Loanwatch 2023/24

[pablo_picasso]

Yes, potential plays a big part, I agree, but Alex Scott is also a very talented player who does far more than score and assist.  He's a Grealish-style dribbler, and was the Championship Young Player of the Year in the 22/23 season at 19 (and got in the team of the season), despite playing for a team that finished 14th.  He's very highly rated by the people who've played against him.  I'll be surprised if he's still at Bournemouth in a couple of years.

That's not to say Azaz isn't a very good player in his own right.  I just think comparing him to someone like Alex Scott is a bit unfair on him.  Not every promising midfielder thriving in the Championship is worth £25m.

Oh, Im not comparing Scott to Azaz.

Apologies if my piss poor communication skills led you down that road.

I was more talking about Scott in relation to his price being inflated due to his potential, compared to Aaron Ramsey who had far higher stats for goals & assists in a shorter period of games, along with the influence he had on Middlesbrough in that as soon as he got injured, their form dropped off a cliff.

Now I don't disagree with Scotts price. I think it's fine because despite his relatively poor stats, he is worth a fair whack due to his potential.

I just think that Villa as a club, don't appear to use potential of the player to inflate the valuation.

As for Azaz, at 23, (24 by the start of next season in Sept), I would think that the "potential" selling point wouldn't be so strong.

His fee should probably be around the £15m-£20m mark, if he keeps up his form...

[paul_e]

Yes, potential plays a big part, I agree, but Alex Scott is also a very talented player who does far more than score and assist.  He's a Grealish-style dribbler, and was the Championship Young Player of the Year in the 22/23 season at 19 (and got in the team of the season), despite playing for a team that finished 14th.  He's very highly rated by the people who've played against him.  I'll be surprised if he's still at Bournemouth in a couple of years.

That's not to say Azaz isn't a very good player in his own right.  I just think comparing him to someone like Alex Scott is a bit unfair on him.  Not every promising midfielder thriving in the Championship is worth £25m.

Oh, Im not comparing Scott to Azaz.

Apologies if my piss poor communication skills led you down that road.

I was more talking about Scott in relation to his price being inflated due to his potential, compared to Aaron Ramsey who had far higher stats for goals & assists in a shorter period of games, along with the influence he had on Middlesbrough in that as soon as he got injured, their form dropped off a cliff.

Now I don't disagree with Scotts price. I think it's fine because despite his relatively poor stats, he is worth a fair whack due to his potential.

I just think that Villa as a club, don't appear to use potential of the player to inflate the valuation.

As for Azaz, at 23, (24 by the start of next season in Sept), I would think that the "potential" selling point wouldn't be so strong.

His fee should probably be around the £15m-£20m mark, if he keeps up his form...

To be fair I sort of did, not to compare their ability but rather to show that young players who do well in the championship go for those sort of fees.

[Gareth]

He seems to have handled every step up well so would have good value to a Championship side either in Jan or summer.  Odd that he has looked good yet hasn’t made a debut for a poor Ireland side yet just one u21 cap I believe

[DrGonzo]

And word is out! Azaz being suggested as of interest to Boro and Southampton.

[Dogtanian]

And word is out! Azaz being suggested as of interest to Boro and Southampton.

I'm not sure if a mid-season switch is in his best interest, although with the manager leaving Plymouth, maybe that changes things for him. If he's settled and enjoying his football at Plymouth, and doing well, you'd think he'd be unlikely to move for another loan at the same level. If it's a permanent move, then potentially that would be better, especially if there's a chance of promotion and being in the PL next season.

You'd be pissed off if you were a baggies fan though. We took him off their hands on a free transfer and loaned him straight out for three seasons and now stand to make a big profit on a player we've barely lifted a finger on!

[DrGonzo]

Southampton would be a step up. Also if they gain automatic promotion he might get his first taste of premiership football with them.

[eamonn]

What type of player is he - obviously he has an eye for a goal and seems to have a great shot on him but in general play what are his strengths? Is he reliable/useful off the ball etc. ?

[pablo_picasso]

And word is out! Azaz being suggested as of interest to Boro and Southampton.

I'm not sure if a mid-season switch is in his best interest, although with the manager leaving Plymouth, maybe that changes things for him. If he's settled and enjoying his football at Plymouth, and doing well, you'd think he'd be unlikely to move for another loan at the same level. If it's a permanent move, then potentially that would be better, especially if there's a chance of promotion and being in the PL next season.

You'd be pissed off if you were a baggies fan though. We took him off their hands on a free transfer and loaned him straight out for three seasons and now stand to make a big profit on a player we've barely lifted a finger on!

Stoke are a decent bet due to previous Muff' manager Schumacher knowing & trusting Azaz from their time together...

It all depends on whether we can recall him now to send him to Stoke.

Although sending him to Stoke is not exactly a reward, as its sending him to Stoke, & while Plymouth isn't the greatest city in the world (they unironically accuse Birmingham of being a grey shit-hole, yet they actually spray a lot of their houses with grey concrete), but close to Plymouth via a short cycle ride, you can visit a couple of lovely beaches, & a car ride can take you to some real beautiful scenic places, so its not the worst area in the country to live...

[Dave]

Given how consistent he's been for the last couple of years and how rubbish Ireland are, can any of our Irish brethren shed any light on why his international career consists of one solitary under-21 cap?

He's too old now, but given there's a guy currently in the U-21s who plays in the third tier in Belgium, you'd think he'd have played a bit in the last few years.

[pablo_picasso]

What type of player is he - obviously he has an eye for a goal and seems to have a great shot on him but in general play what are his strengths? Is he reliable/useful off the ball etc. ?

Plymouth have used him as an 8 or a 10, mostly.

At a push they have also used him left mid.

He is physical, about 6'1", has a bit of pace, skilful, presses high, works hard, creates chances, scores (bangers), assists, etc.

Defending isn't his strong point, but he does it anyway.

My brother in law & nephew, who go to all home & away games, say he "can do things that others cant" (direct quote), & they absolutely love him.

My cleaner & her family, who go to a lot of games & have ties to the club going back decades, absolutely adore him & apparently he appears to be a decent young man who wants to keep pushing & learning.

They all think that he is too good for the Championship...

[eamonn]

Yeah, I don't get that either. Stephen Kenny must have tried that many players in his tenure, I'm surprised that he didn't give Conor Hourihane's toddler a go (top dribbler, etc.).

[Brazilian Villain]

Given how consistent he's been for the last couple of years and how rubbish Ireland are, can any of our Irish brethren shed any light on why his international career consists of one solitary under-21 cap?

Stephen Kenny doesn't know his arse from his elbow.

[OCD]

Azaz is going to Middlesbrough for £2m apparently.

[Dogtanian]

Azaz is going to Middlesbrough for £2m apparently.

Has that come from Football Insider though? That's the only place I've seen it and if so... well. 

[eamonn]

From £20m to £2m in the blink of an eye. Bet he scores the winner against us on Saturday too...