Nicolò Zaniolo

[thefierycamel]

If you take his knees out of the equation he is absolutely a 50 million euro player in todays market - comfortably even, and if we're going to sign him we can't sit in fear of his knees we just have to enjoy the ride

I mean he definitely isn't lol. 2 goals and 5 assists in Serie A last season from 30 appearances or whatever it was is nowhere near worth that much money, even without the dodgy knee history. Would be absolutely mental to spend that much on him when we have more glaring weaknesses (CB and midfield, and even RWB potentially, not that we'll sign another there at this point). He's going to be 5th choice in attack, which just shouldn't be the priority at this point.

 

[Harrier]

The problem we’re having getting rid of Lo Celso, Regullion etc is supposedly European clubs don’t have any money so only offer 15 -20 million for players we paid double that for. Given that scenario, despite the fact that I think Zaniolo could be a good player for us, I’m a bit reluctant to pay 50M Euros for him because if it doesn’t work out no one in the PL( which is the only League with any money) is going to buy him and nobody in Europe will be able to afford him.
It’s a bit of a Catch 22. European clubs demand top dollar from us for their players cos we’re “rich” but will plead poverty and offer low fees when trying to buy our players. Until they fully recover from the financial effects of the pandemic we’re better buying players from the domestic leagues. As it is the PL is subsiding European Clubs.

It’s something I’ve found quite irritating recently whereby we seem to be quoted top dollar for players were interested in, yet we’re expected to sell Lo Celso etc, to them for an absolute song. Grrrr! ?

 

[Trix]

I mean he definitely isn't lol. 2 goals and 5 assists in Serie A last season from 30 appearances or whatever it was is nowhere near worth that much money, even without the dodgy knee history. Would be absolutely mental to spend that much on him when we have more glaring weaknesses (CB and midfield, and even RWB potentially, not that we'll sign another there at this point). He's going to be 5th choice in attack, which just shouldn't be the priority at this point.

It's a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

 

[double0]

Classic example of stats gone wrong M Dembele.

Ask the players who is the best player most to all said MD. Not discounting stats tho they do have a function.

 

[AssaTM]

I mean he definitely isn't lol. 2 goals and 5 assists in Serie A last season from 30 appearances or whatever it was is nowhere near worth that much money, even without the dodgy knee history. Would be absolutely mental to spend that much on him when we have more glaring weaknesses (CB and midfield, and even RWB potentially, not that we'll sign another there at this point). He's going to be 5th choice in attack, which just shouldn't be the priority at this point.

 

[eddiev14]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

Ok boomer…

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

Agree completely. Many people these days come to a complete judgment on a player, their strengths, weaknesses, what position they should play etc, with only looking at a stat sheet, a YouTube highlights video and maybe the odd Europa League match. Not that one can’t get a feel for a player. But I don’t know how anyone can really judge a player without watching them for 90 mins a good number of times.

The problem now is if we get him he will be criticised by a portion of our fan base from the get go just because he’s not Maddison. If you go on the hell hole that is twitter, this potential transfer is getting so much hate. It’s as if people have already made up their mind about a 23 year olds ability. Sad really considering Zaniolo is an exciting prospect and I for one am looking forward to seeing how Conte helps him develop.

 

[piedpiper]

The problem we’re having getting rid of Lo Celso, Regullion etc is supposedly European clubs don’t have any money so only offer 15 -20 million for players we paid double that for. Given that scenario, despite the fact that I think Zaniolo could be a good player for us, I’m a bit reluctant to pay 50M Euros for him because if it doesn’t work out no one in the PL( which is the only League with any money) is going to buy him and nobody in Europe will be able to afford him.
It’s a bit of a Catch 22. European clubs demand top dollar from us for their players cos we’re “rich” but will plead poverty and offer low fees when trying to buy our players. Until they fully recover from the financial effects of the pandemic we’re better buying players from the domestic leagues. As it is the PL is subsiding European Clubs.

Sell low and Insert a sell on clause or add one fir x amount of games played etc. I'd honestly walk away from a ridiculous fee for Zaniolo even if it's who Conte wants...... not at the prices quoted of 42.5 Million pounds. There are question marks around his fitness etc. There isn’t any bidding war for his services.... let's not get all silly with such a signing. I'd sooner look elsewhere for cover in his position.

 

[YiddoBirdy]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

Probably should just keep Lo celso then

 

[luRRka]

Probably should just keep Lo celso then

Way to miss the point dude

 

[Klinsmannesque]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

Luka Modric

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

1,000,000% spot on.

Stats/schmats.

I think Ginola once had a season for us where he only scored about 6 goals but was our player of the season absolutely incredible player but these days someone would never watch him play, look on transfer market to see his ‘stats’ and write him off.

Eye test always was and always will be the best way to judge a player.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Luka Modric

Great example

 

[GutBucket]

Modric looks great in advanced stats, always has. Zaniolo looks terrible compared to wide forwards/wingers but great compared to other forwards.

 

[DodgyLasagne]

I’ve honestly never seen him play other than the ECL final.

Seeing people struggling to identify many strengths, those for and against Zaniolo, but noting his size and ability to pick up multiple positions, would it be fair to compare him to Havertz at all?

Havertz doesn’t seem to have any standout traits but his size and ability to pop up everywhere causes problems and he scores a few goals from it and wondering if it is remotely comparable?

nah don't see it as a good comparison. Havertz is first and foremost a central, technical midfielder. He has evolved to a false 9 with roaming capabilities but his archetype is that of pass-and-move, central play. Likes to pop up in the box, so intricate movement in the attacking 3rd, uses his intelligence, guile, vision. He honestly plays a bit like Thomas Muller did he’s two footed and languid, glides around.

Zaniolo is a livewire dribbler who runs, runs, and runs some more at defenders. He’s also much more of a natural winger than Kai. He’s got dribbling ability to be sure but he’s not CAM the way Havertz is and lacks his close control, technical/passing, and intelligence, he’s also a better athlete. He’s going to carry the ball and dribble a lot and not that good at little layoffs, flicks, passes around the box that Havertz excels in.

If you must have a Zaniolo comparison, picture Gareth Bale’s body with the injuries and brain/playing style of Christian Pulisic.

 

[Rob]

1,000,000% spot on.

Stats/schmats.

I think Ginola once had a season for us where he only scored about 6 goals but was our player of the season absolutely incredible player but these days someone would never watch him play, look on transfer market to see his ‘stats’ and write him off.

Eye test always was and always will be the best way to judge a player.

Ginola's xGA was huge though ;-)

 

[rawhide]

1,000,000% spot on.

Stats/schmats.

I think Ginola once had a season for us where he only scored about 6 goals but was our player of the season absolutely incredible player but these days someone would never watch him play, look on transfer market to see his ‘stats’ and write him off.

Eye test always was and always will be the best way to judge a player.

“There are lies, damn lies and statistics.”

Apparently Mark Twain attributed this quote to Disraeli, but the origin remains unclear.

 

[Jamturk]

I think this is going to happen.

 

[doctor stefan Freud]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

I agree with 72% of what you say

 

[soflapaul]

Iits a shame that stats are such an over riding factor to so many fans nowadays. Never looking at the context of those stats and ignoring the most important element. "The eye test". Hate to think how many truly wonderful players would have been completely overlooked if the stat men had of been scouting young players.

The certainty with which opinions are expressed based on stats, youtube, and FM is positively correlated with the "I" test.