Didn't Heath go two seasons without scoring, but Reid kept picking him anyway?I’d put heath and Clarke on less
I think the frustration for Doku is mixed with his success.
When he brings 2-3 players over and we recycle looking for the gaps we know this is Pep’s way, when he gets isolated and he runs at the player, he has a fairly decent cut in and go for the far post.
But his go on the outside and pick a player out is terrible.
His feet, acceleration and strength is such an asset, but his defensive work, final ball is frustrating.
We can see the potential and that is where the criticism comes from.
115100?….
He's young & he will learn. However, my point stands. He's consistently left facing 2-3 players whilst isolated, & I can't think of another player who's ever been able to consistently get past so many every time they're in that position.I think the frustration for Doku is mixed with his success.
When he brings 2-3 players over and we recycle looking for the gaps we know this is Pep’s way, when he gets isolated and he runs at the player, he has a fairly decent cut in and go for the far post.
But his go on the outside and pick a player out is terrible.
His feet, acceleration and strength is such an asset, but his defensive work, final ball is frustrating.
We can see the potential and that is where the criticism comes from.
115Pick a number Hugo.
He's young & he will learn. However, my point stands. He's consistently left facing 2-3 players whilst isolated, & I can't think of another player who's ever been able to consistently get past so many every time they're in that position.
Look at the night & day difference with Doku at the CWC during the match where RAN made his debut? Both tore the arse out of the opposition who couldn't handle the threat.
Then we face Al Hilal & Pep reverts to the system which failed us so horribly last season & we were beaten by 4 similar counter-attacks, as RAN was inverted, leaving Doku isolated again.
It's not rocket science what we've got to do to immediately get more out of Doku & RAN.
Akanji, Ake, Stones, Ederson, Bernardo, Kovacic, Gundogan are all still on the books…We have enough young CBs, we'll need another midfielder or two, dunno about forward positions. So, the expected refresh might not be significant.
A goalie, if Ederson stays, and 1-2 midfielders.
Nypan and Echeverri might be back, though, so 1 top midfielder will be needed to replace Bernardo. O'Reilly will expect more minutes as well.
Akanji, Ake, Stones, Ederson, Bernardo, Kovacic, Gundogan are all still on the books…
They'll do the job for this season, especially Bernardo and Stones. But all the players you mentioned will be gone by next Summer.Akanji, Ake, Stones, Ederson, Bernardo, Kovacic, Gundogan are all still on the books…
180!!
You are correct.Since Doku is often mentioned in the thread for his lack of productivity, here's a shocking stat for last season (calculated by an advanced AI model, based on data from transfermarkt):
Minutes per non-penalty goal-involvements in all club competitions:
Palmer - 151
Doku - 139
Incredible :)
Just had a look, 14 goals in 84 appearances last 2 seasons. Is that what you’re judging him against, or is it by chances created?
Genuine question, what sort of numbers do you think we need to see from him?
Pep can't have failed to notice that Doku & Grealish before him were always having to check back because that side of the pitch was so congested. Neitherof them rarely have anywhere to go.We saw a new tactic last Saturday that when Bobb had the ball and had 3 run to him, he knocked it back and the ball was then launched into the box for Haaland.
We didnt do that last year - but it makes sense. 3 oppo players are out of the box marking the winger so get the ball in for Erling
2 signings. CM + RB. That’s all we might need next season including a goalkeeper if ederson leaves next season
is he, I'd leave that for Pep and the goalkeeping coaches to know.I don’t want a mentally gone ederson here for this season!