[amolbhatia50k]

It’s a shame he’s so slow and struggling with the pace/ intensity of the PL because we actually could really use a Martial / Berbatov type talent in terms of technical ability. There was this one pass he drilled cross field I think to Dalot and there’s nobody in the team who would hit it like he did allowing the recipient to run on to it. He does little things like that in the buildup when he’s on it that tells me that there’s an exciting player in there - the question is whether that’s one only meant to shine in slower leagues or he can somehow make the step up.

Amorim’s comments tell me it’s the former as generally a manager doesn’t say that unless the player looks defeated.

 

[criticalanalysis]

Zirkzee is 23 and I remember another 23 year old striker being in a similar position, both in terms of criticism and the same part of the same pitch

Wow the memories.

The funny thing here is that Forlan's shot was straight at Dudek, who wasn't a great keeper by any means (and in the same game gifted Forlan his first goal) whilst Zirkzee was against Alison, one of the best 1 vs 1 keepers.

I wouldn't have blamed Zirkzee for shooting but I know if he had missed, the narrative here would be 'why did he square across the 6 yard box for an easier chance?!'.

 

[TheRedDevil'sAdvocate]

It’s a shame he’s so slow and struggling with the pace/ intensity of the PL because we actually could really use a Martial / Berbatov type talent in terms of technical ability. There was this one pass he drilled cross field I think to Dalot and there’s nobody in the team who would hit it like he did allowing the recipient to run on to it. He does little things like that in the buildup when he’s on it that tells me that there’s an exciting player in there - the question is whether that’s one only meant to shine in slower leagues or he can somehow make the step up.

Amorim’s comments tell me it’s the former as generally a manager doesn’t say that unless the player looks defeated.

The thing is that his current problem is similar to Hojlund's. We see a glimpse of this and then a glimpse of that, but there doesn't seem to actually be something there to build upon. Martial, when he first came here, could take defenders on/finish while running with the ball and dribble his way out of a tight space. Berbatov's first touch was one of the best the sport has ever seen. Moreover - and leaving his attitude aside for a moment - people often remember his "style" more than the fact that he didn't have issues coping with the particularities of PL football. He has to help himself first and foremost.

 

[AkaAkuma]

Could an alternative timeline happen where the manager, players and fans rally behind him and he finishes the season with us and steadily improves?

I think to sign Osimhen now would be prohibitive as we need to pay Napoli and Gala.
Gyokeres is more a summer signing.
Kolo Muani would bring all the same issues as Zirkzee with 6 less months of experience.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

The knee jerk takes on here get more extravagant by the week.....