Yacouba Sylla

[pauliewalnuts]

He's shown a few times that he can work his way out of tight spots with the ball.

I think he's got bags of promise.

Totally agree with this bit.

It's fair enough to point out his flaws at this point, there's nothing to be had by pretending they aren't there, but if he were a 29 year old with a few seasons under his belt and making those errors, I'd be worried.

He's not, though, he's a young player from a poor league who has done pretty well thus far.

[Somniloquism]

Don't forget he also had a quiet word with Benteke during the summer which is as big a contribution to the club as you can get.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I just love and really appreciate the energy he brings to the side. The whole team has a sense of urgency when he's playing, we get in the opposition's face and press them. The only strange think for me is that he was supposed to be a defensive midfielder but Lambert gives him licence to roam. Maybe PL is happy enough with Westwood playing that deep lying role and is trying to develop Sylla as a more box to box player. Right now, Sylla certainly has the energy and is adapting well though whether it's his best position is difficult to say.

[Gregorys Boy]

Possible one of Lambert's best signings so far and makes a big difference to our midfield which is maybe the weakest area of the team right now.  Another fine prospect for the future.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I like the fact that he recognises he has to step his game up. And he is beginning to become more effective when he has the ball. I think early next year we are going to have a very good player who might well have half a dozen goals by then ........

[Matt C]

We look a more balanced side with him in it.

[Dante Lavelli]

We look a more balanced side with him in it.

I agree however I hope and think that Bacuna has similar qualities but with added free kick skills.

[paul_e]

too many square balls.  couple of mistakes each game.  On the plus side, great engine, superb attitude, harrying, hard working.  I thought his best game yesterday, he was plaing against some of the best midfielders and strikers money can buy

I don't like seeing that used a negative so often, particularly when one of our biggest complaints is that we don't retain the ball as well as we'd like.  He needs to cut the mistakes but square passes have a place and only become a problem if it's the only thing you do with the ball, which isn't the case.  I agree with the rest though.

I just love and really appreciate the energy he brings to the side. The whole team has a sense of urgency when he's playing, we get in the opposition's face and press them. The only strange think for me is that he was supposed to be a defensive midfielder but Lambert gives him licence to roam. Maybe PL is happy enough with Westwood playing that deep lying role and is trying to develop Sylla as a more box to box player. Right now, Sylla certainly has the energy and is adapting well though whether it's his best position is difficult to say.

He is playing as a defensive midfielder, all his best work is defensive, he just doesn't do it 2 yards in front of the defence.  Style wise, in his defensive play, he's the prefect midfielder for the way we're trying to play, he's got a great engine, knows when to pres the ball and when to hold his ground and is quick and strong.  It means We can have a deeper playmaker who intercepts and closes space in defence and changes the point of attack going forward.  Westwood is ideal for that role but he needs to get his mojo back (KEA is decent at it as well but I don't think him and Westwood can play together).  Add in the qualities that Delph and Bacuna bring and we've got a lot of potential in the midfield, I'd still like to see someone exciting in there as well though.

[Mister E]

I just love and really appreciate the energy he brings to the side. The whole team has a sense of urgency when he's playing, we get in the opposition's face and press them. The only strange think for me is that he was supposed to be a defensive midfielder but Lambert gives him licence to roam. Maybe PL is happy enough with Westwood playing that deep lying role and is trying to develop Sylla as a more box to box player. Right now, Sylla certainly has the energy and is adapting well though whether it's his best position is difficult to say.

But I think that is the point of PL's tactics - he wants players like YS, Bacuna and Delph who can cover the ground, both supporting the offensive moves a well as being able to track back. KEA does it too, TBF.
This means that the full backs should have more licence to get forward, safe in the knowledge that the MF is covering for them.

As paul-e says, it is also true to say that YS appears to be playing a higher line, to get into the oppo faces further up the pitch.

[Legion]

Sylla will join Turkish outfit Kayseri Erciyesspor on loan for the coming season.

[Toronto Villa]

He needs playing time. After some positive performances at the end of 2012/13 season he badly dropped off in form when called upon. Hope he does well.

[Legion]

Twatter is ace. Apparently, he's going to a Turkish club that got promoted from the Greek second division last season.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Gutted. He had a great chant.

[supertom]

Good luck to the lad. Sadly not good enough. At leasted we've shifted him for a year without much hassle. His destination all but sums up his level.
I expect Luna will manage to snag himself a move back to Spain. I reckon before the windows out, we could see Tonev returning to his old club too.

[SoccerHQ]

Disappointing. He had some really good games for us back end of 12/13 and I really thought he'd be a key player last season but he just looked off the pace and really not that good.