Nicolò Zaniolo

[Rogmeister]

Wow, you're a fun sponge! ?

More like a jizz sponge

 

[vegassd]

I hope Conte knows what he's doing on this one but personally at this stage I feel it's the wrong option when considering the alternatives.

I think this is what most of the debate about Zaniolo (and many other players) boils down to. We each have our own opinions on how to build a squad and how to setup tactically, but at the end of the day it's Conte who is calling the shots so our best move as a club is to give him the players to execute his style of football.

The impression I keep getting from Conte is that he's less fussed about having plans B, C and D and more interested in executing plan A so effectively that it gets results. I know very little of Zaniolo but it looks like he's built more like a shithouse and plays more like a shithouse than Maddison, so that might be a reason for pursuing him.

The other factor of course is Maddison's availability. It might be that Leicester have given us a hard "no" on the transfer. Maybe that stance would soften as the window goes on - particularly if he doesn't sign a new contract - but who knows? So just in the case of these two players, the question of who the club prefer might not be set on a level playing field. It might be that Conte would prefer Maddison, but above all he would prefer to get somebody in who can contribute rather than playing a waiting game with Leicester.

 

[greavesy461]

For me the reason we didn’t break down certain teams last year when 0-0 was not because we didn’t have a player who could hit a delightful looped pass or insightful through ball. It was because we didn’t have any players that could credibly take on players on the wing, get past them and then do a nice cut back or knock it across the box. We passed it from side to side hoping for an opening which never came. With perisic, spence and potentially zaniolo we would have brave physical players that can skill/batter past people and then hit a hopeful pass across the box for two of the most lethal finishers in the world. Man City do it through creative quick movement and well rehearsed patterns, Conte hopes to do it with physical strength and speed. The one thing Maddison would bring though is much more of a threat from range. Not sure how zaniolo stacks up there but Kulu is very decent and Kane is world class from just outside the area. I’ve seen bissouma hit a few beauties too.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

For me the reason we didn’t break down certain teams last year when 0-0 was not because we didn’t have a player who could hit a delightful looped pass or insightful through ball. It was because we didn’t have any players that could credibly take on players on the wing, get past them and then do a nice cut back or knock it across the box. We passed it from side to side hoping for an opening which never came. With perisic, spence and potentially zaniolo we would have brave physical players that can skill/batter past people and then hit a hopeful pass across the box for two of the most lethal finishers in the world. Man City do it through creative quick movement and well rehearsed patterns, Conte hopes to do it with physical strength and speed. The one thing Maddison would bring though is much more of a threat from range. Not sure how zaniolo stacks up there but Kulu is very decent and Kane is world class from just outside the area. I’ve seen bissouma hit a few beauties too.

Great post , very good points.

There are many ways to skin a cat and as you say by adding Perisic, Spence and possibly Zaniolo we’d have more players who can take a man on and get a cross in rather than having to go side to side with no end product.

 

[McFlash]

Wow, you're a fun sponge! ?

Or maybe he's not a fan of leching over women?

 

[bbunc]

So much of the analysis still on Maddison vs Zaniolo vs Paqueta in a vacuum when that’s not how works in real life.

Aside from apparently being Conte’s preference, it seems Zaniolo is also likely to come on a loan with option (or obligation but with triggers that protect us). So the risk there should be fairly low and significant budget retained for a CB.

Quite a bit different than plunking down 60M, which would seem to be the case for the other two.

Has to be taken into account in the risk/reward/outlay/squad building calculus.

 

[robertgoulet]

So much of the analysis still on Maddison vs Zaniolo vs Paqueta in a vacuum when that’s not how works in real life.

Aside from apparently being Conte’s preference, it seems Zaniolo is also likely to come on a loan with option (or obligation but with triggers that protect us). So the risk there should be fairly low and significant budget retained for a CB.

Quite a bit different than plunking down 60M, which would seem to be the case for the other two.

Has to be taken into account in the risk/reward/outlay/squad building calculus.

Right. Obviously in a vacuum Maddison > Zaniolo, but if you’re saying Maddison for £60M vs Zaniolo on loan w reasonable option it’s more even.

 

[lukadownthelane]

Most people would have wanted JM over Deki in January. I doubt many people would say that now.

NZ is the riskier option but if it’s him then there’s a clear reason for that.

 

[mil1lion]

So much of the analysis still on Maddison vs Zaniolo vs Paqueta in a vacuum when that’s not how works in real life.

Aside from apparently being Conte’s preference, it seems Zaniolo is also likely to come on a loan with option (or obligation but with triggers that protect us). So the risk there should be fairly low and significant budget retained for a CB.

Quite a bit different than plunking down 60M, which would seem to be the case for the other two.

Has to be taken into account in the risk/reward/outlay/squad building calculus.

I would be shocked if we spent big on a centre back though. There just really isn't any big money options available this window.
I think this one is simply the preference of Conte and if all 3 players cost the same he would still be first choice. It's certainly less risk than Paqueta if it's a loan deal as both would be new to the country so that's an added bonus. I don't think Conte is as keen on Maddison as some of the fans are though. There's obviously something he isn't sold on otherwise we have the money to go hard for him if Conte really wanted him. Maybe he just doesn't have the physical attributes Conte is looking for or he doesn't see him as a fit into the formation. Maddison is low risk in fairness even if signed for around 60m.

 

[worcestersauce]

Have I missed something, where has the idea that it seems we're getting him on a loan with a good option come from?

 

[phil]

our 2nd option is Paqueta

Who has today been linked with City. I can see us missing out on both these options. On to Maddison?

 

[mark87]

Have I missed something, where has the idea that it seems we're getting him on a loan with a good option come from?

Herc mentioned it when Zaniolo first came up as a potential signing and it has also recently been touted as a loan on social media.

 

[biscuit]

The fact that people are arguing as to whether players of the quality of Zaniolo, Maddison or Paqueta should be our SEVENTH signing really shows the complete change that’s gone on at the club. This alone is worthy of celebration.

 

[Fredo]

Can already see a meltdown incoming if he starts against us

 

[KILLA_SIN]

Can already see a meltdown incoming if he starts against us

Oh he'll def start nothing is ever simple

 

[Derryank]

Oh he'll def start nothing is ever simple

Especially when Jose has his say

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Oh he'll def start nothing is ever simple

Yeah this much is certain.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

So when he scores against us today - is that good, or bad?

 

[GetKaned]

So when he scores against us today - is that good, or bad?

Yes.

 

[neogenisis]

If he starts/plays there will be a meltdown led by the majority of the people who didnt/dont want him.