Dunno why but Alvarez doesn't really do it for me. In fact and as usual being contrary to every other person on the forum I'd be happy to stay with just Jackson. I think our attack is good and will only get better with Nkunku fit.  I suppose the worry is Jackson getting injured and I could see cover for that reason because Nkunku himself is so fragile.

For me I would rather we started with a really solid defence, two centre backs and a goalie that can run the back of the field in and out of possession. These days huge amounts of game time are spent round your own penalty area and really we want premiership winning capabilities there.

Alvarez I'm a bit torn on. Jackson has a lot of potential IMO, and I wouldn't want him to be wasted on the bench. I think if we bring Alvarez in it should be more to compete with Jackson for the position, as opposed to being automatically given the starting spot. Whether he would be OK with that I don't know. But we do need another striker and I would far sooner him than Toney.

4 minutes ago, ozboy said:

Dunno why but Alvarez doesn't really do it for me. In fact and as usual being contrary to every other person on the forum I'd be happy to stay with just Jackson. I think our attack is good and will only get better with Nkunku fit.  I suppose the worry is Jackson getting injured and I could see cover for that reason because Nkunku himself is so fragile.

For me I would rather we started with a really solid defence, two centre backs and a goalie that can run the back of the field in and out of possession. These days huge amounts of game time are spent round your own penalty area and really we want premiership winning capabilities there.

I think a lot of people underrate Jackson. Yes his finishing definitely needs a bit of polishing, but his positioning and running create a lot of chances, and to be fair for his first season his goal return was not bad at all, if he improves his finishing I would not be surprised at all to see him get 20 or 25 goals next year. That's if he remains number one choice of course.

Quite surprised that people willing to give this guy from City with all the talent around him and Pep a chance when his numbers don't even better that of Jackson whom most want to see the back of, with similar games played and starts. Nico played a game less, 35 with about 150 mins more but both started 31 games.  He scored 11 and Nico 14. And that's his second season which is much more improved than first. 

A prophet is not respected in his own land or something like that, the saying goes. 

9 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Been played at CAM or at wing this season and still produced some good numbers. 

We are the English club linked. 

 

He has not produced good numbers imo. He is in the best team in the league and arguably Europe. He produced 11 league goals. Yes, he has not always played in his favoured position, but I think with the amount of minutes Alvarez has played this season, hiis output should be a lot better.

9 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Looking at the options and quality for value, 70m for Alvarez doesn't seem too bad. 

Proven PL finisher who works very well in tight areas. 

Proven? Really? He has had 2 seasons in England and not exactly scored bagful of goals. He scored more goals last season than his first season in England but imo he was a lot more clinical and played better in his first season. Last season I watched him closely and he was underwhelming. I am not just talking about when played in CAM or out wide, I am talking when playing up front, he rarely took his chances. I remember when Haaland was ruled out against Luton earlier this season and I watched the whole game and he rarely posed a threat to the Luton goal.

I don't mean this as a dig, but I can half-guarantee that anyone calling for Alvarez to be signed, did not watch him last season and are just calling his name because he plays for City and is a fancy name because he was well below-par, last season. He had a chance to prove himself up front against Forest in the latter stages of the season too as Haaland was recovering from another injury that he occurred and again he barely was involved. He did not score and then Haaland was brought on in second half and then showed how it was done. When he played against us in the FA Cup semi-final as the main CF, he barely posed a threat all game.

They played Villa in the league at home where Alvarez was in the CF position again and Foden was the star of the show, scoring a hattrick. Alvarez was barely involved. In fact the one game I saw Alvarez this season and he looked really good was against Burnley where he scored 2 really good goals but that is Burnley who probably had the worst defensive record alongside Sheffield United. I am just pointing out when people say he was not played in his best position, he had multiple games where he played up front as Haaland was injured/rested a few games last season and he was not convincing at all and I think he struggled as the lone man striker.

Jackson is frustrating, however on evidence from what I have seen last season, Alvarez would not do any better than Jackson did.

On 06/06/2024 at 02:04, 19seventyone said:

Dewsbury Hall is a rumour I’ve seen in a few places now.

Is he any good?

Yep, that rumour has popped up twice for me too now. Maresca actually likes/wants him according to the rumour.

On 06/06/2024 at 05:30, JanErik said:

Sell Sterling, Casadei, Maatsen, Broja.  
25 m for Chalobah ?  I think that is a barging.

i don’t want to spend 100 mil on a new striker.

 

Another rumour is maresca wasn't happy when we recalled casadei, he was a big part of his plans. So out of those names I think he'd want him to stay.

5 hours ago, ozboy said:

Dunno why but Alvarez doesn't really do it for me. In fact and as usual being contrary to every other person on the forum I'd be happy to stay with just Jackson. I think our attack is good and will only get better with Nkunku fit.  I suppose the worry is Jackson getting injured and I could see cover for that reason because Nkunku himself is so fragile.

 

 

5 hours ago, Jackbuchanan said:

Alvarez I'm a bit torn on. Jackson has a lot of potential IMO, and I wouldn't want him to be wasted on the bench. I think if we bring Alvarez in it should be more to compete with Jackson for the position, as opposed to being automatically given the starting spot. Whether he would be OK with that I don't know. But we do need another striker and I would far sooner him than Toney.

 

5 hours ago, Jackbuchanan said:

I think a lot of people underrate Jackson. Yes his finishing definitely needs a bit of polishing, but his positioning and running create a lot of chances, and to be fair for his first season his goal return was not bad at all, if he improves his finishing I would not be surprised at all to see him get 20 or 25 goals next year. That's if he remains number one choice of course.

 

4 hours ago, abister1 said:

Quite surprised that people willing to give this guy from City with all the talent around him and Pep a chance when his numbers don't even better that of Jackson whom most want to see the back of, with similar games played and starts. Nico played a game less, 35 with about 150 mins more but both started 31 games.  He scored 11 and Nico 14. And that's his second season which is much more improved than first. 

A prophet is not respected in his own land or something like that, the saying goes. 

Agreed...I'm a big fan of Jacksons. He seems he wears his heart on his sleeve too. A fan, a kid, loveable idiot at times. Lol

The kid is soo raw, obviously very talented and did really well for his first season. I'd want another striker to push Jackson not to replace him. I'd want a experienced even relatively older striker to pass on the experience, knowledge, guidance, tricks of the trade, etc...a mentor to someone that clearly has soo much potential just by looking at his numbers last season. And he keeps on going, keeps on trying and keeps on putting the effort in. I really like that. Imho, he needs someone to look upto and take him under their wing. He will be a top class striker one day.

10 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Think he fits us like a glove personally. 

I think Nkunku has similar attributes but is better.

1 hour ago, WhiteWall said:

I think Nkunku has similar attributes but is better.

Ditto. Alvarez has filled in at 9 when Haaland has been unavailable without pulling up trees. He's no giant, 5' 9", and probably better suited to where City play him, even if some think it's out of position.

Personally I would rather we went for a player like Dovbyk who can also bring others into the game as well as being a traditional striker. Big, imposing, baller, and being a Ukranian international may well unlock another package that others wouldn't have in a developing working relationship with Mudryk. If Dovbyk could be important in his own right but also galvanise the best out of Mudryk it could be a very potent additional weapon in Maresca's toolbox

EDIT: Got to stop watch feckin Youtube videos. I like the look of both of them now. Alvarez looks quality as does Dovbyk, but for different aspects.  If Todd has sold the crown jewels to himself and kept the bailiffs from the door for another year can we have both please?

Edited June 7, 20242 yr by WhiteWall

Aaron Anselmino (19) Centre back we are interested in but would be a struggle to get him a work Permit in England and he is wanting to stay in Buenos Aires with his family. BUT We could look to be sending him to Strasbourg.

We are interested in buying another CB apparently. One to replace Thiago and one to replace Chalobah and or Badashielle apparently.

1 hour ago, dermott said:

Ditto. Alvarez has filled in at 9 when Haaland has been unavailable without pulling up trees. He's no giant, 5' 9", and probably better suited to where City play him, even if some think it's out of position.

5ft 7" on his wikipedia page.  Aguero was 5'9".  I mean the main striker does not have to be TALL. I do prefer a player with some height. I am not too fond of short players. I know, it is terrible prejudice.  On the plus side, he is mates with Enzo the Younger.

4 minutes ago, TheCeleryKing said:

Aaron Anselmino (19) Centre back we are interested in but would be a struggle to get him a work Permit in England and he is wanting to stay in Buenos Aires with his family. BUT We could look to be sending him to Strasbourg.

We are interested in buying another CB apparently. One to replace Thiago and one to replace Chalobah and or Badashielle apparently.

 

Yes, seen links to Upamecano as well. Not sure if they are true or not. I do remember a horrendous CL night for him on one occasion but i always liked him tbh. Not sure if Kompany would want him to leave though.

Just now, TheCeleryKing said:

5ft 7" on his wikipedia page.  Aguero was 5'9".  I mean the main striker does not have to be TALL. I do prefer a player with some height. I am not too fond of short players. I know, it is terrible prejudice.  On the plus side, he is mates with Enzo the Younger.

In the case of Neal Maupay, 5' 8", entirely justifiable. I have your back. In the case of Neal Maupay.

3 minutes ago, TheCeleryKing said:

5ft 7" on his wikipedia page.  Aguero was 5'9".  I mean the main striker does not have to be TALL. I do prefer a player with some height. I am not too fond of short players. I know, it is terrible prejudice.  On the plus side, he is mates with Enzo the Younger.

Yep, who is a giant in comparison, Lol.

 

1 minute ago, dermott said:

In the case of Neal Maupay, 5' 8", entirely justifiable. I have your back. In the case of Neal Maupay.

Ratty little fcker

4 minutes ago, dermott said:

In the case of Neal Maupay, 5' 8", entirely justifiable. I have your back. In the case of Neal Maupay.

Short players who i have liked (and thought them to be quite decent):

Diego Maradona - 5'5"
Dennis Wise - 5'6"

How can you miss ZOLA at 5' 5"

8 hours ago, STATS said:

He has not produced good numbers imo. He is in the best team in the league and arguably Europe. He produced 11 league goals. Yes, he has not always played in his favoured position, but I think with the amount of minutes Alvarez has played this season, hiis output should be a lot better.

Proven? Really? He has had 2 seasons in England and not exactly scored bagful of goals. He scored more goals last season than his first season in England but imo he was a lot more clinical and played better in his first season. Last season I watched him closely and he was underwhelming. I am not just talking about when played in CAM or out wide, I am talking when playing up front, he rarely took his chances. I remember when Haaland was ruled out against Luton earlier this season and I watched the whole game and he rarely posed a threat to the Luton goal.

I don't mean this as a dig, but I can half-guarantee that anyone calling for Alvarez to be signed, did not watch him last season and are just calling his name because he plays for City and is a fancy name because he was well below-par, last season. He had a chance to prove himself up front against Forest in the latter stages of the season too as Haaland was recovering from another injury that he occurred and again he barely was involved. He did not score and then Haaland was brought on in second half and then showed how it was done. When he played against us in the FA Cup semi-final as the main CF, he barely posed a threat all game.

They played Villa in the league at home where Alvarez was in the CF position again and Foden was the star of the show, scoring a hattrick. Alvarez was barely involved. In fact the one game I saw Alvarez this season and he looked really good was against Burnley where he scored 2 really good goals but that is Burnley who probably had the worst defensive record alongside Sheffield United. I am just pointing out when people say he was not played in his best position, he had multiple games where he played up front as Haaland was injured/rested a few games last season and he was not convincing at all and I think he struggled as the lone man striker.

Jackson is frustrating, however on evidence from what I have seen last season, Alvarez would not do any better than Jackson did.

Yes, I would call him proven. He has a goal contribution every 111 minutes in the toughest league in the world despite playing 2nd fiddle and out of position the majority of it. He's also among the strikers with the best chance conversion rate in the entire league. The fact that City fans are showing hostility and resistance to let Alvarez go despite your overwhelming criticism speaks volumes. Claiming he only does well given City's supporting cast is a bit moot considering we were among the highest chance creators last season as well. Maresca's football at Leicester also had them the highest chance creators. 

Speaking of Maresca, his football requires someone who has excellent technique, close control, an eye for spaces inside tight areas. Alvarez offers all of that whereas Jackson is an absolute frustration in that regard. Alvarez won't be this freak of nature goal scorer, but he'd be a vital component up front. He'd be complementary to all of our attackers. 

Those wanting or preparing to go another season with Jackson up front should honestly expect another frustrating season. His performance last nigh against DR Congo was shocking. 

 

French media have said we are trying to bring back our old protégé Marcin Bulka from Nice to be our new number 1 keeper.

 

I would be quote happy if that move happens.

Definitely prefer Alvarez to the unproven Sesko.

So ourselves, PSG and Atletico have enquired about Alvarez. City have quoted a price of 70mill.

Report says none of us three will meet that price, and that Atletcio and PSG would prefer a loan with buy option, which City won't entertain.

12 hours ago, WhiteWall said:

Personally I would rather we went for a player like Dovbyk who can also bring others into the game as well as being a traditional striker. Big, imposing, baller, and being a Ukranian international may well unlock another package that others wouldn't have in a developing working relationship with Mudryk. If Dovbyk could be important in his own right but also galvanise the best out of Mudryk it could be a very potent additional weapon in Maresca's toolbox

EDIT: Got to stop watch feckin Youtube videos. I like the look of both of them now. Alvarez looks quality as does Dovbyk, but for different aspects.  If Todd has sold the crown jewels to himself and kept the bailiffs from the door for another year can we have both please?

Those YouTube videos are seductive. I watched Girona a bit this season and Dovbyk can look big and clumsy at times. He’s no Harry Kane. Stood out in the Girona side all the same. 

Edited June 8, 20242 yr by ozboy

22 hours ago, TheCeleryKing said:

Short players who i have liked (and thought them to be quite decent):

Diego Maradona - 5'5"
Dennis Wise - 5'6"

Guanfranco Zola - 5'6"

Pat nevin - 5'6"

Jody Morris - 5'5"

4 hours ago, dkw said:

Guanfranco Zola - 5'6"

Pat nevin - 5'6"

Jody Morris - 5'5"

N'Golo Kanté 5'6"