I like the comment saying he’s been a revolution.
My personal thoughts are that he is a pretty good player, but it really depends on who he’s playing for and their style. He looks great when he’s facing the goal 40 yards out and running at defenders, looking to make something happen. Ideally cutting in from the left side. That’s why he looked good for WBA, a team usually on the front foot in a league they’re looking to get out of. That’s also why he has looked good for us on the occasions we change the system at 60 mins and are chasing a goal.
I don’t think he is suited to us and our system as we don’t play with wingers and he will usually be asked to hold up the ball with his back to goal and bring other players into the game which is not really his game. That’s not to say he isn’t a good player though.
I will say that he isn’t as quick or explosive as I thought he would be. I have been a little bit disappointed in him but again I put that down to all the reasons above rather than actually his ability or character.
If we got ten million for him, I think it would probably be to a relegated side like Norwich, who will be looking for him to do the same again and get them up, rather than WBA as he’s going to be fall into the same trap with them next year as he has with us this year. I don’t really think he’s intelligent enough as a player yet in terms of decision making to play the number ten and replace Mcgoldrick long term.
I’d be interested to see how he is as a number 9, that could prove to be an inspired loan move if it’s transpired that he can play that role effectively and comes back to us and plays that role next year for us with Mcburnie in behind him pulling the strings. He’s also useful as he can play out wide and enables us to change the system and make use of the 5 subs rule.
I’m really torn about keeping him tbh. For ten million, that could sign Lallana on a free and pay his wages for a year or two. However I wouldn’t be opposed to keeping him here, I think we need better as a starter but he definitely makes the bench look a lot stronger.