[Albion] Minteh

[One Teddy Maybank]

Why is it too long? How many players that have never played in the Premier League before come good in their first season? Some, but not many, even ones that go on to be top players. Even Ronaldo struggled a bit initially! Ali Mac took 3 seasons to really get going. I think Kadioglu would have been a hit this season if he hadn't have got injured. But the vast majority are always going to take a season or two.

It's very rare we sign a young player that is an instant hit at this level. Mitoma was, but has he really pushed on from there? I don't think so, he wouldn't be with us anymore if he had. 1-2 full seasons is a reasonable amount of time to make a judgement on a young signing. And when you have 5 or 6 of them in the same team? Even longer.

I think Ali Mac hit his straps after a season, (difficult because of COVID) same with Bissouma and Caicedo post loan. Baleba looks the part this year as well.
Mwepu did well within months. JPvH took a few games to warm-up, but was effectively a year after a loan. Trossard was relatively quickly though slightly older.

Normally, there is more a of a second season dip rather than improvement, particularly with younger players.

A season is about right (as we discuss it) but some of those above were a lot cheaper than this season’s, therefore I would anticipate them being further ahead in their development.

 

[7dialssouthpaw]

This guy presses

 

[Iggle Piggle]

The question we don't know the answer to, is how many of the players we purchased in the summer were for the future or primarily the now?

I suspect Ferdi, Weiffer & O'Riley were bought with more now in mind given they are all mid 20s, International footballers and European experience but it hasn't really panned out that way. On the flip side, I think Minteh and Georginio (Pedro replacement) were bought with next season and beyond in mind but have played their way into the first team.

Minteh is very raw but is improving every game, including defensive work as well looking excellent on occasion going forward. He could be a great signing. Hopefully, he has bought an Alarm clock with one of his wage packets.

 

[The Fits]

He’s very hard working and very exciting. I’ll take that as a base to build from.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

I thought he may have done but forgot to check before posting!

I completely agree with your overall point, but Ayari had played PL football too:

From the Wiki:

'On 30 January 2023, Ayari signed a contract with Brighton & Hove Albion until June 2027.[4]
Ayari made his Albion debut on 19 March, coming on as a 78th minute substitute replacing Alexis Mac Allister in the 5–0 FA Cup quarter-final win over League Two side Grimsby Town.[5] He made his first Premier League start on 28 May, in his third league appearance, where he was substituted at half time of the 2–1 away defeat at Aston Villa in the last game of the season'