Seagull over Canaryland
Well-known member
Yes, the team has lost form since Vicente arrived but he isn't the reason.
Must admit that initially I thought 'we need a defender, not another midfielder?' and felt we were taking a bit of a punt on Vicente. I really wasn't sure if he would be up for a bit of Championship footie on the chilly Costa del Sussex after the glamour of La Liga. Of course it could still all go pear shaped if come February he gets a dose of Tevez-itis and loses interest but somehow I don't see that happening with the latin influences at the club.
My main concern was that the inclusion of Vicente might upset the work in progress with players like Nooney emerging as a real talent and Buckley, Hoskins, Harley and KLL yet to get a run in the team. I was also worried that having made such a headline grabbing signing that Gus would feel pressured to play Vicente ahead of more deserving alternatives. So far the injuries and lack of form among others has made it easier for Gus.
Vicente is now showing more consistent form as his fitness improves. I see him as our missing special player (a la Zola or Modric) around whom we should build a team. I do feel that Gus has not found the most effective formation to play around Vicente and would benefit from having a quality enforcer around him. We have too many 'steady Eddies' who are ok but don't quite have that edge to make the difference. That is where we have been outgunned in recent games and compounded by poor defensive errors across the team. I can see the transfer window being pivotal.
So for now it is still very much a case of work in progress but think Vicente is class and should only get better with the right support (including from the fans) and as the team learn his strengths and tune into his wavelength.
I do feel Vicente may become a 70 minute luxury player and therefore Gus does need to have a plan 'B' for the occasions when he gets taken off or is unavailable. Plus there will be some neanderthal teams out there gunning for Vicente who will give him a hard time. Maybe the plan B will be for Nooney.
I also think Vicente will offer a great chance for the youngsters at the Albion squad to learn the skills from someone who has played exciting and technically clever footie at the highest levels.
Must admit that initially I thought 'we need a defender, not another midfielder?' and felt we were taking a bit of a punt on Vicente. I really wasn't sure if he would be up for a bit of Championship footie on the chilly Costa del Sussex after the glamour of La Liga. Of course it could still all go pear shaped if come February he gets a dose of Tevez-itis and loses interest but somehow I don't see that happening with the latin influences at the club.
My main concern was that the inclusion of Vicente might upset the work in progress with players like Nooney emerging as a real talent and Buckley, Hoskins, Harley and KLL yet to get a run in the team. I was also worried that having made such a headline grabbing signing that Gus would feel pressured to play Vicente ahead of more deserving alternatives. So far the injuries and lack of form among others has made it easier for Gus.
Vicente is now showing more consistent form as his fitness improves. I see him as our missing special player (a la Zola or Modric) around whom we should build a team. I do feel that Gus has not found the most effective formation to play around Vicente and would benefit from having a quality enforcer around him. We have too many 'steady Eddies' who are ok but don't quite have that edge to make the difference. That is where we have been outgunned in recent games and compounded by poor defensive errors across the team. I can see the transfer window being pivotal.
So for now it is still very much a case of work in progress but think Vicente is class and should only get better with the right support (including from the fans) and as the team learn his strengths and tune into his wavelength.
I do feel Vicente may become a 70 minute luxury player and therefore Gus does need to have a plan 'B' for the occasions when he gets taken off or is unavailable. Plus there will be some neanderthal teams out there gunning for Vicente who will give him a hard time. Maybe the plan B will be for Nooney.
I also think Vicente will offer a great chance for the youngsters at the Albion squad to learn the skills from someone who has played exciting and technically clever footie at the highest levels.
)
Yes. EVERYONE knows that former builder Craig Noone with his 95 football league appearances is better than Vicente, with his 300-plus appearances for Valencia, 38 Spanish caps, Champions League runners up medal, two La Liga winners medals and of course the UEFA Cup winners medal.
