GeneralJazzman

Doubt they would see Bacuna as long term, maybe make do until January if the wanted targets are not available. I do think we could cope until then but rather we got one in now, someone with more intelligence, can defend and can deliver a good ball.

I am coming round to the Knockeart idea some posters have mentioned before. He may not have the pace but he does seem a smart player.

I think it was a poor decision on our part to sign him and a poor decision for him to accept. Not a correct fit really.

Who will pay £7m plus and £60k a week for a player who couldn't get into a relegated team?

Well that's promising. I wanted Benteke straight into the team and didn't warm to Bent beyond the opening goal against City. Our gut feelings / intuition can really have an effect on how we see these players. Maybe I expect more from Ayew and am disappointed. I don't know, eitherway if he can set up them up and score + ensure his other responsibilities are covered then he's alright by me.

Fair play. I am putting him into the boat as McCormack, once it all starts gelling then I think I will be onboard more. Its weird the players you warm to and ones you don't.

Good question, was debating Ronaldo versus Messi with friends the other day and I chose Ronaldo. He is a maverick who can score, setup, lead and is a petulant sod but I chose him. He is a known quantity who can still perform the unpredictable - I used to hate him but he has grown on me. I think Real set their team up to allow free reign to their front 3, not quite what we do and he plays upfront for Portugal. So the characteristics are similar but how they fit into the teams are different. Maybe in time we will set our team up to suit Ayew more. My opinion of Ayew will hopefully change as he shows what he is capable of, but as of yet has not done enough to convince me that he is dominant in this division or the Prem. Time will tell I guess as to what he does.

Do you think he will finish with more assists or goals this season?

Sadly just highlights, hence why I am not convinced yet. His interplay yesterday looked better by a long way but just not convinced. I think my opinion is still forged from last season and wasn't convinced then either. Hopefully he will grow as a player, I wish no ill will on him but found it interesting the criticism of the article and I feel he could have duped a few people by being the diamond in the rough.

I watched that game, Ayew was covering the left for the majority of the first half. They may have swapped sides a bit but he was there most for sure in the first half. Think the Sky commentators even said Cissokho should been asking Ayew for more cover. Didn't think Grealish played the Wednesday game... Maybe a sub appearance?

Nope. Defended solidly, crosses have been improved, one assist already and think he has grown amongst this team. Shown more of the player he used to be. Dont think he will be on my list through the whole season but considering the previous season he has had a good start.

He definitely presses in the final third but not sure he has got used to the wide position and his own positioning when defending. He's good at trying to nick it in the final third / half way. He left Cissokho so much to do against Wednesday, our toughest test thus far imho. Like I said above just not convinced yet but could grow into that role more - against a more attacking opposition think he could be a weak link in that position.

I don't know what to make of him, that's my bottom line. There seems to be some who see him as this star and our best player, others feel he isn't committed, others who are not sure/yet to be convinced and many more. Think I fall in the not convinced group. Thinking about why I am not convinced could bedue to his body language, when tracking back he doesn't get fully goal side (looks to steal it quick and not fully cover full back), head drops when it isn't going his way, when frustrated doesn't link well with others. Hopefully training will adjust that and I will be more convinced. For me talent and hard work are not as effective as well applied effort and team ethic - but that's my perspective. You can work hard at ineffective things and expel energy getting nowhere. I would have Cissokho or Elphick as our best players so far.

It's interesting as I doubt many people really agree or share the same opinion, even if they may seem like they do. What position a player should play, their strengths, mentality, how the players should shape up etc. Having posts that are bold and go against some perceived norms will help everyone check their own thinking and spark some interesting discussion. So I think it's a good thing.

Or at least a free shirt.

New signing announced at 5PM according to Dr Tone

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2016/8/17/12514762/jordan-ayew-let-aston-villa-down-against-huddersfield I am getting the feeling he may have duped us a bit last season, our best player in a bad bunch and now doesn't seem to play well with others of a similar "ability level". If someone came in with a high bid I think we could replace him, but think he can be moulded to be a better team player, finisher and more effective use of his energy.

Agathe was an outright signing wasn't he?? but Bardsley is bad enough to cancel out the others

It could be Titi from Real Murcia FC

An impact striker, poacher something like that. Think Ayew and McCormack can play different roles but if we setup like we have then we need more than Wingers on the bench.

A striker on the bench would be good - new No.9

He's played a lot in France so he might have dual nationality by now.

F***! What a shame, RIP Dalian.

I know, it's like he has a crystal ball or something. Agent Dave = NewsNow

Don't forget Agent Dave, love that guy...