Ross Barkley

[eye digress]

I thought some of Diaby’s performances this year have been truly piss poor
But that turn and run to create the equaliser against Liverpool was a thing of wonder, more of that please

Bit harsh - think it would be better to say he was below his potential.
As for shiny moments, you could add the offside goal versus Palace at home, picking the ball out of the air with sublime skill.

[coreyfeldman]

He created more 'big chances' for us than anyone else this season

[Monty]

I thought some of Diaby’s performances this year have been truly piss poor
But that turn and run to create the equaliser against Liverpool was a thing of wonder, more of that please

Bit harsh - think it would be better to say he was below his potential.
As for shiny moments, you could add the offside goal versus Palace at home, picking thr ball out of the air with sublime skill.

I think there were too many games where he looked genuinely lost. Not without the ball - he did his job positionally as he should - but when he'd get the thing he'd sometimes look really indecisive, like he was surprised to be there.

Plenty of moments to build on though. Clearly a tremendous talent.

[Smithy]

10 goals and (I think) 10 assists in all competitions is by no means terrible for Diaby in his debut season, but he's capable of more, clearly.  I think the general perception of his performance this season suffers due to the comparison to Bailey, who had an absolutely tremendous season playing in a similar position.  Without Bailey stood next to him, I think people would be "happier" with Diaby's debut season.

I think Moussa will be even better next season, and being into double figures for goals and assists should become the norm for him if he stays fit.  He's had his acclimatisation season, which we're often told some players need.  So let's see what he can do in year two...

[eamonn]

I'm not sure it's due to Bailey having an amazing season - a lot of people were frustrated at Diaby's decision-making, being easily bundled off the ball and general lack of confidence when he has shown what he's capable of in the goals and assists he's achieved.

He needs to be sharper in his play and cleverer to evade challenges from bigger players, hopefully he shows that next season.

[eye digress]

There was definitely a loss of confidence at one stage – the directness that his goals vs the Jaudis and Burnley (plus the disallowed Palace one) seemed to promise faded away.

There were some poor and frustrating performances too. Just think it needs to be kept in perspective.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

There was definitely a loss of confidence at one stage – the directness that his goals vs the Jaudis and Burnley (plus the disallowed Palace one) seemed to promise faded away.

There were some poor and frustrating performances too. Just think it needs to be kept in perspective.

Perspective? Despite his numbers it feels like we've been playing with 10 players most of the time he's in the team. It's not like  Unai hasn't given him the opportunities.

'Look at Bailey, he needed time,' sure but both have been working under Unai, only one was his signing. Sometimes even the best get it wrong. Not righting him off, I suspect he's one of many that played under injury problems.

If we get him fully fit, (the only time last season I was amazed at his speed was to celebrate a goal) he may turn out to be a good investment but right now, I have serious doubts.

For reference,  I also thought we'd be lucky to get £40m for clown feet, Ollie Watkins 12 months ago.

[Dante Lavelli]

I can see him starting if Doug goes.

Luton supporting mate loves him and says he’s brilliant as the more creative one next to a DCM. Ridiculously comfortable taking the ball off the centre backs and on the half-turn so aligns with Emery’s tactics perfectly.

[AV84]

I can see him starting if Doug goes.

Luton supporting mate loves him and says he’s brilliant as the more creative one next to a DCM. Ridiculously comfortable taking the ball off the centre backs and on the half-turn so aligns with Emery’s tactics perfectly.

I wonder how did teams set up against Luton? Did he get more time on the ball when taking it from the CBs than he might playing for us, or would it be a directly transferable skill?

[Dante Lavelli]

That I couldn’t tell you.

No idea how to post videos either but this had him salivating (fingers crossed):

https://youtu.be/iIvm3TZ5zVA?si=o-MteE_qkQR3UW5_

[Toronto Villa]

That I couldn’t tell you.

No idea how to post videos either but this had him salivating (fingers crossed):

[Dante Lavelli]

Thanks

[Percy McCarthy]

That I couldn’t tell you.

No idea how to post videos either but this had him salivating (fingers crossed):

Most of those clips against good teams.

[chrisw1]

Last season he did look really good taking and keeping the ball under pressure.  I think he and Tielemans will be sharing the Luiz role next season.

From what I've seen McKennie doesn't have the quality on the ball to do that, nor does he want to DM so my guess is he's mainly going to be used in the wide-right McGinn role.

That leaves us Ramsey and Rogers for the left (supported by Tielemans / McGinn / Barkley / Iling if necessary)

McGinn can be an emergency DM (possibly McKennie if we can improve his attitude).  Still leaves a big gap until Kamara is fit.

[Dante Lavelli]

Sounds about right to me. Pretty well covered except for one position.

Also add buendia and possibly Kellyman although I’d guess a loan might suit him better.