KevinRichardsonsMoustache

21 minutes ago, GlobalVillan said:

Benteke? Where are people seeing all this? Ive watched every minute he has played and I haven't seen anything at all that suggest he even has the potential to be like Benteke, never mind the ability.

I fear this guy is criminally overrated by our fan base. I know that will annoy some people but that is honestly how I see it.

Far more likely to be booked than to score. He is a better option than Davis, but thats not hard. I hope to have better options next season but for now I would start Diaby or Zaniolo. 

Benteke? Really?

Tbh, it is wishful thinking on my part: I see flashes of what I want to see, I guess. I'm thinking about those moments when Duran tracks further back and can hold off a man, turn and get the ball to a teammate coming forward. Perhaps it is simply a matter of him getting more minutes that we're latching onto anything that looks remotely positive. People want to get behind the lad: if their perceptions are clouded by that desire to be positive about him (and in the absence of anyone else behind Watkins), so be it. 

Do I think he is Benteke mk 2: no. Do I think he's better than we've seen so far: yes, undoubtedly. 

He has showed big improvements in his link up play in recent cameos. In performances before Christmas, he looked a bit alone up there. 

Hope he can keep doing it: turning into a bit of a Benteke throwback with his harrying and turning of defensive midfielders. Hope his physicality can leave space for Bailey and Diaby, or vice versa. 

He wanted an opportunity, now he’s got it. So hope he can take his chance. 

1 minute ago, Mic09 said:

I think the question is 'which 100m player looks like a 100m player?'

Does Caicedo? Does Lukaku? Did Hazard? Enzo Fernandez? Kane?

Heck, Mudryk and Antony almost cost that.

You can probably argue that in this group, maybe Kane has achieved similar heights following the big fee move. But he won nothing (and will win nothing this season).

A fee is not always a good representation of value. 

This is such a great point: the clubs aren't stupid enough to not know this, but are so desperate for a symbol of intent (or sports washing) that they splash the cash. What a shame that such a generational talent became an ornament for the Sheikh's mantlepiece. 

Just now, Mic09 said:

 

Heck, Mudryk and Antony almost cost that.

 

I really hope we didn't pay so much for Chris Heck...*insert gif that reflects what a tw*t I am to derail the thread* 

I find it remarkable that there hasn't been more scrutiny about the fee. He remains the most expensive British player of all time (= with Rice?) and that sort of thing used to bring massive attention. Perhaps it's a reflection of how insane transfer fees have become or that it is just pocket change to Citeh that it is barely even mentioned? 

Sometimes it feels like the media doesn't consider the fee a relevant issue or one that should be considered alongside his performances. Is it tacit acknowledgement that he wasn't worth it or that somehow when the fee was going to little ole' AVFC that it doesn't matter? I remember conversations in his first season there about his price tag, but it suddenly disappeared when he seemed to click into gear there. Now he's clearly on the downturn with Citeh, the small issue of the price is invisible. 

If you put the money back into the equation, you have to ask yourself: does he look like a £100m player? Does he exert the sort of influence that £100m should buy for any club? Does he get the media attention that comes to a £100m talisman? The answer to all three is no. And I think Jack knows it. 

2 hours ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said:

Little Phil might not be playing... But he sure looks content here!

The other Little Phil is definitely getting action. 

I like the thumbnail. Like Jack is about to punch the b*stard. 

His English is unbelievably good. Seems like a good character: v level headed and pragmatic. 

12 minutes ago, Jas10 said:

Maybe we should try this today

 

I stand by my decision to watch that video to the end. 

1 minute ago, rbcuk said:

He has a shot on him, rifled that in, we sit right in line with the goal, cracking finish

I think we should retire all of the seats directly behind the goals. It's a matter of time before he breaks the net or the posts. Thinking about it, maybe we've delayed announcing the development plans for the North Stand because they're hoping Jhon will reduce the demolition costs with a few goals in the run in?

Martin Mansplain Keown

Villa victory. Queue obligatory email from club trying to discount those b*stard retro kits again 

Lovely, lovely finish 

Would love to know how fast that ball was travelling when it hit the bar 

What a hit, blimey 

Unai's face when he saw Carlos

Carlos desperate to take his shirt off: goes down under its weight. Poor bloke. 

Just now, birdman said:

That's bait.

He's a master at it

#AnkleBully

'Been some complaints about the Villa kit'

You'll definitely see quality issues when players are pulling the crap out of your shirt 

Hope that gives Jhon some confidence

Good movement by Duran

As good a piece of squad management as we could’ve hoped considering the league run in. Crunch time the next couple of weeks folks 

Bailey is clever there