Surprise Player

[Chipsticks]

On a similar, yet more positive note than the 'scapegoat' thread, who do you think will be the 'surprise' player next season, as in someone who performs well above expectations.

Last season was obviously Benteke, especially considering the sitters he missed in his early games. For the two seasons before I'd have to say it was Albrighton under Houllier and probably Weimann under McLeish? In Bent's absence we desperately relied on him and he came up with some big moments such as the late, late winner against Fulham and his beautiful finesse goal against Stoke.

My money on next season is Tonev, from what I've heard he's absolutely rapid and I can see him tearing up fullbacks on either side. Though with the amount of young, unproven players in our squad it could be absolutely anyone.

[cdbearsfan]

Pongo Waring.

[Concrete John]

Joe Bennett.  Although he might fit more into a 'most improved' category.

[PeterWithesShin]

Herd under AM. Delph last season. Benteke looked quality from the word go, despite some folks jumping on him for missing only a few chances. Of which probably only 2 were pretty easy, Swansea and Spurs. Mind I wasn't that surprised with Delph, I stood up for him a lot as always felt he could do it. But I think he surprised a lot of people.

This coming season i'm going for The Gladiator.

[Yossarian]

Okore will not only be a stand out player for us, he will be one for the whole league. This time next year we wil wondering if he will sign a new improved contract and whether Arsenal will put a bid in for him, which we will laugh at if it is under £25m.

[cdbearsfan]

Don't think we should sign any of the Gladiators. Last time we signed someone that had shagged Ulrika, he turned out to be shite.

[Shrek]

Albrighton for me.

Lambert sees something in him and is giving him another chance, I think he might have a good season.

[eastie]

I have a feeling bacuna will be emerging as a contender for player of the season .

Of the crop who were already here i think Gardner could have a very good season .

[N'ZMAV]

Jed Steer.

[Billy Walker]

I just checked a few Youtube videos of Tonev - he's very fast,as Chipsticks says - but, also, I notice he can strike from long range with both feet.  He also seems a real athlete in the sense of his body shape when he strikes the ball, if that makes sense?  I reckon (hope) he has huge potential.

[pauliewalnuts]

I've got a feeling it might be Bennett.

He was gash for great spells of last season, I thought, but you can see he has something. I don't think he was ready last season, he might be this coming one.

[eastie]

I've got a feeling it might be Bennett.

He was gash for great spells of last season, I thought, but you can see he has something. I don't think he was ready last season, he might be this coming one.

I think Bennett is a good player, bit naive defensively but a definate one to watch , although he may have his work cut out holding onto his place as i feel luna will prove a very good signing too.

At least we have good competition for places as last season some of the younger lads looked shattered at times - the squad is definately looking better .

I am feeling very positive about the season ahead although the only slight drawback is with a tough opening 2 games and the 3rd postponed we may be playing catch up early on - would be nice to get a couple of early wins on the board but i think top 8 is certainly achievable.

[The Left Side]

Bacuna could be the one for me, he sounds full of promise.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Bennett. Something about this lad. Reminds me of Brazilian full backs. My hunch is his first goal will be the catalyst for his talents to take off.

[Lambert and Payne]

I spoke with a Boro fan a few weeks back about Bennett, he couldn't believe we played him as a left back. He said Bennett is a brilliant footballer and a great winger but defensively will never have a clue.