Emi Buendia

[paul_e]

I've always liked Emi, but to my mind, he's still not contributing massively in terms of our general team play and cohesion. Even off form, Rogers has the edge in the 10 role (they seem to have a similar (very poor) pass completion rate).

That being said, you can't argue with goals, redemption arcs and all-round good geezers, so very pleased for him to be getting some plaudits!

Right now what's working for him and us is his pest value combined with a few goals/assists that we were in desperate need of.

[eye digress]

Absolutely, yes. But that's not going to take him very far, in the longer term, I don't think.

[Beard82]

I guess - but to some extent, hes alwasy been a nearly man - and maybe is due a purple patch / season - as he has never really had it go his way here.  Either way - what hes doing right well is very much needed!

[john e]

He’s more than a pest player for me He’s got a bit more quality about him, He’s always been good on the ball.
I think people moan about him losing possession because he’s always trying difficult passes to break through the lines
Same as Torres when you play a ball forward 20ft there’s a better chance of it going to the opposition than playing it safe to the side or back, people don’t always see that


Robbie Savage was a pest player, Emi is a far better footballer than that

[eamonn]

His finish last night, using the dozy defender as a shield before placement perfection was more than nuisance quality, the little fella can play.

He can also pop a productive pass to a player in space any chance he gets plus he's due to score an angled header from a corner á la his leaping salmon efforts in the past at Goodison & Wycombe.

[colin69]

Delighted with his form at the moment and was disappointed when he was subbed last night. Deserves it after the terrible injury and he’s worked hard by going out on loan and coming back. Good luck to him, long may it continue.

[paul_e]

He’s more than a pest player for me He’s got a bit more quality about him, He’s always been good on the ball.
I think people moan about him losing possession because he’s always trying difficult passes to break through the lines
Same as Torres when you play a ball forward 20ft there’s a better chance of it going to the opposition than playing it safe to the side or back, people don’t always see that

Robbie Savage was a pest player, Emi is a far better footballer than that

Nope not in the slightest, I don't mind a winger/10 who loses the ball trying to do something special, it's their job. My problem with Buendia has always been that he's sloppy with the easy stuff, 5yard passes that need to be played to feet and instead he puts it a yard wide to give a defender a chance to steal it, and silly things like that. He's been better this week but for most of his time here he'll do 2-3 of those a game and it drives me fucking mad.

[eamonn]

Maybe Rogers picked up the affliction in training.

[Dante Lavelli]

I think the pest factor is valid and it doesn’t necessarily mean he cannot play. 

Hopefully the pest bit will act a a catalyst for other players.  Buendia seems happy to do others running and tackling which could be liberating for Elliot, Sancho or Rogers (when his mojo returns), who dont have the same tenacity.  McGinn acts as a similar facilitator when he pays in one of the advanced midfield spots. 

I’m delighted he’s playing and doing well, as a minimum it means we should be able to command a fee near his ceiling price rather than him being viewed as surplus to requirements and therefore subject to low ball offers.

[DrGonzo]

Not the first time I've said it, he picks up positions that none of the rest will.  Stays in that gap between the midfield and the defence, but on the high side, nearer the defender than the midfield, defenders don't want to press him and lazy midfielders won't follow him.  He also has excellent timing on hisr uns into the box, he positions himself high on the pitch, let's the defenders follow the ball into the box and then hits the gaps they leave behind.  I like the guy.

[PeterWithesShin]

Pretty much already between Buendia and McGinn for the Ballon d'Or.

[N'ZMAV]

Bizot with the golden glove too

[Steve67]

Dreadful smash in the face from the Burnley player.  Should have been punished by the Referee.

[Somniloquism]

Lucky we have international week now as it means he shouldn't miss any games for concussion protocol.

[eamonn]

Not to defend the Burnley lad, but was it a case of Buendia's diminutive size counting against him? i.e it's natural to shield players away from you/the ball, you just don't tend to do it at neck height cos they're usually taller.