The Brooks Conundrum

[GreasyChipBeattie]

His defensive work was excellent last night.Really impressive actually, considering he was out of position.Setting up arguably Wales two best chances, this appearance shouldn't be underestimated. On a more general point, if he's to be our replacement/competition for Duffy he'll have to improve his pressing. His best work has come on the counter attack, in which he retreats into a defensive position then springs forward.Very early days yet though, and I'm already seeing improvements.

As you and most others say though mate, very early days/not the complete player/still learning his craft/potential so, do we stick or twist. Stick seems the popular opinion. One that I can understand but sadly don't agree with. If a sale funds promotion and takes us into a world where we can see a development player of our own do his stuff in the top league, then I that should be the aim shouldn't it?

 

[Sharrow Snuff Mill]

Firstly, my wholehearted congratulations to David Brooks on his first international cap.
Now, onto what will undoubtably be a controversial statement.
At the start of the season we all wanted, and have now seen, some of 'what he can do in a red and white shirt' before losing him to the big boys, or Everton.
So the question for me is, now that his stock has risen again with the international game under his belt, should we cash in in January?
I thought last night against France, he looked out of his depth and have thought so on a number of occasions in the league games in which he's played. I think he's still a way off being the player he could/will be and dare I say it, the player many people think he already is, but the Hillsborough nutmeg and Leeds winner apart, I don't think we've seen a huge amount of 'accomplished all round quality player' stuff or 'game changing player' outcomes....yet.
That being said, I still think he has huge potential and has already shown that he has great talent and a smart footballing brain with the ability to do something 'a bit special' but I'm tempted to think we might just be better off taking the money in January.
I think at the moment DB is more of an entertaining luxury than a game changer and if we were to get some crazy bid of, say, 30 million which could be used to bring in the necessary replacements to takes us up, it would have to be worth it wouldn't it?
I know there'd be no guarantee but surely, being in such a good position with all our good luck and momentum this season, we could utilise the money to sort the final pieces of the promotion jigsaw.
From what I've seen of him so far, David Brooks could go on to become world class. He could also hit his effectiveness level very soon, so what should it be? Stick and hopefully see him help us gain promotion and see him potentially further develop with us or twist to cash in and develop the squad, as we did with the so-called Calvert-Lewin money?
Sadly, for me it has to be the money.

You say that he has huge potential, great talent, a smart footballing brain, and has the ability to do something a bit special, yet you want to sell him !!! So presumably you want us to spend the money on less good players, just as we are possibly in with a chance of a Premier League return. I can only suggest you book a doctor`s appointment as soon as possible.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

He is the next TC. Anyone who can't see that should be watching netball. It's been a long wait.

Potentially

 

[8lade]

We don’t need him to be starting games at the moment and it’s so refreshing to have a potential match-winner waiting on the bench.

Great point. United are good enough as a team not to need him on the pitch from the start, first time I can say this of a top player for as long as I can remember and this means he is ideally situated to progress.

 

[Grizzly blade]

I understand the question posed, but not necessarily the answer he came up with.

For me, the only way a young player gets better is to face better players. Every game he plays for United he’s learning. He’s facing good players every week. And the debut for Wales was the next small step in his progression. He’s had a taste, he showed glimpses and will have learned that he needs to keep improving further to become a player capable of competing with and overcoming international players of the ability of France.

So if the OP was open to discuss the benefits of selling in 2 months, then yes as things stand we might make 10million pounds which could if spent wisely add 3-4 further quality players to the squad.
However, in 12 months we could be in the premier league, and Brooks therefore facing even better players week in week out, him improving even further and him being worth say 20m pounds....maybe even more! And those sums of money really are club changing as we stand presently.

So for me, it’s patience, look at the long game and see the club becoming even stronger

 

[Carlton Blade]

He's had development at 2 clubs with excellent youth systems but sometimes growth is incremental and sometimes it' exponential. I can't imagine how much better a player he is now compared to 12 months ago. I think we would be crazy to want to miss out on the potential of seeing a fantastic footballer find his feet with us. Fuck the money, I want to see something I remember in 30 years

 

[SelbyBlade]

Firstly, my wholehearted congratulations to David Brooks on his first international cap.
Now, onto what will undoubtably be a controversial statement.
At the start of the season we all wanted, and have now seen, some of 'what he can do in a red and white shirt' before losing him to the big boys, or Everton.
So the question for me is, now that his stock has risen again with the international game under his belt, should we cash in in January?
I thought last night against France, he looked out of his depth and have thought so on a number of occasions in the league games in which he's played. I think he's still a way off being the player he could/will be and dare I say it, the player many people think he already is, but the Hillsborough nutmeg and Leeds winner apart, I don't think we've seen a huge amount of 'accomplished all round quality player' stuff or 'game changing player' outcomes....yet.
That being said, I still think he has huge potential and has already shown that he has great talent and a smart footballing brain with the ability to do something 'a bit special' but I'm tempted to think we might just be better off taking the money in January.
I think at the moment DB is more of an entertaining luxury than a game changer and if we were to get some crazy bid of, say, 30 million which could be used to bring in the necessary replacements to takes us up, it would have to be worth it wouldn't it?
I know there'd be no guarantee but surely, being in such a good position with all our good luck and momentum this season, we could utilise the money to sort the final pieces of the promotion jigsaw.
From what I've seen of him so far, David Brooks could go on to become world class. He could also hit his effectiveness level very soon, so what should it be? Stick and hopefully see him help us gain promotion and see him potentially further develop with us or twist to cash in and develop the squad, as we did with the so-called Calvert-Lewin money?
Sadly, for me it has to be the money.

So the winner against Leeds, The pass that killed off the pigs and the pass to Donaldson weren't game changing? It really sounded like a "he's not as good as you all think post" from a pig fan. Not saying you are one but it's like you haven't seen him or are jealous somehow.

 

[Ricky]

As you and most others say though mate, very early days/not the complete player/still learning his craft/potential so, do we stick or twist. Stick seems the popular opinion. One that I can understand but sadly don't agree with. If a sale funds promotion and takes us into a world where we can see a development player of our own do his stuff in the top league, then I that should be the aim shouldn't it?

Have a go at answering this.

I'd like suggestions of exactly how any fee for him could be spent to improve us. Who could we sign, who we couldn't already, who wouldn't smash the wage structure and would make a bigger impact than Brooks?

Anybody else also welcome to try.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

You say that he has huge potential, great talent, a smart footballing brain, and has the ability to do something a bit special, yet you want to sell him !!! So presumably you want us to spend the money on less good players, just as we are possibly in with a chance of a Premier League return. I can only suggest you book a doctor`s appointment as soon as possible.

I'm not sure a doctor would be any better at predicting the outcome his potential than the rest of us SSM

 

[nopigfansintown]

As you and most others say though mate, very early days/not the complete player/still learning his craft/potential so, do we stick or twist. Stick seems the popular opinion. One that I can understand but sadly don't agree with. If a sale funds promotion and takes us into a world where we can see a development player of our own do his stuff in the top league, then I that should be the aim shouldn't it?

That's just it though: would selling Brooks now strengthen us? I wouldn't swap him for Tom Lawrence and he's believed to have cost 7 million.What kind of fee would be required to make it worthwhile - 20-30 million? Then you've got the big wages to pay for the big name signings and disharmony in the dressing room(Swillsborough and Forestieri anyone?).Even the developing Brooks is key to giving us a threat on the counter attack, which has already got us points. I could just so easily argue that keeping him and not selling is pivotal to our promotion hopes.No Brooks, no threat on the counter attack.I'm not convinced that selling, even for huge money, would make promotion more likely.

 

[Harry's Game]

The extended contract and the chances that we will be at least in the play offs make me pretty confident he will be here all this season.

Whether he is here next season depends entirely if we go up or not.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Sorry Ricky for some reason I couldn't copy and paste your post. Regarding who we could buy. No idea mate. I don't get to watch much footy outside of United games but I'm sure CW has his targets and if getting those targets to give us the best chance of going up depends on the Brooks money I think we need to make it available. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see another TC in a promotion winning side and I wouldn't bet against it happening.

 

[coolhandluke]

If we can get 5 million or more for him ..... sell . I'm still far from convinced about him .

 

[Snowman]

Good question.

 

[blademark]

I guess by out of his depth npfit, I mean his all round game. There's no doubt, given the space/opportunity to show his skill, he can do it, but when you have to make that space yourself/hold off a strong defender/chase back and defend, he has a way to go.

Plenty of £50m internationals also struggle with the 'all round game' !

 

[UnitedBlade]

He’s played 530 minutes of League football.

Scored once, made two, over 80% pass completion rate.

To make a full international debut is some achievement.

Chris and the club know they have a special talent. Unfortunately everybody else also now knows.

He’s happy and I can’t see him going anywhere this season.

A massive well done to DB, you don’t get there without hard work and dedication matching your talent.

 

[stringer]

The lads played 10 first team games.

Of course he’s not the complete player, or ready to play regularly against the likes of France.

Jesus Christ.

Yes, wait until he’s played 20 to write him off, right Dan?

 

[bromtom]

If Tunaman is right and players read this, Brooksy, you were great against France last night. It was like night and day when the yoof came on, and I think they'd have beat Ireland with that team.

He's obviously a big talent, but any big team that comes in for him in the Prem isn't going to play him I imagine, so if Liverpool want him, is he going to push out Mane, Lallana, Henderson, Firmino, Coutinho etc? Don't think so, so it's a case of being on the bench forever on a good wage with an occasional cup appearance, and then being sold to Burnley or something when you're 28 or playing football for us at the moment.

A smaller team that comes in for him may still not guarantee him first team football at this stage in his career so again, while he's playing and learning and has adoration from fans, why not stay put, and if current form continues, he won't have to go anywhere to play for smaller Premiership team touch wood and all that.

He knows what it's like to be fucked about by a premier league club, he probably thought his career as a footballer was over after Man City dropped him, that's got to leave a few scars, he knows United want him to develop and he has done so already here.

I'm sure he's had conversations with United about the above and I'm sure United know that at some point, if we aren't in the Premier League, we'll be holding him back if he continues as he has been, and will do right by him and let him go, but he's only 20. He doesn't start every game for us because he still has areas he needs to develop, if he serves his full contract with us, he'll end up as a 24/25 year old player with nearly 5 years first team experience. That's still plenty of career to go and play for Man U, Liverpool if he wants to.

Personally, I'd get an answerphone message saying he's not for sale on the phones, and continue as we have been. Van Dijk proved that even if stupid money is being offered, you're not forced to sell, and we don't need to. He's said himself he likes it at United, likes Sheffield, and hopes to be here for a long time. I don't think he's the kind of person to say that if he didn't mean it.

Of course McCabe could put a big dog in the works but I feel like Wilder would sort him out if he tried owt.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Plenty of £50m internationals also struggle with the 'all round game' !

Great point BM

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

I understand the original post. It's a gamble either way; I would consider the main point for not selling is that he offers something unique at the moment. We could not replace him like-for-like. He is mainly Plan B at the moment, but he can be that much of a game-changer (and at the same time an entertainer) that he is well worth keeping.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

I'd like suggestions of exactly how any fee for him could be spent to improve us. Who could we sign, who we couldn't already, who wouldn't smash the wage structure and would make a bigger impact than Brooks?

We are going to need some cash for a striker with pace next season in the Premier League.

But.. No. We should not entertain any bidders for the lad, he is already outstanding and has so much more potential to fulfil.

I am from the "Sheffield United are as entitled as anyone to win Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League" School of Thought, and I'd hate for him to miss his chance to be part of the adventure.

 

[YorkBlade]

Current Ability 109
Potential Ability 165

 

[Ldn_Rd_Blades]

Everything is absolutely perfect at the moment.

Absolutely perfect.

Everything.

We don't need to do anything other then strengthen a bit in January.

Enjoy it FFS, I'm sat watching Donny v Toy Town with joy in my heart we are well away from that shit league.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Love the fact that, rather than shelling out for "ready-made" players, we're seeing a philosophy played out involving players develop & grow & improve before our very eyes - JOC, Stevens, Fleck & Coutts, the granddads Duffy & Clarke, and not least the whippersnapper Brooks.

Such a fulfilling & exciting time to be a Blade.

Personally, I couldn't give a shite who we do or don't sign in January, so long as we keep this side together & don't lose Brooksy.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Love the fact that, rather than shelling out for "ready-made" players, we're seeing a philosophy played out involving players develop & grow & improve before our very eyes - JOC, Stevens, Fleck & Coutts, the granddads Duffy & Clarke, and not least the whippersnapper Brooks.

Such a fulfilling & exciting time to be a Blade.

Personally, I couldn't give a shite who we do or don't sign in January, so long as we keep this side together & don't lose Brooksy.

The way I feel at the moment.. If he stays? Brilliant. If he goes? Well, Wilder will bring some player in that will raise a few eyebrows (Leon anyone?) who will go tear the league a new one.

Quick edit.. I've never felt so positive as a Blade than I have for the last year.

 

[diode_blade]

If and still a big if even though things are looking very good at the mo, we have a chance of going up via the auto's or even through the playoffs then I think young David is sensible enough to stay, hopefully he will know what has happened to other rising young star in the lower leagues that the so called billy big bolox prem clubs have snapped up and just left to rot on the bench for a few years (not all of them obviously), let's put it this way,
hopefully DB will be thinking like this

"Do I want to be sat on the bench, making the odd appearance and numerous cuppas or do I want to be part of a club that took me in when one of the billy big boys got rid of me, nurtured me and has given me a chance to play regular 1st team footie, plus being able to turn porkers inside out, in one of the countries biggest derby games, plus I think the fans seem to like me, I don't know why...."

"errrrr gaffer i've bust the kettle again....."

 

[Slim Man]

Yes, wait until he’s played 20 to write him off, right Dan?

Do you talk out your arse on a daily basis?

Actually forget that, based on who you’re employed by, I know the answer already.

 

[Tommoblade66]

Signed a massive 4 year contract the other week so sadly that tells me he's on the market, or pay his wages. The cynical in me says the former.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

So the winner against Leeds, The pass that killed off the pigs and the pass to Donaldson weren't game changing? It really sounded like a "he's not as good as you all think post" from a pig fan. Not saying you are one but it's like you haven't seen him or are jealous somehow.

I tried to balance my opinion of what he has done so far and what he has yet to develop into SB.
More to the point though, was the question of whether it would be better to cash in now (Jan) and use the money to improve the overall effectiveness of the team for a promotion push, or hope we have enough with what we have got or can buy in Jan on a more limited budget.
I appreciate it's impossible to be certain of what the outcome will be either way, but CW might need to make a business decision in January as he did with Calvert-Lewin unless, of course, he didn't think C-L had a future at the Lane.

 

[Tommoblade66]

Everything is absolutely perfect at the moment.

Absolutely perfect.

Everything.

We don't need to do anything other then strengthen a bit in January.

Enjoy it FFS, I'm sat watching Donny v Toy Town with joy in my heart we are well away from that shit league.

Except we do, even the Radio Sheffield presenters have recognised that. January will be a big month and tell us whether or not we're serious