Leon Knight - can he do well in the 2nd?

[BrightonBird]

Will Leon Knight play well in this division? He seems to be peremantly marked, fouled and never gets a chance. Today he seemed to have 2 or 3 defenders marking him at any one time. He was never able to get the ball, and was fouled about 10 times and the referee let play go on. In the end he had to result in OTT'ing fouls and jumping to the ground at every opportunity, to show the ref how bad it was getting.

However, he ended up getting a yellow for diving. I think it was fair, but the standard of refereeing (don't even get me started on the linesman) was terrible. The Luton fans reaction to Leon's floorwork just shows me that I think this will happen more and more as the season progresses. Leon will get frustrated as defenders foul/mark him, and he will end up diving to show his point. No doubting he is a superb player, and I'm happy that he' signed for us (actually exstatic!), but will he be able to play the game that we all know and love him for? Fast runs or floor work?

What do you all think?

 

[Turkey]

Same thing happend at Barnsley. They watched very carefully.

He'll be a good asset. I can't believe someone behind me said he can't cross. He put in a lovely ball for Henderson in the QPR game. We just need to learn how to play with our new strikers. 2 new strikers. It'll take some time to get an understanding.

 

[dwayne]

good thread, an interesting one. I'm glad I'm not the only worried about the impact of a heavy marking job on the lil fella's performances. I suppose the only bright spot is that it will free up more space for our other attackers.

 

[fatbadger]

Scored 17 goals in 36 games for Huddersfield in 2001/2, so he can perform at this level, without doubt.

I, too, worry at the amount of time he spends on the deck - diving, or just so flimsy that the slightest flick sends him crashing to the floor? Only time will tell, I suppose, but the jury is still out in my mind.

Glad we got him, though.

 

[Razi]

If he is attracting the attentions of 2 or 3 defenders, then we should really be looking for Henderson to use the space and the wide players making the most of it. Even if he cant do too much with all the attention, he'll be a great distraction.

 

[Trigger]

I think we need a new loan striker about 6 foot 4 to take some of these flys away from Leon!!!

Fancy a drink BB?

 

[BrightonBird]

Fancy a drink BB?

Pardon? Sorry Triggs, not sure what this has to do with Leon.

Yes, I couldn't quite believe it myself, when Dwayne backtracked and said this was an interesting thread. Believe it or not, I do know my football!

 

[Trigger]

Just ignore me, i'm tired and spouting rubbish! You can buy me a drink another time...


And oh bollocks, Cardiff have just gone 3-1 up!

 

[BrightonBird]

Oh well, at least Reading drew!

Mine's a vodka and cranberry.

 

[Safeway]

I had similar concerns after seeing him at Barnet, just couldn't see how he'd be big enough. But his record speaks for itself: 17 in 36 at Huddersfield and four in his first two with us. Can't argue with that. Yes he gets battered, but I don't believe he's as lightweight as a lot of people would think. As long as he gets a bit of protection from his partner (after today I would chose McPhee) then he'll be fine. Also, as others have already have said, he needs balls to his FEET. It's simply no good lumping it upfield and hoping he'll out-jump a 6ft 3 centre-half. Especially when Henderson is so shite in the air.

My mind was made up after the QPR game: the kid'll be a star.

 

[Dunkstar]

Look at it this way if they are marking him closely he should work on turning his man and getting through on goal!

 

[Easy 10]

Knight is quality - give him the service and he has goals written all over him (I quite like that cliche).

Get the ball into feet and he occupies defenders - he can turn sharply and has pace to burn. He'll win loads of free kicks, so Chippy, Rodger and Peth should start scrubbing up on their shooting. Didn't have his best game today for us, but he is a constant threat, and he links up well too.

I have no concerns whatsoever, the fella is going to be a star.

 

[Football Genius aka FG]

as ive said elsewhere he wont do well alone its a team game and he needs a tall target man to hold the ball up for him and play off, then i think we could see the best of him. He has pace but is being bullied but to his credit he is not giving in, not to his credit is one or two very suspect play acting. He also needs quality accurate passes and far more at his feet!!!!!!

 

[Citrus]

as ive said elsewhere he wont do well alone its a team game and he needs a tall target man to hold the ball up for him and play off, then i think we could see the best of him. He has pace but is being bullied but to his credit he is not giving in, not to his credit is one or two very suspect play acting. He also needs quality accurate passes and far more at his feet!!!!!!

... this really is a bit positive FG...

 

[Trigger]

Mine's a vodka and cranberry.

Anytime

Always in the Duke pre match!

 

[¤DãŃn¥ §êãGüLL¤]

Trigs you prev!

Opposing defenders take the piss out of Leon cos of his height, he's incredibly quick though and can jump amazingly high!

 

[Trigger]

Prev? Me? I have no idea what u mean Fanny Seagull

 

[¤DãŃn¥ §êãGüLL¤]

You made me laugh today, that and "Berkie", I nearly choked on my Mr Whippy!

 

[berkshire seagull]

Its getting to regular for defenders to squash our striker out,so its simple for once we need more than one quality striker.

 

[Brighton Breezy]

I think he learnt a lesson toay that pehaps he needs to dish a bit out and also that he dosnt need to go down as theatrically to get free kicks because from where I was sat this actually cost him a couple of free kicks today.
Wasnt he actually booked for saying something to his marker in the box while pointing menacingly at him?
I think henderson could have helped him out a bit today by dishing a bit of physical behaviour out to the centre backs. Also, they should have had another sent off when Knight turned their last man, why would he dive through one on one?
I have no doubt Knight will do well for us, he is only young and learning all the time, in the long run, days like today will actually benefit him and his overall game.