Jota

[Erik ten Hank]

You may well be right but in fairness, the last time he played for Benfica B was 2018/2019? Even his last appearances for Benfica first team were in 19/20. That's 4 seasons ago when he was 20 years old.

Is it not possible he has developed significantly since then?

You are right in a sense. And I'm no authority as a "scout" evaluating younger players, simply sharing my personal opinion. But all I can do is look at those performances and how his teammates in that squad evolved as players and their career trajectory.

And usually I don't think I'm wrong a lot. I remember the last game I saw him with the Benfica B team because it was the last game I went to before the pandemic happened. There were multiple highly rated youngsters on that team that, in my opinion at the time, they were kinda shit and time has prove me right. For example, Ze Gomes was a highly rated striker that was already being linked with top European clubs. He's shit. Goncalo Ramos was on the bench and clearly to me the much better player. Ramos continued his upwards trajectory by getting in the Benfica main team and now a big move to PSG. Another one was Tiago Dantas....

Bringing it back to Jota's career trajectory, the fact is that he didn't manage to really get into the Benfica senior team. And then a move to Celtic, although a big team historically, isn't the traditional move a big prospect would make coming from the Benfica academy. Plenty of European giants are constantly trying to poach talents from the Portuguese big 3 and there's a reason he went to Celtic of all places. And I'm not sure what to make of his move to the Saudi league at such a young age.

He's the type of player who, I think, manages to trick the casual viewer. He has a knack for long shot goals and tricky dribbling, traits that will always look good on highlights. But as a complete package and mature player I believe both Solomon and Bryan Gil have much bigger ceilings.

 

[HildoSpur]

You are right in a sense. And I'm no authority as a "scout" evaluating younger players, simply sharing my personal opinion. But all I can do is look at those performances and how his teammates in that squad evolved as players and their career trajectory.

And usually I don't think I'm wrong a lot. I remember the last game I saw him with the Benfica B team because it was the last game I went to before the pandemic happened. There were multiple highly rated youngsters on that team that, in my opinion at the time, they were kinda shit and time has prove me right. For example, Ze Gomes was a highly rated striker that was already being linked with top European clubs. He's shit. Goncalo Ramos was on the bench and clearly to me the much better player. Ramos continued his upwards trajectory by getting in the Benfica main team and now a big move to PSG. Another one was Tiago Dantas....

Bringing it back to Jota's career trajectory, the fact is that he didn't manage to really get into the Benfica senior team. And then a move to Celtic, although a big team historically, isn't the traditional move a big prospect would make coming from the Benfica academy. Plenty of European giants are constantly trying to poach talents from the Portuguese big 3 and there's a reason he went to Celtic of all places. And I'm not sure what to make of his move to the Saudi league at such a young age.

He's the type of player who, I think, manages to trick the casual viewer. He has a knack for long shot goals and tricky dribbling, traits that will always look good on highlights. But as a complete package and mature player I believe both Solomon and Bryan Gil have much bigger ceilings.

He knows Ange's system really well and has proved he can be very effective in that role. He may not be a world beater but if we can bring him in on a loan then I don't see a single down side to it.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

You are right in a sense. And I'm no authority as a "scout" evaluating younger players, simply sharing my personal opinion. But all I can do is look at those performances and how his teammates in that squad evolved as players and their career trajectory.

And usually I don't think I'm wrong a lot. I remember the last game I saw him with the Benfica B team because it was the last game I went to before the pandemic happened. There were multiple highly rated youngsters on that team that, in my opinion at the time, they were kinda shit and time has prove me right. For example, Ze Gomes was a highly rated striker that was already being linked with top European clubs. He's shit. Goncalo Ramos was on the bench and clearly to me the much better player. Ramos continued his upwards trajectory by getting in the Benfica main team and now a big move to PSG. Another one was Tiago Dantas....

Bringing it back to Jota's career trajectory, the fact is that he didn't manage to really get into the Benfica senior team. And then a move to Celtic, although a big team historically, isn't the traditional move a big prospect would make coming from the Benfica academy. Plenty of European giants are constantly trying to poach talents from the Portuguese big 3 and there's a reason he went to Celtic of all places. And I'm not sure what to make of his move to the Saudi league at such a young age.

He's the type of player who, I think, manages to trick the casual viewer. He has a knack for long shot goals and tricky dribbling, traits that will always look good on highlights. But as a complete package and mature player I believe both Solomon and Bryan Gil have much bigger ceilings.

Thanks for sharing. I have no certainty around Jota at all, that's one of the reasons I suggested we do a loan with option if we do go for him.

The only thing I'd say with the bold section is sometimes players develop at different speeds and take different paths to make it. Kante for example was 24 when he signed for Leicester and was completely under the radar. Vardy obviously came up through the lower leagues too.

I agree the fact he moved to Saudi at a young age has made me question his hunger and commitment though.

In terms of LW, there aren't loads of options now Doku signed for City, Nico Williams signed a new contract and Zaragoza signed for Bayern.

I think I'd probably go for Antonio Nusa as he fits the young potential superstar category like Udogie, Sarr etc.

 

[Caco]

You can always make a big thing about the standard of football in the SPL, but one thing I will say about it is that its quick and tough. Because of that you tend to get a lot of "agricultural" players thriving up there, but when a skilful player excels, they tend to be pretty good. Thinking of Larsson, Petrov, VVD, etc. as examples. But for the most part, its the grafters that tend to be more successful, Todd Cantwell looks like Messi up there.

 

[talkshowhost86]

My concern with Jota is much more about him moving to Saudi than him having previously played in Scotland.

But if its a loan its relatively low risk and having someone with his versatility and knowledge of the Ange system could be key for the last stages of the season.

 

[robertgoulet]

I'd be much more open to adding him if we didn't already have Solomon taking up the international "tricky winger who is probably not good enough for a Top 4 Premier League squad but he was cheap so let's see" slot.

 

[talkshowhost86]

I'd be much more open to adding him if we didn't already have Solomon taking up the international "tricky winger who is probably not good enough for a Top 4 Premier League squad but he was cheap so let's see" slot.

But we don't have Solomon right now and there is a noticeable drop off in quality when we have to play Gil.

Not saying Jota is the answer but I'd certainly be happy with us having another attacking option either way.

 

[King of the Lane]

There are so many opinions about not wanting him but I would wager 90% of SC members havent watched more than 5 games he has played in.

 

[KILLA_SIN]

There are so many opinions about not wanting him but I would wager 90% of SC members havent watched more than 5 games he has played in.

Fives being generous

 

[Hercules]

He is better than Gil and Solomon. Not even a debate

 

[Snarfalicious]

Think I’ll trust Ange and his analysis of the player as he’ll know better than anyone if he can be a good addition to the squad.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Obligatory scouting trip to YouTube:




1st 15 seconds reminded me of Bryan. Then I saw him shoot the ball....

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Have we been linked again?

 

[Tucker]

My concern with Jota is much more about him moving to Saudi than him having previously played in Scotland.

Given he’s a Mendes client, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he’s been poorly advised.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

He's got an eye for the goal, and a porn stache for the ladies. What's not to like?

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Would be an upgrade on every winger we currently have imo, he’s absolutely class and would offer us something different.

However I’d prefer we prioritised a striker in Jan and then move for Jota in summer.

If we are considering extending Son - I think that is the answer at striker for the next couple of seasons. And we see how Veliz progresses.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Watching his goals above - and he is a wet dream for @Archibald&Crooks (and his bookie) - he scores from outside the box, headers, free kicks, Pens

 

[Real_madyidd]

So, why is he available if he is as good as people are saying?

 

[EQP]

So, why is he available if he is as good as people are saying?

Saudi Pro Clubs can only register a total of eight foreign players over the course of the season. Jota happens to the 9th foreign player on his team ( Al-Ittihad ) and is currently unregistered. Meaning he's only been eligible to feature in the odd cup game but not the actual Saudi League.

 

[fridgemagnet]

I just dont see any downside to it, particularly on loan. Could absolutely bang and we make it permanent, and if not, off he goes back to Saudi

I don't know much about him but I'd prefer not dealing with Mendes TBH.