Libor Kozak

[ozzjim]

I also think he'd be good next season when the inevitable happens.

I think with his movement he would score a hell of a lot of goals in that division. Another one that we should not be looking to sell this month.

[David_Nab]

He scored some good goals in preseason and for the under 21's all different type of goals , Gestede scores headers thats it.Kozak is not as big as Gestede yet is much better at flicking on headers and getting his body in the way and getting free kicks/holding ball up.

He makes runs off the ball Gestede simply does not have that in his game.When we had Amavi wipping balls in Gestede was a threat but since then he has been mostly useless.

[Grande Pablo]

His first touch & passing at times wasn't the best, but he was a bloody nuisance which made space for Ayew & Gil in particular to exploit.

Anyone can mark a lighthouse like Gestede.  I was made up when we signed him, but this level is a step too far for him.

[ozzjim]

I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.

[Toronto Villa]

We need to play a certain way to accommodate Gestede. If that tactic doesn't work we're fucked because he has all the stability and control of a new born calf. Kozak gives us infinitely more options in how we play and his hold up play, while certainly not Benteke level at least allows others to buzz around him and make things happen.

[brian green]

The other Kozak plus over Gestede is that Gestede's confidence is totally shot. He is nervous and uncertain in everything  he does.  He tries to run faster so he extends his stride instead of shortening it and that makes him even slower. Whereas Kozak on the other hand is bursting to get involved in the game however he can.  Neither player in my opinion is Premiership striker quality but Kozak has a point to prove and that makes him the better option.

[oldtimernow]

it would be interesting to analyse a 3 second standing start sprint of those two.

For me Gusted would spend a second thinking "oh shit I better get going"

[Olof's Beard]

it would be interesting to analyse a 3 second standing start sprint of those two.

For me Gusted would spend a second thinking "oh shit I better get going"

He showed a remarkable shift of speed to win the penalty against West Ham, I don't know where it came from. I agreed his confidence is gone altogether, he played well in the second half at Newcastle and throughout the West Ham game but didn't get a goal despite going close on a few occasions. Who knows, if he's scored he might have got his tail up a bit and been of more use, but for now he is a player of limited ability with absolutely no confidence so shouldn't be anywhere near the XI.

I think the whole team, aside from maybe Ayew and Veretout have just had their confidence pounded. Kozak and Cissokho haven't played at all during the disastrous run so there confidence remains in tact and that's good enough for the time being. Okore is working his way back to fitness and Lescott has found some form alongside him by the look of it, so we can only hope that these players start lifting the others and we can get some confidence back into the side as quickly as possible. Confidence that will withstand setbacks and poor results will be crucial.

[brian green]

You are right oldtimer.  Great players compensate for lack of physical speed by speed of thought.  Peter Withe being a classic example.

[Ron Manager]

You are right oldtimer.  Great players compensate for lack of physical speed by speed of thought.  Peter Withe being a classic example.

The same reasoning would apply when Christophe Duggary played for Blues.

[hipkiss92]

I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.

Getting balls across the area Kozak showed more movement on Tuesday than Gestede had all season. Not just holding play up and running in behind defenders, but actually attacking the near post when we get the ball to the byline.

If our midfielders attacked the box when we get crosses in we'd have probably won 2 or 3 nil on Tuesday.

[Witton Warrior]

I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.

Getting balls across the area Kozak showed more movement on Tuesday than Gestede had all season. Not just holding play up and running in behind defenders, but actually attacking the near post when we get the ball to the byline.

If our midfielders attacked the box when we get crosses in we'd have probably won 2 or 3 nil on Tuesday.

Totally agree with our last line there - we were screaming out for someone - anyone! - to run into the space on the edge of the box on at least three occasions - possibly not "blaze it over" Westwood though ;-)

[brian green]

Where is Tonev when you really need him?

[Le Lapin]

If we don't sell him I reckon Libor could be an important player if he is played.  He has pedigree,  Lazio don't buy shit players,  we spent a lot of money on him and he got a terrible injury just as he was settling in. I hope we keep him and he finds his mojo. Gestede is not a premiership player at the moment and his confidence is shot. Play Kozac and hopefully he will repay the club with some important goals.

[Witton Warrior]

Where is Tonev when you really need him?

We have Westie for that Brian ;-)