02-12-2014, 17:18
From what I've seen, I'd say only Baird and Davidson are out of their depth at this
level from the summer signings.
I think it's a bit early to label Ideye, Samaras and Blanco as flops.
Varela isn't on the list, but I guess he'd be a 'flop' too, to date, hasn't started. Although,
he was good enough to score for Portugal in the world cup...
Ideye has looked poor when he's played, but you don't get over 20 caps for Nigeria,
who have plenty of attacking talent, if you're a complete mug.
I've watched plenty of Celtic in Europe over the last few years to see Samaras can
play a bit. I think he'd definitely be our top scoring midfielder if he played on the
left side. Considering he excels in operating on the counter attack, I'm surprised that
the guy hasn't started a game yet - he wasn't even deemed good enough for our
2nd string...
Blanco is a player I haven't seen in the past, but looked useful against Hull in the cup.
The guy has been capped for Argentina, so I'd say he has some potential and has to
be a better option than the likes of Dorrans.
So all in all, I don't think the evidence is there to slate our summer recruitment yet.
For me, the problem is that our recruitment team identified a bunch of attack minded
players, and a coach who plays every game with fear, setting up for a 0-0 and hoping
for a goal from a set play.
I mean, look at the Bournemouth game. We're playing against their 2nd string, and he
sets up with 3 defensive midfielders who clearly aren't allowed to cross the half way
line. Of course, the likes of Blanco and Ideye are going to look poor when there is no
support.
Incidentally, Anichebe was absolutely terrible that day too, but has been given a chance
since, which makes me think Irvine is giving preferential treatment to players he knows.
level from the summer signings.
I think it's a bit early to label Ideye, Samaras and Blanco as flops.
Varela isn't on the list, but I guess he'd be a 'flop' too, to date, hasn't started. Although,
he was good enough to score for Portugal in the world cup...
Ideye has looked poor when he's played, but you don't get over 20 caps for Nigeria,
who have plenty of attacking talent, if you're a complete mug.
I've watched plenty of Celtic in Europe over the last few years to see Samaras can
play a bit. I think he'd definitely be our top scoring midfielder if he played on the
left side. Considering he excels in operating on the counter attack, I'm surprised that
the guy hasn't started a game yet - he wasn't even deemed good enough for our
2nd string...
Blanco is a player I haven't seen in the past, but looked useful against Hull in the cup.
The guy has been capped for Argentina, so I'd say he has some potential and has to
be a better option than the likes of Dorrans.
So all in all, I don't think the evidence is there to slate our summer recruitment yet.
For me, the problem is that our recruitment team identified a bunch of attack minded
players, and a coach who plays every game with fear, setting up for a 0-0 and hoping
for a goal from a set play.
I mean, look at the Bournemouth game. We're playing against their 2nd string, and he
sets up with 3 defensive midfielders who clearly aren't allowed to cross the half way
line. Of course, the likes of Blanco and Ideye are going to look poor when there is no
support.
Incidentally, Anichebe was absolutely terrible that day too, but has been given a chance
since, which makes me think Irvine is giving preferential treatment to players he knows.