FAO Neil Thomson

[VanNistelrater]

I read a few reserve match report's and i keep hearing the name Danny Nardiello, i know little about this bloke apart from he's prolific in reserves, i know he played against Haifa and Leicester, but i saw none of those games, 2 of the 3 matches i've had to miss this season in some wya or another, which is un-fortunate. Basically, i was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about him, strengths, weaknesses etc...seen asthough your the only one on here i know that has MUTV <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" />
Also, would you back a place for him in the first team or what?
Anyone else who knows anythin about him would be appreciated 'swell

 

[Neil Thomson]

I'm not the only one with MUTV, there are quite a few of us, but I suspect I watch the reserve games the most apart from MPTutd and Bury Red.

In past years I think Danny would have had more games than he has this year, certainly in the cups, and if we won the league with games to spare I'm sure he'd get games too. I think he deserves some substitute appearances, because he's as ready for first team action as Forlan.

I think he's most like Ole as a player in that his strongest quality is being a natural finisher, whether its with his head or feet - he's very good in one on one's. He's a striker rather than a forward and depends on service, but he makes good runs, though like Ruud he's not great at avoiding the offside trap. He's not lightning quick just as Ole never was. I think he should be tried when Ruud's injured or being rested, as he's suited to leading the line.

He's tall enough now, but like O'Shea last season, hasn't filled out completely yet and will need to further develop his upper body strength so he can use his strength in the way that Ruud does. He's scored 10 goals in 11 reserve games which shows you how good a finisher he is. I'm not saying he can't pass, because he can, but its just not what his game is about.

When he came on against Haifa I thought he looked very lively, and added a goalscoring threat that we hadn't had for the rest of the game. He certainly wasn't at all daunted by the experience., which is a good sign.