Reserves - now the Fonz debate

[Dave]

He is only 19 years old. He could easily develop into a great striker in the next couple of years - just because he's not ready now doesn't mean he never will be.

Hernandez to use the above example is three years older and at Nathan's age was barely playing in the Mexican league.

[Mazrim]

He makes the wrong choices too many times, doesn't look like he possesses a good enough shot and doesn't use that option early enough, still looks lightweight, and looks a yard or two of the game.

I couldn't imagine disagreeing with anything more strongly than that sentence and I do wonder how you came to any of those conclusions.

By watching him when he plays.

When, the isolated scraps of first team action he's had?

[pablopicasso_10]

He is only 19 years old. He could easily develop into a great striker in the next couple of years - just because he's not ready now doesn't mean he never will be.

Hernandez to use the above example is three years older and at Nathan's age was barely playing in the Mexican league.

excellent point...

[peter w]

Until we throw him in on a more regular basis, we'll never really know if he's going to be good enough, but so far he's not let us down when he's played. Fergie has'nt seemed too worried about throwing Hernandez into the Premiership and he is'nt doing too badly.

No comparison considering one is an international who played at the World Cup and the other a prospect that has yet to show that he has got what it takes, for me anyway.

[peter w]

He makes the wrong choices too many times, doesn't look like he possesses a good enough shot and doesn't use that option early enough, still looks lightweight, and looks a yard or two of the game.

I couldn't imagine disagreeing with anything more strongly than that sentence and I do wonder how you came to any of those conclusions.

By watching him when he plays.

When, the isolated scraps of first team action he's had?

Yes. You don't need to see lots of a player to see what he's got. He's looking further away from the team at the moment as he can't get near the bench/team in a period where Gabby is out says it all.

[Ads]

From what I’ve seen of The Fonz he looks a good player. He’s got a cracking shot on him, his efforts against Brighton, that class volley against Zilina. He’s quick, has the frame to be strong and has a neat touch.

But he’s only a kid and has a hell of a lot to learn. I’d only play him as a partner off Carew, I don’t think its fair to ask him to lead the line on his own and I’d have him as one for the future with a role coming off the bench.
 

[Mazrim]

Your opinion on him peter seems to be based on the fact he's not currently playing in the first team rather than any remotely accurate appraisal of his skills so we'll leave it there.

[achilles]

You have to ask the question why our last 3 managers have not given him an opportunity, including Mac who must know him the best?

[Ger Regan]

You have to ask the question why our last 3 managers have not given him an opportunity, including Mac who must know him the best?

Didn't he even say that he wasn't mentally right to play, or am I imagining that?

[Bosco81]

You have to ask the question why our last 3 managers have not given him an opportunity, including Mac who must know him the best?

He was progressing nicely under MON, why Kevin Mac and GH have ignored him is a question only they can answer.

[peter w]

Your opinion on him peter seems to be based on the fact he's not currently playing in the first team rather than any remotely accurate appraisal of his skills so we'll leave it there.

Its based on what I've seen of him both on television and in the flesh. Based on that I don't think he's good enough.

[Dave]

Your opinion on him peter seems to be based on the fact he's not currently playing in the first team rather than any remotely accurate appraisal of his skills so we'll leave it there.

Its based on what I've seen of him both on television and in the flesh. Based on that I don't think he's good enough.

And how about in the future? Do you not think he's got the capability of getting better?

How many strikers are at their best when they are 19 years old? At Delfouneso's age Didier Drogba was having his first ever season at Levallois in the fourth tier of French football.

Clearly because he wasn't breaking into the first team at a top six side at that age there was no point him bothering.

[spangley1812]

Your opinion on him peter seems to be based on the fact he's not currently playing in the first team rather than any remotely accurate appraisal of his skills so we'll leave it there.

Its based on what I've seen of him both on television and in the flesh. Based on that I don't think he's good enough.

And how about in the future? Do you not think he's got the capability of getting better?

How many strikers are at their best when they are 19 years old? At Delfouneso's age Didier Drogba was having his first ever season at Levallois in the fourth tier of French football.

Clearly because he wasn't breaking into the first team at a top six side at that age there was no point him bothering.

Well he is a regular for the England U21's so Stuart Pearce/Fabio must rate him and if he goes their wil be no shortage of takers anyway if we keep playing 4 5 1 we wont need him

[timeoutbigbar]

Some players peak early, some late.  I'm not sure it's as simple as every player gets better as he matures.  Take Owen as an example, was never as good as when he was at Liverpool, regardless of injuries.  Messi was unlucky not to start the Champions League final at the age of 18.  Some players have it early, some late.  I think it's very rare that a player can maintain playing at the highest level for their entire career.  So i'll happily give the fonz more time before i make any verdict on his ability.

[Dave Cooper please]

He makes the wrong choices too many times, doesn't look like he possesses a good enough shot and doesn't use that option early enough, still looks lightweight, and looks a yard or two of the game.

I couldn't imagine disagreeing with anything more strongly than that sentence and I do wonder how you came to any of those conclusions.

By watching him when he plays.

When, the isolated scraps of first team action he's had?

Which will probably give him just as good an insight as watching him in a few dozen reserve games.

Come on Maz, I know you are a great believer in our yoof, and so am I, but Delfouneso hasn't done anything in his first team appearances (apart from maybe a couple of decent UEFA cup games) to show he's the future of our strikeforce. And it seems Hotlips agrees. Maybe Heskey's injury will give him the chance to prove me wrong.