New signings – how are they doing so far?

This topic contains 8 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by PaulJones94 PaulJones94 8 years, 5 months ago.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #657994
    mudcat
    mudcat
    Participant
    • :

    Of the newcomers Johnson, MVG, Shaqiri, Affaley, Josulu have been in and around the team. How do you think those guys have done so far?

    #658240
    Mark Holmes
    Mark Holmes
    Keymaster
    • :

    None of them have set the world alight, but I still think we bought some good players.

    Johnson isn’t perfect, but he’s a good fit for our style. Pieters doesn’t get forward too much and Shaqiri cuts inside a lot so we need a right-back that can provide quality on the overlap. Johnson is better than Bardsley or Cameron in that respect IMO.

    Van Ginkel’s passing has disappointed me slightly – he has given it away a lot in his own half – and I thought we’d see him around the opposition box a bit more, but he’s got a lot of energy and will be useful for us over the course of the season. I think he’ll come good.

    Shaqiri really hasn’t impressed me yet, but if Bojan’s taught us anything it’s that we shouldn’t write a player off after a month. I fully expect us to be raving about Shaqiri come the end of the season.

    Afellay is a clever player. He’s very, very good in possession and gets into good areas. I’m not sure what his best position is, and I’m not sure he’ll be first choice in any, but I expect him to make a big impact for us.

    Joselu hasn’t had a proper chance to impress yet, but he’s shown some promising signs. He’s got a decent touch, a bit of pace and is good in the air. He just needs a goal and a run of games to get going.

    #658432
    selbystokie
    selbystokie
    Participant
    • :

    I can’t disagree with Homzy’s assessment of our new players. Johnson was always going to find it easier than the others as he is a very experienced PL player. Shaqiri has all the skill, but perhaps needs a little more upper body weight, just as Bojan did As we have seen with Arnie and Bojan and to a certain extent, Diouf, players from abroad need time to adjust to the speed and intensity of the PL. All have excellent skills and once settled in we will see them at their best. Joselu might get a chance of a few games because of the sad news about Diouf, least of all his injury. Losing a parent is a major blow to anyone and he might need a little time to recover – many commiserations to him.

    #658528
    mudcat
    mudcat
    Participant
    • :

    I second that, maybe except for the comment about Shaqiri needing more upper body weight. He doesn´t look like he has ever skipped a session in the gym, and if he gains more upper body weight I am afraid he might just tilt.

    #658843
    Bick
    Bick
    Participant
    • :

    Have to agree with Mudcat!…

    Every time I have watched Shaqiri play, I continually think that he looks top heavy and that it seems to affect his play. I genuinely think he’s carrying a little too much baulk.

    #661021
    selbystokie
    selbystokie
    Participant
    • :

    I think that you are both right about his upper body strength. However, he does seem to be knocked off the bal too easily at times and I thought that this might be the problem. But, as you say, watching him more closely he is built like a small tank.

    #661843
    mudcat
    mudcat
    Participant
    • :
    #673312
    remember1972
    remember1972
    Participant
    • :

    All new signings take time to gell into the team,especially when you have brought in so many new faces.
    I honestly don`t think Mark Hughes knows what his best team is yet; The back four looks more settled now, but Shawx is set to return soon?!?
    With all these players it is a nice problem to have.

    #673678
    PaulJones94
    PaulJones94
    Participant
    • :

    I think Ryan will partner Wollscheid once he’s back, but certainly no need to rush him. Defence has been solid in the last two games and Geoff Cameron has played a big part in that, especially at Villa.

    Shaqiri has shown signs of his class, but, like Bojan, I think he will have more of an impact once he’s properly adapted to the Premier League.

    Joselu has started OK, but he needs to add goals to his game if he is to challenge Diouf to that starting spot. The upcoming games are a perfect opportunity for him to find form. Diouf every time for me, though.

    I think Van Ginkel will come good in time, but doesn’t seem up to standard at the moment.

    Glen Johnson has been the stand-out signing, though. His ability to get forward and create chances has played an important part this season. With Shaqiri tending to cut inside onto his left foot, Johnson has been providing width down the right, and it’s caused the opposition a lot of problems at times. I’m sure his experience hasn’t been wasted, either.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

You must be logged in to reply this topic.