I've been lucky enough to see 6 of our first 10 (United, Ipswich and Wolves at home, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool away). So - some ups and downs! But mainly "ups", even in the one defeat.
We all got very excited by the number (and potential quality) of the new signings this summer. It is still WAY too early to assess things (esp for those who haven't played in the EPL before - which is all of them, apart from Georginio [and his experience was pretty limited]). I'm sure others have got some really useful observations, but here is my quick take (including marks out of ten):
Georginio - £40m - (8/10) I was really surprised when we signed him. There seemed to be some mixed reviews (even from die-hard LUFC fans). However, I have been VERY impressed. His physical strength is absolutely critical (something we've lacked for ages, I think). He holds the ball up well, but also makes exciting surging runs, creates and scores goals, and has huge energy. He also seems a nice bloke
Minteh - £30m - (7/10) Flashes of brilliance (Everton, Arsenal) - but still very raw. I'm absolutely sure he will come good, He's a really exciting talent.
O'Reilly - £25m - (n/a) Crocked in his first game - very much looking forward to seeing him though.
Weiffer - £25m - (5/10) Jury still well and truly out. Hasn't got to grips with the speed of the EPL. Thought he did well in the Carabao game v Liverpool, but has made some obvious mistakes. Having said that, he searches out unexpected angles and takes risks which - when they come off - really help the transition.
Kadioglu - £25m (7.5/10) Nightmare first game, but after Hurzeler revised his insane high line, Ferdi is looking good. A couple of recent games where he's mostly played further up the pitch means he's had the opportunity to show his passing and wing-play. Superb ball control, and already a crowd favourite!
Gruda - £24m - (7/10) Was carrying an injury in the early part of the season, but has had a couple of decent cameos. Looks a great prospect - quick feet, and can possibly take corners
Osman, Yalcouye and Cozier-Duberry all looked good in pre-season and have gone on loan.
Overall I think there are far more positives than negatives, and the "hit rate" looks very good (the only possible "miss" being Weiffer....although I think he WILL come good).
We all got very excited by the number (and potential quality) of the new signings this summer. It is still WAY too early to assess things (esp for those who haven't played in the EPL before - which is all of them, apart from Georginio [and his experience was pretty limited]). I'm sure others have got some really useful observations, but here is my quick take (including marks out of ten):
Georginio - £40m - (8/10) I was really surprised when we signed him. There seemed to be some mixed reviews (even from die-hard LUFC fans). However, I have been VERY impressed. His physical strength is absolutely critical (something we've lacked for ages, I think). He holds the ball up well, but also makes exciting surging runs, creates and scores goals, and has huge energy. He also seems a nice bloke
Minteh - £30m - (7/10) Flashes of brilliance (Everton, Arsenal) - but still very raw. I'm absolutely sure he will come good, He's a really exciting talent.
O'Reilly - £25m - (n/a) Crocked in his first game - very much looking forward to seeing him though.
Weiffer - £25m - (5/10) Jury still well and truly out. Hasn't got to grips with the speed of the EPL. Thought he did well in the Carabao game v Liverpool, but has made some obvious mistakes. Having said that, he searches out unexpected angles and takes risks which - when they come off - really help the transition.
Kadioglu - £25m (7.5/10) Nightmare first game, but after Hurzeler revised his insane high line, Ferdi is looking good. A couple of recent games where he's mostly played further up the pitch means he's had the opportunity to show his passing and wing-play. Superb ball control, and already a crowd favourite!
Gruda - £24m - (7/10) Was carrying an injury in the early part of the season, but has had a couple of decent cameos. Looks a great prospect - quick feet, and can possibly take corners
Osman, Yalcouye and Cozier-Duberry all looked good in pre-season and have gone on loan.
Overall I think there are far more positives than negatives, and the "hit rate" looks very good (the only possible "miss" being Weiffer....although I think he WILL come good).
