Karim El Ahmadi CONFIRMED (Reply #278)

[peter w]

Clark isn't a centre-half for me. He'll become a decent midfielder maybe but not a centre-back. I'm more impressed with baker. I'd get Kjaer in. Also, and not helpfully there was one centre-half I saw who I was quite impressed with. Cannot remember his name or who he played for. Wasn't one of the leading lights though.

[eastie]

I think clark will be a top centre half and possible captain in coming seasons, an able midfielder but i see him as a better defender.

[Steve67]

I think clark will be a top centre half and possible captain in coming seasons, an able midfielder but i see him as a better defender.

I agree with this.  He looks like he reads the game well.  Needs the older head next to him, but someone better than the wreckless Collins or Dunne.  For now, rather than the lightweight Makoun, who I would use for squad cover elsewhere, I'd have Clark next to El Ahmadi, unless we can bring in another midfielder as a DCM.

[spangley1812]

I think clark will be a top centre half and possible captain in coming seasons, an able midfielder but i see him as a better defender.

I agree with this.  He looks like he reads the game well.  Needs the older head next to him, but someone better than the wreckless Collins or Dunne.  For now, rather than the lightweight Makoun, who I would use for squad cover elsewhere, I'd have Clark next to El Ahmadi, unless we can bring in another midfielder as a DCM.

Centre half for me and he will be a good one as long as he is coached properly and plays with someone more experienced I dont think he is quick enough or has the range of passing to play anywhere in midfield

[Matt Collins]

Looks a centre half to me, but needs to get stronger and nastier

[MadJohnnyC]

I'm of the centre half opinion also. And a bloody good one at that.

The mention of Makoun... have i missed something somewhere? Has Lambert given him the chance to come and prove himself? Thought he was off the pace when he started which was understandable but was impressed with his one touch passing and link up play. Does the simple thing and no more but at a pace that doesn't kill the attack. Back to El Ahmadi, before anybody puts him in the team have anyone seen him play? £2.5m for a 27 year old don't particularly grab me as a class act that needs to play. I'm thinking squad player.

[spangley1812]

I'm of the centre half opinion also. And a bloody good one at that.

The mention of Makoun... have i missed something somewhere? Has Lambert given him the chance to come and prove himself? Thought he was off the pace when he started which was understandable but was impressed with his one touch passing and link up play. Does the simple thing and no more but at a pace that doesn't kill the attack. Back to El Ahmadi, before anybody puts him in the team have anyone seen him play? £2.5m for a 27 year old don't particularly grab me as a class act that needs to play. I'm thinking squad player.

I am pretty sure that everyone will have a chance to prove themselves in pre-season

[silhillvilla]

No doubt a good few will be writing him off at Burton after his first mistimed tackle or misplaced pass
It's what we do 

[VILLA MOLE]

No doubt a good few will be writing him off at Burton after his first mistimed tackle or misplaced pass
It's what we do 

sell him now i say

[Matt Collins]

I'm of the centre half opinion also. And a bloody good one at that.

The mention of Makoun... have i missed something somewhere? Has Lambert given him the chance to come and prove himself? Thought he was off the pace when he started which was understandable but was impressed with his one touch passing and link up play. Does the simple thing and no more but at a pace that doesn't kill the attack. Back to El Ahmadi, before anybody puts him in the team have anyone seen him play? £2.5m for a 27 year old don't particularly grab me as a class act that needs to play. I'm thinking squad player.

I am pretty sure that everyone will have a chance to prove themselves in pre-season

He has a year left on his contract which affects the price. I've not seen him play, but we don't need numbers in central midfield, we have plenty who can play there (Makoun, Herd, Ireland, Bannan, Gardner, Warnock at a push). We need more quality and the DCM role is a real deficit post-Petrov.

[Toronto Villa]

You put a quicker, more dynamic CB next to Clark and he'll be superb. He reads the game well but he's not quick, so you can't pair him with a lumbering oaf like Collins or Dunne.

[villadelph]

Looks a centre half to me, but needs to get stronger and nastier

nastier?

Karim is know for some crazy from behind tackles and heavy lunges. He times them well and he's graceful in doing it so he's very effective.

[Mister E]

Clark's a CH for me; cultured, well-timed and a game-saver. He needs a good CH next to him. Baker's back-up - and a good one - for now.

[Mazrim]

I'm of the centre half opinion also. And a bloody good one at that.

The mention of Makoun... have i missed something somewhere? Has Lambert given him the chance to come and prove himself? Thought he was off the pace when he started which was understandable but was impressed with his one touch passing and link up play. Does the simple thing and no more but at a pace that doesn't kill the attack. Back to El Ahmadi, before anybody puts him in the team have anyone seen him play? £2.5m for a 27 year old don't particularly grab me as a class act that needs to play. I'm thinking squad player.

It doesn't work that way. Newcastle only paid something like £3m for Tiote and he's essential to them.
Bargains are out there if you know where to look and know the type of player that will thrive in the PL and a players price doesn't always reflect his ability.

Beisdes, they should all be squad players who get in the team on merit alone.

[kippaxvilla2]

As so called punts go I would rather take a £2.5 one with sensible wages on El Ahmadi than £4m on Marlon Harewood or £5m on Zat Knight three weeks after he has signed a new 3 year contract.