, but we need another option for the left unless you want to see Lennon's career prolonged at Spurs, and see him flipped to an inverted winger with no distance-shooting ability at the ripe age of 27.

Agree although it does work both ways, a lot of people judge players positively far too easily.
I like Chadli, think he still has a lot to offer and will improve under Pochettino but I'm with you on Lennon think it's time to move him on and bring in a pacey tricky winger to compete with what we have.

 

[0-Tibsy-0]

In my mind it is quite simple; Konoplyanka is faster and more flashy, Chadli has more end product.

I guess your preference on player depends on what qualities you prefer, I think i'm in the minority but I believe Chadli has the potential to be hugely effective in the Premier League.

I wouldn't be against Konoplyanka-he could be a good addition at the right price, but I certainly don't believe him a superstar based on pace and tricky footwork.

 

[DaSpurs]

Agree although it does work both ways, a lot of people judge players positively far too easily.
I like Chadli, think he still has a lot to offer and will improve under Pochettino but I'm with you on Lennon think it's time to move him on and bring in a pacey tricky winger to compete with what we have.

Of course they do, is only human. But let's not automatically presume that is always the case from those who rate this player, or any other for that matter.

 

[Xeeleeyid]

You want us to forego Konoplyanka from watching one game of him, in lieu of Aspas after the season he just had?

Have never understood why people judge players on the clubs interested. All the sillier considering the clubs that tend to be "respected" for being in the same pot for a player would all tend to beat us out, so maybe it's for the best it seems to just be us, West Ham, and allegedly some German clubs? And again, such a stance is without any consideration for things behind the scenes such as strange contracts and wealthy owner preferences. The guy told Dinamo Kiev they'd have to bring 50-60 million euros to the table if they wanted to do business for him.

I have faith in Chadli, but we need another option for the left unless you want to see Lennon's career prolonged at Spurs, and see him flipped to an inverted winger with no distance-shooting ability at the ripe age of 27.

Read my post again I was saying Aspas was a mediocre pile of crap.

I'm just questioning this guy's statement that he can't believe people think Chadli is as good as No no.

All I'm suggesting is there is zero evidence to suggest kono is better than chadli

 

[DaSpurs]

Read my post again I was saying Aspas was a mediocre pile of crap.

I'm just questioning this guy's statement that he can't believe people think Chadli is as good as No no.

All I'm suggesting is there is zero evidence to suggest kono is better than chadli

My sincere apology for incorrectly reading your last paragraph. Shockingly poor reading on my part now that I go back through it.

It's true there is no concrete evidence Kono is "better" per se, but I think conversely that applies to Chadli. Is a winger who scored all of one goal in the league last summer, of which being the final goal in a beatdown at which point the opposition was undoubtedly mentally past it, sufficient reason not to search for an improvement or even another option to provide competition?

These two players are entirely different types of wide players. Having one senior wide player who may come good is hardly enough reason not to pursue another option, especially one who provides an entirely different style of play.

We haven't had a single player who actually prefers playing the specific position since Bale went inverted, so it would be nice for once to have a player who actually prefers the position instead of having a series of pigeonholed players wishing they were playing elsewhere.