Nicklas Helenius

[Ads]

I hope he is a great success and I am sure Nicklas backs himself to do the business, but lets not heap too much pressure on the lad.

[paul_e]

It's not really about pressure for me because if he plays enough games to score double figures then it's a sign that Lambert thinks he's ready, if he doesn't then clearly he's not quite ready.  My opinion is if he's considered ready to play by the coaches I think he'll do a good job and I think that because what i see as his strong points are things that will translate well to the league, it's whether his overall game does that I can't say.

[Ryu]

Anyone think that Lambert may be thinking of playing Helenius either out wide or behind the striker?  He seems to be more of a dribbler/passer than your typical target man type so it could suit him.  Possibly not quick enough to play out wide in the PL but  he's been compared to Ibrahimovic which might be a bit over the top but he seems to play the number 10 role more as he's gotten older.

His chances in the team will surely be limited playing up front with CB staying so it's a possibility.

[edgysatsuma89]

It's not really about pressure for me because if he plays enough games to score double figures then it's a sign that Lambert thinks he's ready, if he doesn't then clearly he's not quite ready.  My opinion is if he's considered ready to play by the coaches I think he'll do a good job and I think that because what i see as his strong points are things that will translate well to the league, it's whether his overall game does that I can't say.

This. Although with Benteke staying I obviously will not be placing that bet, and I'm very happy that I won't be. I'll save it for 2014/15 😉

[Irish villain]

if we go on a cup run this year we can rotate CB and NH to see if he really is the natural successor.

[Ryu]

if we go on a cup run this year we can rotate CB and NH to see if he really is the natural successor.

That's a big if!

Still as a squad you do need options up front and bringing in Bent for Benteke when they were so different did affect the team.  So it will be handy having another focal point of the attack if that's how we use him.

[Matt Collins]

I see helenius as primarily
- an option to develop for when benteke leaves
- back up to benteke
- an option to come on and play behind benteke if we're chasing a game
- potentially an alternative in the wide positions though we'll have to see how that develops

[fredm]

Or we could play him upfront alongside CB.  That would give the opposition something to think about - keep a close eye on CB as we know what he can do and, hey presto, NH is knocking them in; or Bloody hell better keep tight to this 6' 5" fella who looks useful and CB has freedom to terrorise them.

[Legion]

How would we fit Gabby and Weimann in if we played them both?

[PeterWithesShin]

How would we fit Gabby and Weimann in if we played them both?

Albion are going to sign Weimann, so that is that problem solved.

[Olneythelonely]

-------Westwood-----Sylla-------------

Gabby------Benteke--------Weimann

---------------Helenius-------------------

Fuck it, it's not like we're going to keep a clean sheet anyway.

[fredm]

Good question.  As we have said often enough on here we have not rotated our players often enough to keep them fit and 100% throughout the season so resting one or the other is an option. Also I would guess that either will pick up a knock or two throughout the season so why play them if they are not 100%.  It all gives PL the options which he needs to be able to take the team up the table.

[Legion]

-------Westwood-----Sylla-------------

Gabby------Benteke--------Weimann

---------------Helenius-------------------

Fuck it, it's not like we're going to keep a clean sheet anyway.

Especially when we've only got 6 players on the pitch.

[Olneythelonely]

-------Westwood-----Sylla-------------

Gabby------Benteke--------Weimann

---------------Helenius-------------------

Fuck it, it's not like we're going to keep a clean sheet anyway.

Especially when we've only got 6 players on the pitch.

Helenius is goal will probably be an issue too.

[Toronto Villa]

How would we fit Gabby and Weimann in if we played them both?

Albion are going to sign Weimann, so that is that problem solved.

Or Norwich or Newcastle. Liverpool even as the new Kuyt